Tonari wa Nani wo Kuu Hito zo

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This is one series in which the story is good because of it's simplicity. No over the top happenings or the need for excessive drama since there aren't enough chapters for it anyway, so the story more or less proceeds smoothly and naturally. I've read a number of funny, interesting stories recently, but this is the one I felt I truly enjoyed in a while, so much that halfway I was sad that it didn't have more chapters for me to prolong my enjoyment.

If it's short and simple - it can't be that good right? Well, I disagree! I'm honestly surprised by the pacing of ... the story, where you can really see two characters grow comfortable around each other over the course of months and years, without requiring out of place major timeskips. The character relationship progression is very natural and sweet, at a pace that neither left me bored nor made me think things were happening too sudden. At the same time - it's not slow, and when progression happens it doesn't drag on for a million years. It's a short story where things are satisfying and not annoying.

If you liked bonnouji, another neighbours hang out and fall in love sort of manga - this has a similar kind of atmosphere, however with better pacing but less additional stuff due to it's shorter run time. There's less time post-relationship to explore in Tonari wa nani wo kuu hito zo, but there's a sequel manga following their relationship/story for those who want more lovey-dovey stuff.

The characters are great and not the kind to act unreasonably or too trope-y. The guy is calm and slightly disinterested when it doesn't come to food, and gives the feeling of someone who can do things well. But he isn't mean nor with a lack of emotion, and never did I feel he was overly perfect, but kind of just like a good senpai. The girl is cheerful and has her cute moments - but without all the unneeded bad points manga always give their female leads. She's not incompetent nor acts stupidly or overly naive, and she's able to keep up with the male lead easily in a comfortable relationship. In short, she's a good girl who's actually likable so there's no need to think "huh, why does he even like her again?". The few other recurring side characters are also memorable and act as true supportive friends in the little group (even if they do leech off some foodstuffs). There's really nothing to be hated about them.

Their get-togethers brought about by the whole cooking theme is also great fun. There's effort put in and even I, a total noob at cooking, can enjoy the cooking scenes which appear every chapter or so. Just as the manga is consistent with having a cooking scene (with recipe!) about every time, it feels very much like an everyday occurrence for the couple and a sweet, natural thing in their lives to look forward to. As a cooking slice-of-life, it definitely succeeded in making it complimentary to the story without neglecting it.

Overall, if you want a comfortable story and relationship with good pacing and likable cast without dragged out drama, this is a good one to try out. If there's dissatisfaction with the number of chapters and too little shoujo/love-y moments, the sequel (tonari wa nani wo kuu hito zo - horoyoi; currently 4 chapters out but not found on MAL) has more of that to enjoy. Regardless, it started and ended satisfactorily within the short 14 chapters and will not be a waste of time to read.

Tonari Wa Nani O Kuu Hito Zo Manga Review
By: Fujitsuka Yuki

Plot:

"The best way to a man's heart is through his stomach" and so they say. It's also applicable vise versa, right? Wanting to change her life and enjoy the school life, Suzuna, who grew up in a countryside, decided to study in Tokyo. Yes, she has the brain and the looks (after treating herself a make over), but being independent is another thing. With a life she's stranger to, he came to know her neighbor, Seto, whom she can depend on. What I love on this manga is even if it is slow pace, it ... perfectly creates the connection or bond the characters need to have so that their relationship grow stronger. The step by step communication and closeness the protagonists show is just too irresistible. The feelings from none to love with each other is just too natural, it makes the story realistic (If its just a human acting on it, I mean).

Characters:

I really love the development of both the MC on this manga. They change for the better, and what's great is that they both have each other while in the process. It's rare to see character like Seto, who is a husband material. Not just some random guy who can protect you with other guys, but also can take care of you when in home. He is taking care of Suzuna like a mother, but he also does things a man would do. I want a husband like him. Kidding!

Art:

The art is simple but cool. The proportion of the body is what I like. It really differentiates the body of a man and a woman. It's just too beautiful for me to see. The character's faces are normal, but their characteristics and attitudes are what makes them look unique. Their reactions to something, feeling shy or happy, it really show on the way they express it on their face.

Enjoyment:

I like the story of this manga. Pure, light, sweet, and most of all, completed. It only takes me one lying in the bed to finish it. It makes me want to read more. There are scenarios that burst me into laughter but what made me keep going is the desire of me to see the progress of their relationship. How the two of them will end up with each other.

Ending:

I just want to have a love triangle, but there's none and I think that's okay. The ending is cute and simple. No ceremonies needed, no babies, no wedding dress. Just two of them happy living, just them making the most of their life.

I read this out of curiosity and it did not disappoint! If you want to avoid all the typical romance/shoujo cliches, this one is a great story to pass time with! Also, if you like FOOD FOOD FOOD...well you're in for a ride cause every ep was pretty much MOUTH-DROOLING. Also, if you like seeing time flow in the manga, this is a good one for that! They're not stuck in the typical high school forever scenario.

Story: It's only pretty nicely paced and nothing over-the-top to frustrate readers. It's very relaxing, at least for me. I personally think it's very cute how this story ... shows two neighbors who come together over time and are connected by food. I also feel this kind of scenario is realistic because people are becoming anti-social these days. The side characters are also the best! No rivals, frustrating romance, or annoying characters.

Characters: The characters grew on me over time. The main characters are definitely not annoying and have fun personalities. It can get sort of repetitive with the main girl characters dialogue, but everyone has their own trauma right? The ML is a blunt honest guy with amazing cooking skills while the FL is ditzy & academically smart, but not survival smart. The side characters are also fun to see as they support the main ones.

Art: I really love the art style from this mangaka, especially the expressions she creates.

Overall: I was pretty surprised to see how much I liked this story. The ending is cute too & it has it's own sequel if you want to see the adult side of things :3. I personally would reread this again just because of how the elements of this manga are. You can't go wrong with this one.