First Love Monster
| Company type | Manga series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manga, Anime |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Akira Hiyoshimaru |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Manga, anime television series, audio drama, novel, stage play |
is a Japanese manga series created by Akira Hiyoshimaru. It was first published in Kodansha's shōjo manga periodical Aria from 2013 through 2016, before continuing on the digital platform Pixiv Comics beginning in 2018. An anime television series adaptation was broadcast between July and September 2016.
Plot
The narrative centers on 15-year-old Kaho Nikaidō, who relocates to a high school dormitory. After a near-accident involving a truck, she is rescued by Kanade Takahashi, with whom she quickly falls in love—only to find out he is the son of her landlord and is a fifth grader.
Characters
- The protagonist, a 15-year-old girl from an affluent background who finds it difficult to form authentic friendships. She becomes attracted to Kanade after he reprimands her for being careless, a reaction that contrasts with her sheltered upbringing. Despite her privileged status, she strives to lead an ordinary life.
- A 10-year-old boy in fifth grade and Kaho’s romantic interest. While generally behaving like a typical child his age, he occasionally exhibits maturity shaped by the influence of his deceased mother.
- A tall delinquent and one of Kanade’s companions.
- A tall elementary school student and friend of Kanade, expected to pursue a career as an OB/GYN like his father.
- A mature and perceptive member of Kanade’s circle who opposes the relationship between Kaho and Kanade due to their age difference. He hails from a wealthy family and acts as the group’s leader.
- Kanade’s cousin, one year older, speaking with a strong Kansai dialect. He shares a good rapport with Kanade and shows interest in Kaho.
- A reserved first-year high school student residing in Kaho’s dormitory who harbors secret feelings for Kaho and is frequently teased for his shy demeanor.
- A college student who competes with Kaho, initially antagonistic but gradually develops affection for her.
- Kaho’s quirky neighbor and devoted idol enthusiast who dates Chiaki despite his otaku habits.
- Kaho’s elder brother who exhibits an obsessive attachment toward her.
- A serious dorm resident known for teasing Shinohara and finding amusement in Kaho and Kanade’s relationship. She accepts Arashi despite his eccentricities.
- A calm dorm resident secretly infatuated with Shūgo, whose denial can provoke extreme reactions.
- Kanade’s father and the landlord of the dormitory.
- A classmate of Kanade who harbors romantic feelings for him.
- The butler serving Kazuo Noguchi.
- An androgynous cross-dressing idol admired by Arashi, much to Chiaki’s irritation.
Manga
First Love Monster, authored by Akira Hiyoshimaru, started its run in Kodansha's shōjo magazine Aria on 28 January 2013. The final chapter appeared in the magazine on 28 November 2016. The series resumed publication digitally on Pixiv Comics as of 3 March 2017.
The manga has been licensed for English-language release in North America by Yen Press.
Audio drama
Limited edition releases of volumes three through five come bundled with audio drama CDs.
Anime
An anime adaptation was revealed in Aria magazine. The voice cast from the audio drama reprised their roles in the anime series, which aired from July to September 2016. Produced by Studio Deen, the series was directed by Takayuki Inagaki with character designs by Mariko Oka. The 12-episode anime was licensed for streaming by Funimation and Madman Entertainment, while distribution across South and Southeast Asia was managed by Medialink via YouTube. The episodes were distributed over six Blu-ray and DVD volumes. Additionally, an OVA episode was included with the manga's eighth volume, released on 17 February 2017.
Episodes
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Novel
Kodansha released a novel version adapted by Makoto Nohara on March 2, 2027, featuring illustrations and oversight by Akira Hiyoshimaru. This edition also contains the short story Omae no Koto ga Suki Nan Da, authored by doujin creator Baku Yumemakurasaki.
Stage play
The theatrical adaptation was showcased at Club eX in Shinagawa Prince Hotel from March 3 to 12, 2017. Directed and written by Keita Kawajiri, the production starred Kokoro Okuda as Kaho Nikaidō, Yoshihiko Aramaki portraying Kanade Takahashi, Daiki Sagawa as Tomu Kaneko, among other cast members.
Reception
Rebecca Silverman from Anime News Network assigned the first volume a grade of C−, expressing concern over its serious romantic elements clashing with comedic tones and the significant age difference between the main characters, which she felt detracted from the humor by introducing discomfort. Nonetheless, she commended the dialogue, particularly noting Kanade’s mix of youthful innocence and mature expression.