Introduction
Watashi ga Motete Dousunda, also known as Kiss Him, Not Me, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Junko. The romantic comedy series was first serialized in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Friend magazine in 2013 and has since been adapted into an anime series and an audio drama. The manga has gained tremendous popularity among fans all over the world due to its unique plot, relatable characters, and heartwarming moments.
The main character, Kae Serinuma, is a fujoshi, which is a term used to refer to someone who is obsessed with fictional yaoi relationships between male characters. After her favorite anime character dies, Kae becomes depressed and spends a week locked in her room, causing her to lose a considerable amount of weight. When she returns to school, she gains newfound attention from four male classmates who were previously uninterested in her. The story follows Kae’s journey as she navigates through her romantic relationships while also dealing with her obsession with yaoi.
One of the reasons why the manga has gained immense popularity among fans is because of its unique and unconventional storyline. It explores the concept of otaku culture and fujoshi culture, which is not often highlighted in mainstream manga and anime. The series also features relatable characters who are not perfect and have their quirks, making them more relatable to the audience.
The manga’s success is also attributed to the beautiful art style and light-hearted humor, which keeps the readers engaged and entertained. The series has also been praised for its portrayal of diverse body types and body positivity. The characters in the series have different body shapes and sizes, and the manga celebrates their uniqueness rather than conforming to the traditional beauty standards.
Overall, Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is an endearing and heartwarming manga series that has captured the hearts and minds of fans all over the world. Its popularity has spawned various adaptations, including an anime series that aired in 2016 and an audio drama that was released in 2017. With the unique plot, relatable characters, and stunning art, the manga series is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience the joy of otaku culture and unconventional romance.
Plot Summary
Watashi ga Motete Dousunda, also known as Kiss Him, Not Me, is a romantic comedy manga series written and illustrated by Junko. The story follows the life of an overweight otaku high school girl named Kae Serinuma. Kae is a dedicated fujoshi (a girl who enjoys reading yaoi manga), and as such, she is often more interested in shipping her favorite male characters than paying attention to the real-life boys around her.
However, when her favorite anime character dies tragically, Kae is unable to cope with the loss and locks herself in her room for a week. When she emerges, she has lost a significant amount of weight and becomes incredibly attractive. Suddenly, Kae finds herself the center of attention as a group of handsome boys in her class begin to vie for her affection.
Despite her newfound popularity, Kae is still more interested in shipping her favorite male characters than pursuing a real-life romance. As such, she tries to manipulate the boys around her into becoming the perfect male harem of her dreams. However, as she spends more time with the boys, Kae realizes that her feelings for them might be more than just fandom.
The main characters in the series include:
- Kae Serinuma – The main protagonist of the series. She is an overweight high school girl who enjoys reading yaoi manga
- Nozomu Nanashima – A popular boy in Kae’s class who becomes interested in her after her weight loss
- Yusuke Igarashi – A shy and reserved boy who is also interested in Kae
- Asuma Mutsumi – Kae’s childhood friend who has been in love with her for years
- Hajime Shinomiya – A younger boy who is also a yaoi fan and becomes friends with Kae
The story mainly revolves around the relationships between these characters and Kae’s attempts to navigate her changing feelings towards them. Along the way, the series explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and the blurred lines between fandom and reality.
Body Positivity
The manga explores the theme of body positivity through the protagonist, Kae Serinuma. Kae is a plus-size girl who loves anime and manga, often fantasizing about becoming a character in her favorite anime. However, after losing weight due to stress, Kae becomes popular amongst the boys in her school, who previously ignored her. Despite her new popularity, Kae remains true to herself and continues to love her hobbies and interests, regardless of her body size.
The manga also depicts the negative effects of body shaming and the importance of self-love. Kae’s close friend Igarashi initially rejected her because of her size but later falls in love with her for who she is. Through Kae and Igarashi’s relationship, the manga shows how love should not be based on physical appearance but on personality, values, and interests.
The manga’s portrayal of body positivity and self-acceptance encourages readers to embrace their body size and love themselves for who they are.
Self-Acceptance
The manga also focuses on the theme of self-acceptance through the characters’ journeys in accepting their flaws and imperfections. Kae struggles with accepting her weight and is often self-conscious about it. However, through her friendships and relationships with the boys, Kae learns to love herself and feel confident in her own skin.
Similarly, the boys in the manga also face their own insecurities and challenges in self-acceptance. Nishina, for example, struggles with his gender identity and is hesitant to come out to his friends. However, with Kae’s support and his friends’ encouragement, Nishina learns to embrace his identity and accept himself for who he is.
The manga’s message of self-acceptance is crucial in a society where individuals are often pressured to conform to societal standards and expectations. The manga’s portrayal of characters accepting their flaws and embracing their uniqueness encourages readers to do the same and promotes self-love and confidence.
Love
The theme of love is also central to the manga’s storyline. Kae’s group of friends all fall in love with her, leading to a love triangle between four of the boys. However, instead of depicting a typical love triangle, the manga emphasizes the importance of communication and honesty in relationships. The boys’ love for Kae leads to their personal growth and development, as they learn to confront their own feelings and communicate them effectively.
The manga also explores different forms of love, including romantic love, platonic love, and self-love. Kae’s friendships with the boys exemplify the importance of platonic love and the support that comes with it. The manga’s portrayal of self-love emphasizes the need for individuals to love themselves before loving others.
The manga’s portrayal of love promotes healthy relationships and emphasizes the importance of communication and honesty. The diverse forms of love depicted in the manga also promote acceptance and understanding of different types of relationships.
Art Style
Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is a breathtaking manga series that features an exceptional art style that greatly enhances the storytelling experience. The character designs, backgrounds, and panel layout all come together to bring a unique and captivating visual representation of the narrative.
The manga artist, Junko, masterfully illustrates every character with such care and precision to detail. The high level of design and artistic creativity is evident in every panel and page of Watashi ga Motete Dousunda. The main protagonist, Kae Serinuma, is drawn with a charming, bubbly expression that translates to an effortless cute and appealing personality. Her four suitors are also drawn with adroable, quirky and unique personalities that match their individual traits, with each character possessing a charming and detailed appearance.
The use of different visual perspectives in Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is also exceptional, with closeups, distant shots, and various angles creating a multi-dimensional experience. This unique variation of perspective further immerses the reader into the story as it unfolds and allows for better visualisation of the story progression. The vivid and lively backgrounds in every panel create an intricate environment that not only brings depth to the story but also illustrates the setting of the narrative with precision.
Additionally, the panel layout in Watashi ga Motete Dousunda furthers adds to the artistic charm of the series. The creative use of layout design reveals grand, intricate details, and allows for an easier flow of the story, enabling the reader to fully experience the emotions and interactions between the characters. The editor carefully manages the pace and timing of the transition through each panel and page to create a well-detailed, coherent flow that is easily relatable to the audience.
In conclusion, the art style of Watashi ga Motete Dousunda manga is top-notch, and it masterfully combines the series’ visual elements to enhance storytelling and reader experience. The artist’s keen attention to character designs, backgrounds, perspective, and panel layout, all come together to create an immersive, storytelling experience that captures the reader’s attention from beginning to end. The beauty of the artwork intensifies the mood and emotion of the narrative, making the series even more enjoyable, captivating, and memorable.
Characters
Watashi ga Motete Dousunda, also known as Kiss Him, Not Me, is a popular manga series that follows the story of Kae Serinuma and her group of male friends. Let’s take a closer look at the main characters of this hilarious series and examine their personalities, motivations, and relationships.
Kae Serinuma is the main character of the series, and her personality is what sets the tone for the entire story. She is a fujoshi, which means she is obsessed with boys love anime and manga, and often imagines her male friends in romantic situations with each other. Kae is a very shy person, but her love for boys love gives her the courage to express herself and come out of her shell. Her obsession with boys love also drives the plot of the story, as her male friends compete for her affection.
Nozomu Nanashima is one of Kae’s male friends, and he is one of the main love interests of the series. Nozomu is a popular and confident guy, and he often teases and flirts with Kae. However, as the story progresses, we learn that Nozomu is actually very self-conscious about his appearance and is afraid of Kae rejecting him because of his looks.
Asuma Mutsumi is another male friend of Kae’s, and he is one of the more serious and intellectual characters in the series. Asuma is a writer, and his passion for literature and storytelling is what inspires Kae to start creating her own boys love manga. Asuma is also kind and supportive towards Kae, and he often tries to help her overcome her shyness and gain confidence.
Along with Nozomu and Asuma, there are several other male characters in the series who also have romantic feelings for Kae. Each character brings a unique perspective and personality to the story, and their interactions with Kae and each other create a lot of comedy and drama.
In conclusion, Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is a fun and entertaining series that explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and romance. The main characters, Kae, Nozomu, and Asuma, are all multi-faceted and interesting individuals with their own motivations and struggles. If you are a fan of romantic comedy manga with a twist, then this series is definitely worth checking out.
Critical Reception
Watashi ga Motete Dousunda, also known as Kiss Him, Not Me, is a manga series written and illustrated by Junko. The series was first serialized in Bessatsu Friend magazine from 2013 to 2018 and was later released in volumes under the Kodansha Comics label. The manga is known for its unique twist on the typical reverse harem genre. Instead of a female protagonist surrounded by male love interests, this time, a male love interest is surrounded by male and female admirers interested in the protagonist’s weight loss.
The manga has mixed reviews from both critics and fans. For instance, anime news network gave the series a graded average of B,” mentioning its unique twist of the traditional harem genre, witty humor, and relatable characters. They added that “this series stands out for its interesting take on the usual shoujo manga plotline and the fact that it doesn’t go where you think it should, which refreshes a genre plagued by cliches”.
On the other hand, some critics noted that the series’ depiction of weight loss and eating disorders has a problematic tone. In a review by Emily Rand for Anime Feminist, she states that ” there are many instances of characters using fear of weight gain as a means of control and as a way to demean themselves, implying that being thin is inherently good, and being heavier is inherently bad, which sets up poor expectations for people who cannot match the ideal.” This tension has also been a point of discussion among fans of the series, with some arguing that the way the manga deals with its themes, while others argue that there is indeed a problematic aspect to it.
Fan Reactions
Watashi ga Motete Dousunda has a loyal following and has gained popularity since its first release. Fans praise the manga for its unique twist of the reverse harem genre, which adds a fresh take on the usual female protagonist theme. Fans also appreciate the relatable nature of the characters and their personalities, with some highlighting that the manga tackles serious issues such as mental health, sexuality, and self-esteem.
Fans have also created various fan works inspired by the manga, such as fanfiction, fanart, and cosplay. Notably, many fans have depicted their favorite characters in romantic pairings beyond the main pairing, which has been met with both acceptance and criticism among the fandom.
Lastly, some fans have also expressed their frustration with the manga’s ending, with debates on whether it was rushed, ambiguous, or satisfying. These discussions highlight the passion of the fandom and their loyalty to the series.
International Success
Watashi ga Motete Dousunda has not only gained popularity in Japan but has also become an international success. In 2016, the manga’s anime adaptation was announced, which aired from October to December the same year. The anime was produced by Brain’s Base and was streamed by Crunchyroll outside Japan.
The manga has also been licensed for an English release by Kodansha Comics, which has released all fourteen volumes in the United States and other English-speaking countries. Furthermore, it has been translated into other languages, such as Spanish, French, and Italian, indicating its appeal to a broader audience.
The series’ anime adaptation and its international release have contributed to the manga’s international success, which has gained a dedicated fan base beyond Japan’s borders. The series popularity is a testament to its unique twist to the usual romance genre and its ability to connect with readers’ emotions.
Adaptations
Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is a popular manga series that has also been adapted into an anime series. The manga was written by Junko and was serialised in the Bessatsu Friend magazine from 2013 until 2018. It was then adapted into an anime series in 2016 by studio Brain’s Base.
The anime series of Watashi ga Motete Dousunda premiered on October 6, 2016, and aired for a total of 12 episodes, with the last episode being aired on December 22, 2016. The anime was directed by Hiroshi Ishiodori and written by Michiko Yokote. The series was produced by TBS, AT-X, and Avex Pictures.
The anime received a mixed reception from the audience and critics alike. Some praised the series for its humour and the way it tackled weight issues. The show also received praise for appealing to both male and female audiences. However, some viewers found the series to be repetitive and predictable, and felt that the storyline was shallow and lacking in substance. Despite mixed reviews, the anime managed to attract a considerable fan base.
The anime series of Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is available for streaming on various platforms, including Crunchyroll and VRV. The series has also been released on DVD and Blu-ray.
In addition to the anime and manga, Watashi ga Motete Dousunda has also been adapted into a live-action movie. The movie adaptation was released in Japan on July 10, 2020, and was directed by Norihisa Hiranuma. The movie stars non-other than the famous Nana Komatsu as the female protagonist Serinuma, who is a huge fan of anime and manga.
In conclusion, Watashi ga Motete Dousunda has been adapted into various formats, including anime and a live-action movie. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the series has managed to attract a considerable fan base, which speaks to its popularity and impact on the industry.
Conclusion
Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is a delightful manga series that has won the hearts of many readers around the world. This shoujo manga is filled with laughter, cute moments, and romance, making it a must-read for lovers of the genre. From the expert storytelling to the beautiful art, everything about this manga is top-notch.
As we’ve discussed in this article, Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is unique in many ways. The protagonist’s transformation from an overweight fujoshi to a beautiful girl was fascinating to watch. Additionally, the portrayal of otaku culture was accurate and relatable. The characters were all well-developed, with their own distinct personalities and backstories. The romance aspect of the manga was heartwarming and built up in a slow-burn manner, which made it even more enjoyable to read.
The manga also tackled serious issues such as body shaming and bullying in a sensitive manner. The author was able to convey the struggles of the characters in a way that was both realistic and touching. The themes of self-love and acceptance were prevalent throughout the story, making it a relatable and uplifting read.
The art in Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is stunning. The character designs are incredibly detailed and visually appealing. The use of chibi characters for comedic effect was also well-executed. The author’s use of different angles and facial expressions added depth to the story. The art is one of the strongest points of this manga and complements the story perfectly.
In conclusion, Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is an excellent manga that is worth reading. Its unique storyline, relatable characters, and beautiful art make it stand out in the crowded shoujo genre. The manga has been well-received by fans and critics alike, and for good reason. If you’re looking for a fun, heartwarming, and beautiful manga to read, look no further than Watashi ga Motete Dousunda.