The author of the popular comic book Midnight Diner,'' which has been made into a drama and a movie, writes an essay in which he recalls the rich food culture of his hometown, Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture, and candidly talks about the path he took to make his debut as a manga artist. Contains long interviews and columns depicting women living strong lives in cities such as Shinjuku, Koenji, Ikenohata, and Ginza 1-chome. This is a must-read for fans who can learn more about the manga artist Yaro Abe, as it includes not only his writings but also his debut work Yamamoto Mimikakiten'', two short comics, and studies from his time at the university manga club.

``My Friend: Friend of Sake, Friend of Food''
10 essays full of memories about the profound food culture of Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture. We will also introduce delicious ways to eat that are unique to locals.
・Fried millet eel...Fried millet eel is the best than sashimi or grilled with salt!
・Green seaweed, sea lettuce...The most luxurious breakfast is to sprinkle the fragrant green seaweed from the Shimanto River on your rice and slurp up the miso soup with sea lettuce!

• Seared bonito... Authentic tataki is loaded with seasonings, and harambo (belly skin) is also recommended.
  ・Sarabachi cuisine...There are a lot of dishes that are indispensable for Okyaku (banquets), but sushi rolls with thinly fried eggs are surprisingly popular!?
  ・Nina...When people pick apart the flesh of conch shells, people unconsciously... Competing with shellfish!?
  ・Tosa pomelo...A fruit that Tosa, the citrus kingdom, is proud of, each with a different taste.

“Why did I make my debut at 41?”
A long interview with Kenichiro Horii, a senior at Waseda University Manken. After working for a company, he talks candidly about how he made his debut as a manga artist as a late bloomer, and what kind of manga he became familiar with and has drawn. Valuable testimony that reveals the author's roots.

``○○ Women''
Shinjuku, Koenji, Sunamachi, Ebisu, Nakamura, Ikenohata, Haneda, Ekoda, Ginza 1-chome...Women living strong lives in various cities. A bar mom, a houseboat owner, a barber, a teacher, a mature pub worker, a singer-songwriter, an antenna shop producer... Their lives are a drama in themselves, with a wide variety of ages and occupations.

Included manga:
My Friend'' ` `Oh, now I can quit my job'' Yamamoto Mimikaki Shop (Episode 1)'' (author's debut work)
``Kuwaminato Lullaby'' (a valuable study from his time at the University Manken)