The popular manga series, “Let’s Go Karaoke! Sequel Fami-res Iko.” (ファミレス行こ。; lit. ‘Let’s Go to the Family Restaurant’), is officially listed to end in March, bringing its comedic and heartwarming narrative to a close. Fans can anticipate the second volume of the sequel to ship on March 12, marking the culmination of the story.
The Journey of “Let’s Go Karaoke!” and its Beloved Sequel
Originally penned and illustrated by Yama Wayama, the “Let’s Go Karaoke!” series first gained traction as a self-published doujinshi in 2019. Its unique premise, following a yakuza lieutenant seeking karaoke lessons from a high school choir president, quickly captured readers’ hearts. The success led to its publication as a book by Kadokawa Future Publishing in 2020.
Fami-res Iko.: Continuing the Story
The sequel, “Fami-res Iko.,” began its serialization in the November 2020 issue of Enterbrain’s Comic Beam manga magazine. This follow-up diverges from the original’s one-shot format, depicting protagonist Satomi Oka as a college freshman in Tokyo. The story sees him taking a part-time job at a family restaurant, where his life once again intertwines with a diverse cast of characters, including the yakuza Kyoji. The charm of “Fami-res Iko.” lies in its exploration of how mundane settings can become stages for extraordinary events and the heartwarming bonds that form among unique individuals.
Broader Adaptations and Recognition
The franchise has seen considerable success beyond its manga pages.
Live-Action Film Adaptation
A live-action film adaptation of “Let’s Go Karaoke!” premiered in Japan in January 2024, starring Jun Saitō as Satomi and Go Ayano as Kyouji.
Anime Television Series
An anime television series adaptation, encompassing both “Let’s Go Karaoke!” and another of Wayama’s works, “Captivated, by You,” began airing from July to September 2025. Produced by Doga Kobo, the anime has been streamed by Crunchyroll.
Critical Acclaim and Popularity
“Let’s Go Karaoke!” has received critical acclaim, with over 500,000 copies in circulation by October 2022. It was nominated for the 14th Manga Taishō in 2021, securing third place, and was again nominated for the 17th edition in 2024. It also ranked highly in notable manga lists, including fourth in the 2021 edition of Kono Manga wo Yome! and fifth in the women’s edition of the 2021 Kono Manga ga Sugoi!.
The impending conclusion of “Fami-res Iko.” marks the end of a significant chapter for Yama Wayama’s fans, who have enjoyed the unique blend of comedy, drama, and slice-of-life elements throughout the series.
