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Japanese Comic Bookstore Recommendations for 2011

Here’s some interesting news for those who like to read some good manga from Japan. Recently, Japanese bookstores were asked to pick certain titles that are pretty popular among readers today. Hey, One Piece isn’t the only popular & amazing title out there.

Here is what staffers chose:

Shingeki no Kyojin, Volume 1.

“Shingeki no Kyojin” (Attack on Titan) by Hajime Isayama (Bessatsu Shonen Magazine)

I’ve heard many things about this series. All I know is that the premise revolves around a young man trying to kill giants after one killed his mother. The giants look AMAZING. Looks like a more violent version of the hit PS2 game, Shadow of the Colossus.

Artwork for "March Comes In Like A Lion"

“Sangatsu no Lion” (March Comes in Like a Lion) by Chika Umino (Young Animal)

From the mangaka who brought us Honey & Clover comes a slice-of-life story about a 17-year-old shogi player named Rei. The only other shogi manga I know that comes to mind is 81diver.

Thermae Romae, Volume 1.

“Thermae Romae” by Mari Yamazaki (Comic Beam)

Comic Beam does have some interesting titles, don’t they? The story is about a ancient Roman bath-house architect who time-travels to modern-day Japan and visits Japanese baths. The manga already has won two awards (3rd Manga Taisho & Best Short Story at the 14 Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize) and there’s going to be a live-action movie adapatation.

I Am A Hero, Volume 1.

“I Am A Hero” by Kenji Hanazawa (Big Comic Spirits)

An interesting zombie-survival tale and another title that has caught my eye. The story is about a mangaka’s assistant who’s trying to make something of himself. However, a crazy virus is unleashed and people become zombies. Here’s the interesting part: the main character suffers hallucinations from time to time. Zombies + hallucinations = warped reality. Alex Hoffman has more on this critically-acclaimed title.

Ao no Exorcist, Volume 1.

“Ao no Exorcist” (Blue Exorcist) by Kazue Kato (Jump SQUARE)

Probably the most mainstream shonen title on this list. It is still a pretty new manga. Ao no Exorcist chronicles young Rin Okumura and his mission to become a Exorcist to combat Satan, his father. VIZ Media has licensed the title for an North American release. Volume 1 will be hitting bookstores in April 2011. There is also an anime adaptation airing on TBS in Japan.

Gakuen Babysitters, Volume 1.

“Gakuen Babysitters” by Hari Tokeino (LaLa)

This title reminds me of Bunny Drop. The story revolves around two brothers who work at a school’s daycare center. Fans have noted the artwork to be extremely adorable. Just looking at the cover here already proves it.

Barakamon, Volume 1.

“Barakamon” by Satsuki Yoshino (GANGAN Online)

I got this Yotsuba&! feeling as soon I saw the cover. The story is about an exiled calligrapher living out in an island with local folk. A young girl enters his life and hilarity ensues. The series can be read here. (Japanese language only)

Shirokuma Cafe, Volume 1.

“Shirokuma Cafe” by Aroha Higa (Monthly Flowers)

All I know is that shirokuma is a popular dessert in Japan and that it means “polar bear” in Japanese. If anyone has more information on this title, let me know.

Mashiro no Oto, Volume 1.

“Mashiro No Oto” by Marimo Ragawa (Monthly Shonen Magazine)

A music-related manga that is nominated for a 4th Manga Taisho Award. It’s about a high-school kid named Setsu & his passion for playing the shamisen, a classic string instrument. The shamisen is actually one of my favorite musical instruments and it is refreshing to see a modern take on a classical Japanese instrument.

flat, Volume 4.

“flat” by Natsu Aogiri (Monthly Comic Blade Avarus)

Another shojo title that focuses on male parenting. It’s a cute story about a young man named Heisuke and his little cousin, Aki. Both bond with each other as Heisuke likes to make sweets (and we all know all children LOVE sugar). More information can on the series can be viewed at this article hosted on “Confessions of a Closet Otaku”.

So, which of these titles are you guys interested in?

As a reminder, you can still donate money to the victims of the earthquake in Japan at GlobalGiving.

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Tagged: 2011 manga recommendations Japanese bookstores hot titles in Japan Japanese comics