For a certain reason, a handsome, young calligrapher by the name of Seishuu Handa uproots himself and moves to an island on the westernmost edge of Japan. "Sensei," as he comes to be known, is a city boy through and through, and has never experienced rural life until now.
And by the looks of it, he has much to learn! Luckily(?), he has a willing teacher in Naru, the energetic expert islander, to help show him the ropes. But can Sensei keep up with the plucky first-grader, or will he get schooled?! Here unfolds a heartfelt island comedy about a gruff on the outside, soft on the inside urbanite teacher and his new, unfailingly kind island neighbors!
Official Translations:
English
19 Volumes (Complete) + 18+1 (1 Volume)






The characters in this manga are so funny. Even though its slice of life it's not boring at all because of all the ridiculous things the villagers do or say.
It's one of the rare slice fo life pieces I really like. It has varied and lovable characters, their distinct chracteristics make them endearing. Character growth is seen not only in MC but also side-characters and even the town in itself. It's not only about rural vs. city life or dreams and aspirations, what really stood out to me was the realistic portrayal of procratination, avoidance or denial in daily life as a longer process, that is just not simply changed instantly by some wonderous happening. The pacing certainly added to that realistic feeling as well as the comedic atmosphere.
The sequel Handa-kun that acts as a prequel is a crack comedy in its finest XD, don't expect the same atmosphere as in Barakamon though.
Slice of life is a genre that's precious to me, but it seems to be seldom done these days. I was very happy to find this one.
Started as a light read: pink and devoided of sexuality, fan service, or violence. Perfect if you want super light "everything is all right no conflict" manga. Young people, little kids, laid back kind of easy life on the island.
Until i got bored/pissed of by:
•the women who doesn't have important jobs.
•the wife who is a servant and looks younger enough to be his daughter instead of his wife (mother of lead)
•a man who dresses as a woman, who has a son which is old enough to be his brother instead.
•the fkng translation as if the villagers were rednecks from the south of USA. I read it as they are talking normal, not like brainless people. I don't care if they have different dialect: I know they don't have that one.
•the cookie cutter character: the young woman who is shy and have kind of talent, but is presented always with corky glasses and hair always tight,. And of course, ridiculous choice of wardrobe.
•Naru character: started to feel super badly drawn, like a cartoon inside a cartoon. And sometimes doesn't think or act like a child her age, but like a 30 year old who have experience in life.
I might have forgot about another detail, but I think that is it.
... Last updated 5 years ago
A heartwarming and hilarious piece of work, with an array of colourful characters, that speaks to one's inner child. What's more, one gets to sample a rare concoction - the simplicity of country-life and freeform calligraphy.
... Last updated 10 years ago
Good slice of life manga like this are hard to find. One thing I liked about it is that the characters are introduced in a gradual manner; so for once I could remember all their names in one go. This manga is pretty similar to Yotsuba, but it distinguishes itself from it with development in character and plot, which Yotsuba, despite being hilarious, lacks.
Borakamon will certainly make your day, like it did mine. Give it a go.
This is so cute! I love these type of slice of life stories! They pull you right in! The characters are awesome. If you like Yotsuba, you will definitely love this. This is too underrated. (LOL, although when I first saw the title, I thought of Barack Obama as a digimon.
Ahaha..this is awesome. From the first chapter when the brat appears and pesters the Sensei I already smirking like an idiot. A calligrapher spending his training on some village, with the villagers really close to one another making the atmosphere feels like a really peaceful place. Furthermore, the characters come one another each chapter with each story making this Sensei's slice of life getting more hilarious.
... Last updated 12 years ago