The popular “Manga Café Comedy” series, Ichijōma Mankitsu Gurashi! (一畳間まんきつ暮らし!, lit. “Living in a One-Tatami Room!”), is officially set to receive a television anime adaptation. The news was revealed in the August issue of Houbunsha’s Manga Time Kirara magazine, sparking excitement among fans of the quirky slice-of-life comedy.
From Pages to Screen: The Journey of Ichijōma Mankitsu Gurashi!
Authored and illustrated by Kumako Hisama, Ichijōma Mankitsu Gurashi! began its serialization in Houbunsha’s Manga Time Kirara magazine in December 2018, following an initial run as a guest series in May of the same year. The manga, known for its comedic and “somewhat sexy” elements, centers on the unique experiences of its protagonist, Meiko Morita. As of September 2022, three tankōbon volumes of the manga have been published, with the fourth compiled book volume slated for release on July 26, 2025. Its transition to an anime television series marks a significant milestone for the beloved four-panel manga.
The Premise: Life in a Manga Cafe Dormitory
The story of Ichijōma Mankitsu Gurashi! follows Meiko Morita, a high school girl from the Japanese countryside who moves to Tokyo with aspirations of attending an elite girls’ academy. Her tuition is seemingly covered through a “volunteer work” offer, but upon her arrival in the bustling city, Meiko discovers that her new living arrangement is far from typical. She finds herself living and working at “Hedgehog,” an unconventional establishment that functions both as a manga café and a girls’ dormitory. This unexpected turn of events forces Meiko to adapt to a new environment, balancing her studies with her responsibilities at the café. The series excels in its comedic portrayal of Meiko’s daily life as she navigates her unusual circumstances and the colorful personalities she encounters.
A Cast of Distinctive Characters
A significant draw of Ichijōma Mankitsu Gurashi! lies in its ensemble of eccentric characters who inhabit the Hedgehog manga café. Beyond Meiko Morita, a second-year high school student from Akita Prefecture, the narrative introduces several memorable individuals:
- Rie Amamiya: A second-year student and a wealthy heiress, Rie also serves as the dormitory keeper and café manager at Hedgehog. Her distinct personality is further highlighted by her notable interest in both yuri and boys-love manga.
- Marika Suzuki: Another second-year high school student residing and working at Hedgehog, Marika is also a popular live streamer known by her “MuTube” moniker, “Marica Belltree.” Her sensitivity to temperatures leads to her preference for not wearing lower clothing. She lives at Hedgehog due to strained relations with her family, who disapprove of her streaming career.
- Neo Nakano: A formidable professional gamer who participates in world championships, adding another layer of diverse personalities to the café’s residents.
These characters, with their varied backgrounds and quirks, contribute to the comedic situations and heartwarming interactions that define the “Manga Café Comedy” genre of the series.
Anticipation for the Anime Adaptation
While specific details regarding the anime’s production studio, staff, cast, and exact release date are yet to be fully disclosed, the green-lighting of the Ichijōma Mankitsu Gurashi! TV anime has already generated considerable buzz. Fans are eager to see how Kumako Hisama’s unique brand of slice-of-life comedy and the dynamic between the manga café’s residents will be translated to the animated screen. The announcement marks a promising future for this charming and humorous series, bringing its one-of-a-kind story to a wider audience.
