I — ITADAKIMASU GOCHISOUSAMA

Greetings friends. This week was indeed a challenge. First time I was deciding on the titles, for this letter, I planned writing on Itoshi no Nekokke by Kumota Haruko as I had the first volume on my shelf. However, when I sat down to actually put something together, I became aware of the fact that I was 4 volumes behind, not to mention I wasn’t that invested in the series.

So I went back to searching and finally managed to eliminate the titles down to two ; Itadakimasu Gochisousama by Kurahashi Tomo and In August by Hata Takashi. The reason the latter didn’t make the cut was that it consisted of two separate stories. While I was definitely absorbed in the second and shorter one and the art style was very much to my taste, the first story felt so rushed and as if the artist tried to pack too much into too little.

This does not mean Itadakimasu Gochisousama is perfect; just more consistent as a whole and available in English. Plus, if you’re familiar with Kurahashi Tomo’s works or at least came across them, then you must know the covers are sparkly, sugary sweet and very alluring! Surely you could do without this unnecessary and long introduction so before I get chattier, let’s get to our series at hand.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Title: Itadakimasu, Gochisousama (trans. Bon Appetit, My Love)
Author & Artist: Kurahashi Tomo
Release Year: 2015
Status: Finished, 1 volume.
Licensed? (Y/N): Yes, by Renta!

One cook, one hungry and kicked-out 19 year-old, a shared house and an empty room; like puzzle pieces that fit together. Hiroto, our 31-year old cook who’s also the manager of a shared house, after leaving his work on a Christmas night he finds a young man lying on the ground. When he checks on him, the young man just grabs Hiroto’s hands and calls him an angel with sparkling eyes. Now, when you’re gay, single and tired on a holiday night, you have a habit of taking in strays and this time it’s neither a cat nor a dog but a super cute man who is complimenting you, there’s only one thing to do: provide him food and shelter!

From there on, Touno tries his best to gain Hiroto’s affection and in return, we learn more about why Hiroto is reluctant to be in a romantic relationship and his connection to cooking. We also meet with the other couple who are in an established relationship and living in the same complex. The story gives a familiar feeling with the tropes we usually read in BL. However, I genuinely enjoyed how Hiroto’s insecurities due to his age were portrayed, while Touno functions as the head strong (and simple at times) force that pulls Hiroto out of his comfort zone.

It’s somewhat universal that as you get older, you tend to get a certain fulfillment and happiness when you see people eat a lot and healthily. Additionally, I think I started to feel this towards the 2-dimensional characters I love as well. That’s why looking at Touno’s stuffed face is quite pleasing to my eyes. This is a light and fun one-volume story to read and relax after a long day. Hope you enjoyed this week’s recommendation, have a nice day!

Where to find Itadakimasu Gochisousama

Japanese physical copy
Japanese digital copy
English digital copy

Masterlist

A — Ameiro Paradox
B — Blue Sky Complex
C — Coyote
D — Dear, My God
E — Endou-kun no Kansatsu Nikki
F — Full…
G — The Good Teacher
H — Hakujon to Kurobotan
I — Itadakimasu Gochisousama
J — Jealousy
K — Koi wo Suru Tsumori wa Nakatta
L — Love Tractor
M — Momo to Manji
N — Novae
O — Oh, My Assistant!
P — Piercings
Q — Quit Writing, Dear Author
R — Ryu no Otto, Boukoku no Kami
S — Saha
T — The Trees in Spring
U — Unknown
V — This Villain Emperor’s Gonna Charm the Male Lead to Survive
W — Wolf in the House
X — XXX Buddy
Y — Your Eyes, My Words
Z — Zarco

If it’s your first time visiting my blog, you can click on the image below to find ways on how to connect with me ~