Waka Takase’s heartwarming and quirky manga series, Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept (Mī-chan wa Kawaretai), is set to conclude in the May issue of Shueisha’s Ultra Jump magazine, with the final chapter releasing on May 19, 2025. This delightful series, which began its run in March 2023, has captured the hearts of readers with its unique blend of slice-of-life, romance, and supernatural elements.
A Purr-fectly Unpredictable Story
Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept tells the story of Iori, a kind-hearted but downtrodden grocery manager who is still mourning the loss of his beloved cat. One night, he rescues a stray, only to wake up and find that the cat has transformed into a spirited and endearing young woman named Mii-chan. Mii-chan, who is oddly familiar and harbors a significant secret, turns Iori’s predictable life upside down.
Seven Seas Entertainment licensed the manga, releasing the first compiled book volume in English on April 15, 2025, making the series accessible to a broader audience.
Waka Takase: A Prolific Manga Creator
Waka Takase is a Japanese manga artist known for their diverse range of works, often exploring themes of romance, slice of life, and comedy. Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept is one of Takase’s most recent works to gain international recognition.
Some of Takase’s other notable manga series include:
- Ane no Tomodachi (The Cutest Girl Closest to Me or My Older Sister’s Friend): Launched in January 2024 on Shueisha’s Tonari no Young Jump website, this series focuses on the relationship between a high school boy and his older sister’s friend.
- Dai-2 Dai-4 Kayoubi no Koi (2019)
- Kawaisugiru Danshi ga Ouchi de Matteimasu (2019)
- Matsurika Kanriden: Koukyuu Jokan, Kimagure Koutei ni Misomerare (2018)
- Yoiakete Romanesque (2022): A historical josei manga with elements of mystery and romance.
Takase’s works often feature heartwarming stories with relatable characters and a touch of humor, making them appealing to a wide audience.
What Readers Loved About Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept
- Unique Premise: The manga’s central concept of a man waking up to find that a stray cat he rescued has transformed into a human girl is both intriguing and humorous. This unusual setup provides ample opportunities for comedic situations and heartfelt moments as Iori and Mii-chan navigate their new living arrangement.
- Relatable Characters: Iori’s character resonates with readers due to his kindness, his struggles with everyday life, and his genuine affection for Mii-chan. Mii-chan’s energetic and affectionate personality also makes her a lovable character.
- Blend of Genres: The manga successfully combines elements of slice-of-life, romance, comedy, and the supernatural. This blend ensures that there is something for everyone, whether readers enjoy heartwarming interactions, funny situations, or a touch of fantasy.
- Emotional Depth: Beyond the comedic and lighthearted moments, the manga also explores deeper themes of loss, loneliness, and the importance of companionship. Iori’s grief over the disappearance of his previous cat adds an emotional layer to the story, making his connection with Mii-chan even more meaningful.
- Art Style: Waka Takase’s art style is clean, expressive, and well-suited to the story. The character designs are appealing, and the backgrounds are detailed enough to create a believable world. The artist also excels at depicting the characters’ emotions, enhancing the storytelling experience.
The Final Chapter: What to Expect?
With the manga nearing its conclusion, fans are eager to see how Iori and Mii-chan’s story will end. Will Mii-chan’s secret be fully revealed? Will Iori and Mii-chan solidify their bond and find lasting happiness together? These are some of the questions that readers hope will be answered in the final chapter.
Given the series’ focus on character development and emotional connections, it is likely that the ending will be both satisfying and heartwarming, providing a sense of closure for the characters and the readers who have followed their journey.
Where to Read Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept
- Online Platforms: Digital platforms such as MangaDex offer access to fan-translated chapters.
- Official English Release: Seven Seas Entertainment publishes the official English version of the manga.
- Physical Copies: The manga can be purchased in physical format from various retailers, including Amazon and Crunchyroll Store.
Other Works by Waka Takase
Ane no Tomodachi (The Cutest Girl Closest to Me): Hinako, a friend of Asahi’s older sister, is a frequent guest at the home of the high school boy. She always misleads his mind with her suggestive attitude while treating him like a little brother or pet.
Yoi Akete Romanesque: Tokyo in the early Showa period. Genichiro is assigned to a popular writer, Yuzuru Nijo. However, he finds out that the writer, whom he thought was a man, is actually a girl!
A Sweet Farewell
Mii-chan Wants to Be Kept has been a delightful and heartwarming series that has touched the hearts of many readers. As the manga prepares to conclude, fans can look forward to a satisfying and emotional finale that celebrates the power of companionship and the unexpected turns that life can take. Waka Takase’s storytelling and art have created a memorable series that will continue to be cherished by fans for years to come.
