Toworu Miyata’s “Living With Him” has captivated readers with its sweet and heartwarming story of two childhood friends navigating university life and blossoming romance. This Boys’ Love (BL) manga, also known as “Kare no Iru Seikatsu” in Japanese, has garnered significant attention, boasting over four million readers in Japan and a live-action TV series adaptation.
The Premise: A Roommate Reunion
The story centers around Ryota Natsukawa, who is starting university and eager for independence. His plans take an unexpected turn when he discovers his assigned roommate is none other than Kazuhito Tanaka, his childhood friend. Although they were close as kids, they drifted apart over the years. Kazuhito, despite his striking good looks, is perpetually single, which sparks Ryota’s curiosity.
Plot: From Roommates to Romance
Ryota, intrigued by Kazuhito’s lack of romantic success, proposes a “fake dating” experiment. He aims to analyze Kazuhito’s behavior from a girlfriend’s perspective to understand why he gets dumped. This setup provides a charming framework for exploring their dynamic. As they spend more time together, the lines between friendship and romantic feelings become blurred. The manga avoids overly dramatic tropes, focusing on the subtle shifts in their relationship as they rediscover their bond. It is not a fast-paced love story, but rather allows the relationship to develop at a comfortable pace.
A Closer Look at the Characters
- Ryota Natsukawa: A domestically inclined young man, Ryota is initially annoyed by the prospect of having a roommate, especially one he barely knows anymore. However, he’s quickly won over by Kazuhito’s easygoing charm. Ryota’s attempts to analyze Kazuhito’s dating flaws are a humorous highlight.
- Kazuhito Tanaka: Handsome and seemingly perfect, Kazuhito appears to be a catch, yet struggles with maintaining romantic relationships. His easygoing and charming nature makes him instantly likable. As the story progresses, his genuine feelings for Ryota begin to surface.
Themes and Style
“Living With Him” is characterized by its wholesome and fluffy atmosphere. The story emphasizes the importance of honest communication and allows the characters to express their feelings naturally. It is a feel-good story that focuses on the development of a sweet romance between childhood friends. It avoids heavy melodrama, opting for lighthearted interactions and emotional nuances. The manga’s art style is often praised as cute and fitting, enhancing the overall charm of the story. The execution is good and the main themes come across nicely.
The “Heating Up” Bonus Story
For fans craving more, the manga includes a bonus story titled “Living With Him: Heating Up.” This continuation explores Ryota and Kazuhito’s relationship after they become more comfortable with each other, delving into their growing passion. It includes a summer festival scene with both characters wearing yukata, adding to the visual appeal. This bonus provides a deeper look into their intimate connection.
Reception and Impact
“Living With Him” has received generally positive reviews, with many readers appreciating its cute and funny characters and the sweet and sincere love story. It has resonated with fans of the BL genre, becoming a mega-hit with over 4 million readers in Japan. The manga’s success has led to a live-action television series, further expanding its reach. The series premiered on April 12, 2024. The manga is a solid read, and enjoyable for fans of this type of story.
Live-Action TV Series
The live-action adaptation of “Living With Him” features Ryuga Sato as Ryota Natsukawa and Sho Sakai as Kazuhito Tanaka. The series stays true to the manga’s premise, depicting the journey of the two childhood friends as they navigate their cohabitation and burgeoning feelings. It is directed by Ayaka Katō, with scripts written by Takeshi Miyamoto and Kōji Nomura. The music is composed by Daisuke Nishimura and DUNK. The show also includes Mori Hinami, Rei Sawamura, and Mone Akitani in the cast.
Publication Details
- Author: Toworu Miyata
- Genre: Boys’ Love (BL), Romance, LGBTQ, Yaoi, Queer
- Publisher: Animate International Co., Ltd.
- Original Serialization: July 31, 2018 to July 2, 2019 on B-Boy P!
- English Print Release: February 14, 2024, by Animate International
- First Published (Digital): July 19, 2019
- Number of Volumes: 1 (single volume)
Where to Find “Living With Him”
The manga is available in both digital and print formats. Readers can purchase it from various online retailers, including:
- Amazon: Available as an eBook in multiple languages, including English.
- Barnes & Noble: Offers the digital version for NOOK devices and the free NOOK App.
- Animate USA Online Shop: The print version is available and includes an exclusive bonus sticker for pre-orders and purchases.
- Kinokuniya: Physical locations across the United States also carry the print version.
- ebookrenta: Official digital-manga store where you can rent or purchase the manga.
- Google Books: Available as an ebook.
Final Thoughts
“Living With Him” is a charming and enjoyable read for anyone who appreciates a sweet and heartfelt story about friendship and romance. The manga’s cute characters, combined with its emotional depth, make it a delightful experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the BL genre or new to it, “Living With Him” is a great choice that provides a satisfying story with endearing characters. The additional “Heating Up” bonus story adds a bit of spice, offering a deeper dive into their blossoming relationship.
