Another story about a shy and lonely girl, despite its brevity at just 5 volumes, it's a delightful and heartwarming manga to dive into.
It was incredibly sweet with a touch of drama, and I genuinely enjoyed every chapter. While it could have been a bit funnier in parts, the storyline was straightforward and easy to follow. The character development was solid, with the characters resembling typical shoujo archetypes—only instead of an energetic and lively protagonist, we get a shy and reserved girl.
Overall, it was a pleasant manga to enjoy during my free time.
A pretty standard shojo manga with some common clichés—though that's not necessarily a bad thing, just what you'd expect from a shojo! As in many others, the jealousy from other girls is turned up to eleven, the romance progresses slowly, and there's a love triangle. Yes, it's a typical shojo. That said, it does have its unique plot, and the drama surrounding the main character's internet friends was quite engaging. The manga, in my view, places more emphasis on the protagonist's personal growth than on the romance, which I think works well for a light binge-read. The art style is distinctively the mangaka's, avoiding the "same face syndrome," which is a plus. I particularly appreciate how this mangaka illustrates eyes.
Overall, I'd give it a 7 because it's enjoyable, and I would recommend it to fans of shojo, but it doesn't offer anything exceptionally groundbreaking. <p>
This manga is absolutely breathtaking.
It is, in my opinion, incredibly realistic overall, yet there's a subtle nod to classic shoujo tropes—shy girl, no friends, terrified to speak to anyone—and instead finds solace with her online friends who comment on her blog, Black Rabbit and MegaPIG. Without a doubt, *Koko ni Iru yo* is one of the most uplifting mangas I've ever read. Even though it's just a manga, it gave me courage and lifted my spirits immensely. ^^
Art: The artwork is stunning! In my view, it surpasses the average quality of most shoujo mangas. The official color pages are beautifully colored, and the characters are wonderfully designed. Of course, the male characters are total bishies. I have to admit, I'm a huge art enthusiast—I usually can't get into a manga with subpar art. But I must say this mangaka's drawings are among the best I've seen in a long time.
Characters: I believe the main character, Hikage, is exceptionally well-developed. She begins as an anti-social individual who simply wants to fit in and, with the encouragement of her online friends MegaPIG and Black Rabbit, gradually does so. It doesn't happen instantly like in some mangas; Hikage's journey to fitting in takes time, and I thought that was fantastic. The other two main supporting characters, Hinata and Teru, are also portrayed beautifully. ^^ I adore them both, and honestly, it's really hard to dislike any character.
Enjoyment: I attempted to stay up all night reading this but, unfortunately, wasn't allowed to, heh~. I was so engrossed in *Koko ni Iru Yo* that I spent all my free time at school reading it. Because GOSH, it's addictive. Most chapters left me on the edge of my seat, craving more.
Story: EXTREMELY sweet. I can't even articulate the cuteness of this manga~. It remains engaging right up to its final chapter, and in my opinion, it's the perfect length. It doesn't drag, and yet it isn't too brief either. I was personally very satisfied with the final pairing, and while some might disagree, for me, the person she ends up with makes this manga uniquely special. ^^ This storyline is undoubtedly at the top of my list.
Overall: This manga will forever be one of my favorites. *Koko ni Iru yo* made me smile from start to finish and was truly amazing. You won't regret reading it—it's definitely worth picking up if you have the time, and it's a must-read. Don't judge a manga by its cover, especially not this one. Ema Tooyama did an outstanding job with this series, and everything exceeded my expectations.
The first element that captured my attention and led me to pick up "Koko Ni Iru Yo!" was its cover art. I remember thinking, "How adorable!" Naturally, this set my expectations for a cheerful, charming narrative. As I delved into the story, I instantly connected with Sumino, the protagonist. Her role as the "lonely girl" striving earnestly to forge friendships resonated with me on some level.
Upon progressing further, it became evident that the storyline wasn't merely superficially cute but carried a more profound emotional undertone. Being an avid fan of shoujo manga, conventional elements such as having a crush on the most attractive classmate don't particularly stand out to me anymore. However, what truly captivated me about this manga was the rich character development extended not just to the main character but to all principal figures. This aspect made me fall deeply in love with the series, so much so that I read through it entirely on the very day I discovered it.
Now, I can't resist re-reading it and get excited whenever I notice it's available in English at bookstores! I wholeheartedly (and already have) recommend this manga to anyone who enjoys school-life shoujo stories and is searching for a delightful reading experience!
This story was a bit irritating at first because the protagonist was too shy. However, as I progressed, I grew to love it. I'm not sure why, but it made me feel sad often since I can relate to being shy and unnoticed, although not to the extent of being completely invisible. I enjoy the characters and their design. Overall, I think this series is fantastic! :D (thumbs up)<p>
<p>Sure, the story was quite typical, and the main character wasn't extraordinarily impressive, but this manga was undeniably super cute. I genuinely enjoyed it, and I found the art to be incredibly adorable, perfectly matching the overall premise. The sunflower imagery, along with all the cute little avatars and pictures, really enhanced the experience. I believe this is one of those mangas that I'll revisit in the future because it's just that charming and features a truly solid storyline.</p>
A truly amazing and beautiful manga.
People often overlook the lone wolves in the world. They assume these individuals simply prefer solitude, choosing to distance themselves from others. However, 99% of the time, that's not the case at all. Loneliness is a heavy burden, and Sumino is the perfect character to reveal this hidden truth.
Hinata's efforts to bring Sumino into the light are incredibly touching. Those who have experienced such loneliness are sure to shed tears while reading this manga.
The artwork is stunning, the story profound—this is just an all-around beautiful manga.
Koko ni Iru yo! is an exceptional drama and romance manga. It revolves around a girl who is extremely shy and finds her sole means of self-expression through her blog. Through her blog, she meets two individuals who constantly encourage and support her. This manga evoked a lot of emotions in me. I cried, smiled, and laughed alongside the characters as I read through the series.
I truly appreciate the art style, especially the way the characters are drawn. I adored how Teru looked and found Hikage's hair incredibly cute. Although the characters were somewhat clichéd, they were still very endearing and likable. Hikage is an invisible girl yearning to be noticed, to gain confidence, and to become strong. Meanwhile, Hinata and Teru are always at the center of attention. I cherished Hinata and Teru's friendship and the bond formed between them during their childhood.
I thoroughly enjoyed the manga. It was brief but perfectly sufficient. She didn't end up with the person I hoped she would, but it's alright; she and ... made a cute couple too.
Overall, it was a wonderful story about a girl seeking her place in the world and falling in love with someone. She forms connections with people along the way and gets into challenging situations, yet she always had someone's help to guide her through. I genuinely believe you should read this manga, but first, grab a box of tissues!
This story, despite featuring the somewhat overused stereotype of the "shy girl," is genuinely touching and utterly delightful!
Story: (9)
The narrative strikes a realistic chord that many can identify with. It's neither overly complicated nor excessively intricate but remains engaging and inspiring for those grappling with similar issues. While some elements are slightly exaggerated (particularly when the protagonist becomes almost invisible—shy individuals aren't typically *that* unnoticed!), the majority of the tale is heartfelt and authentic.
Art: (9)
The artwork is commendable! Although there were moments where certain characters seemed too alike, to the point of confusion until their names appeared in dialogue, the visuals overall are strong. The backgrounds are straightforward yet effective, ensuring the focus remains on the characters. The character designs themselves are quite appealing; nearly everyone exudes an attractive and polished appearance!
Character: (8)
This aspect might be the weakest link due to its reliance on familiar archetypes. We have the classic trio: the shy girl striving for strength and confidence (Hikage), the kind-hearted top student who excels athletically (Hinata), and the handsome, popular boy masking his loneliness with blunt honesty (Teru). While these types certainly exist in reality, their prevalence in manga and anime has rendered them tiresome. I awarded it an 8 solely out of irritation. Given the brevity of this manga, however, exceptional character development isn't feasible. That said, the progression of relationships was handled nicely :)
Enjoyment: (9)
I thoroughly enjoyed this series! Beyond its realism, I found myself relating deeply to its themes. Having experienced a parallel situation where I chose inaction and later regretted it, I've since transformed into a more outgoing and direct individual. This story resonated profoundly, even sparking a desire to revisit the past and emulate Hikage's courage.
Overall: (9)
A charming story featuring realistic—if somewhat stereotypical—characters, solid artistry, and a message of hope for introverts and loners alike. It's an impressive achievement given its limited chapter count. For anyone seeking a brief yet captivating read, I highly recommend this one! :)
There's something to be said about school dramas. In my opinion, a school drama must largely connect to reality—anything that aims to imitate, rather than mock, reality should be grounded in the real world. Reality, where things aren't black and white, demands that an author observe their characters and make judgments based on the people they encounter daily.
That's why I can't give this a good review. I just can't.
Story: 2/10
I give this a 2 because this type of story is dry and uninteresting. A shy girl needing to choose between two boys... that kind of plot is everywhere. As a concept, I understand why a school romance might follow this formula. However, when you look at reality, lonely characters don't often get such lucky chances as the girl in this story does. And maybe I'm biased, having read so many similar tales, but the sheer number of these stories proves that this approach is old and tired. A talented author can take something old and weave it into something new—I feel like nothing new has emerged from this story. It simply doesn't measure up compared to others in its genre.
Art: 10/10
This manga is visually appealing. This aspect alone can attract many readers. If you find the art cute, you might also find the characters endearing, and so on.
Characters:
There are a few characters I don't particularly care for.
Firstly, Sumino herself feels like a flawed character to me. The author seems to have made her pitiful in an attempt to evoke sympathy, but it just doesn't feel real. Even the shyest individuals experience anger more intensely than she ever does. Additionally, her journey from isolation to social integration feels rushed and effortless. Given her background, it should have taken longer for her to comfortably interact with her classmates. Honestly, throughout the series, she is constantly growing, but I believe this transformation takes more time.
The bully, Ayu, also feels unrealistic. She isn't cunning yet somehow manages to sway an entire school with just a few words. I dislike this trope in many similar manga—the bully stirs up the entire school against the unsuspecting heroine, leaving her feeling smothered. Truly, that can't happen in real life. People don't blindly follow a bully wherever she leads.
Enjoyment: 5/10
I know some people enjoyed this series, and for the most part, I agree that it's passable. But I don't really enjoy a story that doesn't add anything to this age-old formula: girl is alone, girl meets boy, boy has friends/enemies who also love the girl, girl must choose, girl is bullied for the boy liking her, blah blah. For me, a story needs to be engaging enough to keep me reading in suspense. I'm not getting that sense of mystery here. The only mystery is which boy Sumino will pick. That's it. In my opinion, that's not very interesting. If she's supposed to transition from the shadows into the light, why don't we learn more about her hardships? Why is the sole mystery "Which will Sumino choose?" Why isn't there something like "How does Sumino handle conflicts with her newfound female friends?" or "How will Sumino deal with a classmate who has been placed in her previous position?" There's so much potential that could have been explored, yet none of it was utilized in this story. And so, I am compelled to say that overall, I give this story...
Koko Ni Iru Yo is an anime that, at first glance, appears to be a standard shoujo, but in reality, it's a gem within its genre and a manga worth reading!
Story
The narrative is straightforward and easy to follow. It initially seems like a typical shoujo manga, focusing on Sumino, a shy and extremely timid girl with low self-confidence. Sumino turns to her online blog and her two online friends, "BlackRabbit" and "Mega Pig," during tough times. Feeling alone and worthless, her life changes when popular boy Hinata confesses his love for her. This gives Sumino the strength to change not only for herself but also for him. The story unfolds at a steady pace, captivating the reader. Despite being relatively short at 19 chapters and 5 volumes, it showcases character and environmental transformations beautifully. The issues faced by the characters are handled well, making it a relatable and realistic story. While it may seem like an average shoujo tale at times, Koko Ni Iru Yo has a unique charm that draws you in.
Art
The art in Koko Ni Iru Yo is magnificent. The character designs are adorable! Sumino is often described as "plain" in the story, which is ironic given her beauty. Unfortunately, the two main male characters, Hinata and Teru, don't stand out as much in their design compared to Sumino. The supporting characters also don't have as distinctive designs, but overall, the art is quite impressive.
Characters
One of the standout aspects of this manga is Sumino's character and her development throughout the story. Her growth as a person is remarkable. You witness her blossoming and grow to admire her by the end of Koko Ni Iru Yo. Hinata is charming, though there's little insight into why he likes Sumino. However, it's clear that his feelings for her are strong. Beyond his affection for Sumino, his character lacks depth, but it isn't crucial to the story. Teru, on the other hand, is bold and more rebellious than Hinata or Sumino. He's blunt and sometimes harsh, but his character takes an interesting turn when he develops feelings for Sumino. I believe his character has more depth than Hinata's, but it's evident from the start that he and Sumino aren't meant to be together.
Enjoyment
If you're seeking a complex story or an action-packed thriller, this might not be your type of manga. If you're looking for a heartfelt shoujo story, Koko Ni Iru Yo fits the bill. As mentioned earlier, it has a strange allure that makes you want to keep reading and hope for Sumino to find her place in the world. I enjoyed this anime so much that I read it twice in one day!
Overall
A simple yet beautiful story, great characters and art, and a fun read that can be inspiring. I could relate to this manga deeply; it brightened my day and cheered me up when I was feeling low. I highly recommend it. It's not rated 10 because the story was short-lived at 19 chapters, and I felt it needed a few more twists.
Ever had a conversation on the internet that felt more meaningful than those in real life? I’m sure you have. Anyone who has been online for more than a week knows this feeling. The question is, does this phenomenon play a role in your life? Does it matter to you whether the person you talk to online – and only online – is available or not? Sometimes, these online conversations can mean so much to people, offering help and encouragement. It can even upset them if the person they talk to is no longer available. But to what extent are these online conversations truly meaningful?
I am here!
This phrase encapsulates Sumino Hikage, the main character of the manga with the same title. She’s an 8th grader with a reserved personality. If she gets picked on, she doesn’t speak up. If someone bumps into her, she’s the one to apologize. She’s just someone who doesn’t want any problems, and this comes off as very lonely. See, nobody notices her.
Sumino could be the plainest girl you’ve ever seen in a manga. No eye-catching features, no bizarre personality, no weird clothes. And this works perfectly in this story. Sumino struggles all her life with the fact that there’s no one around who fully acknowledges her. Everyone seems to overlook her without wanting to know what kind of girl she is. This results in her being lonely with no real friends. Worse still, people think she likes being lonely because she doesn’t do anything to socialize. Blame it on her personality or her ordinary appearance, but this makes it easy to sympathize with her.
This puts Sumino in a vicious circle. She doesn’t want to be lonely but can’t make friends. People see that she has no friends and assume she likes it that way. This circle is what makes Sumino such a believable character. Anyone can understand this situation and has experienced it to some extent. But because she’s so invisible and reclusive, she can’t break out of that circle, even though she desperately wants to. It’s sad to see that something that seems so easy is actually impossible to achieve without at least one other person. It takes two to break a circle, and luckily for Sumino, she’s got 1.5.
Because Sumino has an online blog. Not just any blog. A very personal one. She posts pictures of nature there and writes articles to ease her loneliness. But sadly, that doesn’t work out either. Nobody seems to comment on her efforts. Even her blog seems to get overlooked without anyone caring about it. She even goes so far as to make a public request for anyone reading her blog to leave a comment. Anyone.
And luckily, her efforts were not in vain. She finally got someone to comment on her blog. A long-time reader and first-time commenter. Their online relationship begins to grow as this person comments more and more, boosting Sumino’s confidence. This person even begins to motivate and cheer for Sumino to find friends in the real world. “Work hard! You can do it!” And finally, someone noticed her at school. From here on, Sumino’s real-life journey begins. Together with the growing number of people who cheer for her online, she starts being proactive and successfully makes friends. She’s even starting a love life.
Although the story of the manga is well-told and makes fresh use of modern phenomena, some things aren’t done very well. All the characters are typical Shoujo characters. Sumino is the shy girl next door who can’t do anything on her own. The first person to fully acknowledge her in real life is the handsome and popular student whom everyone likes. Of course, he seems to be attracted to Sumino somehow. And the love rival of Sumino is also the typical girl who picks a fight at every possible moment. The only ones who truly excel as interesting characters are the people on Sumino’s blog. They seem to genuinely care about her and show it in a touching way. Helping people via the internet is normal in the modern day but may be frowned upon by some. This manga shows that there’s nothing wrong with online contacts and they can even be a genuine source of help. These characters also become more important at the end of the manga with a nice plot twist.
Koko ni Iru yo! is a story for anyone who can relate even slightly to the idea of receiving help online for normal problems. The art is truly beautiful and highlights the innocence of particularly Sumino, who doesn’t choose to be lonely, though she can’t really do anything about it herself. If you can stomach some stereotypical Shoujo elements here and there and focus on the message of the story, this will be one familiar ride you do not want to miss.
Popular Reviews
It was incredibly sweet with a touch of drama, and I genuinely enjoyed every chapter. While it could have been a bit funnier in parts, the storyline was straightforward and easy to follow. The character development was solid, with the characters resembling typical shoujo archetypes—only instead of an energetic and lively protagonist, we get a shy and reserved girl.
Overall, it was a pleasant manga to enjoy during my free time.
Overall, I'd give it a 7 because it's enjoyable, and I would recommend it to fans of shojo, but it doesn't offer anything exceptionally groundbreaking. <p>
It is, in my opinion, incredibly realistic overall, yet there's a subtle nod to classic shoujo tropes—shy girl, no friends, terrified to speak to anyone—and instead finds solace with her online friends who comment on her blog, Black Rabbit and MegaPIG. Without a doubt, *Koko ni Iru yo* is one of the most uplifting mangas I've ever read. Even though it's just a manga, it gave me courage and lifted my spirits immensely. ^^
Art: The artwork is stunning! In my view, it surpasses the average quality of most shoujo mangas. The official color pages are beautifully colored, and the characters are wonderfully designed. Of course, the male characters are total bishies. I have to admit, I'm a huge art enthusiast—I usually can't get into a manga with subpar art. But I must say this mangaka's drawings are among the best I've seen in a long time.
Characters: I believe the main character, Hikage, is exceptionally well-developed. She begins as an anti-social individual who simply wants to fit in and, with the encouragement of her online friends MegaPIG and Black Rabbit, gradually does so. It doesn't happen instantly like in some mangas; Hikage's journey to fitting in takes time, and I thought that was fantastic. The other two main supporting characters, Hinata and Teru, are also portrayed beautifully. ^^ I adore them both, and honestly, it's really hard to dislike any character.
Enjoyment: I attempted to stay up all night reading this but, unfortunately, wasn't allowed to, heh~. I was so engrossed in *Koko ni Iru Yo* that I spent all my free time at school reading it. Because GOSH, it's addictive. Most chapters left me on the edge of my seat, craving more.
Story: EXTREMELY sweet. I can't even articulate the cuteness of this manga~. It remains engaging right up to its final chapter, and in my opinion, it's the perfect length. It doesn't drag, and yet it isn't too brief either. I was personally very satisfied with the final pairing, and while some might disagree, for me, the person she ends up with makes this manga uniquely special. ^^ This storyline is undoubtedly at the top of my list.
Overall: This manga will forever be one of my favorites. *Koko ni Iru yo* made me smile from start to finish and was truly amazing. You won't regret reading it—it's definitely worth picking up if you have the time, and it's a must-read. Don't judge a manga by its cover, especially not this one. Ema Tooyama did an outstanding job with this series, and everything exceeded my expectations.
Upon progressing further, it became evident that the storyline wasn't merely superficially cute but carried a more profound emotional undertone. Being an avid fan of shoujo manga, conventional elements such as having a crush on the most attractive classmate don't particularly stand out to me anymore. However, what truly captivated me about this manga was the rich character development extended not just to the main character but to all principal figures. This aspect made me fall deeply in love with the series, so much so that I read through it entirely on the very day I discovered it.
Now, I can't resist re-reading it and get excited whenever I notice it's available in English at bookstores! I wholeheartedly (and already have) recommend this manga to anyone who enjoys school-life shoujo stories and is searching for a delightful reading experience!
<p>
People often overlook the lone wolves in the world. They assume these individuals simply prefer solitude, choosing to distance themselves from others. However, 99% of the time, that's not the case at all. Loneliness is a heavy burden, and Sumino is the perfect character to reveal this hidden truth.
Hinata's efforts to bring Sumino into the light are incredibly touching. Those who have experienced such loneliness are sure to shed tears while reading this manga.
The artwork is stunning, the story profound—this is just an all-around beautiful manga.
<p>
I truly appreciate the art style, especially the way the characters are drawn. I adored how Teru looked and found Hikage's hair incredibly cute. Although the characters were somewhat clichéd, they were still very endearing and likable. Hikage is an invisible girl yearning to be noticed, to gain confidence, and to become strong. Meanwhile, Hinata and Teru are always at the center of attention. I cherished Hinata and Teru's friendship and the bond formed between them during their childhood.
I thoroughly enjoyed the manga. It was brief but perfectly sufficient. She didn't end up with the person I hoped she would, but it's alright; she and ... made a cute couple too.
Overall, it was a wonderful story about a girl seeking her place in the world and falling in love with someone. She forms connections with people along the way and gets into challenging situations, yet she always had someone's help to guide her through. I genuinely believe you should read this manga, but first, grab a box of tissues!
Story: (9)
The narrative strikes a realistic chord that many can identify with. It's neither overly complicated nor excessively intricate but remains engaging and inspiring for those grappling with similar issues. While some elements are slightly exaggerated (particularly when the protagonist becomes almost invisible—shy individuals aren't typically *that* unnoticed!), the majority of the tale is heartfelt and authentic.
Art: (9)
The artwork is commendable! Although there were moments where certain characters seemed too alike, to the point of confusion until their names appeared in dialogue, the visuals overall are strong. The backgrounds are straightforward yet effective, ensuring the focus remains on the characters. The character designs themselves are quite appealing; nearly everyone exudes an attractive and polished appearance!
Character: (8)
This aspect might be the weakest link due to its reliance on familiar archetypes. We have the classic trio: the shy girl striving for strength and confidence (Hikage), the kind-hearted top student who excels athletically (Hinata), and the handsome, popular boy masking his loneliness with blunt honesty (Teru). While these types certainly exist in reality, their prevalence in manga and anime has rendered them tiresome. I awarded it an 8 solely out of irritation. Given the brevity of this manga, however, exceptional character development isn't feasible. That said, the progression of relationships was handled nicely :)
Enjoyment: (9)
I thoroughly enjoyed this series! Beyond its realism, I found myself relating deeply to its themes. Having experienced a parallel situation where I chose inaction and later regretted it, I've since transformed into a more outgoing and direct individual. This story resonated profoundly, even sparking a desire to revisit the past and emulate Hikage's courage.
Overall: (9)
A charming story featuring realistic—if somewhat stereotypical—characters, solid artistry, and a message of hope for introverts and loners alike. It's an impressive achievement given its limited chapter count. For anyone seeking a brief yet captivating read, I highly recommend this one! :)
That's why I can't give this a good review. I just can't.
Story: 2/10
I give this a 2 because this type of story is dry and uninteresting. A shy girl needing to choose between two boys... that kind of plot is everywhere. As a concept, I understand why a school romance might follow this formula. However, when you look at reality, lonely characters don't often get such lucky chances as the girl in this story does. And maybe I'm biased, having read so many similar tales, but the sheer number of these stories proves that this approach is old and tired. A talented author can take something old and weave it into something new—I feel like nothing new has emerged from this story. It simply doesn't measure up compared to others in its genre.
Art: 10/10
This manga is visually appealing. This aspect alone can attract many readers. If you find the art cute, you might also find the characters endearing, and so on.
Characters:
There are a few characters I don't particularly care for.
Firstly, Sumino herself feels like a flawed character to me. The author seems to have made her pitiful in an attempt to evoke sympathy, but it just doesn't feel real. Even the shyest individuals experience anger more intensely than she ever does. Additionally, her journey from isolation to social integration feels rushed and effortless. Given her background, it should have taken longer for her to comfortably interact with her classmates. Honestly, throughout the series, she is constantly growing, but I believe this transformation takes more time.
The bully, Ayu, also feels unrealistic. She isn't cunning yet somehow manages to sway an entire school with just a few words. I dislike this trope in many similar manga—the bully stirs up the entire school against the unsuspecting heroine, leaving her feeling smothered. Truly, that can't happen in real life. People don't blindly follow a bully wherever she leads.
Enjoyment: 5/10
I know some people enjoyed this series, and for the most part, I agree that it's passable. But I don't really enjoy a story that doesn't add anything to this age-old formula: girl is alone, girl meets boy, boy has friends/enemies who also love the girl, girl must choose, girl is bullied for the boy liking her, blah blah. For me, a story needs to be engaging enough to keep me reading in suspense. I'm not getting that sense of mystery here. The only mystery is which boy Sumino will pick. That's it. In my opinion, that's not very interesting. If she's supposed to transition from the shadows into the light, why don't we learn more about her hardships? Why is the sole mystery "Which will Sumino choose?" Why isn't there something like "How does Sumino handle conflicts with her newfound female friends?" or "How will Sumino deal with a classmate who has been placed in her previous position?" There's so much potential that could have been explored, yet none of it was utilized in this story. And so, I am compelled to say that overall, I give this story...
Overall: 5/10
Story
The narrative is straightforward and easy to follow. It initially seems like a typical shoujo manga, focusing on Sumino, a shy and extremely timid girl with low self-confidence. Sumino turns to her online blog and her two online friends, "BlackRabbit" and "Mega Pig," during tough times. Feeling alone and worthless, her life changes when popular boy Hinata confesses his love for her. This gives Sumino the strength to change not only for herself but also for him. The story unfolds at a steady pace, captivating the reader. Despite being relatively short at 19 chapters and 5 volumes, it showcases character and environmental transformations beautifully. The issues faced by the characters are handled well, making it a relatable and realistic story. While it may seem like an average shoujo tale at times, Koko Ni Iru Yo has a unique charm that draws you in.
Art
The art in Koko Ni Iru Yo is magnificent. The character designs are adorable! Sumino is often described as "plain" in the story, which is ironic given her beauty. Unfortunately, the two main male characters, Hinata and Teru, don't stand out as much in their design compared to Sumino. The supporting characters also don't have as distinctive designs, but overall, the art is quite impressive.
Characters
One of the standout aspects of this manga is Sumino's character and her development throughout the story. Her growth as a person is remarkable. You witness her blossoming and grow to admire her by the end of Koko Ni Iru Yo. Hinata is charming, though there's little insight into why he likes Sumino. However, it's clear that his feelings for her are strong. Beyond his affection for Sumino, his character lacks depth, but it isn't crucial to the story. Teru, on the other hand, is bold and more rebellious than Hinata or Sumino. He's blunt and sometimes harsh, but his character takes an interesting turn when he develops feelings for Sumino. I believe his character has more depth than Hinata's, but it's evident from the start that he and Sumino aren't meant to be together.
Enjoyment
If you're seeking a complex story or an action-packed thriller, this might not be your type of manga. If you're looking for a heartfelt shoujo story, Koko Ni Iru Yo fits the bill. As mentioned earlier, it has a strange allure that makes you want to keep reading and hope for Sumino to find her place in the world. I enjoyed this anime so much that I read it twice in one day!
Overall
A simple yet beautiful story, great characters and art, and a fun read that can be inspiring. I could relate to this manga deeply; it brightened my day and cheered me up when I was feeling low. I highly recommend it. It's not rated 10 because the story was short-lived at 19 chapters, and I felt it needed a few more twists.
<p>
I am here!
This phrase encapsulates Sumino Hikage, the main character of the manga with the same title. She’s an 8th grader with a reserved personality. If she gets picked on, she doesn’t speak up. If someone bumps into her, she’s the one to apologize. She’s just someone who doesn’t want any problems, and this comes off as very lonely. See, nobody notices her.
Sumino could be the plainest girl you’ve ever seen in a manga. No eye-catching features, no bizarre personality, no weird clothes. And this works perfectly in this story. Sumino struggles all her life with the fact that there’s no one around who fully acknowledges her. Everyone seems to overlook her without wanting to know what kind of girl she is. This results in her being lonely with no real friends. Worse still, people think she likes being lonely because she doesn’t do anything to socialize. Blame it on her personality or her ordinary appearance, but this makes it easy to sympathize with her.
This puts Sumino in a vicious circle. She doesn’t want to be lonely but can’t make friends. People see that she has no friends and assume she likes it that way. This circle is what makes Sumino such a believable character. Anyone can understand this situation and has experienced it to some extent. But because she’s so invisible and reclusive, she can’t break out of that circle, even though she desperately wants to. It’s sad to see that something that seems so easy is actually impossible to achieve without at least one other person. It takes two to break a circle, and luckily for Sumino, she’s got 1.5.
Because Sumino has an online blog. Not just any blog. A very personal one. She posts pictures of nature there and writes articles to ease her loneliness. But sadly, that doesn’t work out either. Nobody seems to comment on her efforts. Even her blog seems to get overlooked without anyone caring about it. She even goes so far as to make a public request for anyone reading her blog to leave a comment. Anyone.
And luckily, her efforts were not in vain. She finally got someone to comment on her blog. A long-time reader and first-time commenter. Their online relationship begins to grow as this person comments more and more, boosting Sumino’s confidence. This person even begins to motivate and cheer for Sumino to find friends in the real world. “Work hard! You can do it!” And finally, someone noticed her at school. From here on, Sumino’s real-life journey begins. Together with the growing number of people who cheer for her online, she starts being proactive and successfully makes friends. She’s even starting a love life.
Although the story of the manga is well-told and makes fresh use of modern phenomena, some things aren’t done very well. All the characters are typical Shoujo characters. Sumino is the shy girl next door who can’t do anything on her own. The first person to fully acknowledge her in real life is the handsome and popular student whom everyone likes. Of course, he seems to be attracted to Sumino somehow. And the love rival of Sumino is also the typical girl who picks a fight at every possible moment. The only ones who truly excel as interesting characters are the people on Sumino’s blog. They seem to genuinely care about her and show it in a touching way. Helping people via the internet is normal in the modern day but may be frowned upon by some. This manga shows that there’s nothing wrong with online contacts and they can even be a genuine source of help. These characters also become more important at the end of the manga with a nice plot twist.
Koko ni Iru yo! is a story for anyone who can relate even slightly to the idea of receiving help online for normal problems. The art is truly beautiful and highlights the innocence of particularly Sumino, who doesn’t choose to be lonely, though she can’t really do anything about it herself. If you can stomach some stereotypical Shoujo elements here and there and focus on the message of the story, this will be one familiar ride you do not want to miss.
Leave a Review