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Title:
Yotsuba&! (English)
Yotsubato (Japanese)
Creator:
Author and Artist: Kiyohiko Azuma
Publishers:
- Yen Press (US)
- Media Works Inc. / Dengeki (Japan)
Volumes:
8 volumes (continuing)
- Vol. 1: ISBN 978-0316073875 (Sept. 2009) -
- Vol. 2: ISBN 978-0316073899 (Sept. 2009) -
- Vol. 3: ISBN 978-0316073905 (Sept. 2009) -
- Vol. 4: ISBN 978-0316073912 (Sept. 2009) -
- Vol. 5: ISBN 978-0316073929 (Sept. 2009) -
- Vol. 6: ISBN 978-0316073240 (Sept. 2009) -
- Vol. 7: ISBN 978-0316073257 (Dec. 2009)
- Vol. 8: ISBN 978-0316073271 (May 2010)
Manga Genres:
- Seinen (Men's) Manga
- All-Ages / Kids Manga
- Comedy
- Slice of Life / Reality-Based
Content Rating:
E – Everyone / A – All Ages for charming, all-ages appropriate humor
More about content ratings
About the Manga:
Yotsuba&! Is currently serialized in Dengeki Daioh magazine, a monthly seinen (men's) manga magazine, but it's light-hearted sense of humor has made it a rare manga that's appealing for all ages.
Each chapter of Yotsuba&! takes place on a single day, and each volume of seven chapters covers a week in the lives of Yotsuba and friends.
Yotsubato is the recipient of numerous awards in Japan, including Excellence Award for Manga at the 2006 Japan Media Arts Festival. In 2008, it was nominated for the Osamu Tezuka Culture Award and was also nominated for a Will Eisner Award in the Best Publication for Kids category.
About the Author / Artist:
Kiyohiko Azuma was born on May 27, 1968 in Takasago, Hyôgo Prefecture, Japan.
He graduated from Hyôgo Prefectural Kakogawa East High School in Kakogawa and Kobe Design University. His most well-known work is Azumanga Daioh, which was a yonkoma (4-panel) manga about a group of high school girls. Azumanga Daioh! was also adapted as a successful anime series, but to date, Azuma has no plans to adapt Yotsuba&! as an anime.
Story Summary:
Yotsuba is an ever-cheerful, always curious green-haired girl who's the new kid in town. Since she moved into the neighborhood with her father, every day is full of discoveries. She immediately befriends her neighbors, the Ayase family, but they can only wonder where this strange girl came from, especially since she seems to be unaware of (and utterly delighted by) things like air conditioning, swing sets and fireworks.
The first eight volumes of the series largely take place in summer, so Yotsuba's adventures include seasonal joys like trips to the beach and to the festival.
Main Characters:
Yotsuba Koiwai
Yotsuba means four-leaf clover, and true to her namesake, this green-haired little girl with four ponytails seems to bounce around under the watchful eye of a lucky star. Fearless, energetic and endlessly curious, Yotsuba is always upbeat and enjoys life to its fullest. Her unconventional innocence makes a trip to the beach, an evening watching fireworks and a shopping excursion a fun-filled adventure.
Mr. Koiwai / "Daddy"
Single dad Mr. Koiwai is a laid back guy (except when he's competing with Jumbo). His job as translator allows him to work from home and keep an eye on his adopted daughter. He never really explains where Yotsuba is originally from, other than that he met her when he was overseas, but it's clear that he's just as playful as his daughter, albeit slightly more world-wise.
Fuka Ayase
Fuka is the middle sister of the Ayase family, and the first one to welcome the Koiwais to the neighborhood. Fuka is responsible and reliable, so she can be counted on to be the voice of common sense when things get a bit out of hand.
Jumbo
His real name is Takashi Takeda, but at 6' 10", his towering height makes everyone call him Jumbo. Jumbo is a generous, albeit sometimes impulsive guy who has a playful rivalry with his good friend, Mr. Koiwai. Jumbo is also a single guy who'd like nothing better than to go on a date with Asagi, the oldest (and prettiest) Ayase sister.
Asagi Ayase
Asagi is the eldest Ayase sister. She's pretty, confident and has a wicked, slightly dry sense of humor. She loves to tease Fuka and even Yotsuba on occasion.
Ena Ayase
Ena is the youngest Ayase sister, and while she's a little bit older than Yotsuba, she's still young enough to enjoy the numerous occasions when that Jumbo and Mr. Koiwai take the girls out on an excursion. Ena is puzzled by and protective of Yotsuba's innocence at the same time, and takes delight in those times when she can playfully pull one over on her neighbor.
Miura Hayasaka
Miura is a friend and classmate of Ena, who often comes over to the Ayase's house to play. While she's a bit of a tomboy, Miura also has a girly side that comes out when she's grossed out by something, like cleaning fish guts or a big frog. She's also the creator of "Danbo," the cardboard robot that appears in Volume 5.
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