Midori Days
| Company type | Manga series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manga, anime |
| Founded | September 18, 2002 |
| Founder | Kazurou Inoue |
| Fate | Adapted into anime series |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Manga, anime |
| Parent | Shogakukan (publisher) |
is a Japanese manga created by Kazurou Inoue and published by Shogakukan in Weekly Shōnen Sunday from September 2002 until July 2004. This series, compiled into eight volumes, was licensed for North American release by Viz Media. The story centers on Seiji Sawamura, a high school brawler whose right hand is inexplicably replaced by a girl named Midori Kasugano, compelling them to live in an unusual partnership.
The manga was transformed into a 13-episode anime series produced by Pierrot, which aired between April and June 2004. The North American rights for the anime were acquired by Media Blasters.
Plot
Seiji Sawamura is recognized as the most formidable fighter at his high school, gaining more attention for his combat skills than his academic performance. While feared by many and admired by some, he faces difficulty in finding a romantic partner. His circumstances change dramatically when Midori Kasugano, a timid girl from another school who secretly harbors feelings for him, manifests as a miniature version of herself attached to his right hand. This extraordinary condition forces them to adjust to their forced proximity.
Main characters
- A 16-year-old girl who becomes fused with Seiji's right hand after expressing a wish to be with him. This union disrupts Seiji’s use of his famed "Devil's Right Hand" fighting technique. Midori’s actual body remains comatose, with her mother actively seeking ways to revive her.
- A 17-year-old delinquent renowned for his formidable "Devil's Right Hand" and feared due to his fighting prowess. Known as "Mad Dog" Sawamura, he battles to defend the vulnerable but remains socially isolated, yearning for a girlfriend.
Supporting characters
- The class representative who initially dislikes Seiji but secretly develops feelings for him after he rescues her from a gang. Her efforts to confess are consistently hindered by Seiji’s obliviousness or external interruptions.
- Seiji’s elder sister and former gang leader, notorious for her aggressive demeanor. She trained Seiji in combat and frequently bullies him while taking his allowance.
- A childhood friend of Midori and fellow student who shifts his romantic interest from Midori to Seiji, creating tension with the miniature Midori.
- A younger student who admires Seiji’s fighting skills and counts among his closest friends prior to Midori's appearance. He often finds himself in conflicts with rival gangs.
- A classmate passionate about dolls and obsessed with the fictional character Ultra-Marin. His skill in doll clothing design benefits the miniature Midori’s wardrobe.
- A 10-year-old neighbor who has a crush on Seiji and attempts various strategies to gain his attention but is treated like a child.
- Midori’s mother, deeply worried about her daughter’s coma and determined to discover a cure.
Additional characters
- An American exchange student at Seiji’s high school named Lucy, who admires Japanese pop culture—especially samurai films—and perceives Seiji as an ideal Japanese man.
- A reserved and enigmatic classmate fascinated by unusual phenomena, particularly the transformation of Seiji's right hand. Her sudden appearances often surprise Seiji.
- Nao's father, a physician intent on capturing Seiji for medical examination to achieve professional acclaim. His plans are repeatedly foiled by Nao, Seiji, and Midori.
- Rin's boyfriend, an adventurous treasure hunter frequently away on expeditions, much to Rin's frustration.
- The leader of the Crimson Angels, an all-female gang that often torments Kouta, including dressing him in feminine attire. Despite this antagonism, she later assists him in separating Seiji and Midori.
- Seiji's childhood love and first informal girlfriend. They reunited after being apart for seven years following her relocation.
- An eleventh-grade top student and daughter of a trading company chairman. Widely popular, she is nicknamed kamakiri fujin ("praying mantis").
Manga
Midori Days, authored by Kazurou Inoue, was featured in Shogakukan's Shōnen manga publication Weekly Shōnen Sunday from September 18, 2002, through July 21, 2004. The narrative was divided into 85 chapters, which were later collected into eight volumes released between January 18, 2003, and October 18, 2004.
Internationally, the manga was licensed by Viz Media for North America, Chuang Yi in Singapore, and Madman Entertainment in Australia.
Anime
The anime adaptation produced by Pierrot was broadcast on tvk along with other UHF stations from April 4 to June 27, 2004. Direction was handled by Tsuneo Kobayashi, with character designs by Yuko Kusumoto and music composed by Yoshihisa Hirano. The opening theme was performed by CooRie, while the ending theme featured vocals by Saori Atsumi. In North America, the series' distribution rights were acquired by Media Blasters.