Today’s big news: Shin-ei is the studio, Akagi Hiroaki (Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san) is the director, Horie Shun is Kyoutarou, and Spring is the season.
That’s all, in a word, great. I predicted (though wished for would be as accurate) Shin-ei in the original post. And Akagi-sensei in a tweet at that time, in fact. The seiyuu for Yamada Anna is a bit of an unknown, but I’d rather that than one of the usual suspects. This all makes so much sense it’s kind of scary, because production committees rarely do things that make sense. This studio, staff, and cast suggest they understand what they have in BokuYaba – and that’s extremely encouraging.
I’m a bit emotional watching those two moving and talking on-screen – it feels almost unreal. This series is really, really, special. And I’m looking forward to more of the world finding that out.
I’m relieved.
I don’t often do posts about anime announcements, but BokuYaba (“The Dangers in My Heart”, as it’s localized in English) is an exception. I’ve been guilty of saying this adaptation was inevitable, but I cursed myself every time I said it. In the production committee era, you can never take “stupid” off the table – if it’s not Shounen Jump nothing is a sure thing. But Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu is quite successful commercially, and its fanbase is among the most rabid in manga. It’s been recognized with several awards as well:
- Winner – 2020 Next Manga Award (4th place in 2019)
- Winner – 2021 Anime Japan “Next Anime” Poll (4th place in 2020)
- 3rd place – 2020 Manga ga Sugoi
- Nominee – 2020 Manga Taishou Award
And now, it’s officially happening, in 2023 to be precise. We have no details on studio or staff (or cast) yet, though I hope this is a high profile-enough property to at least get a competent adaptation from somebody like Shin-Ei or Doga Kobo (the material is so strong that it doesn’t need an exceptional production to carry it). I laid out my love for Boku no Kokoro in a YouTube video last year, but the essence of it is that I love it. I think this is the best romcom in manga right now, with a great pair of leads (and the best male protagonist I’ve read in years), with a terrific supporting cast. Middle school romcom is a boom genre in manga with an embarrassment of riches right now, but BokuYaba is the best of the lot.
I’m happy for Sakurai Norio, one of the best comedy mangaka out there, and for all the Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu fans who love this series unreservedly. Hopefully it gets the wonderful adaptation it deserves and becomes a true breakout hit.
Marty
August 2, 2022 at 1:52 pmHere’s to hoping this isn’t a Biscuit Hammer situation. I’ve been holding off reading this manga hoping a great adaptation comes around. Looks like I won’t have to wait long now.
Guardian Enzo
August 2, 2022 at 2:17 pmAs I said, it’s hopefully high-profile enough to avoid that sort of catastrophe at the very least.
Alonom
August 2, 2022 at 5:57 pmI usually only read mangas for series I got exposed to through anime first, but for some reason I wanted to try this one out after seeing you recommend it on twitter. Got immediatly hooked. It was 2 days before an important test and I kept lying to myself I’ll start studying after just one more chapter…and another one and another one. didn’t do so well on the test.
Very excited for this one. I hope it will at least be handled as well as komi’s adaptation
Guardian Enzo
August 2, 2022 at 6:44 pmWell, if that meant getting Watanabe Ayumu (fat chance) I’d heartily endorse the prospect. I’m no fan of Komi-san but that’s not the fault of the adaptation.
L0ken
December 7, 2022 at 4:20 pmHonesty i think Bokuyaba won’t be as praised or liked as much compared to manga format, big question if it even capture’s the same vibe.. Manga appeal is clearly seen more in a long term (which is true for plenty other series too) and begging portion of the story isn’t that impressive, hoping for the best for the series.
I wonder if it’s going to end in next year or so, the story grew a bit stale and dragged out for me at current point,but it’s still enjoyable.
Guardian Enzo
December 7, 2022 at 7:48 pmI have no idea if it’s going to end anytime soon but I could not disagree more with your last statement. I think one of the best things about BokuYaba is it’s constantly evolving along with the characters, and atm is better than ever.
Spoilers follow…
High school is an interesting nexus point, depending on how Norio chooses to pursue it. Ichi is super smart and can get into any HS he wants, but Anna – while no dummy – is no honor student. Plus, there’s no compulsory education beyond JHS in Japan and she already has a successful career. It wouldn’t be unusual for her to pursue it full time, and if modeling and acting craps out she could always go to a culinary academy and follow her papa’s path as a chef. Even if she did go to traditional HS, Ichi would have to sandbag it to go to the same one. I have no doubt he’d be willing, but I mean, this is his life we’re talking about – his parents might not be so thrilled with that (and Onee would rip him a new one).
Darrel
December 9, 2022 at 3:02 pmWith many adaptations like Bokuyaba, OPM, Frieren etc getting more details, the radio silence surrounding Witch Hat Atelier is a little disconcerting. Hope we hear even a small update (like release year) soon.
Guardian Enzo
December 9, 2022 at 4:45 pmNot to mention Dungeon Meshi (though we know the studio at least).