魔法のリノベ
In this blog, we present manga that are not only highly captivating but also ideal for Japanese language learners. Studying Japanese through manga is both fun and effective. Manga allows you to understand the subtleties of keigo (honorifics), teineigo (polite speech), and casual conversation in Japanese.
Today's featured manga
Story overview
Renovation refers to large-scale remodeling work on a home, such as altering the layout. Marufuku Construction, a family-run business operated entirely by men, handles these kinds of projects. At the president's decision, Koume, who had been working at a major construction company, has now joined the team. She is paired with the eldest son, Genosuke, who is soft on women and somewhat timid. Together, they face a series of challenges: a husband wanting to renovate a traditional Japanese room into a spacious living-dining-kitchen area, a wife opposed to any changes, an immovable wall, an unbreakable garden, and various other dilemmas!
Why this manga is suitable for learning Japanese
This unique manga, which highlights and resolves differences in how couples feel about family dynamics and lifestyle choices through home renovation, is particularly suitable for Japanese language learners for the following reasons.
Frequent Use of Business Keigo in Conversations
The main characters of this manga work at a construction company that specializes in renovations. Since the story primarily revolves around their interactions with clients, there are many scenes where they engage in proper business keigo, using both humble and respectful language.
Additionally, since the two main characters, Koume and Gennosuke, converse with each other using polite language, this manga features a high proportion of keigo and polite speech.
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Maho no Rinobe / Hoshizaki Maki / Futabasha Publishers
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Maho no Rinobe / Hoshizaki Maki / Futabasha Publishers
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Maho no Rinobe / Hoshizaki Maki / Futabasha Publishers
The Everyday Nature of the Renovation Theme
The reasons why clients seek renovations in this story are often to improve their quality of life or to address dissatisfaction with their current living conditions. Because the theme centers on daily life, the conversations naturally reflect topics rooted in everyday living. As a result, rather than showcasing keigo examples limited to specific business situations, the dialogues offer content that can be broadly applied to everyday conversations.
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Maho no Rinobe / Hoshizaki Maki / Futabasha Publishers
The Text Volume Is Just Right, and the Layout Is Easy to Read
While the sections related to renovation naturally contain a bit more information due to the nature of the work, the overall text volume feels just right—not too much, not too little. Additionally, the effective use of large panels and well-balanced layout makes the manga very easy to read.
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Maho no Rinobe / Hoshizaki Maki / Futabasha Publishers
A Little Warning
It Might Be Challenging If You're Not Interested in Housing or Renovation
Since this manga is set in the renovation industry, it includes a lot of information related to floor plans and housing. For those who aren't interested in these topics, it might be difficult to keep reading.
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Maho no Rinobe / Hoshizaki Maki / Futabasha Publishers
Data
* Title : Maho no Rinobe (魔法のリノベ)
* Author : Hoshizaki Maki
* Publisher :Futabasha Publishers
* Latest volume : Vol.6
(Nov.2023 / Ongoing)
* Text volume : moderate
* Challenge level : ★★
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