The beloved manga series Ichijōma Mankitsu Gurashi! by Kumako Hisama is officially set to receive a television anime adaptation, bringing its unique brand of manga cafe comedy to screens. The announcement has been met with anticipation from fans of the four-panel series, known for its quirky characters and slice-of-life humor.
The Premise of Ichijōma Mankitsu Gurashi!
The series, whose title translates to “Living in a One-Tatami Room!”, centers on Meiko Morita, a high school student hailing from Japan’s countryside. Drawn to Tokyo by the promise of a dorm and an allowance at the prestigious Amamiya Girls Academy, Meiko’s metropolitan dreams take an unexpected turn upon her arrival. She discovers that her supposed dormitory is, in fact, a bustling manga cafe named “Hedgehog.” With her plans upended, Meiko finds herself working at the cafe to cover her tuition, quickly integrating into the lives of the cafe’s equally idiosyncratic residents.
A Cast of Unforgettable Characters
Ichijōma Mankitsu Gurashi! thrives on its ensemble cast, each character contributing to the comedic and heartwarming atmosphere of the Hedgehog cafe.
- Meiko Morita: The second-year high school student from Akita Prefecture serves as the series’ protagonist, navigating her new life in Tokyo while adapting to the unconventional living and working arrangements at Hedgehog.
- Rie Amamiya: A fellow second-year student, Rie is a wealthy heiress who doubles as Hedgehog’s dormitory keeper and café manager. Her deep appreciation for both yuri and boys-love manga adds a distinct flavor to the cafe’s daily life.
- Marika Suzuki: Also a second-year high school student residing and working at the cafe, Marika is a well-known streamer on “MuTube” under the moniker “Marica Belltree.” Her sensitivity to temperatures often dictates her unique attire choices. She lives at Hedgehog due to strained family relations over her streaming career.
- Neo Nakano: Another second-year student at Hedgehog, Neo is a tech-savvy individual with aspirations of becoming a professional gamer, even competing in world championships.
- Michika Narumi: A first-year high school student, Michika works part-time at a cat cafe located on the first floor of the same building as Hedgehog, connecting the cafe’s residents to the wider building’s quirky ecosystem.
From Pages to Screen: The Manga’s Journey
Written and illustrated by Kumako Hisama, Ichijōma Mankitsu Gurashi! originally began as a guest series in Houbunsha’s Manga Time Kirara magazine in May 2018 before commencing full serialization in December 2018. The manga is published under Houbunsha’s Manga Time KR Comics imprint. As of September 2022, three tankōbon volumes have been compiled, with a fourth volume slated for release on July 26, 2025, further expanding the series’ published footprint ahead of its anime debut. Manga Time Kirara itself is a prominent Japanese magazine known for serializing four-panel seinen manga, often leading to popular anime adaptations.
While specific details regarding the anime’s production, such as its studio, cast, or precise release window, have yet to be revealed, the announcement confirms that Meiko and her friends’ delightful misadventures are set to reach a broader audience through the television medium. Fans eagerly await further updates on what promises to be a charming addition to the anime landscape.
