Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible
| Industry | Manga publishing, Anime production |
|---|---|
| Founded | October 24, 2019 |
| Founder | Nene Yukimori |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
Area served | Japan, North America, Asia-Pacific |
Key people | Nene Yukimori (creator), Pine Jam (anime studio) |
| Products | Manga, Anime television series |
| Owner | Shueisha, Viz Media (print rights in North America) |
is a Japanese manga created by Nene Yukimori. It ran in Shueisha's Seinen manga periodical Weekly Young Jump from October 2019 through March 2023, compiled into a total of twelve volumes. The series received an anime adaptation produced by Pine Jam, which was broadcast from January until June 2023.
Premise
Junta Shiraishi, a high schooler, is so unremarkable and reserved that both peers and educators barely acknowledge his presence, resembling a mob character in a video game. This changes when his classmate Nagisa Kubo takes an interest in him and encourages him to become more noticeable.
Characters
- Junta Shiraishi is largely overlooked unless he deliberately draws attention to himself. He is aware of this and prefers to avoid the spotlight. As a member of the school's environmental committee, his contributions go largely unnoticed, leading others to wonder how the school plants thrive seemingly on their own.
- Nagisa Kubo, a classmate who notices Shiraishi and enjoys playfully teasing him. She is academically gifted, ranking second in her first-year finals, but lacks cooking skills.
- Akina Kubo, Nagisa’s elder sister who works at a bookstore and can perceive Shiraishi as well. She shares Nagisa’s fondness for teasing.
- Their younger cousin who easily spots Shiraishi. She looks up to Nagisa and feels somewhat envious of the attention Nagisa gives to Junta.
- Initially part of the friend group with Kubo, Tama, and Sudo, Hazuki eventually becomes friends with Shiraishi. She often serves as the group's voice of reason while participating in study sessions and competitions.
- A lively and spirited girl who frequently speaks impulsively, sometimes causing awkward moments unintentionally. Childhood friends with Sudo, she often initiates playful schemes despite their below-average academic performance.
- A classmate who befriends Shiraishi after being introduced by Kubo. He admires Shiraishi's dedication to environmental efforts and helps him integrate into their social circle while acting as a supportive wingman for his feelings toward Kubo.
- Junta’s younger brother in preschool who adores him.
Manga
Nene Yukimori authored and illustrated Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, which was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump from October 24, 2019, until March 2, 2023. The chapters were collected into twelve volumes by Shueisha, released between February 19, 2020, and April 18, 2023. The concluding volume features an epilogue chapter set after the main storyline.
The series is simultaneously available in English and Spanish via Shueisha’s Manga Plus platform and Viz Media's Shonen Jump website. Viz Media holds the print publication rights for North America.
Volumes
{{Graphic novel list |VolumeNumber = 2 |OriginalRelDate = June 19, 2020 |OriginalISBN = 978-4-08-891550-0 | ChapterListCol1 =
- Chapter 11:
- Chapter 12:
- Chapter 13:
- Chapter 14:
- Chapter 15:
- Chapter 16:
- Chapter 17:
- Chapter 18:
|} ... [Volumes continue similarly with condensed chapter listings, focusing on key chapters only] ...
Anime
The anime television adaptation was revealed on May 13, 2022. Produced by Pine Jam, it was directed by , with scripts penned by , character designs created by Yoshiko Saitō, and music composed by Kujira Yumemi. The show aired from January 10 to June 20, 2023, on AT-X alongside other channels. Following episode six, the broadcast schedule was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming in April starting from episode one. The opening theme song "Dramatic Janakutemo" (Even Though it's Not Dramatic) was performed by Kana Hanazawa, while the ending theme "Kasuka de Tashika" was sung by Dialogue+.
At Anime NYC in 2022, Sentai Filmworks acquired streaming rights for the series on Hidive. In the Asia-Pacific market, licensing was obtained by Medialink, with Animax Asia broadcasting the anime throughout Southeast Asia.
Reception
In 2020, Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible earned a nomination in the sixth iteration of the Next Manga Awards, securing 19th place out of 50 contenders with a total of 9,306 votes. The following year, it was again recognized in the seventh Next Manga Awards, improving its position to 7th among 50 nominees.
Critical response to the anime adaptation was varied. Cy Catwell from Anime Feminist drew parallels between this series and titles like Komi Can't Communicate and Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro, highlighting its combination of teasing that borders on "mild bullying/flirting," heartfelt scenes, and straightforward adolescent romance. However, Catwell expressed reservations regarding "Junta’s unease with Kubo’s behavior" and ultimately did not endorse the show. On the other hand, Nicholas Dupree of Anime News Network commended the twelve-episode adaptation as a "quiet comedy" centered on character dynamics, labeling it as "pure fluff" that is charming, humorous, and at times evokes an iyashikei-like soothing ambiance. He praised Shiraishi's believable character progression and described the series as delightful and satisfying for audiences receptive to its gentle tone.