I know I’ve only posted about videogames so far, so how about we switch gears and talk about a manga/anime series lol
“The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting” really came out of nowhere for me. At the time, I was in a weird anime drought, so since I wasn’t in the mood to watch anything, I was looking for stuff to read instead. I don’t even remember what I was searching for, so when I happened to find some translated scans of the series, I decided to give it a shot. The premise was super cute, so I didn’t have anything to lose lol
Needless to say, I fell in love from the start. The series began in 2018, but I’m pretty sure I was kinda late to find out about it. I probably started reading this series a few years ago. Maybe one or two years ago? But, oh man, this series got me hook, line, and sinker 😅 A seinen slice of life about a yakuza taking care of a small child? Literally a series about familial relationships regardless if they’re blood-related or not? That’s my jam right there 😂
Anyway, before I get too caught up in rambling about it, let’s break it down into chunks like usual haha All links will be in a reddish-pink color~
Update 10/2/24: Added a “Read More” line.
The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting
Buy and read here! Watch here!
Tooru Kirishima’s notoriety is spread far and wide in the underworld. He is most commonly known as “The Demon of Sakuragi”—a man who is not afraid to resort to violence if deemed necessary. After almost jeopardizing a peace treaty, his boss tasks him with the most difficult job he has ever had: taking care of seven-year-old Yaeka Sakuragi—the boss’ precious daughter—so that Tooru understands what it means to be responsible for another life.
At first, the two do not seem to meet eye to eye, as Tooru has no clue on how to communicate with Yaeka, and the young girl is not used to expressing her emotions. However, as time goes on, they come to understand each other despite their differences. The fearsome right-hand man of a yakuza boss and the child he must protect are about to learn that family is not always bound by blood.
~ Summary taken from the series’ MyAnimeList page
One more thing before I really get into it lol So that first link is the site I use to read “Yakuza’s Guide” (and a few other series as well). Bookwalker is pretty affordable and there are so many series for you to peruse. Their library is always expanding and they even have light novels! You’ll need to create an account, but it’s worth it – I promise! (the other link is Crunchyroll lol)
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get this show on the road!
OVERALL THOUGHTS
From the start, I knew what I was getting myself into. However, I was not expecting the rollercoaster of emotions that came with it. This series made me so invested in Kirishima’s relationship with Yaeka that I didn’t know how to contain myself. The series is still ongoing, but after catching up with all the chapters thus far, it makes me want more (and in a good way). I want to keep seeing all the cute shenanigans. I want to keep seeing all the emotional bits that get me every single time. I want to see Kirishima and Yaeka’s relationship blossom into something so wholesome, that I won’t know what to do with myself. 😂
For all you anime watchers, yes, there’s an anime. I remember while I was reading the manga, I came across news that “Yakuza’s Guide” would be getting an anime during the Summer 2022 season. I remember being super excited that a manga I had recently gotten into was getting an anime.
I was, of course, very late to watching the anime (oops lol), and I finally got around to it…last month? Ironically enough, I am currently in another anime drought, but I put my drought on a short hiatus to watch this anime. And it did not disappoint. The voice cast is great. The opening and ending themes are super cute and great bops. Somehow, the emotional scenes were even more emotional and I might’ve shed a tear or two while watching 😅
CLOSING REMARKS
I think it goes without saying that I definitely recommend this series to anyone that needs a feel-good read/watch. Sure, you might get a little emotional during some parts, but I just love this series to pieces. The more I read, the more I want Kirishima to continue to grow into a better person.
As cheesy as it is, Yaeka brings out the good in him. I thought the combination of Kirishima’s yakuza side mixed with the cuteness of his time babysitting Yaeka would be jarring, offputting, or not meld with how cute the plot is, but somehow the mangaka has found a way to combine both into something wonderful. There are moments where Kirishima can be the craziest motherfucker I’ve ever seen, but his whole demeanor changes when he’s around Yaeka. So much so that even though Kirishima has this rep amongst the yakuza as someone not to be messed with, Yaeka only sees him as a kind and gentle person. The gap moe is too strong with this boi and I love him dearly.
My first anime/manga post is done! ✨ About damn time haha Not much else to say about this series without giving away too much. I actually wrote this post a few days ago, so if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go buy and read the latest chapter. (while I was linking the Bookwalker site, I saw that the latest volume was out lol)
Anyway, my “Hades” post will be coming next month (and hopefully my “One Piece Odyssey” post as well). I was finally able to finish one run last Wednesday and another run two days after. Granted, I was going to write something about “Hades” anyway, so I guess now I have additional stuff I can include haha
Also, I think the reason why I keep pushing back my “One Piece Odyssey” post is probably due to the fact that I’m still not very far in the game. I know I said in the previous paragraph that I will hopefully post about it next month, but now I’m thinking I should hold back until I actually finish the game… Yeah, that sounds like a good idea haha
Until next time! Bye bye~
🌸 Hiba
The Skylark's Treasure 