Soredemo Kichijouji Dake ga Sumitai Machi Desu ka?

Soredemo Kichijouji Dake ga Sumitai Machi Desu ka? was created by manga artist Maki Hirochi and serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Morning magazine beginning in 2015. The series emerged as a counter-narrative to the persistent popularity of Kichijouji, a neighborhood in Tokyo that frequently topped rankings of most desirable places to live. Hirochi crafted the narrative to challenge the singular focus on this fashionable destination, opting instead to highlight the diverse, lesser-known charms of other urban areas.

The story follows twin sisters who manage a real estate agency, helping prospective tenants find neighborhoods that better suit their specific lifestyles and needs rather than following trends. Known for her observational style and empathetic character studies, Hirochi uses the series to explore themes of urban identity and the anxiety of settling down. The work was well-received for its practical approach to city life and was adapted into a live-action television drama in 2016, further solidifying its reputation as a thoughtful exploration of Tokyo living.