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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 69 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.
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 22, 2026
I think my copy is TECHNICALLY a Library Binding, based on the COMPLETE LACK of UPC* and descriptive text on the back cover. Instead, there's a reproduction of one of the interior panels (where Hikaru is singing with the mop) and caption, "It's time . . . for you to become a true idol."
I mostly note that as full disclosure, that I'm not reviewing the publisher hardcover (or strongly doubt that I am).
I'm sort of waffling at the rating, since it feels like a 3.5 but I'm giving benefit of the doubt since it was pretty okay while I was reading it, but I'd pretty much almost completely forgotten about it between reading it and sitting down to write this review. It's not bad for what it is, but I think the only way I would keep reading is if the library has all four books, rather than making me hunt down the rest. I've mentioned in MANY other reviews that my "special order" list is already too long to actively pursue EVERYTHING I would follow—besides that it would cost easily my entire retirement fund, haha—so even some of the books I reacquired through whatever method with the intent of reading, I've KonMari-ed away out of not *enough* interest in reading them after all.
Also, free library addiction. It's just too much fun filling those up! (and sometimes taking books that look good, in exchange)
I don't know. Basic "I want to be an idol but can I really??" story, particularly focused on the fact that idols are almost ENTIRELY focused on singing, dancing, and looks (and also how they interact with fans as a side qualifier). The main thing that maybe makes this different—not that I've consumed LOTS of manga/manhwa/graphic novels or anime about idols (or their fans) to say something's truly "different"—is that Hikaru is so already established in her perceived future that she has to *use a mop* to tap into what makes her stand out in her private life.**
But even that seems sort of basic compared to other idol stories, so I don't know. This seems a little more believable than the others I've read, maybe, which are already trying hard to stand out from the other idol stories. I mean, it's okay, probably a nice read for anyone sort of interested in a story about idols/becoming an idol but not interested in the other gimmicks like... oh... being put in a secret facility like Blue Lock and told to follow orders from something called "The Wall"... by comparison, needing a mop to sing well is pretty normal!
*unless it's hidden under the library bar code, which I doubt, since the library deliberately puts it at the top of the cover instead of at the bottom where the UPC normally is
**singing while cleaning the public bathhouse her grandfather intends to pass down to her, to the point that Grandpa wants her to give a concert and sell tickets to it, and *has chiseled abs* from doing crunches to help her sing... in the public bathhouse
I mostly note that as full disclosure, that I'm not reviewing the publisher hardcover (or strongly doubt that I am).
I'm sort of waffling at the rating, since it feels like a 3.5 but I'm giving benefit of the doubt since it was pretty okay while I was reading it, but I'd pretty much almost completely forgotten about it between reading it and sitting down to write this review. It's not bad for what it is, but I think the only way I would keep reading is if the library has all four books, rather than making me hunt down the rest. I've mentioned in MANY other reviews that my "special order" list is already too long to actively pursue EVERYTHING I would follow—besides that it would cost easily my entire retirement fund, haha—so even some of the books I reacquired through whatever method with the intent of reading, I've KonMari-ed away out of not *enough* interest in reading them after all.
Also, free library addiction. It's just too much fun filling those up! (and sometimes taking books that look good, in exchange)
I don't know. Basic "I want to be an idol but can I really??" story, particularly focused on the fact that idols are almost ENTIRELY focused on singing, dancing, and looks (and also how they interact with fans as a side qualifier). The main thing that maybe makes this different—not that I've consumed LOTS of manga/manhwa/graphic novels or anime about idols (or their fans) to say something's truly "different"—is that Hikaru is so already established in her perceived future that she has to *use a mop* to tap into what makes her stand out in her private life.**
But even that seems sort of basic compared to other idol stories, so I don't know. This seems a little more believable than the others I've read, maybe, which are already trying hard to stand out from the other idol stories. I mean, it's okay, probably a nice read for anyone sort of interested in a story about idols/becoming an idol but not interested in the other gimmicks like... oh... being put in a secret facility like Blue Lock and told to follow orders from something called "The Wall"... by comparison, needing a mop to sing well is pretty normal!
*unless it's hidden under the library bar code, which I doubt, since the library deliberately puts it at the top of the cover instead of at the bottom where the UPC normally is
**singing while cleaning the public bathhouse her grandfather intends to pass down to her, to the point that Grandpa wants her to give a concert and sell tickets to it, and *has chiseled abs* from doing crunches to help her sing... in the public bathhouse
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.
September 16, 2026
Hikaru loves singing while helping clean her grandfather's bathing house. He's even thinking of holding a concert there she's so good. When a music producer announces that he's putting together a new girl band featuring Japanese girls with real vocal and dance talents, Hikaru's friend Ran encourages her to join. Ran is retiring from a giant girl group in which she never was able to get a spotlight and trying out herself, but she knows Hikaru's voice is better than hers. Hikaru isn't sure about trying out because she doesn't think she's anything special, but at Ran's encouragement, she agrees to give it a shot. Will she even make it past the first round?
This volume sees Hikaru and Ran through the first 2 rounds of the competition and helps us understand both of their insecurities and contrasting views of each other. I like that even though they are technically competing, they are very encouraging with each other. In fact, a lot of the competitors are good sports which make this feel like it is more the girls vs themselves or the girls vs the high standards of the producer than any girl vs girl competition. Because Hikaru is in 8th grade and most of the others are high school or college students this felt more YA than middle grade to me, not because of any mature content, but just the ages of the characters and the major life choices they are making.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None. There's one page where Ran pulls up Hikaru's shirt to look at her crazy strong abs, but it isn't sexually motivated and she doesn't pull the shirt up too far.
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Japanese
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: Pressure from self.
This volume sees Hikaru and Ran through the first 2 rounds of the competition and helps us understand both of their insecurities and contrasting views of each other. I like that even though they are technically competing, they are very encouraging with each other. In fact, a lot of the competitors are good sports which make this feel like it is more the girls vs themselves or the girls vs the high standards of the producer than any girl vs girl competition. Because Hikaru is in 8th grade and most of the others are high school or college students this felt more YA than middle grade to me, not because of any mature content, but just the ages of the characters and the major life choices they are making.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None. There's one page where Ran pulls up Hikaru's shirt to look at her crazy strong abs, but it isn't sexually motivated and she doesn't pull the shirt up too far.
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Japanese
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: Pressure from self.
September 8, 2026
Hikaru-Chan in the shining light is about a girl named Hikaru-Chan, her grandpa owns a bathhouse in Japan where she works at, Hikaru-Chan sings in the bath house so much that people started to call her the song bird of the public bath. Hikaru-Chan has a friend named Ran-Chan that happens to be in a massive girl group called JP academy. One day while Hikura was on her phone she see`s that Ran-Chan decided to leave JP academy, in a rush Hikura texts Ran-Chan to ask why she decided to quit, Ran- Chan texts her, to look behind her, and to Hikuras surprise she was right behind her. Ran-chan convinces Hikura to try out for Girls in the light(a survival show were only 6 girls will be able to debut). Hikaru is very nervous for the first audition, she trained hard for it. The day of the first audition comes and sadly Ran-Chan is placed for the second hour of auditions. Finally it`s Hikuras turn, when inside she refuses to use a mic and instead borrows a broom to sing with, surprisingly they both pass! Hikura is even more nervous for the second audition that she wakes up every morning at 6am just to practice. Finally, the second audition comes around, when she`s inside, she isn`t even asked to sing that just want her to dance, because of how memorable and good she can sing. Hikura and Ran-Chan pass and get moved on to the training camp were they will train and audition over the summer. When they get to the training camp and unfortunately they aren`t in the same dorm. After they got there they are told too unpack and go down stairs right after.When they get down they are being randomly chosen for the 3rd audition! I think someone with big dreams in life would like this. I really enjoyed this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
December 26, 2025
After reading By Invitation Only, where nobody in the book took its central event seriously, it was refreshing to read something with a similar premise that felt earnest and sweet instead of smug and cynical. Everyone competing for a spot in this new idol group genuinely cares about Japanese idols, singing, dancing, and performing for others.
Of course, the main character has to find her confidence and believe that she deserves to dream about being someone special, even when her parents and her own self-doubt are constantly putting her down. Thankfully, she has a close friend with the same dream, who practically has to drag her kicking and screaming to the audition.
Volume 1 is mostly setup, but I’m already looking forward to more training, competitions, and the inevitable painful goodbyes to friends and fellow competitors. I understand that something this earnest can gloss over the darker sides of the entertainment industry and idol culture in particular, but sometimes it’s just nice to watch people chase their dreams and slowly learn to believe in themselves.
Of course, the main character has to find her confidence and believe that she deserves to dream about being someone special, even when her parents and her own self-doubt are constantly putting her down. Thankfully, she has a close friend with the same dream, who practically has to drag her kicking and screaming to the audition.
Volume 1 is mostly setup, but I’m already looking forward to more training, competitions, and the inevitable painful goodbyes to friends and fellow competitors. I understand that something this earnest can gloss over the darker sides of the entertainment industry and idol culture in particular, but sometimes it’s just nice to watch people chase their dreams and slowly learn to believe in themselves.
March 12, 2026
Hikaru Ogino is a 14 year old, middle school girl who sings while she cleans the bathhouse owned by her family in Toyko. Her friend, 16 year old Ren, encourages her to try out for a idol group that was featured on tv with her. Ren is already part of a 50 strong idol choir, but wishes for people to see and hear her. Just her. Afraid but determined, Hikaru agrees and they end up in a competition against over 1,300 other girls (I think that was the number they used).
They both make it through the first couple of rounds, landing in the top 97 and sent off to idol survival camp!
I don't know. On the one side, it's neat to read, but on the other hand, Hikaru is only 14 and trying to become an idol. That aside, as I said, it's neat to read. I think this would probably make a good anime, if it hasn't been already. The art is pretty good and I am enjoying the story so far. It's nice that she has her friend, Ren, with her as some sort of support.
They both make it through the first couple of rounds, landing in the top 97 and sent off to idol survival camp!
I don't know. On the one side, it's neat to read, but on the other hand, Hikaru is only 14 and trying to become an idol. That aside, as I said, it's neat to read. I think this would probably make a good anime, if it hasn't been already. The art is pretty good and I am enjoying the story so far. It's nice that she has her friend, Ren, with her as some sort of support.
February 17, 2026
This was such a cute manga! I love that Scholastics is branching out into manga and this was a great read. I especially loved the quality - fully coloured panels, quality paper - definitely differentiates this from standard manga.
I really liked this story too. I appreciate that Hikaru doesn't want to settle on being normal. Instead, she joins her friend in trying to become an idol. The shift from the first chapter to the last really showed Hikaru's growth in wanting to chase her goals. I found the competition fun, but I wish there had been a bit more shown. I did love some of the touches around Hikaru's performances and I'm excited to see how survival camp goes for her in the next instalment!
TW: Bullying
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 4.5/5
Overall: 4/5
Finished copy gifted by Scholastic in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this story too. I appreciate that Hikaru doesn't want to settle on being normal. Instead, she joins her friend in trying to become an idol. The shift from the first chapter to the last really showed Hikaru's growth in wanting to chase her goals. I found the competition fun, but I wish there had been a bit more shown. I did love some of the touches around Hikaru's performances and I'm excited to see how survival camp goes for her in the next instalment!
TW: Bullying
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 4.5/5
Overall: 4/5
Finished copy gifted by Scholastic in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2026
My thoughts:
I quite liked this comic. The story follows Hikaru, a student in middle school who is a great singer. Her friend Ran wants her to join her in her endeavor to become an idol. I really liked the art and designs; they were pretty. The first half didn't immerse me in the story, though. The second half, I enjoyed it more and got more into it.
Pros: Beautiful art and interesting premise for the story. I look forward to seeing where the story goes and the competition. No cuss words aside from maybe crap, which isn't really a bad word.
Cons: The first half didn't grip me. There was one part where her friend looked at her abs, and I thought we didn't need to see that because she's in middle school. It weirded me out a little.
Age Rating: 10-11+ It should be fine for young readers. 💖
I quite liked this comic. The story follows Hikaru, a student in middle school who is a great singer. Her friend Ran wants her to join her in her endeavor to become an idol. I really liked the art and designs; they were pretty. The first half didn't immerse me in the story, though. The second half, I enjoyed it more and got more into it.
Pros: Beautiful art and interesting premise for the story. I look forward to seeing where the story goes and the competition. No cuss words aside from maybe crap, which isn't really a bad word.
Cons: The first half didn't grip me. There was one part where her friend looked at her abs, and I thought we didn't need to see that because she's in middle school. It weirded me out a little.
Age Rating: 10-11+ It should be fine for young readers. 💖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2026
Hikaru in the Light!: Volume 1 by Mai Matsuda is a graphic novel about two best friends competing to become pop stars.
Middle school student Hikaru Ogino helps clean her family's bathhouse in Tokyo. She is well known in the community for her beautiful singing voice. Hikaru dreams of following in the footsteps of her best friend, Ran, and becoming a professional singer. When a new competition opens up, Ran encourages Hikaru to apply and test her abilities against other participants in a pop star survival camp. Will Hikaru have what it takes to succeed?
The graphic novel was a fun and easygoing read. It was easy to follow and had some mildly humorous moments. The story was predictable, but it was still fun following Hikaru's journey. The book is part of a series, so it does end on a cliffhanger. It was a cute, cozy read and would be perfect for a younger audience.
Middle school student Hikaru Ogino helps clean her family's bathhouse in Tokyo. She is well known in the community for her beautiful singing voice. Hikaru dreams of following in the footsteps of her best friend, Ran, and becoming a professional singer. When a new competition opens up, Ran encourages Hikaru to apply and test her abilities against other participants in a pop star survival camp. Will Hikaru have what it takes to succeed?
The graphic novel was a fun and easygoing read. It was easy to follow and had some mildly humorous moments. The story was predictable, but it was still fun following Hikaru's journey. The book is part of a series, so it does end on a cliffhanger. It was a cute, cozy read and would be perfect for a younger audience.
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.
April 5, 2026
Hikaru Ogino, who works and sings in her family's Tokyo bathhouse, follows a friend's lead in competing for a spot at a pop star survival camp. Although she has no professional experience and has never even held a microphone, there's something special about her. But there are thousands of other girls vying for the chance at stardom, each one of them sure that she has what the talent scouts are looking for. Given the continued popularity of talent shows these days, this manga will surely be a hit with many middle-grade and teen readers. How accurate it is might be questioned, but fans of this sort of thing won't care about that.
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.
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