Yama Wayama’s popular sequel manga, “Fami-res Iko.” (Let’s Go to a Family Restaurant), is set to conclude with its second compiled volume, scheduled to ship on March 12, 2026. The series, a follow-up to the acclaimed “Let’s Go Karaoke!”, brings to an end the ongoing narrative that began in 2021.
The End of an Era for “Fami-res Iko.”
The conclusion of “Fami-res Iko.” marks a significant moment for fans of Yama Wayama’s unique storytelling. Amazon Japan has listed the second volume as the final one, confirming the impending end of the sequel series. “Fami-res Iko.” launched in Kadokawa’s Comic Beam magazine in May 2021, following an earlier one-shot in November 2020. Kadokawa released the first volume in December 2023.
A New Setting and Continued Charm
“Fami-res Iko.” picks up four years after the events of “Let’s Go Karaoke!”, reuniting readers with Satomi Oka, now a college student living in Tokyo, and yakuza lieutenant Kyouji Narita. The sequel shifts the primary setting from karaoke rooms to a late-night family restaurant where Satomi works part-time, weaving together a new tapestry of quirky encounters and character interactions. The series has been praised for its detailed depiction of everyday life intertwined with extraordinary events, and its ability to illuminate diverse human patterns within a seemingly commonplace setting.
The Legacy of “Let’s Go Karaoke!”
The original “Let’s Go Karaoke!” manga, which “Fami-res Iko.” directly sequels, gained significant recognition since its initial release as a doujinshi in 2019. Kadokawa later published it as a single volume in September 2020.
Critical Acclaim and Adaptations
“Let’s Go Karaoke!” was a critical success, ranking third in the 14th Manga Taishō awards in 2021 and also appearing on lists like Kono Manga wo Yome! and Kono Manga ga Sugoi! Yen Press publishes the English translation of “Let’s Go Karaoke!”, describing the heartwarming and humorous tale of middle school choir president Satomi Oka and his unexpected singing lessons with yakuza member Kyouji Narita.
The popularity of the original series led to multiple adaptations:
- Live-Action Film: A live-action film adaptation premiered in Japan in January 2024, starring Jun Saitō as Satomi and Go Ayano as Kyouji.
- Anime Television Series: An anime television series, produced by Doga Kobo, aired from July to September 2025. Crunchyroll streams the series, which also included the original “Let’s Go Karaoke!” story.
Yama Wayama’s Distinctive Style
Author Yama Wayama is known for her distinctive narrative style, often exploring unusual relationships and subtle human emotions. Her works, including “Onna no Sono no Hoshi” and “Muchuu sa, Kimi ni,” often feature a unique blend of humor, warmth, and introspection. The “Let’s Go Karaoke!” and “Fami-res Iko.” series exemplify her ability to craft compelling stories out of unexpected pairings and settings, capturing the hearts of readers with their bizarre yet captivating character dynamics.
As “Fami-res Iko.” draws to a close, fans can look back at the journey of Satomi and Kyouji, from their initial, peculiar karaoke lessons to their reunion in the bustling environment of a family restaurant, a testament to Wayama’s enduring appeal.
