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Hakumei to Mikochi #7
Minuscule, Vol. 7
Hakumei et Mikochi continuent de découvrir les plaisirs de la vie dans la campagne, en passant une agréable soirée entre amies, en aidant une petite clinique quelque peu débordée, en essayant les coursiers à dos d'oiseaux…
202 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 6, 2020
Welcome to the fairyland! There is no actual fairy, but there are mushroom-sized people and anthropomorphic animals. I got the first four volumes before the lockdown for COVID-19 and I can’t wait to read more. There is a total of seven volumes and also animated versions are available on DVD, which I have already added to my wishlist for its superb quality of the artwork. Hakumei and Mikochi are the two characters who drive the storyline. They live together as friends and each episode is about their experience involving neighbors and villagers. The contrast in their personalities and their division of domestic labor keeps the story engaging and consistent. Mikochi loves taking care of others through her well-known cooking and creative garment-making. Hakumei is a skilled construction worker and a gallant protector of Mikochi. Her resistance to gender stereotypes makes her even more charming and a YouTuber even made a video of Hakumei’s best "Husbando" moments.
The place I got the most pleasure from was looking at the beautiful artwork in each panel. Characters are adorable with their tiny bodies, baby cheeks, and round bare feet. (I couldn’t figure out why they are bare. They don’t have toes, either.) On top of that, the description of surrounding objects, creatures, and environments is highly detailed. You can clearly visualize every corner of this world with a variety of tree leaves, fruits, vegetables, household items, store goods, etc. Reading these books was a slower process than reading other comic books because I couldn’t help but stare at the artwork in every panel. The covers in color print are the pinnacles of the beautiful artwork and they would be a great wall decoration in poster size.
There isn’t much to criticize. If I have to choose, it could be a lack of conflict and tension since the world in the story is generally friendly and peaceful. It is worthwhile though because of how much merriment and peace it delivers in each episode. To some readers, the panels might feel cramped. It is filled with details and does not leave much breathing room.
It is a great series to read while taking breaks from all the stress of life. Each episode is short enough to be read in 10 to 15 minutes. The storyline is engaging and character development is strong. You will end up attached to every character, even including the “villains.” (There is no true villain in this book. Even the villain-like characters are freaking adorable.) Oh, don’t miss the bonus. Each volume ends with translation notes. They provide more context to the Japanese culture and food, which could not be conveyed on certain pages. It definitely added more joy to my reading.
The place I got the most pleasure from was looking at the beautiful artwork in each panel. Characters are adorable with their tiny bodies, baby cheeks, and round bare feet. (I couldn’t figure out why they are bare. They don’t have toes, either.) On top of that, the description of surrounding objects, creatures, and environments is highly detailed. You can clearly visualize every corner of this world with a variety of tree leaves, fruits, vegetables, household items, store goods, etc. Reading these books was a slower process than reading other comic books because I couldn’t help but stare at the artwork in every panel. The covers in color print are the pinnacles of the beautiful artwork and they would be a great wall decoration in poster size.
There isn’t much to criticize. If I have to choose, it could be a lack of conflict and tension since the world in the story is generally friendly and peaceful. It is worthwhile though because of how much merriment and peace it delivers in each episode. To some readers, the panels might feel cramped. It is filled with details and does not leave much breathing room.
It is a great series to read while taking breaks from all the stress of life. Each episode is short enough to be read in 10 to 15 minutes. The storyline is engaging and character development is strong. You will end up attached to every character, even including the “villains.” (There is no true villain in this book. Even the villain-like characters are freaking adorable.) Oh, don’t miss the bonus. Each volume ends with translation notes. They provide more context to the Japanese culture and food, which could not be conveyed on certain pages. It definitely added more joy to my reading.
November 30, 2020
Ma lecture doudou indubitablement <3 Rien de + à dire, j'aime d'amour cette série et je ne me lasse jamais de suivre le quotidien de Hakumei et Mikochi. C'est comme si je vivais avec elles en colocation, j'ai l'impression de savourer ces instants cocooning en même temps qu'elles. ça me réchauffe le coeur de les revoir à chaque tome, et pendant ma lecture je me sens apaisée, sereine et relaxée. Je me sens revigorée en lisant ce manga feel good. ça m'emplit de bonheur à chaque fois de retrouver aussi les personnages secondaires. Ils sont tous si attachants et adorables <3 Awww mon coeur fond et s'attendrit devant tant de mignonnitude <3 J'apprécie également quand de nouveaux personnages apparaissent c'est tout aussi cool! Bref vous l'aurez compris je suis ARCHI CONQUISE <3<3<3
j'attends avec impatience le tome 8 qui sort bientôt! :D
j'attends avec impatience le tome 8 qui sort bientôt! :D
August 14, 2023
Another day in a mini world
As always this series shows us a wonderful assortment of day to day trials, adventures, and life in general for the little people that share life with our duo Hakumei & Mikochi. Along with the interesting tidbits of this world of small people and talking animals we see a whole lot of amazing art for not only the characters who are fairly simple in design themselves but still show complex emotions and the world around them (including the clothes they wear) continue to impress even as we reach the 7th volume of the series. I mean, just look at that amazing cover. Another thing I liked about this volume is when we reach chapter 47 the story is underground and the boarder of the panels are likewise shaded black unlike the rest of the book and possibly the series as a whole which tend to be white. It is a nice touch showing not only the darkness evident but the sensation of being trapped underground.
Now for a little spoiler free chapter preview in case you have your favorite stories you want to revisit in the future. Also don't forget the assorted Underfoot Steps between chapters explain the world in more detail and checking out Assorted HakuMiko stuff at the end of the volume. :)
Smooth Bean Jam and Bird (43) The girls entered a contest on a lark for a chance to use an amazing air mail delivery service and discover you need more than money to qualify.
The Clinic on the Edge of Town (44) Mikochi went to a local hospital after eating something that disagreed with her leaving Hakumei home alone. Unfortunately the staff is short handed and she is all too efficient to allow her to go home.
The Thunder Sleepover (45) Jada is discovered by the girls near their home as a thunderstorm is beginning so she gets an invite to stay for a sleepover.
The Etiquette of Standing in Line (46) Mikochi and Conju are in line for a popular Fried Tofu experience and will have their patience tested.
Big Hole and Mountain Yam (47) Sen finds herself stuck in a deep hole in the ground. Thankfully Hakumei and Mikochi have he same luck for different reasons as they survive as a team.
Hanging Laundry at Honey Manor (48) With all the rain recently everyone at the manor is washing their fabrics and trying to let them dry but space is filling fast and people have to get creative to fit all this laundry.
Farmer and Grocer (49) Mikochi needs some Shitake Mushrooms for the festival and the grocer is up to the task though the place that sells them might prove a challenge.
The Librarian's Delight (50) The Librarian gets his hands on some rare books, helps someone be true to herself, tries to offer gift advice, and discover Mikochi is really into a book she is reading.
Mourning Sake (51) Hakumei receives the last sake created by an old man she befriended in the past and seeks the perfect place to drink and reflect. Although this story has its amusing moments it also has touching moments too.
Glasses and Saving (52) The girls are out antiquing and they found an interesting pair of glasses they can't get out of their heads. Looks like it is time to work hard and cut back if they want to be able to afford these treasures.
As always this series shows us a wonderful assortment of day to day trials, adventures, and life in general for the little people that share life with our duo Hakumei & Mikochi. Along with the interesting tidbits of this world of small people and talking animals we see a whole lot of amazing art for not only the characters who are fairly simple in design themselves but still show complex emotions and the world around them (including the clothes they wear) continue to impress even as we reach the 7th volume of the series. I mean, just look at that amazing cover. Another thing I liked about this volume is when we reach chapter 47 the story is underground and the boarder of the panels are likewise shaded black unlike the rest of the book and possibly the series as a whole which tend to be white. It is a nice touch showing not only the darkness evident but the sensation of being trapped underground.
Now for a little spoiler free chapter preview in case you have your favorite stories you want to revisit in the future. Also don't forget the assorted Underfoot Steps between chapters explain the world in more detail and checking out Assorted HakuMiko stuff at the end of the volume. :)
Smooth Bean Jam and Bird (43) The girls entered a contest on a lark for a chance to use an amazing air mail delivery service and discover you need more than money to qualify.
The Clinic on the Edge of Town (44) Mikochi went to a local hospital after eating something that disagreed with her leaving Hakumei home alone. Unfortunately the staff is short handed and she is all too efficient to allow her to go home.
The Thunder Sleepover (45) Jada is discovered by the girls near their home as a thunderstorm is beginning so she gets an invite to stay for a sleepover.
The Etiquette of Standing in Line (46) Mikochi and Conju are in line for a popular Fried Tofu experience and will have their patience tested.
Big Hole and Mountain Yam (47) Sen finds herself stuck in a deep hole in the ground. Thankfully Hakumei and Mikochi have he same luck for different reasons as they survive as a team.
Hanging Laundry at Honey Manor (48) With all the rain recently everyone at the manor is washing their fabrics and trying to let them dry but space is filling fast and people have to get creative to fit all this laundry.
Farmer and Grocer (49) Mikochi needs some Shitake Mushrooms for the festival and the grocer is up to the task though the place that sells them might prove a challenge.
The Librarian's Delight (50) The Librarian gets his hands on some rare books, helps someone be true to herself, tries to offer gift advice, and discover Mikochi is really into a book she is reading.
Mourning Sake (51) Hakumei receives the last sake created by an old man she befriended in the past and seeks the perfect place to drink and reflect. Although this story has its amusing moments it also has touching moments too.
Glasses and Saving (52) The girls are out antiquing and they found an interesting pair of glasses they can't get out of their heads. Looks like it is time to work hard and cut back if they want to be able to afford these treasures.
July 16, 2023
Read this seventh volume of Takuto Kashiki's Hakumei & Mikochi Series for Reddit Fantasy's 2023 Bingo Square Mundane Jobs, the protagonists are a tailor and a carpenter. This book qualifies for hard mode as it does not take place on Earth.
Chapter 43 - Smooth Bean Jam and Bird [No Anime Adaptation]
The ladies applied for the extremely pricey Mounted Avian Delivery lottery, but to win they must pass a few hurdles including preparing a barrel of smooth bean jam and other items.
Chapter 44 - The Clinic on the Edge of Town [No Anime Adaptation]
Mikochi goes to the clinic on the edge of town for food poisoning, but they are short staff and end up recruiting her to help them instead of resting. Oh dear.
Chapter 45 - The Thunder Sleepover Party [No Anime Adaptation]
Hakumei and Mikochi chance upon Jada, cowering from the sound of thunder, so being good friends and nice people, they invite her to their home for a sleepover.
Chapter 46 - The Etiquette of Standing in Line [No Anime Adaptation]
Konju drags Mikochi to eat the latest food craze, Roasted Mochi, but they're starving and the line looks like it's hardly moving.
They have fallen for one of the biggest foodie tropes - the longer the line and the wait, the better the food must be, right? Or as commoners say "Got Queue means good food." [Note: Not always true since taste is subjective]
Chapter 47 - Big Hole and Mountain Yam [No Anime Adaptation]
Sen falls into a deep hole and is afraid until Hakumei and Mikochi come tumbling down after her. The 3 trapped ladies work together to try figure a way out.
Chapter 48 - Hanging Laundry at Honey Manor [No Anime Adaptation]
It's a perfect day with perfect weather! Hakumei and Mikochi are roped into laundry after visiting Konju at Honey manor. The problem isn't the washing, but the lack of space to hang laundry, so it's time for some negotiation and creativity!
Chapter 49 - Farmer and Grocer [No Anime Adaptation]
Mikochi wants shiitake mushrooms from Kobou mushroom farm, whose proprietor never sells to grocers because he's angry at them for buying too much and letting his food rot, so he only sells directly to skilled cooks! The Grocer takes this as a personal challenge, and before you know it, he's using hyperbole in his negotiations, with help from Yunaka, leading to a wonderful outcome.
Chapter 50 - The Librarian's Delight [No Anime Adaptation]
It's another day at the Library, where the Librarian finds happiness helping others discover wonderful books.
Chapter 51 - Mourning Sake [No Anime Adaptation]
Hakumei has receives a bottle of sake from a brewer that helped her during her journey before she arrived at Makinata, it was the last thing he worked on. She decides they are going to drink the whole bottle! It becomes an adventure as she's trying her best not to succumb to grief.
Imagine my surprise when I googled images, and found this Hakumei and Mikochi Japanese Sake for sale on Amazon.co.Jp!!!
Chapter 52 - Glasses and Saving [No Anime Adaptation]
Hakumei and Mikochi get sticker shock while browsing the wares at an antiques store during the 2 week seasonal market.
They fall in love with some aperetif glasses, and, unable to stop thinking about the glasses, decide to scrimp and save in hopes of buying them! This episode was SO Charming, I developed the urge to visit the Hakumei & Mikochi fairy cafe just to eat the food and drink the nature-inspired drinks.
Bonus Materials - A Day At Work
Follows Author Kashiki, depicted in rabbit form, and what he does with his car. It's adorable too.
Bonus Materials - Assorted HakuMiko
The mangaka fulfills Requests from readers to draw Hakumei and Mikochi in various situations. They are cute but you should see them in the manga. All I can say is the #1 requests is in the vein of this "life sized" fan art, as certain fans seem to ship them.
Bonus Materials - Promotional Materials
Apparently the Hakumei and Mikochi franchise has a dedicated following in Japan, the materials here are for an extremely versatile container called a "Harta Case."
Chapter 43 - Smooth Bean Jam and Bird [No Anime Adaptation]
The ladies applied for the extremely pricey Mounted Avian Delivery lottery, but to win they must pass a few hurdles including preparing a barrel of smooth bean jam and other items.
Chapter 44 - The Clinic on the Edge of Town [No Anime Adaptation]
Mikochi goes to the clinic on the edge of town for food poisoning, but they are short staff and end up recruiting her to help them instead of resting. Oh dear.
Chapter 45 - The Thunder Sleepover Party [No Anime Adaptation]
Hakumei and Mikochi chance upon Jada, cowering from the sound of thunder, so being good friends and nice people, they invite her to their home for a sleepover.
Chapter 46 - The Etiquette of Standing in Line [No Anime Adaptation]
Konju drags Mikochi to eat the latest food craze, Roasted Mochi, but they're starving and the line looks like it's hardly moving.
They have fallen for one of the biggest foodie tropes - the longer the line and the wait, the better the food must be, right? Or as commoners say "Got Queue means good food." [Note: Not always true since taste is subjective]
Chapter 47 - Big Hole and Mountain Yam [No Anime Adaptation]
Sen falls into a deep hole and is afraid until Hakumei and Mikochi come tumbling down after her. The 3 trapped ladies work together to try figure a way out.
Chapter 48 - Hanging Laundry at Honey Manor [No Anime Adaptation]
It's a perfect day with perfect weather! Hakumei and Mikochi are roped into laundry after visiting Konju at Honey manor. The problem isn't the washing, but the lack of space to hang laundry, so it's time for some negotiation and creativity!
Chapter 49 - Farmer and Grocer [No Anime Adaptation]
Mikochi wants shiitake mushrooms from Kobou mushroom farm, whose proprietor never sells to grocers because he's angry at them for buying too much and letting his food rot, so he only sells directly to skilled cooks! The Grocer takes this as a personal challenge, and before you know it, he's using hyperbole in his negotiations, with help from Yunaka, leading to a wonderful outcome.
Chapter 50 - The Librarian's Delight [No Anime Adaptation]
It's another day at the Library, where the Librarian finds happiness helping others discover wonderful books.
Chapter 51 - Mourning Sake [No Anime Adaptation]
Hakumei has receives a bottle of sake from a brewer that helped her during her journey before she arrived at Makinata, it was the last thing he worked on. She decides they are going to drink the whole bottle! It becomes an adventure as she's trying her best not to succumb to grief.
Imagine my surprise when I googled images, and found this Hakumei and Mikochi Japanese Sake for sale on Amazon.co.Jp!!!
Chapter 52 - Glasses and Saving [No Anime Adaptation]
Hakumei and Mikochi get sticker shock while browsing the wares at an antiques store during the 2 week seasonal market.
They fall in love with some aperetif glasses, and, unable to stop thinking about the glasses, decide to scrimp and save in hopes of buying them! This episode was SO Charming, I developed the urge to visit the Hakumei & Mikochi fairy cafe just to eat the food and drink the nature-inspired drinks.
Bonus Materials - A Day At Work
Follows Author Kashiki, depicted in rabbit form, and what he does with his car. It's adorable too.
Bonus Materials - Assorted HakuMiko
The mangaka fulfills Requests from readers to draw Hakumei and Mikochi in various situations. They are cute but you should see them in the manga. All I can say is the #1 requests is in the vein of this "life sized" fan art, as certain fans seem to ship them.
Bonus Materials - Promotional Materials
Apparently the Hakumei and Mikochi franchise has a dedicated following in Japan, the materials here are for an extremely versatile container called a "Harta Case."
January 27, 2021
Still admiring how detailed the art is in this series. It's kind of interesting that I'm not deeply invested in or moved by any of the characters in this series, but I still enjoy their presence, and getting to meet them from time to time. I like how laid back everything feels, and how relatively small the dramas are. The laundry chapter was great. Anyone who can make a story about hanging up laundry compelling to read deserves some kind of award!
I'm deeply curious about the logic of this world and animals. It seems to be acceptable to eat fish and shellfish. Are they less "human" (or whatever the measuring stick is--less members of the society) than all the other animals because they can't speak?
But even birds speak a different language and they get respect / don't get eaten.
I guess there was the implication earlier that large birds (the owl?) might eat Hakumei and Mikochi, so maybe generally the creatures in this tale might eat each other, but it doesn't come up in the main story much?
I'm deeply curious about the logic of this world and animals. It seems to be acceptable to eat fish and shellfish. Are they less "human" (or whatever the measuring stick is--less members of the society) than all the other animals because they can't speak?
But even birds speak a different language and they get respect / don't get eaten.
I guess there was the implication earlier that large birds (the owl?) might eat Hakumei and Mikochi, so maybe generally the creatures in this tale might eat each other, but it doesn't come up in the main story much?
June 6, 2025
Very cute and wholesome as usual! I did struggle to get through this one a little bit at times because it felt like the plot was even more absent than usual. This series tends to have a bunch of random short stories thrown together and some of the stories will be really good while others feel like filler pieces. The art, however, is stunning and beautiful and very very immersive. If I'm being honest, I buy this manga for the artwork alone because it is the best feeling to sit on my couch flicking through it on a rainy Friday afternoon. It's pure feel good cozy vibes. (I just wish this one had a more engaging storyline - I truly didn't expect it to take me weeks to finish! I put it down at one point and completely forgot about it.)
April 12, 2024
3.5⭐️
How can a book make standing in line and buying produce seem interesting? And make you feel some of the sadder emotions too? I am absolutely enjoying this series and am going to regret starting it as not all books have been translated and the series is still ongoing (aarrrghhh!). Well I guess I am a sucker for punishment. At least the kind where I get to read my favourite books.
How can a book make standing in line and buying produce seem interesting? And make you feel some of the sadder emotions too? I am absolutely enjoying this series and am going to regret starting it as not all books have been translated and the series is still ongoing (aarrrghhh!). Well I guess I am a sucker for punishment. At least the kind where I get to read my favourite books.
May 30, 2026
The two friends do laundry, save up to buy expensive cups, and enjoy sake.
This book is the perfect example of slice-of-life manga. My favorite story in this one is about Hakumei and Mikochi using the avian delivery service to send a letter. The two page spread of them discovering exactly what that entails is gorgeous.
This book is the perfect example of slice-of-life manga. My favorite story in this one is about Hakumei and Mikochi using the avian delivery service to send a letter. The two page spread of them discovering exactly what that entails is gorgeous.
October 24, 2019
Volume 7 of 'Hakumei & Mikochi' continues to be delightful, just full of cozy stories to read about tiny domestic life. I really love this series for its dedication to simple adventures and building out an adorable cast of characters.
March 19, 2021
Still love this series. Lovely little stories, beautiful art, extremely pleasant reading experience. Will reread.
April 24, 2021
I hope there are dozens of volumes.
May 29, 2022
Delightful, as always. I especially liked the subterranean adventure and the bird courier.
August 8, 2022
Toujours un plaisir de retrouver Hakumei et Mikochi. Un manga feel good, plein de bienveillance et de bonne nourriture !
July 11, 2024
This series is simply the cutest!
April 2, 2025
"It looks like we're all about food." Isn't that just the dream?
October 25, 2025
Everytime I read a new volume I enjoy the book more. I even sometimes wish there was a cook book, some of the food sounds yummy.
December 16, 2025
I want the clothes.
December 28, 2025
Another one with a librarian chapter! Also, a chapter they get drunk on sake. So cozy.
August 7, 2026
Now I have to wait for 8 to come in at the library. Imma go watch the anime until it's in.
August 8, 2026
The pair explore more aspects of their lives in the forest. There's laundry day, saving money, and more. I highly enjoyed the character growth and the building more of the world around them.
February 20, 2023
Olala, c'était si bien et mignon ! Grosse lecture de réconfort, plein d'émotions (le deuil de Hakumei, mais je pleure et je ris, c'est parfait !)
J'ai en particulier été touchée par la soirée pyjama à 3, avec celle qui dort au milieu qui sourit en pensant "c'est ça, le bonheur". Pour avoir fait des soirées pyjama en tant qu'adulte : oui.
Pourquoi toutes les histoires ne parlent-elles pas de ce bonheur-là ? Pourquoi est-ce que tous les adultes de mon entourage ne chantent pas les louanges des soirées pyjama ?
Mon avis complet : https://elainevker.com/blog/2023/02/0...
J'ai en particulier été touchée par la soirée pyjama à 3, avec celle qui dort au milieu qui sourit en pensant "c'est ça, le bonheur". Pour avoir fait des soirées pyjama en tant qu'adulte : oui.
Pourquoi toutes les histoires ne parlent-elles pas de ce bonheur-là ? Pourquoi est-ce que tous les adultes de mon entourage ne chantent pas les louanges des soirées pyjama ?
Mon avis complet : https://elainevker.com/blog/2023/02/0...
October 25, 2021
It was amazing just like all the other manga in the series. I appreciated the chapters about the librarian the most and I loved all of the character developement and adventures.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews