Something's Wrong with Us

Something's Wrong with Us 1

Something's Wrong with Us (Nanika ga Oshii) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Natsumi Ando. It falls under the genres of mystery, romance, and josei, targeting an adult female demographic. The series was serialized in Kodansha's Be Love magazine, a prominent publication for josei manga, indicating its intended audience and thematic focus.

Plot

The story revolves around Nao, a young woman with a tragic past. As a child, she witnessed her mother being convicted for the murder of the head chef in a prestigious kaiseki restaurant, a place where both of them lived and worked. Years later, Nao returns to the restaurant under a false identity to uncover the truth behind her mother's conviction and to clear her name. During her quest, she reencounters Tsubaki, her childhood friend and the heir to the restaurant, who is now her potential ally or enemy. The narrative weaves through themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for justice, set against the backdrop of traditional Japanese cuisine and the high-stakes environment of culinary excellence.

Characters

• Nao Hanaoka: The protagonist, determined to uncover the truth about her mother's wrongful conviction.
• Tsubaki Akimoto: The heir to the prestigious kaiseki restaurant and Nao's childhood friend, whose current relationship with her is complicated by past events and present secrets.
• Yuriko Hanaoka: Nao's mother, who was convicted of a crime Nao believes she did not commit.

Themes and Reception

Something's Wrong with Us explores deep themes such as the search for truth, the complexities of human relationships, and the struggle for redemption. The setting within the traditional Japanese culinary world adds a unique layer to the story, highlighting the beauty and rigor of kaiseki cuisine, as well as the intense pressure and competition within the industry.

The manga has been well-received for its intricate plot, complex characters, and the way it seamlessly integrates elements of mystery and romance. Its portrayal of traditional Japanese culture, particularly the culinary arts, has been praised for its authenticity and detail.

Publication

The series began serialization in Be Love magazine, with collected volumes published by Kodansha. It has been compiled into several tankōbon volumes, making it accessible to a wide audience beyond the magazine's readership.

Adaptations

While there has been interest in adaptations, including potential anime and live-action projects, specific details and developments vary. Fans of the series often express eagerness to see Nao's story brought to life in other media formats.

See Also

• Josei manga
• Mystery
• Romance
• Kaiseki