Ushijima-kun the Loan Shark

[Zenrei02]

Yo, I live in Japan and this s*** is real. I've met women who had to sell their body to feed their kids or pay rent while their dirtbag boyfriend/husband twiddled their thumbs. Casinos and gambling are the most popular activities amongst the elderly (by the way, fake gambling machines are in arcades so children can easily develop a gambling mindset). I lived in the countryside and there was a pachinko place every 3 miles or less. I've met high-end Yakuza and the people that borrow money from them to run their businesses.

This is all real stuff. Life in Japan is still easier than in the US but there are a ton of problems that are swept under the rug. The point of this manga is to show how the country isn't all sunshine and rainbows. I learned that from other people and things I've witnessed. This manga is just another reference and research tool.

 

[N0Mi0]

Hey, turns out, this manga was nominated for the 12th and 14th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, huh. That's kind of a big deal, they usually choose only around 6 works for the final round, which it got to.

I'd actually put my money on it not appearing on award nominees lists after that because of winning Shogakukan Manga Award in 2011. 'Cause, you know, it'd be bad if it appeared on such lists after getting it's due.

The more you know. Now I kinda wonder how popular this manga is in Japan. I know that it had several movies and dorama seasons, which is an indicator. Also it has several spin-offs and sequels, if I understood correctly. I wish it could get more attention in the English-speaking community, since it's such a high quality work, imho.

 

[burmn123]

I really want to thank the scanlations, man, you're really working hard on this, we get many releases, high quality translations... really, thank you.

 

[N0Mi0]

@mockingbirdxv, wanted to ask your opinion, I just watched S1 of the dorama, and was wondering if I should watch all the other seasons with films, or since it seems to be a somewhat loose adaptation so far it would just spoil all the manga turns for me? I think you said that you watched the adaptations, right?

Or it's OK in your opinion? I think they didn't adapt it to the end anyway, since the last film was screened in 2016, and the manga was finished in 2019. Thanks.

 

[mockingbirdxv]

@n0mi0 I've watched the first and second film. Haven't gotten around to the third because they're fairly long. The first film is an adaption of Gyaru-kun and an arc that hasn't been translated yet. The second film is an adaption of Yankee-kun 1 and 2, and another arc that hasn't been translated yet. There's also references here and there to other arcs, such as a Freeter-kun reference in the second film. From what I've heard, none of what the third film covers has been translated.

They are good adaptions. Mostly faithful to the original manga, and what they do change is entertaining. My biggest complaint is Ushijima is a bit quiet. However, if you want to avoid spoilers at all costs, they aren't for you.

I'm not gonna say which arcs it spoils, because I also like the mystery of not knowing what kind of debtor there's gonna be next.

 

[AsianSesame]

This manga is amazing. I've read it in Japanese and all the volumes.

 

[AsianSesame]

It really needs more popularity.

 

[lolnope]

Oh man, he's gonna snap

 

[4V29LN0n]

Such a depressing manga. But that’s Japan for you.

 

[Gordon]

A fucked up manga. You should read it, especially if you've had a sheltered/easygoing upbringing

 

[Dilan167]

In italiano non c'è

 

[Gurotori]

Has this been dropped?

 

[heroesluk]

 

[Nanomaik]

Porco dio ndo'sono I capitoli

 

[burmn123]

well, it was a matter of time, this kind of manga is always dropped halfway, this one actually took a really long time to be dropped. Thanks to the scanlation that did more than 100 chapters

 

[sunnymo]

Yay new chapter!

 

[Akikime]

Hey man has I promised few months ago, I caught up through french version. I have already read volume 12.

If you need help for scanlation I would be happy to help. I can translate easily from french to English. Contact me if you need the help.

It's to thanks you for making me discovered this manga. If you don't need help I will now read it in French so good luck for the rest of scanlation and thank you for the hard work.

 

[mockingbirdxv]

@Akikime Thanks very much for the offer, but we’re fine for now. If we need any help, I’ll let you know. Glad you’re enjoying the series.

 

[Akikime]

You're welcome. Good luck.

 

[N0Mi0]

The god has returned.