They're not anyone's “favorite” foods, but they all have their own place in our hearts. Boiled *chikuwabu* cakes, sweet *amashoku* buns, *kanpyou* (dried gourd!), deep-fried *chikuwa* fish cakes wrapped in seaweed, sweet *suama* mochi cakes, soft *gyuuhi* mochi, frozen mikan, soba water… This manga is an ode to those foods that are a bit unremarkable, yet still so dear to us. The author's cute sidekick Mogu-san is a cute treat as well! Eiko Matsumoto, the creator of *Nazo no Ano Mise*, brings you this super tasty essay comic that cooks up both laughs and feels. (Source: Kodansha, translated)

It looks like time has stopped in there. That's not normal. Do you have *that one shop* in your life? The mysterious one you've never summoned the courage to enter. The one that exudes an atmosphere that gives pause. It scares you… But you want to go in…We've taken that step for you, and report from within those dubious establishments! That bar where everything is inspired by trains. That café that keeps a real bird of prey. That pub where men and women fill the air with passion. That burger joint with the exuberant owner. The author gives her unique perspective on these quirky and curious places in this essay manga filled with true accounts of her adventures. It's an addicting read for sure! (Source: Asahi Shimbun Publications, translated)

*Freshly picked!* — Reach out and feel the seasons change as you enjoy the seasonal foods and the air of the country! From the only ranch and farm cafe in Tokyo, to the producers of blueberries, almond butter, edamame, and even honey. Reporting to you from every imaginable kind of farm-direct shop! (Source: Asahi Shimbun Publications, translated)

*Escape from the ordinary…* Think about everything up until now, and everything that's ahead of you. The landscape blurred by the steam leisurely rising from this oasis you find yourself in. Mingle with the locals, taste the delicacies, and relish the flavors of the area. You'll be taken on a hot spring pilgrimage in this comic essay! (Source: Asahi Shimbun Publications, translated)

"When it's finished, I want to let it be and not eat it." Meet dubious, curious characters in this essay manga that came to fame in the monthly magazine *Sanpo no Tatsujin*. (Source: Kotsu Shimbunsha, translated) *Notes: The release date for this entry refers to the collected volume, as opposed to the magazine serialization. The chapter count includes one bonus chapter.*

*Kakeyu-kun*, serialized in the travel magazine *Tabi no Techou*, has been collected into one full-color volume! With a hearty helping of wanderlust, the hot spring-loving cat Kakeyu-kun presents hot springs and picturesque towns. (Source: Kawade Shobo Shinsha, translated) *Notes: Only a small selection of the serialized comic strips have been collected for the volume release. The dates of this entry refers to the volume release rather than the serialization.*

A chronicle of the Matsumoto household's cat Hana-chan, and their tricky day-to-day life. The beloved comic serialized in *Neko-Biyori*, at last collected into a stand-alone volume! (Source: Tatsumi Publishing, translated) *Notes: The start date of this entry refers to the volume release, as opposed to the serialization.*

She was rowdy and temperamental, but oh so cute… I'm glad I got to be with Hana. I'm glad I got to share those days with her. (Source: Tatsumi Publishing, translated) *Notes: The release date of this entry refers to the volume release, as opposed to the serialization.*

Do you think that essay manga has been a bit lacking in character lately? Then this is the one for you. The episode with the flasher that shocked male readers! The sudden panic attack out of nowhere! From details of the unforgettable cat Aka's cystitis troubles, to dreams of keeping a snake, to the time the author accidentally predicted the assassination of the Prime Minister… Beloved illustrator Eiko Matsumoto puts her life on the line for this manga full of true stories! (Source: Kodansha, translated)