Yama Wayama’s popular manga series, “Fami-res Iko.” (also known as “Let’s Go to the Family Restaurant”), a sequel to “Let’s Go Karaoke!”, is slated to end in March. The manga, which follows protagonist Satomi Oka’s new life as a university student working at a family restaurant, is set to release its second collected volume on March 12.
The Journey of “Fami-res Iko.”
“Fami-res Iko.” is a sequel to Wayama Yama’s critically acclaimed manga “Let’s Go Karaoke!”. While “Let’s Go Karaoke!” focused on the unlikely mentorship between middle school choir president Satomi Oka and yakuza lieutenant Kyouji Narita over karaoke lessons, “Fami-res Iko.” picks up after a time skip, with Satomi Oka now a university student in Tokyo. His part-time job at a family restaurant becomes the stage for new encounters and intertwining lives, bringing together a diverse cast of characters including manga artists, yakuza, and manga enthusiasts.
The series began publishing in the November 2020 issue of Enterbrain’s Comic Beam magazine. It has garnered significant attention, being nominated for the 17th Manga Taisho Award in 2024 and ranking 10th in the final selection. It also placed sixth in the 2025 Kono Manga ga Sugoi! for the Female Readers division. Readers have praised the manga for its unpredictable story developments, heartwarming bonds, and the humor and warmth that permeate the narrative.
From Doujinshi to Critically Acclaimed Series
Yama Wayama initially self-published “Let’s Go Karaoke!” as a doujinshi in 2019 before it was picked up by Kadokawa Future Publishing in 2020. The original story quickly gained a dedicated following for its unique premise and compelling character dynamics. It was nominated for the 14th Manga Taishō in 2021, placing third, and also ranked fifth in the women’s edition of the 2021 Kono Manga ga Sugoi!.
The success of “Let’s Go Karaoke!” led to various adaptations, including a live-action film that premiered in Japan in January 2024, starring Jun Saitō as Satomi and Go Ayano as Kyouji. An anime television series adaptation, produced by Doga Kobo, also aired from July to September 2025, streaming globally on Crunchyroll. The anime was praised for its consistent pacing and “explainer” episodes that delved into the three-year time skip between the original manga and its sequel.
The Evolution of Satomi Oka
The character of Satomi Oka undergoes significant development throughout Wayama’s works. In “Let’s Go Karaoke!”, he navigates the pressures of his final choir competition and the unexpected request from a yakuza member, growing from a timid choirboy to a more confident young man. “Fami-res Iko.” continues this journey, showing Satomi starting a new life as a university student and experiencing new encounters that further shape his perspective. The series delves into themes of male bonds, the transition to adulthood, and the discovery of one’s purpose.
What’s Next for Wayama Yama?
While “Fami-res Iko.” concludes its run, Yama Wayama’s unique storytelling style and ability to craft narratives with a blend of humor, drama, and heartwarming relationships have firmly established her as a prominent mangaka. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see what new projects the acclaimed author embarks on next, following the conclusion of this beloved sequel.
