+1
I also started reading the book assuming that it was just the movie (which is a great movie btw), but as a novel, which it isn’t. I actually think it’s the same idea as with “僕が愛したすべての君へ” if someone remembers that book club from early 2023. If you can read it quickly, it’s probably a perfectly fine book. They both got a movie adaptation, and bad books rarely get that. But if you’re just a learner and each page is a triumph, well then you might be bored.
I’m debating whether to nominate よふかしのうた, since I think it’s the perfect difficulty for the BBC (lvl 23 on natively, quite text heavy, especially the first volume, but with full furigana). Only not doing it straight away, because some people might find it problematic, because it’s essentially a romance story between a 14 year old boy and an (age-wise) much older vampire, and of course it contains some very mild sexual themes because of the whole vampire thing (mild enough that it’s still absolutely in the shounen category).
I don’t want to bother making a nomination if those put off too many people, so this is a pre-interest check I guess. Does anyone have huge issues with nominating this book?
Natively: Level 23
Full furigana: No
After developing an unlikely friendship with the grouchy old woman who lives in his neighborhood, Hiroto suddenly finds himself inheriting not just her house but some rather difficult emotions as well. His 18-year-old cousin, Natsumi, moves in with him, but as a struggling art student, she has her own troubles to deal with and may just put Hiroto’s easygoing lifestyle to the test. (source: VIZ)
Physical:
Amazon JP
CD Japan
Kinokuniya
Digital:
Kindle
Bookwalker
I have not read this book yet but it keeps popping up in my life, and it looks right up my alley so I thought I’d nominate it. It seems really adorable. In lieu of personal opinion, I will be listing opinions of those in /r/manga (reliable source ??) I picked the top comments and didn’t filter anything out. Recommend those interested to click into the thread and read more opinions. There’s obviously some serious selection bias here but people seem to enjoy it - big hit for fans of Yotsuba and other SoL manga. Anyway - make of this what you will
[Reddit: What are your opinions on hirayasumi?]
One of the most heartwarming series out there, especially if you like adorably messy people
It’s 3-gatsu no Lion but for college/early adulthood. I like how characters have realistic issues that troubles them and although there is a main character, the side characters are very well developed. The art is cozy and comforting.
Really good, every character is flawed but endearing
10/10
chill and wholesome
its flat out the best manga ive ever read.
there’s a lot more going on under the surface of what initially seems like a simple slice of life; it has a really strong moral perspective on both working life and how we treat others, and makes some pretty profound statements about both.
Oh, and the only natively review for good measure:
The slice of life genre is generally very efficient for language-learning, as stories cover everyday situations with everyday vocab. Sadly, the overwhelming majority of japanese SOL manga is set in highschool, which isn’t necessarily optimal. That’s where manga like Hirayasumi come in: The cast here are generally all working adults or university students, and deal with more grown-up conflicts and situations.
The art is comfy and evocative, and really creates the perfect atmosphere for this easygoing, but sometimes very real story. I was holding off tears a few times here! The language isn’t super difficult per se, but its a fair step above the general beginner recommendations. So I would say this is the perfect manga to tackle after you’ve gotten a few easier ones under your belt, and are tired of plucky 15 year olds as main characters. Easy recommendation.
Pros
Cons
I’m interested. Though the cover confused me because they look more like primary school than college to me.
Been reading this one in English. It’s been pretty good.
Yeah, they’re all drawn with very round faces.
I would vote for this since I already own a copy, but I need to read it before I order more manga in September so I know whether to get more of the series.
Ah yess!! I’ve seen this one, I want to read it!! :))
Natively: Level 23
Full furigana: Yes
(Translated from amazon.co.jp summary)
Love and youth are born during the night…
It’s time for a fun sleepless night!
The insomniac second grader, Yamori Kou, while being out at night alone, meets the beautiful vampire, Nanakusa Nazuna.
“Let’s stay out tonight for as long as we want, boy.”
Being alone with her through the night completely changes Kou’s fate.
“This is a story all about falling in love with Nanakusa Nazuna.”
A gift for all of those sleeplessly spending their nights… A deep night boy meets girl.
Physical:
Amazon JP
CD Japan (Seemingly only as a complete set)
Digital:
Amazon JP
Bookwalker
Also there is a free try-out deal on bookwalker until the 31st of July
(Remind me to delete this after the 31st, please and thank you)
This one is a classic coming of age story about a boy who feels that he doesn’t quite fit in with his peers. I originally read the first part in 2023, picked it back up for a bit in 2024, then earlier this year I ran through the remaining parts in about 2 weeks, mostly thanks to the full furigana, but also because the story is just simply good. Adorable romance, great action, gripping drama, it just has something for everyone. It can be quite text heavy at times, and the speech of some characters is just contractions galore, but I can generally recommend it to most everyone.
Since the next club likely won’t start til September, maybe you can let us know what you think and if you like it you could join for the rest of the series! 
You can remind yourself without even leaving the forum:
I think I’m in offshoots that will or have lasted that long, so don’t think it’s a contraindication.
Proposed nomination:
Natively: [Level 25]
Full furigana: Yes
Magic is alive and well in the world, inside beings known as Majiks. By completing a Majik’s trial, a Witch can gain its power. However, only women can become Witches or use magical items. All that changes one day when a young man named Ichi turns the world on its head by defeating an infamous Majik and gaining its magical powers!
Ichi is a reclusive hunter who knows nothing of Witches and Majiks, but does have a particular obsession for hunting anything that exudes bloodlust. When that instinct leads him to interfere in a battle between the great witch Desscaras and the horrifying King Majik Uroro, against all odds, he acquires the destructive magic of Uroro, making him the only male Witch in the entire world! And not even Desscaras herself is prepared for the absolute headache that wild child Ichi is about to give her.
I’ve been reading this book in English week to week on the Shonen Jump app and it’s really fun. It’s a sweet and entertaining story with gorgeous and expressive art.
Pros
Cons
My other idea was She Loves to Cook and She Loves to Eat (no furigana)
Slow Loop on offer on Bookwalker for 75 yen before tax. A relatively old nomination now from Sep 2022.
I noticed that it has a Natively level of 28 now (41 gradings from 3 users). Did cross my mind whether it would be better fit for the IMC now that exists?
Yeah, but over here, it’s pretty much guaranteed to win ties… if it could manage to be part of a tie. 
It’s never come close to winning or even tying for first place.
Of course there are no ties on IMC now, if two books are tied the one that was nominated first is the winner. So if you do ever move it maybe you need to backdate it to Sep 2022…
Read this one in French, I’ll be curious to try the original version.
