About Kaworu Watashiya

Kaworu Watashiya is a female manga artist best known for Kodomo no Jikan. She resides in Tokyo, Japan, and serializes her current title Queen's Artist in Comic High Action Comics published by Futabasha. Her art design is very unique, including child-like and innocent features while specializing in seinen style story-telling. Watashiya is truly awesome when it comes to female character creation, as they embody independence, intelligence, and equality, regardless of age and appearance. Her work was previously slated for an American release but was unfortunately cancelled due to numerous reasons, including the differing Japanese and American cultural perceptions of the manga's controversial subject matter.

“What I heard about 'issues in volume 2 and later' made me realize the differences in the cultures between the countries. My honest feeling is, 'It's unfortunate, but what can I do?”

We are here to give the title a second chance to be released, but we need your support to publish and localize the full release of Kodomo no Jikan.

Watashiya-sensei is looking forward to seeing it published! She appreciates all the support you can give her!

"Hi! I'm so happy that "Kodomo no Jikan" is going to be translated into English! :) ♥ I'm right in the middle of creating the illustrations we will reward to our Kickstarter backers. Please participate in our crowdfunding campaign! (♪) I hope many of you will read my manga and let me know what you think!" -Kaoru Watashiya

Twitter: @watashiya

[UPDATE 05.31.2016]

"Thank you so much for supporting and participating in our Kickstarter campaign! I am aware there are many opinions out there regarding this campaign. My only wish is that people read the series before they pass judgement. That's why we started this Kickstarter in the first place: so people can have a chance to read it.

Whether they are backers or not, thank you to everyone who has expressed their support for the Kickstarter campaign（´ε｀*）"

Summary

Newly hired Aoki Daisuke becomes a teacher to a 3rd grade class after the previous quits. He thought teaching was going to be a breeze until he meets troublemaker Rin Kokonoe. Rin wreaks havoc on Daisuke's job by attempting to seduce him. Due to Rin's odd behavior, Daisuke decides to make a visit to her caretaker. Little does he know, Rin has a traumatic past hidden away behind her innocent face.

Kodomo no Jikan is a school life comedy by day, and a psychological drama by night. As Daisuke attempts to remedy the complex challenges his students face outside of school grounds, the reader is forced to ask oneself, is Rin really just an innocent child? Or was Daisuke the innocent one after all?

Kodomo no Jikan sets itself apart from other manga by addressing controversial themes that nobody has dared to touch, and spinning it into a positive light. Watashiya challenges the reader's sense of morality. This is a highly recommended series if you like to explore unique subjects within literature. Best to be read with an open-mind.

To respond to the comments on the web:

"I can’t believe this title is back when we finally got it off shores! This is a harmful publication!" We are aware of the controversy. This campaign was created for the fans that were shut-off from an opportunity to get this title in their hands. If you’re unfamiliar with this series, please check out our sampler [Here], and decide whether or not the title is for you.

"This is child pornography!" This is the most common negative comment we read online. This book is neither graphically explicit nor pornographic. Watashiya’s intention was not to induce sexual arousal, but to write a dramatic tale of a teacher who is concerned for his students. The book contains heavy amounts of 'ecchi' / fan service and suggestive dialogue throughout the series. Since the title was featured in a Seinen magazine (target male audience ages 18+) in Japan, it was sold to all ages and genders at retail stores. The Seinen genre features a style of story writing that includes complex plots and challenging real-life themes. The writing is focused on plot lines and the interaction between characters, rather than action and fight scenes that are more frequent in mainstream manga and anime. Comparable series that are in the seinen genre include Neon Genesis Evengelion, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and Ghost in the Shell. It's not unusual that seinen manga, including Nana to Kaoru and Nozoki Ana, includes sexually suggestive scenes.

"You’re a moron! They clearly have sex and nudity in the book! That’s porn!" This campaign is only meant for the fans. The book includes sexually suggestive scenes, but is not explicitly pornographic. The sexual scenes serve a purpose to the plot. Censoring these scenes will significantly affect the story line, so we have chosen to keep it how the author originally intended. The book is best described as "ecchi-level" / borderline erotica and requires a Parental Advisory warning. I's rating will be an "M" for mature readers. The rating is equal to an "R" for movies containing nudity, language, and sexual situations but is separate from a "NC-17" rating which has explicit content. If you’re expecting pornography, please look elsewhere.

Others who can speak on the book’s content

(These comments do not reflect our opinions, but do showcase the positive comments overshadowed by the criticism. Bias comments within.)

"Literature at times addresses very controversial issues, and those issues are at times quite disturbing. Kodomo no Jikan may not be the greatest piece of literature, but it does have its merits, and to deny them because there’s some disturbing imagery is irresponsible. I will reiterate, I did find what Rin and Daisuke’s relationship evolved into was troublesome, but most of the series is a story of a teacher caring for his student."

- Cross Rinne Journals

"While there have been more worse manga titles out there that showcased suggestive scenes, this series is more about a character's hunger for attention. Now, if whoever reads beyond the confines of its theme is another problem which may then become as controversial as it was made already by those few who only heard of it yet shot it down to oblivion!"- Arc Image

"This story was written by a FEMALE mangaka. It is REALISTIC in many aspects because it doesn't make children these "innocent" creatures, however, it still portrays the realities that they may not be innocent...but they still have a lot to learn about life/the world."

- tAsTytEmPAi

Mock-up only. Design subject to change.

Print Specifications

Imprint: PeCChi

Size: A5 (5.8" x 8.3")

Format: Right-to-Left (Traditional Japanese Manga style)

Paper stock: Standard Manga Paper

Pages: Approx. 528 (v. 1-3), 352 (v. 4-5), 176 (Houkago)

Softcover, Paperback

Genres: Ecchi / Comedy / Drama

Release Date: October 2017

Added Features: French Flap

The initial goal will start with the standard manga print specifications. As we break each stretch goal, the print edition will receive enhancements to the print quality such as changing paper stock and even a hardcover upgrade with dust jacket! (See stretch goals for funding goal.)

Kodomo no Jikan is originally a 13 volume series running from 2005 - 2013. An additional volume was published after the finale titled "Houkago." The pages are in black and white with some color inserts. For every book purchased, you are not only supporting the chance for a print release, but you are also supporting Kaworu Watashiya. Let's show her your support!

Our goal for this campaign to to publish all 13 volumes plus Houkago as omnibus releases. There will be a total of 5 omnibuses and 1 standalone tankoubon. Details of the volumes and MSRP.

Omnibus volume 1 (v. 1-3 collected), Price: $25.95

Omnibus volume 2 (v. 4-6 collected), Price: $25.95

Omnibus volume 3 (v. 7-9 collected), Price: $25.95

Omnibus volume 4 (v. 10-11 collected), Price: $21.95

Omnibus volume 5 (v. 12-13 collected), Price: $21.95

Houkago, Price: $15.95

The released date will be slated for October 2017 for backers. A date for retailer release is still TBA. This is the latest we can expect the release. When we can get a confirmation for a much earlier release, we will let you guys know!

About Digital Manga Inc.

Located in Gardena, CA, Digital Manga Inc. is one of the industry's most unconventional and innovative companies, specializing in building corporate and cultural bridges from Japan to the West - specifically through the licensing, importation, and preparation of anime (Japanese animation), manga (Japanese comic books) and related merchandise for North America's mainstream and niche markets. In this capacity, DMI serves as a catalyst for the spread of Japanese pop culture institutions into the global arena. The company's imprint lines include DMP (its mainstream imprint), DMP Platinum (its classic manga imprint), JUNÉ (its boys love imprint), 801 MEDIA (its adult boys love imprint), DokiDoki (its exclusive co-publishing imprint with Shinshokan Publishing), DH/DMP (a co-publishing venture with Dark Horse Comics, Project H (its Adult Hentai manga imprint), DMG (a new forefront for its digital distribution initiative), and their newborn addition PeCChi (it's seinen ecchi manga imprint).

Here is the breakdown on what-comes-with-what if you would to pledge. Description of perks are after the tier breakdown.

Regarding custom fees for international backers.

We are not responsible for any additional charges such as import or custom fees. Backers are responsible for any fees previously listed. We unfortunately cannot mark any packages as gift as well. We are not responsible for any lost packages and you should contact your local carrier regarding lost items.

If rewards have not arrived within a 1 month time frame, please contact us as soon as possible so we can investigate the location of your rewards. We apologize for any inconvenience in advance. Orz

ART NOT FINAL. Mock-up only.

Double-Sided Clear File

Store your important documents or school essays with these colorful double-sided clear files. Made of plastic to keep that nice shiny feel and retaining the beautiful colors of this illustration.

Tiers that include these perks: Goodie Bag, Computer Technology Honors, Computer Technology AP, Computer Proficiency Honors, Computer Proficiency AP, Homeroom, Sensei's Goodie Bag, English Literature, Coming of Age, Home Economics, Physical Education, Graduation, Farewell Party, Ceremonial Goodbye, Winter Vacation, Kuro's Gift, Mimi's Gift, Rin's Gift, From Watashiya, Life Drawing by Watashiya.

Approx. 2" high. Art may not reflect final product design.

Kojika Girls 2" PVC Rubber Strap

These rubber straps are drawn and illustrated by Watashiya-sensei herself! The quantities are extremely limited. They are 2" inches tall made of PVC rubber for longer lasting! Not available as add-ons.

They don't have to be chained up with your keys or backpack, they can be hung up on your wall!

Tiers that include these perks: Computer Technology AP, Computer Proficiency AP, Sensei's Goodie Bag, Farewell Party, Winter Vacation, Kuro's Gift, Mimi's Gift, Rin's Gift, From Watashiya, Life Drawing by Watashiya.

ART NOT FINAL. Mock-up only.

Tote bag

Want to carry a cute bag to the grocery store? Tote bag made of natural cotton. This bag will only be available through Kickstarter.

Tiers that include these perks: Computer Technology Honors, Computer Technology Honors, Computer Technology AP, Computer Proficiency AP, Sensei's Goodie Bag, Farewell Party, Winter Vacation, Kuro's Gift, Mimi's Gift, Rin's Gift, From Watashiya, Life Drawing by Watashiya.

ART NOT FINAL. Mock-up only.

Polar Fleece Blanket

We will be printing based on how many backers pledged with this blanket featuring the artwork on the cover of Comic High's to celebrate the finale of Kodomo no Jikan. They're sublimated throw blankets with dimensions of 50" x 75", weighing 24oz. Time to cozy yourself up!

Tiers that include these perks: Winter Vacation, Kuro's Gift, Mimi's Gift, Rin's Gift, From Watashiya, Life Drawing by Watashiya.

Double-sided pillow cases.

Dakimakura Pillow Case

Weren't able to get your hands on these rare pillow cases once it hit the market? Here's your chance again! We were able to snag a few for this campaign. They're double-sided and features a different illustration on the other side of the pillow case. Illustration is suggestive but characters are NOT nude. From wwwanime. Another link for instructions [here].

Tiers that include these perks: Kuro's Gift, Mimi's Gift, Rin's Gift, Life Drawing by Watashiya.

Autograph replica from Watashiya-sensei, the manga-ka!

11" x 17" Poster with Autograph

As much as I adore this illustration, I couldn't manage to make it as a cover for the omnibus, instead... it's now a poster! They will be on glossy paper with dimensions of 11"in. x 17"in. Delivery will be rolled up in a poster tube. Another special feature is a signature from Watashiya-sensei herself. (The signature is a replica and not hand-signed.) Available for kickstarter only.

Tiers that include these perks: Computer Technology Honors, Computer Technology Honors, Computer Technology AP, Computer Proficiency AP, Sensei's Goodie Bag, Farewell Party, Winter Vacation, Kuro's Gift, Mimi's Gift, Rin's Gift, From Watashiya, Life Drawing by Watashiya.

3 of the 4 Shikishi illustrated by Watashiya-sensei!

Illustrated Shikishi Sketch

Kaworu Watashiya will be drawing 4 shikishi, all in color. (Note: They're already pre-drawn.)

Tiers that include these perks: From Watashiya, Life Drawing by Watashiya.

How to add-on to your pledge:

Note: This applies to ALL ADD-ON(s) inquiries. If you need further assistance with add-on(s), please message us!

Step 1: Pledge for an existing reward tier. Minimum tier level must be 'GOODIE BAG' (for print add-ons). Step 2: Click the button that says "Manage Your Pledge"

Step 3: Manually change the pledge amount to desired TOTAL AMOUNT including all the add-on(s) you want. Ex. Pledge level "GOODIE BAG" is $15. You would like to add "The Hentai Prince and Stony Cat vol. 1" as an add-on which is $13. Add $13 to the pledge of $15. $13+$15=$28. Your pledge amount should now be $45!

Step 4: Please send a message under the 'Contact Me' link next to the profile image of the project.

Please be aware that the print books will not be shipped until all volumes of 'Kodomo no Jikan' are ready to be shipped.

If you would like to have these items shipped to you as soon as they become available, please add in $5 for each add-on book. (USA only)

All add-on prices already include shipping! No need to add in any shipping cost!

What Happens Next?

If the the crowdfunding goal is met, translation will be worked on immediately!