Waka Takase’s delightful manga series, Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept (Mī-chan wa Kawaretai), is set to conclude in the upcoming issue of Shueisha’s Ultra Jump magazine, scheduled for release on May 19, 2025. This heartwarming and quirky story about a man and a cat-girl has captured the hearts of readers since its debut in March 2023.
A Unique Premise: From Stray Cat to Human Girl
Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept tells the story of Iori, a kind-hearted but stressed-out grocery manager who is still grieving the loss of his beloved cat. One night, he rescues a stray cat and brings it home. The next morning, he awakens to find the cat gone and replaced by a feisty, naked girl named Mii-chan. Mii-chan isn’t just any girl; she’s a cat-girl who transforms into a cat at night. As Iori takes her in, his life takes an unpredictable turn filled with comedy, romance, and a touch of the supernatural.
Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed the manga for English release, with the first volume already available since April 15, 2025. They describe the story as: “Nice guy grocery manager Iori is stuck in a rut. He’s overworked, underappreciated, and still grieving the disappearance of his beloved cat. But one fateful night, after rescuing a stray on his way home, Iori wakes up to a shock: the stray is gone, and in its place is a feisty, naked girl! Pushy, adorable, and oddly familiar, Mii-chan isn’t just crashing at Iori’s place—she’s hiding a big secret. As Mii-chan paws at his heart, Iori’s life is about to take a purr-fectly unpredictable turn!”
Waka Takase: A Versatile Manga Creator
Waka Takase is a Japanese manga artist known for her diverse range of works, spanning various genres and demographics. Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept is one of her more recent works, showcasing her ability to blend comedy, romance, and supernatural elements into a captivating narrative.
Other notable works by Takase include:
- Ane no Tomodachi (My Older Sister’s Friend): A comedy, romance, and slice-of-life series launched in January 2024.
- Yoiakete Romanesque: A historical romance series.
- Matsurika Kanriden: Koukyuu Jokan, Kimagure Koutei ni Misomerare: A drama, fantasy, and romance series.
Takase’s art style is characterized by its clean lines, expressive characters, and attention to detail. She is also adept at creating engaging and relatable characters that resonate with readers.
Themes and Reception
Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept explores themes of love, acceptance, and the unique bonds between humans and animals. The manga has been praised for its originality, heartwarming story, and adorable characters. However, some reviewers have noted the potentially uncomfortable age difference between the main characters, with Iori being close to his thirties and Mii-chan being seventeen.
Despite this, the manga has garnered a dedicated fanbase who appreciate its lighthearted tone and charming characters. The series has been described as a “solid 7” by reviewers, with praise for the banter between the main characters and the potential for a great cast of side characters.
What to Expect from the Final Chapter?
As the manga approaches its conclusion, fans are eager to see how Iori and Mii-chan’s story will resolve. Will they overcome the challenges they face and solidify their relationship? Will Mii-chan’s secret be revealed?
The final chapter promises to be an emotional and satisfying conclusion to this purr-fectly unpredictable manga series. Readers can look forward to seeing the culmination of Iori and Mii-chan’s journey, filled with heartwarming moments and a touch of Takase’s signature humor.
Where to Read Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept
For those interested in reading Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept, the manga is available on various platforms, including:
- MangaDex
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Seven Seas Entertainment (English release)
A Fond Farewell
Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept has been a delightful and unique addition to the manga landscape. Waka Takase’s charming story and relatable characters have resonated with readers, making it a memorable series. As the manga comes to an end, fans can look back on the heartwarming journey of Iori and Mii-chan with fondness and anticipation for Takase’s future works.
Exploring the Cat-Girl Trope
The “cat-girl” or nekomimi trope is a recurring element in Japanese manga and anime, and Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept offers a unique take on this classic concept. Cat-girls often embody traits associated with cats, such as playfulness, independence, and a touch of mystery. In Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept, Mii-chan’s dual nature as both a human and a cat adds an extra layer of complexity to her character and her relationship with Iori.
The manga explores the comedic potential of this trope, with Iori’s initial preference for cats over people leading to humorous situations as he adjusts to living with Mii-chan in her human form. However, the series also delves into the more emotional aspects of Mii-chan’s identity, as she grapples with her dual nature and seeks acceptance from Iori.
Age Gap Controversy
One of the more contentious aspects of Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept is the age difference between the main characters. Iori, a man close to his thirties, is in a relationship with Mii-chan, a seventeen-year-old girl. This age gap has raised concerns among some readers, who find the relationship dynamic uncomfortable or even inappropriate.
Critics of the age gap argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and normalizes relationships with significant power imbalances. They point to the fact that Mii-chan is still a minor and that Iori, as an older adult, holds a position of authority in the relationship.
However, some defenders of the manga argue that the age gap is not a major issue, as the series is primarily a lighthearted comedy and that the characters’ relationship is portrayed as consensual and mutually beneficial. They also point out that age gap relationships are not uncommon in manga and anime and that Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept is not intended to be a realistic or morally complex portrayal of such a relationship.
Ultimately, whether or not the age gap is a problematic element of the manga is a matter of personal opinion. Readers should be aware of this aspect of the story before deciding to read it.
Beyond Mii-chan: Other Works by Waka Takase
While Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept may be coming to an end, fans of Waka Takase’s work can explore her other manga series. Takase has a diverse portfolio, ranging from slice-of-life romances to historical dramas.
- Ane no Tomodachi (My Older Sister’s Friend) is a more recent work that shares some similarities with Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept, featuring a slice-of-life romance with comedic elements. This series may appeal to readers who enjoyed the lighthearted tone and character interactions in Mii-chan.
- For those interested in a different genre, Matsurika Kanriden: Koukyuu Jokan, Kimagure Koutei ni Misomerare offers a historical fantasy with a focus on romance and political intrigue. This series showcases Takase’s versatility as a storyteller and her ability to create compelling narratives in different settings.
By exploring Takase’s other works, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for her artistic style, storytelling techniques, and recurring themes.
The End of a Chapter, the Start of New Stories
As Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept draws to a close, it marks the end of a chapter in Waka Takase’s career. However, it also opens the door for new stories and creative endeavors. Fans of Takase’s work can look forward to her future projects with anticipation, eager to see what new and exciting worlds she will create.
