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Hikaru in the Light! #1
Hikaru in the Light!: Volume 1
Best friends compete for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to become pop stars in this funny, feel-good manga series perfect for fans of K-On!, The Tryout, and The Baby-Sitters Club.
Middle-school student Hikaru Ogino is known as the songbird of her family's bathhouse in Tokyo. Her beautiful singing echoes from room to room as she cleans up after school, but she dreams of holding a microphone, not a mop! When her best friend, Ran -- a former girl group idol -- invites her to try out for a pop star survival camp together, it's the chance of a lifetime to put her talents to the test. Can Hikaru outshine the competition and make her stage debut, or will she fall flat?
Middle-school student Hikaru Ogino is known as the songbird of her family's bathhouse in Tokyo. Her beautiful singing echoes from room to room as she cleans up after school, but she dreams of holding a microphone, not a mop! When her best friend, Ran -- a former girl group idol -- invites her to try out for a pop star survival camp together, it's the chance of a lifetime to put her talents to the test. Can Hikaru outshine the competition and make her stage debut, or will she fall flat?
Published May 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 10, 2025
Honestly, this was really good.
Scholastic is now working to license manga that is accessible for a middle grade audience and this is one of their titles. I haven't explored much in the world of idols and how they are an intricate part of Japanese culture. Though Hikaru in the Light isn't an in-depth look at all things related to idols, I think it's a fun introduction for middle grade readers especially because it features such a relatable character. It's been a while since I've read the first volume of manga and immediately craved the second volume. I cannot wait until the next volume is released in November.
Scholastic is now working to license manga that is accessible for a middle grade audience and this is one of their titles. I haven't explored much in the world of idols and how they are an intricate part of Japanese culture. Though Hikaru in the Light isn't an in-depth look at all things related to idols, I think it's a fun introduction for middle grade readers especially because it features such a relatable character. It's been a while since I've read the first volume of manga and immediately craved the second volume. I cannot wait until the next volume is released in November.
February 19, 2025
Super cute! Can’t wait to read the next one!
July 8, 2025
Super cute, full-color manga about a tween wanting to be in a jpop group. The only issue for me is the audience. The writing style and art skew younger (think Raina Telgemeier or Babysitters Club Graphic Novels) but one of the competitors is 20. Without having a second volume to look at, I’m not sure where I would put it in a library collection. Eagerly waiting for volume 2, though!
November 22, 2025
I loved the perseverance of the main character.
March 8, 2025
This was a super cute read! (ARC)
August 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this Baby-Sitters Club-esque manga about a Japanese girl auditioning for a kpop group. The panels were easy to follow, the author did a great job of providing asterisks with context about things to specific to Japanese and kpop culture, and it hit on some interesting themes about talent and appearance.
August 5, 2025
Nouveau retour de manga sur ceux des Editions Kotodama, après un petit tour dans le passé pour découvrir des sujets emblématiques du Japon : les samurais, les sushis, les trains, place au présent cette fois avec le phénomène des Idols que nous propose de vivre Hikaru in the light! en suivant l’une de ses aspirantes.
L’éditeur a vraiment envie, avec ce mélange de manga et de documentaire, de plonger le lecteur dans la culture japonaise avec les traits saillants qu’on en connaît. Et c’est vrai que dans la partie moderne, actuelle, contemporaine, le phénomène des Idols est l’un de ceux qui fait le plus parler de lui, que le Japon a le plus tenté d’exporter avec les mangas eux-mêmes. Alors c’est un bon choix.
Pour cela, ils nous proposent une courte série en 4 tomes que l’on doit à Mai Matsuda et qui revient, un peu comme à l’époque de Creamy, sur le parcours d’une aspirante Idol. On a l’habitude d’avoir ce genre de procédé pour les aspirants mangakas, les aspirants sportifs, mais plus rarement pour les Idols, surtout avec l’honnêteté dont il est question ici. C’est plaisant.
Venant du Manga Action, ce seinen cherche à nous montrer les coulisses du métier d’Idol. Il démarre ainsi avec une jeune collégienne qui adore chanter dans le bain public de sa famille mais qui n’a aucune réelle confiance en elle autrement quand elle se compare aux stars qu’elle regarde et notamment à son amie Ran, qui a réussi à décrocher une place dans un girls’ band. Mais il suffira d’un petit coup de pouce, de l’organisation d’une audition par un homme du milieu atypique pour qu’elle se lance et ose essayer de réaliser son rêve.
Les ingrédients sont assez classiques pour ce type de scénario, pas de surprise ici. Mais c’est l’enthousiasme et la candeur de l’héroïne qui font la différence. Il est fort amusant qu’elle ait fait ses armes dans un bain public. Il est fort attachant de la voir toujours pleine d’enthousiasme, et ce même quand elle sait pertinemment qu’elle n’a pas encore forcément toutes les qualités requises. C’est quelqu’un de persévérant, donc ça donne envie, même si c’est archi classique.
Autre qualité de l’oeuvre, on nous parle du fonctionnement de l’industrie des idols, ce qui se recoupe parfaitement avec les pages documentaires ajoutées à la fin sur la naissance du phénomène, ses caractéristiques et quelques uns de ses groupes phares. L’auteur nous montre les différents groupes possibles, avec celui de Ran, en mode »colonie de vacances » où tout le monde se fond dans la masse du nombre, ou avec celui qu’on tente de monter qui laissera plus de place à l’individualité avec un nombre plus réduit et des performance plus qualitative. En fonction du but à atteindre, la composition est différente. On nous montre bien cependant à travers cela combien les jeunes filles (ici) sont des objets marketing. J’ai donc hâte de voir les deux se heurter : passion vs réalité économique.
Ce premier tome, bien qu’assez prévisible, est sympathique à lire, grâce au dynamisme de l’héroïne et sa relation amicale avec cette jeune idol qui cherche à changer de voie. Nous ne sommes que dans les prémices : premières auditions, sélections, premier camp d’entraînement. Tout reste à faire et l’auteur fait des choix assez classique, comme avec cette confrontation avec des candidates qui sont toutes des cadors dans leur genre comparé à l’héroïne sortant de nulle part. J’attends de voir s’il saura transformer ce côté naïf.
Sympathique incursion dans le milieu des idols afin de découvrir comment se monte un groupe de filles. C’est pour l’instant mignon et naïf, entraînant mais avec un recul critique assez faible quand on a lu des oeuvres comme Creamy ou Oshi no ko et Perfect Blue qui vont bien plus loin dans le réalisme critique. A voir comment cela s’écrit ensuite.
Article complet : https://lesblablasdetachan.wordpress....
L’éditeur a vraiment envie, avec ce mélange de manga et de documentaire, de plonger le lecteur dans la culture japonaise avec les traits saillants qu’on en connaît. Et c’est vrai que dans la partie moderne, actuelle, contemporaine, le phénomène des Idols est l’un de ceux qui fait le plus parler de lui, que le Japon a le plus tenté d’exporter avec les mangas eux-mêmes. Alors c’est un bon choix.
Pour cela, ils nous proposent une courte série en 4 tomes que l’on doit à Mai Matsuda et qui revient, un peu comme à l’époque de Creamy, sur le parcours d’une aspirante Idol. On a l’habitude d’avoir ce genre de procédé pour les aspirants mangakas, les aspirants sportifs, mais plus rarement pour les Idols, surtout avec l’honnêteté dont il est question ici. C’est plaisant.
Venant du Manga Action, ce seinen cherche à nous montrer les coulisses du métier d’Idol. Il démarre ainsi avec une jeune collégienne qui adore chanter dans le bain public de sa famille mais qui n’a aucune réelle confiance en elle autrement quand elle se compare aux stars qu’elle regarde et notamment à son amie Ran, qui a réussi à décrocher une place dans un girls’ band. Mais il suffira d’un petit coup de pouce, de l’organisation d’une audition par un homme du milieu atypique pour qu’elle se lance et ose essayer de réaliser son rêve.
Les ingrédients sont assez classiques pour ce type de scénario, pas de surprise ici. Mais c’est l’enthousiasme et la candeur de l’héroïne qui font la différence. Il est fort amusant qu’elle ait fait ses armes dans un bain public. Il est fort attachant de la voir toujours pleine d’enthousiasme, et ce même quand elle sait pertinemment qu’elle n’a pas encore forcément toutes les qualités requises. C’est quelqu’un de persévérant, donc ça donne envie, même si c’est archi classique.
Autre qualité de l’oeuvre, on nous parle du fonctionnement de l’industrie des idols, ce qui se recoupe parfaitement avec les pages documentaires ajoutées à la fin sur la naissance du phénomène, ses caractéristiques et quelques uns de ses groupes phares. L’auteur nous montre les différents groupes possibles, avec celui de Ran, en mode »colonie de vacances » où tout le monde se fond dans la masse du nombre, ou avec celui qu’on tente de monter qui laissera plus de place à l’individualité avec un nombre plus réduit et des performance plus qualitative. En fonction du but à atteindre, la composition est différente. On nous montre bien cependant à travers cela combien les jeunes filles (ici) sont des objets marketing. J’ai donc hâte de voir les deux se heurter : passion vs réalité économique.
Ce premier tome, bien qu’assez prévisible, est sympathique à lire, grâce au dynamisme de l’héroïne et sa relation amicale avec cette jeune idol qui cherche à changer de voie. Nous ne sommes que dans les prémices : premières auditions, sélections, premier camp d’entraînement. Tout reste à faire et l’auteur fait des choix assez classique, comme avec cette confrontation avec des candidates qui sont toutes des cadors dans leur genre comparé à l’héroïne sortant de nulle part. J’attends de voir s’il saura transformer ce côté naïf.
Sympathique incursion dans le milieu des idols afin de découvrir comment se monte un groupe de filles. C’est pour l’instant mignon et naïf, entraînant mais avec un recul critique assez faible quand on a lu des oeuvres comme Creamy ou Oshi no ko et Perfect Blue qui vont bien plus loin dans le réalisme critique. A voir comment cela s’écrit ensuite.
Article complet : https://lesblablasdetachan.wordpress....
May 9, 2023
Okay, Hikaru in the Light! is not a groundbreaking series by any means, but it's fun!
Hikaru is a teen girl with an amazing singing voice, who dreams of one day becoming a pop idol. She helps out at her parents' bathhouse where she sings oldies music to their regular customers. She has beautiful, natural talent, but there is no clear path to making her dreams a reality. When her childhood best friend, Ran comes back into her life with a chance for Hikaru to join her at an idol intensive training program, Hikaru leaps at the opportunity.
What follows is Hikaru's journey through a singing and dancing competition. We are introduced to many interesting characters including the competition director, a singing coach, and lots of girls who all share the same wish as Hikaru.
The story beats are predictable, and you can pretty much guess the ending from the first page. That being said, the characters are likable and the art style is charming. Just because you know what will happen, doesn't mean you can't enjoy the journey, right?
I enjoyed the characters, and the competitors most of all. I liked how the competition made them confront their own limitations, jealousy, and self-loathing. It was fun to see the characters grow and support one another. If you're looking for a story about girls supporting girls, then I think you'd enjoy this manga.
I also really loved the character designs in this manga. The characters aren't drawn in an overly cutesy style, and they don't have the pencil-thin look that you see in a lot of manga. I wouldn't say that they look realistic, but it appears as though the mangaka really considered how the characters would move and dance when designing them. There is an unmistakable weightedness to the characters that lends to realistic movements.
Overall, this series isn't going to blow your mind with intense twists or melodrama, but if you're looking for a comfort read, then I think it's worth checking out. You can read this series on the Azuki app. They currently have the first chapter available for free.
Not an affiliate link:
https://www.azuki.co/series/hikaru-in...
:
Hikaru is a teen girl with an amazing singing voice, who dreams of one day becoming a pop idol. She helps out at her parents' bathhouse where she sings oldies music to their regular customers. She has beautiful, natural talent, but there is no clear path to making her dreams a reality. When her childhood best friend, Ran comes back into her life with a chance for Hikaru to join her at an idol intensive training program, Hikaru leaps at the opportunity.
What follows is Hikaru's journey through a singing and dancing competition. We are introduced to many interesting characters including the competition director, a singing coach, and lots of girls who all share the same wish as Hikaru.
The story beats are predictable, and you can pretty much guess the ending from the first page. That being said, the characters are likable and the art style is charming. Just because you know what will happen, doesn't mean you can't enjoy the journey, right?
I enjoyed the characters, and the competitors most of all. I liked how the competition made them confront their own limitations, jealousy, and self-loathing. It was fun to see the characters grow and support one another. If you're looking for a story about girls supporting girls, then I think you'd enjoy this manga.
I also really loved the character designs in this manga. The characters aren't drawn in an overly cutesy style, and they don't have the pencil-thin look that you see in a lot of manga. I wouldn't say that they look realistic, but it appears as though the mangaka really considered how the characters would move and dance when designing them. There is an unmistakable weightedness to the characters that lends to realistic movements.
Overall, this series isn't going to blow your mind with intense twists or melodrama, but if you're looking for a comfort read, then I think it's worth checking out. You can read this series on the Azuki app. They currently have the first chapter available for free.
Not an affiliate link:
https://www.azuki.co/series/hikaru-in...
:
August 21, 2025
Hello Again!
We are nearly to September, and the fall and winter months are my absolute favorite. I am so excited for all the cozy weather and fall/winter vibes. Recently, I thought I could use a shorter read, something I could pick up and read in one sitting. So I set about looking at my shelves when I noticed a graphic novel ARC I had not yet had the chance to read. (Thank you so much to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.)
SPOILERS AHEAD
Hikaru is a middle schooler living in Japan, and she spends her time outside of school helping at her family’s bathhouse. She really enjoys it, and she ends up singing a lot when working, she is great at singing and just feels free to do it when working. One of her old friends has gone on to become an idol, and she had the chance to try to become one as well, but did not take the opportunity to audition. Now, a famous industry person is going to hold a contest, and the people who are crowned the winners will come and attend his idol camp. Where he is intending to find the next great idols. Hikaru is unsure if she wants to try, but her friend convinces her. But will she make it to the camp and beyond?
I thought this story was a very solid first volume. We got to be introduced to Hikaru, her life, and what she may have dreamed of doing in the future. We also got to see how her audition went and where she was headed in the future. I will definitely be interested to see how the contest ultimately pans out for every competitor, but especially for Hikaru and her friend. This first volume is on shelves now, go check it out if you’re looking for a fun middle grade idol book!
Goodreads Rating: 4 Stars
***Thank you so much to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
We are nearly to September, and the fall and winter months are my absolute favorite. I am so excited for all the cozy weather and fall/winter vibes. Recently, I thought I could use a shorter read, something I could pick up and read in one sitting. So I set about looking at my shelves when I noticed a graphic novel ARC I had not yet had the chance to read. (Thank you so much to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.)
SPOILERS AHEAD
Hikaru is a middle schooler living in Japan, and she spends her time outside of school helping at her family’s bathhouse. She really enjoys it, and she ends up singing a lot when working, she is great at singing and just feels free to do it when working. One of her old friends has gone on to become an idol, and she had the chance to try to become one as well, but did not take the opportunity to audition. Now, a famous industry person is going to hold a contest, and the people who are crowned the winners will come and attend his idol camp. Where he is intending to find the next great idols. Hikaru is unsure if she wants to try, but her friend convinces her. But will she make it to the camp and beyond?
I thought this story was a very solid first volume. We got to be introduced to Hikaru, her life, and what she may have dreamed of doing in the future. We also got to see how her audition went and where she was headed in the future. I will definitely be interested to see how the contest ultimately pans out for every competitor, but especially for Hikaru and her friend. This first volume is on shelves now, go check it out if you’re looking for a fun middle grade idol book!
Goodreads Rating: 4 Stars
***Thank you so much to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
December 25, 2025
This manga is for dreamers. The ones who have hope, talent and aspirations. Hikaru in the light speaks about being courageous to follow your dreams and make it a reality.
Hikaru Ogino a.k.a The Songbird of the bathhouse is a middle-schooler who has a beautiful voice and aspires to become a star. Her best friend Ran, a former girl group member encourages her to try out a pop star survival camp with her that will not only give her an opportunity to grow as an pop idol but also highlight her talent to the rest of the world.
But Hikaru is having doubts, does she have what it takes? According to her, Ran-chan is perfect. Will she be able to match her and hopefully and finally hold a mic instead of mop?
I loved this manga. And this one being the first volume has definitely made me anticipate the next one. The storyline is inspiring and it certainly creates a beautiful and enthusiastic reading experience. I believe there's a Hikaru in each one of us, we want to believe in our dreams and talents but sometimes our self doubts and what ifs hold us back but like our protagonist we can grasp on to a little faith in ourselves and take the first step. The illustrations are beautiful as well. I also admire the interaction between Ran and Hikaru. They surely are friends who inspire you to reach for the stars.
It's a must read if you love to read manga with a motivating story and an engaging storyline with lovable characters.
Hikaru Ogino a.k.a The Songbird of the bathhouse is a middle-schooler who has a beautiful voice and aspires to become a star. Her best friend Ran, a former girl group member encourages her to try out a pop star survival camp with her that will not only give her an opportunity to grow as an pop idol but also highlight her talent to the rest of the world.
But Hikaru is having doubts, does she have what it takes? According to her, Ran-chan is perfect. Will she be able to match her and hopefully and finally hold a mic instead of mop?
I loved this manga. And this one being the first volume has definitely made me anticipate the next one. The storyline is inspiring and it certainly creates a beautiful and enthusiastic reading experience. I believe there's a Hikaru in each one of us, we want to believe in our dreams and talents but sometimes our self doubts and what ifs hold us back but like our protagonist we can grasp on to a little faith in ourselves and take the first step. The illustrations are beautiful as well. I also admire the interaction between Ran and Hikaru. They surely are friends who inspire you to reach for the stars.
It's a must read if you love to read manga with a motivating story and an engaging storyline with lovable characters.
March 3, 2025
Not the type of book I usually get sent. This makes a nice change.
Real Japanese Manga, read from the back (for us) to the front and right to left! The children at school will enjoy this.
Hikaru Ogina is the singer at her Grandparents bathhouse! She sings with a broom in her hand!
Her friend Ran, who is in a former Idol in a girl group, has always said she is a good singer.
Ran quits her girl group and returns home. She invites Hikaru to attend the same auditions for a pop star survival camp. She worries whether she is talented enough despite her friends help with training.
Good story within a real manga book - not retold in the English form.
Thanks to Kiran at Scholastic for this copy, out 13th March.
TA, Escp
Real Japanese Manga, read from the back (for us) to the front and right to left! The children at school will enjoy this.
Hikaru Ogina is the singer at her Grandparents bathhouse! She sings with a broom in her hand!
Her friend Ran, who is in a former Idol in a girl group, has always said she is a good singer.
Ran quits her girl group and returns home. She invites Hikaru to attend the same auditions for a pop star survival camp. She worries whether she is talented enough despite her friends help with training.
Good story within a real manga book - not retold in the English form.
Thanks to Kiran at Scholastic for this copy, out 13th March.
TA, Escp
July 2, 2025
I was unsure about reading this, because for some reason, I just couldn't quite tell if I would find it interesting. On impulse, after having it in my to-read list for a while, I finally picked it up- and I'm sure glad I did!! First, I have to say that the art style is adorable- bright, cute, and fun. The story is sweet and a bit more realistic then some idol animes/mangas I've seen. The writer does a great job making you really want Hikaru and her friend, Ran, to make it! I'm looking forward to the next one!!
(This book contains some bathhouse scenes, but nothing is shown. It also includes a friend pulling up the main girl's shirt (to see her stomach.) Really nothing upsetting in this book, so I'd give it an age rating of all-ages)
(This book contains some bathhouse scenes, but nothing is shown. It also includes a friend pulling up the main girl's shirt (to see her stomach.) Really nothing upsetting in this book, so I'd give it an age rating of all-ages)
Read
August 12, 2025Read to vet for school, no real opinion.
Hikaru (14F) sings while cleaning her grandfather’s public bathhouse, and is a REALLY good singer. Big judge guy condemns all of Japan’s entertainment industry and sets up a new competition and audition, which Hikaru joins with her friend Ran (16F).
It’s clean (language and content — there are a few bath scenes, but nothing is visible), and talks a lot about Hikaru not feeling “special” because she’s just a normal Tokyo girl. Honestly a pretty good discussion of imposter syndrome, for a middle-grade read!
My favourite quote is the main talent judge guy talking about the afterimage effect — “If you look at a bright light, then close your eyes, you’ll still be able to see the light on the backs of your eyelids. The same thing exists with idols.”
Hikaru (14F) sings while cleaning her grandfather’s public bathhouse, and is a REALLY good singer. Big judge guy condemns all of Japan’s entertainment industry and sets up a new competition and audition, which Hikaru joins with her friend Ran (16F).
It’s clean (language and content — there are a few bath scenes, but nothing is visible), and talks a lot about Hikaru not feeling “special” because she’s just a normal Tokyo girl. Honestly a pretty good discussion of imposter syndrome, for a middle-grade read!
My favourite quote is the main talent judge guy talking about the afterimage effect — “If you look at a bright light, then close your eyes, you’ll still be able to see the light on the backs of your eyelids. The same thing exists with idols.”
December 9, 2025
3.5 stars
This full color manga is volume 1 in the story of Hikaru, a middle school student who loves to sing while cleaning her family's bath house in Japan. She is a talented singer and decides to try out for a pop star survival camp with a former friend who has been performing with a J-pop group. Hikaru Is excited but also very worried about her abilities compared to the thousands of other girls who turn out to compete.
Illustrations are full color, characters are easy to differentiate, any J-pop terms are defined. It's a bit predictable but still a fun and enjoyable read. Characters range in age from middle school to 20 years old. Content is middle school appropriate. No swearing, no violence, no sexual content, no drinking.
This full color manga is volume 1 in the story of Hikaru, a middle school student who loves to sing while cleaning her family's bath house in Japan. She is a talented singer and decides to try out for a pop star survival camp with a former friend who has been performing with a J-pop group. Hikaru Is excited but also very worried about her abilities compared to the thousands of other girls who turn out to compete.
Illustrations are full color, characters are easy to differentiate, any J-pop terms are defined. It's a bit predictable but still a fun and enjoyable read. Characters range in age from middle school to 20 years old. Content is middle school appropriate. No swearing, no violence, no sexual content, no drinking.
April 22, 2025
First book in a fairly short series. The star and title character, Hikaru, is a middle schooler with a natural singing talent but no training who decides to audition for an elimination pop idol competition, alongside her old friend and former pop idol, Ran. From the first volume, this feels like it'll be relatively low key. There doesn't seem to be a ton of drama and no villainous characters to be seen. That doesn't mean it's without conflict, just that those conflicts are going to be entirely internal. Both Hikaru and Ran need to learn what their individual strengths are and to learn self confidence. This is set in Japan, but I bet K pop fans will enjoy it, too.
May 31, 2025
A delightful middle grade about facing fears and for this it's about trying out and performing with an idol band. She sings like a songbird at the bathhouse that she helps maintain with her family but it seems like as she gets ready to audition the only way she can get to the comfortable spot to perform is to ignore everyone around her and to have a mop in her hand!
But she perseveres and practices to get through to the second and third wave of the auditions. With it's important message about being uncomfortable but still pursuing your dreams, it's still a mix of fun and Hikaru is a cool character.
But she perseveres and practices to get through to the second and third wave of the auditions. With it's important message about being uncomfortable but still pursuing your dreams, it's still a mix of fun and Hikaru is a cool character.
November 15, 2025
Hikaru enjoys singing in her family's bathhouse as she mops the floors. She'd love to become an idol like her friend Ran but she isn't sure she has what it takes - until she auditions for a pop star survival camp.
This first installment sets the scene perfectly. We understand Hikaru's thoughts and motivations and the artwork expresses her emotions quite well. However, this volume ends just as the girls arrive at survival camp. If you want to know Hikaru's fate, you'll need to read the next book in the series. And that's my problem. While this story sustained my interest, I'm not committed to the characters enough to want to keep reading.
This first installment sets the scene perfectly. We understand Hikaru's thoughts and motivations and the artwork expresses her emotions quite well. However, this volume ends just as the girls arrive at survival camp. If you want to know Hikaru's fate, you'll need to read the next book in the series. And that's my problem. While this story sustained my interest, I'm not committed to the characters enough to want to keep reading.
May 16, 2025
A sweet and innocent read suitable for children of any age; although those over the age of 10 may understand Hikaru's motivations better.
Representation: No LGBTQIA+ representation.
Language: Oh my God; bumpkin; butt; Hikaru calls herself an idiot twice.
Nudity/sexual content: Hikaru’s abs are shown. A couple of scenes in a public bath are shown in flashbacks. The girls’ bodies, from the shoulders downwards, are hidden under the water. One scene shows the side view of a woman’s top half but her b**bs are hidden by soap bubbles.
Representation: No LGBTQIA+ representation.
Language: Oh my God; bumpkin; butt; Hikaru calls herself an idiot twice.
Nudity/sexual content: Hikaru’s abs are shown. A couple of scenes in a public bath are shown in flashbacks. The girls’ bodies, from the shoulders downwards, are hidden under the water. One scene shows the side view of a woman’s top half but her b**bs are hidden by soap bubbles.
February 1, 2024
lol I forgot you can review mangas on here.
Read this series recently. It’s short at 27 chapters. This is relatively grounded for an idol manga and is just a sweet coming-of-age story with a central friendship. It was nice (and rare) to read a manga that had a clear and uninterrupted arc from beginning to end, and got to finish on a satisfying note in about 1.5-2 hrs worth of reading time. For that reason I recommend.
Read this series recently. It’s short at 27 chapters. This is relatively grounded for an idol manga and is just a sweet coming-of-age story with a central friendship. It was nice (and rare) to read a manga that had a clear and uninterrupted arc from beginning to end, and got to finish on a satisfying note in about 1.5-2 hrs worth of reading time. For that reason I recommend.
April 18, 2025
middle grade cute characters idol industry
I liked this than I expected. I went in expecting a "cute girls doing cute things" moé manga, but toned down for MG or that uncanny valley between comic and manga. This actually felt more mature than most moé series because they tend to infantilize the characters or make them overly silly, which this didn't. It mentions K-on in the pitch, but Kageki Shoujo feels closer to the mark.
I liked this than I expected. I went in expecting a "cute girls doing cute things" moé manga, but toned down for MG or that uncanny valley between comic and manga. This actually felt more mature than most moé series because they tend to infantilize the characters or make them overly silly, which this didn't. It mentions K-on in the pitch, but Kageki Shoujo feels closer to the mark.
May 19, 2025
I was in two minds about this manga and I am glad I decided to read it! It is so cute and funny! Hikaru is a scream, her under the faucet pretending it's a waterfall trying to meditate was hilarious! As was her grabbing the mop from the cleaners so she could sing! I love their bathhouse, so beautiful! Can't wait for the rest of this series. (only 4 books, so it's a short one and I don't mind those!)
July 17, 2025
So first of all what are manga books?
Well a manga book is all kinds of cartooning, comics, and animation from Japan, and reading manga books is different. You need to start at the back of the book and read forwards., then read the page right-to-left, top to bottom.
Did I get confused - yes I did.
The first thing I noticed was how bright and colourful it was. The artwork was fun to look at.
The story and qutie realistic.
The writer does a great job of making you care for the characters.
Well a manga book is all kinds of cartooning, comics, and animation from Japan, and reading manga books is different. You need to start at the back of the book and read forwards., then read the page right-to-left, top to bottom.
Did I get confused - yes I did.
The first thing I noticed was how bright and colourful it was. The artwork was fun to look at.
The story and qutie realistic.
The writer does a great job of making you care for the characters.
February 24, 2025
Absolutely love seeing manga specifically for a MG audience, and this one is a topic kids will love - becoming famous!! The art in this is wonderful, and the storyline is really fun and poignant. What kid doesn't wonder if "someone like them" could truly stand out? This is going to be a big hit at the bookstore I work at!
Thank you to Graphix for the review copy!
Thank you to Graphix for the review copy!
May 15, 2025
Pros:
-Full color!
-Characters are fine
-Get to see some Japanese culture
Cons:
-Becoming an idol looks like a stressful career (akin to modelling)
-Emphasis on being more “special” than other girls
-People make judgments about the 13yo protagonist’s body, including lifting up her shirt and saying she has strong abs. That scene weirded me out.
-Full color!
-Characters are fine
-Get to see some Japanese culture
Cons:
-Becoming an idol looks like a stressful career (akin to modelling)
-Emphasis on being more “special” than other girls
-People make judgments about the 13yo protagonist’s body, including lifting up her shirt and saying she has strong abs. That scene weirded me out.
May 23, 2025
This was okay, I mean, the story was cute. The art was cute. I just don't know if there was really any depth, but maybe that's not really necessary. It was just kind of a fun story reading about this girl auditioning for like a pop group. I'm not that familiar with Japanese culture, but the story was fun Nonetheless. And I will at least read the next volume and see what happens.
August 10, 2025
This was a cute and fun manga to read! It was about a girl who tries to become a singer and it is fun, I liked the art and storyline. I am a big fan of cute manga and it reminded me of K-on! [another music manga, but that one is WAY less high stakes because it is just girls singing at school and not a contest)
September 1, 2025
This was very cute! Maybe it's just because I've been really into competition & reality show webcomics lately, but I was pulled in by this idol competition from the beginning. This seems like it's going to be a high energy story of being unapologetically confident and proud of your skills. I can see this getting a lot of play as more people get into KPDH and want Idol fiction too!
December 23, 2025
So adorable! This is one of my favorite reads of the SLJ Best of 2025 list - and it's only going to be four volumes which means that it will be a great read for my teen manga readers. It definitely is taking a lighter look at the idol industry and it comes in full color. The art and the story are super comforting and cozy.
May 15, 2025
Great book for girls ages 9-12, for fans of graphic novels and manga! Relatable storyline, where Hikaru has an opportunity share her singing talents while facing fears and frenemies. Featured Ink-a-Dink Bookstore Summer Read 2025.
March 5, 2025
I do not like how it leaves you hanging and if you want to find out what happens you have to buy the next book.
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