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Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan Omnibus #2
Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan Omnibus, Vol. 2
2.1 FADE IN: INT. STUDIO BREAKROOM - MIDNIGHT
While grappling with unexpected overtime, unreasonable working conditions, and unflattering costumes, URAMICHI makes the acquaintance of other jaded professionals deep behind the scenes. Digital strategist SAITO and merchandising whiz HANBEI almost seem like his kindred spirits, but their respective bad attitude and even worse temper keep the doors to URAMICHI'S fragile heart firmly shut. There must be someone out there who understands...right?
2.2 CUT TO: THE JADED COMEDY THAT INSPIRED THE ANIME
While grappling with unexpected overtime, unreasonable working conditions, and unflattering costumes, URAMICHI makes the acquaintance of other jaded professionals deep behind the scenes. Digital strategist SAITO and merchandising whiz HANBEI almost seem like his kindred spirits, but their respective bad attitude and even worse temper keep the doors to URAMICHI'S fragile heart firmly shut. There must be someone out there who understands...right?
2.2 CUT TO: THE JADED COMEDY THAT INSPIRED THE ANIME
278 pages, Paperback
Published January 19, 2021
13 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Gaku Kuze
33 books27 followersAssociated Names: 久世岳 (KUZE Gaku)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 24, 2023
I don't even believe in me, and I know myself better than anyone in the world. I certainly don't have the bandwidth to believe in anyone else.I enjoyed this one from the beginning, and am appreciating it even more as it goes along. I like the weird outfits and merchandise from Uruamichi's show, the threads that carry through like Utano's very low-charting enka song that also somehow pops up all the time, how Uramichi is brought to tears by genuine repartee with the kids, the opening and closing "door of sympathy" between him and Kikaku, and the habitual interactions with his college mates who also work with him on the show. The overall impression is of someone who is cared about and who belongs, but who isn't in a mental state to recognize it.
March 7, 2021
This series really has dark(ish) comedy down pat, and the precocious kids in this volume up it to an actual 4. I also like the glimpses of the past we get, as they help ground and grow the characters.
May 12, 2021
Content warning: depression,
Uramichi is back, limping his way through work yet not quite to the point of just giving up. A part of him still finds tiny things to cling to, like the knowledge that his show's young viewers look up to him. Of course, that just makes it more painful when he lets them down.
This volume introduces a few more station staff members: Kikaku Hanbei, who works in Marketing; Amon, the show's producer/writer; and Uebo Saito, who runs the show's website. We also get to see a little more of Daga Mabui, Iketeru's sister, meet Nekota Matahiko, and learn a little more about Uramichi's past.
After a rough start, Volume 1 eventually grew on me. Volume 2 was much better overall, but I have a feeling that those who enjoyed the blunt darkness of Uramichi's on-camera statements in Volume 1 may not like Volume 2 as much. Volume 2 scaled that kind of thing back a bit, made the children a little more childlike overall, and focused more on the "behind the scenes" workplace comedy aspects and exploring Uramichi's past and the nuances of his emotional life. There were still plenty of "Together with Maman" show moments, but they were presented somewhat differently - Uramichi's filter seemed to be a little more in place, even though he was still clearly close to cracking.
The Uramichi of this volume didn't feel quite like the one of the first volume. He seemed softer and more vulnerable, less scarily brittle, which I honestly didn't mind. He actually had a few things he seemed to care about - the way the kids viewed him, for example - and there were a couple moments when he found himself emotionally overwhelmed while on camera. Possibly it took the author a while to settle on what Uramichi should be like?
Of all the characters, Uramichi was the one who felt the most painfully real to me, and some of the revelations about his past and the way he functions were gut-wrenching. There was a part where several of the cast members were put on the spot and asked to draw their fathers, and Kumatani's thoughts about Uramichi were similarly sad, and it lined up with my suspicions about why Uramichi allowed Usahara to visit him so much when he didn't even seem to like him.
Which makes it sound like this volume was a drag, but I actually found it to be funnier than the first one. Kikaku was my favorite new addition to the cast, alternating between smiles and scary rage and intensity. The guy would make a perfect horror movie serial killer. His first scene, in which he explained the expectations and deadline he was working under, was fabulous.
My favorite on-camera moment was probably when poor Uramichi was forced to redo his Right-Left Man traffic safety footage while dealing with a hurt neck. As Uramichi said (with a great big smile plastered on his face), "When you get old, all kinds of body parts give out on you!" My right hip, shoulder, and arm could all relate.
For some, even this volume may turn out to be too dark and bleak. The closest Uramichi may ever be able to come to happiness is finding a way to accept his life as it currently is, keeping an eye out for little moments that move him in some way, but maybe the author will eventually get him to a better emotional place. I have a small amount of hope, after the surprisingly sensitive and empathetic flashback scene with Kumatani. For now, this series is going on my list of ones I'd like to keep and continue reading. Guess I need to find some shelf space for it.
Extras:
This is an omnibus edition containing volumes 3 and 4 of the original series, so there's color artwork at the beginning of both volumes (3 pages total). There are also character profiles, the full lyrics of the songs they sing on the show, a few bonus comics, a one-page afterword comic, and 5 pages of translator's notes.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Uramichi is back, limping his way through work yet not quite to the point of just giving up. A part of him still finds tiny things to cling to, like the knowledge that his show's young viewers look up to him. Of course, that just makes it more painful when he lets them down.
This volume introduces a few more station staff members: Kikaku Hanbei, who works in Marketing; Amon, the show's producer/writer; and Uebo Saito, who runs the show's website. We also get to see a little more of Daga Mabui, Iketeru's sister, meet Nekota Matahiko, and learn a little more about Uramichi's past.
After a rough start, Volume 1 eventually grew on me. Volume 2 was much better overall, but I have a feeling that those who enjoyed the blunt darkness of Uramichi's on-camera statements in Volume 1 may not like Volume 2 as much. Volume 2 scaled that kind of thing back a bit, made the children a little more childlike overall, and focused more on the "behind the scenes" workplace comedy aspects and exploring Uramichi's past and the nuances of his emotional life. There were still plenty of "Together with Maman" show moments, but they were presented somewhat differently - Uramichi's filter seemed to be a little more in place, even though he was still clearly close to cracking.
The Uramichi of this volume didn't feel quite like the one of the first volume. He seemed softer and more vulnerable, less scarily brittle, which I honestly didn't mind. He actually had a few things he seemed to care about - the way the kids viewed him, for example - and there were a couple moments when he found himself emotionally overwhelmed while on camera. Possibly it took the author a while to settle on what Uramichi should be like?
Of all the characters, Uramichi was the one who felt the most painfully real to me, and some of the revelations about his past and the way he functions were gut-wrenching. There was a part where several of the cast members were put on the spot and asked to draw their fathers, and Kumatani's thoughts about Uramichi were similarly sad, and it lined up with my suspicions about why Uramichi allowed Usahara to visit him so much when he didn't even seem to like him.
Which makes it sound like this volume was a drag, but I actually found it to be funnier than the first one. Kikaku was my favorite new addition to the cast, alternating between smiles and scary rage and intensity. The guy would make a perfect horror movie serial killer. His first scene, in which he explained the expectations and deadline he was working under, was fabulous.
My favorite on-camera moment was probably when poor Uramichi was forced to redo his Right-Left Man traffic safety footage while dealing with a hurt neck. As Uramichi said (with a great big smile plastered on his face), "When you get old, all kinds of body parts give out on you!" My right hip, shoulder, and arm could all relate.
For some, even this volume may turn out to be too dark and bleak. The closest Uramichi may ever be able to come to happiness is finding a way to accept his life as it currently is, keeping an eye out for little moments that move him in some way, but maybe the author will eventually get him to a better emotional place. I have a small amount of hope, after the surprisingly sensitive and empathetic flashback scene with Kumatani. For now, this series is going on my list of ones I'd like to keep and continue reading. Guess I need to find some shelf space for it.
Extras:
This is an omnibus edition containing volumes 3 and 4 of the original series, so there's color artwork at the beginning of both volumes (3 pages total). There are also character profiles, the full lyrics of the songs they sing on the show, a few bonus comics, a one-page afterword comic, and 5 pages of translator's notes.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
March 28, 2024
JAJAJAJAAJAJJAJA amo este manga, de verdad que este sí es de esos mangas que uno dice: si no tienes más de 30 o casi 30, no lo entenderías tan bien! JAJAJAJA y si, puede que uno a los 20 o 23 años o así pues se pueda sentir identificado con Uramichi, pero uno como que lo comprende más profundamente cuando ya tiene casi que su edad! Pero algo que me gusta bastante de esta historia es que, a pesar de que Uramichi no es muy fan de lo que conlleva hacer su trabajo, él si es fan de los niños (en muchas ocasiones), y no sé, me da tanta ternura! Jajajaja
June 9, 2022
I’m absolutely obsessed w this series >.
January 31, 2022
If you haven’t picked up this manga yet. What are you waiting for?
August 18, 2024
This jumbo edition has volumes 3 and 4 of Uramichi Oniisan and while I didn’t laugh as much during this book I still had a good time. We’re treated to more backstory and insight into Uramichi and his co workers through flashback chapters and little details like their living situations, their past dreams and goals, and more. It was nice to see that despite his jaded nature Uramichi still has moments of wanting to do his best for the sake of the kids.
The cast expands here slightly as well but I feel like these additional characters are a bit too one note at the moment, the Gags involving them get old fairly quick.
The cast expands here slightly as well but I feel like these additional characters are a bit too one note at the moment, the Gags involving them get old fairly quick.
February 26, 2021
While I still found a lot to like in Volume 2, it seemed to tread water a bit so I’m hoping the story moves a bit more in Volume 3.
April 25, 2022
I still love the humor of this manga but this second omnibus was not quite as funny as the first. The storyline and dialogue were also a bit all over the place and hard to follow at times.
September 27, 2022
4.5 stars.
March 20, 2024
These speak to my soul
May 29, 2022
actual rating: 4 stars
uramichi my emo beloved
uramichi my emo beloved
November 13, 2021
loveeeeee the cast, the humor, the art, just GAH. so chill. and relatable.
February 16, 2021
⭐️ Includes volumes 3 & 4 ⭐️
Something that really surprises me is how the mangaka draws the chapters’ cover. In all the covers you can see Uramichi smiling but it’s so obvious that he’s about to lose it. It kinda makes me think about how it feels when you have a staff meeting and your boss is bullcraping but you can’t say anything *sighs*.
Here we get to see more about he and the other character’s life outside their jobs. Uramichi remains my favorite character, he has a lot of things going on for him so I can't wait to know more about his past.
Be warned tho, this story sometimes hits too close home if you are dealing with anxiety or high-functioning depression so if you decide to binge this, you may feel a little bummed out later on.
Still, it was another great volume for me, LLWUO is quickly becoming one of my favorite series!
Something that really surprises me is how the mangaka draws the chapters’ cover. In all the covers you can see Uramichi smiling but it’s so obvious that he’s about to lose it. It kinda makes me think about how it feels when you have a staff meeting and your boss is bullcraping but you can’t say anything *sighs*.
Here we get to see more about he and the other character’s life outside their jobs. Uramichi remains my favorite character, he has a lot of things going on for him so I can't wait to know more about his past.
Be warned tho, this story sometimes hits too close home if you are dealing with anxiety or high-functioning depression so if you decide to binge this, you may feel a little bummed out later on.
Still, it was another great volume for me, LLWUO is quickly becoming one of my favorite series!
September 10, 2021
I am LOVING this series. Hopefully the anime will be available on Netflix in North America.
As someone who's been teaching herself Japanese for a while, I especially love the puns in everyone's names. ("Uebu Saito"... *snicker*) I actually got my dictionary out at one point to look up certain names!
As someone who's been teaching herself Japanese for a while, I especially love the puns in everyone's names. ("Uebu Saito"... *snicker*) I actually got my dictionary out at one point to look up certain names!
January 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this volume!!!!! Kikaku’s crazy ass is my new favorite character!
August 7, 2023
Carrying the strengths from the first volume, I couldn't put Uramichi down. To break it up from the first volume, in the second volume they went on a company trip. It was cute and funny, though I'm not a fan of how they make Furitsuke an lgbt+ character and hit on Usahara as a joke. Though I will say, the balls to write in a canonically LGBT+ character in a series where none of the main cast have any romantic implications with each other, I like it a lot actually. I didn't bring that up in another review, but I do like that a lot about the series. Utano is the only girl and instead of treating her like a love interest, she has a boyfriend who she is deeply unhappy with. Though she is never treated as a love interest for the other guys nor do they see her in this light. It makes it so the audience can actually get to know her without having to only see her in the light of just a love interest. Giving a woman who's not the main character, not the main love interest, and not someone extremely important to the main character, actual character depth independent of the main cast isn't done that often, so I do appreciate Utano.
Another thing I didn't mention was that I really appreciated that they're all on the older side of their 20s and 30s. A lot of adults in anime are just in their early 20s or even their mid 20s, and I'm referring to adults who are the main character of their series. So I love that the cast are in their late 20s (27, 28, 28) and early 30s (31 & 32). There's no one in the main cast who's a minor, so this really is a series targeted for adults.
Though the biggest highlight for me is the flashback to their college days. We see the ways that all of them are intertwined in their lives. Usahara and Kumatani are roommates. Uramichi is a famous on-campus athlete who becomes their roommates. Kumatani runs into Iketeru in the street. In Usahara and Kumatani's room, their TV plays a live stage of Utano when she was an enka singer. Bonus, we see an uramichi who still has the light in his eyes. It makes you wonder how they all were when it was supposed to be "the prime" of their lives.
Another thing I didn't mention was that I really appreciated that they're all on the older side of their 20s and 30s. A lot of adults in anime are just in their early 20s or even their mid 20s, and I'm referring to adults who are the main character of their series. So I love that the cast are in their late 20s (27, 28, 28) and early 30s (31 & 32). There's no one in the main cast who's a minor, so this really is a series targeted for adults.
Though the biggest highlight for me is the flashback to their college days. We see the ways that all of them are intertwined in their lives. Usahara and Kumatani are roommates. Uramichi is a famous on-campus athlete who becomes their roommates. Kumatani runs into Iketeru in the street. In Usahara and Kumatani's room, their TV plays a live stage of Utano when she was an enka singer. Bonus, we see an uramichi who still has the light in his eyes. It makes you wonder how they all were when it was supposed to be "the prime" of their lives.
December 13, 2021
The first book was close to perfection and I purchased both manga at the same time. However, you should learn from me and maybe consider purchasing this after finishing the first omnibus. This book I give a 3.5 however there are no half stars so I round up.
This volume was underwhelming to me because of the weird translations of the songs (that I just started to skip over at this point), lack of comedic moments, semi-rushed character development, and slow background story unveiling. It takes one episode for uramichi to break down crying for a kid yet there is not a reason for him to be overly sentimental (other than the obvious). Thinking on how long he has worked for this company this can’t be the first time this has happened. Also the “teaching moments” (between reader and story teller) are a bit too lackluster. I blame it partially on the translation but in all honesty. This is something you want to give to someone who has gotten their first job or works a job and feels miserable.
This volume was underwhelming to me because of the weird translations of the songs (that I just started to skip over at this point), lack of comedic moments, semi-rushed character development, and slow background story unveiling. It takes one episode for uramichi to break down crying for a kid yet there is not a reason for him to be overly sentimental (other than the obvious). Thinking on how long he has worked for this company this can’t be the first time this has happened. Also the “teaching moments” (between reader and story teller) are a bit too lackluster. I blame it partially on the translation but in all honesty. This is something you want to give to someone who has gotten their first job or works a job and feels miserable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2021
2021 Read #60
I think my main problem with this series is that I don’t really care for the characters. My favorite is probably Kumatani, but that’s mainly for his outside perspective to everyone else’s problems. This manga is just a tad too depressing for me from the perspective that no one really seems happy with their “adult” lives. Where’s the catharsis? Give us something hopeful to latch onto! Etc.
I think my main problem with this series is that I don’t really care for the characters. My favorite is probably Kumatani, but that’s mainly for his outside perspective to everyone else’s problems. This manga is just a tad too depressing for me from the perspective that no one really seems happy with their “adult” lives. Where’s the catharsis? Give us something hopeful to latch onto! Etc.
May 18, 2021
Well, it wasn’t a fluke. I found this bind-up as delightful as the first. Now I’m really looking forward to the anime. I hope they won’t spoil the comedy.
I was really disappointed with the anime Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san, for example. The comedy in that one was gold, but then they tried to bring the story to the screen and it fell completely flat. Cross my fingers it won’t happen with Uramichi.
I was really disappointed with the anime Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san, for example. The comedy in that one was gold, but then they tried to bring the story to the screen and it fell completely flat. Cross my fingers it won’t happen with Uramichi.
June 4, 2024
Vol. 1 ★★★★☆
Even better than the first volume. In Vol. 1, a lot of the jokes are of Uramichi looking deadpan into the camera while spilling hard truths about life. In Vol. 2, the jokes are way more varied. The highlight of this volume is definitely Kikaku, who's so deranged that he makes even Uramichi uncomfortable. I also love chapter 35 about the macaron shop, which I don't think is in the anime. As always, I'm obsessed with all the weird little outfits and merch that the Together with Maman team comes up with.
Even better than the first volume. In Vol. 1, a lot of the jokes are of Uramichi looking deadpan into the camera while spilling hard truths about life. In Vol. 2, the jokes are way more varied. The highlight of this volume is definitely Kikaku, who's so deranged that he makes even Uramichi uncomfortable. I also love chapter 35 about the macaron shop, which I don't think is in the anime. As always, I'm obsessed with all the weird little outfits and merch that the Together with Maman team comes up with.
November 2, 2021
I loved the first volume and the second one did not disappoint me. This one delved more into the backgrounds of the character and introduced a few more dysfunctional TV crew members that are all immediately recognizable to anyone who has ever met people with low job satisfaction. Hope this series continues forever.
July 2, 2022
I liked this book more than the first because it really offers an insight into the MCs personality more. He literally opens up to people and gets let down several times. It’s funny but it also represents good character development.
June 10, 2024
The gang is back with new friends, lessons and situations. The people who work at, or associated with them, are interesting characters with unique quirks. I'm enjoying the banter and the illustrations.
September 5, 2021
Absolute killer manga so far! I love it so so much! I have never identified so much with an anime/manga character in my life and I cannot wait to buy more of this series and add it to my shelf!
January 12, 2022
The anime is still better bc the translation/localization gets more of the humor across, but this was still fun and I’m looking forward to the next volume.
March 10, 2022
Still liking this. Honestly it’s making me wish I had more by this author to read that wasn’t a gag series, although I like the jokes fine.
March 13, 2022
Even funnier than the first volume not quite as good as grand blue but still great
May 13, 2022
I have watched the anime multiple times and reading it, it is still just as funny as the first time.
July 25, 2022
not as good as the first so not as eager to finish series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews