Sekirei Review
by Sakurako Gokurakuin
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Quick Take
- 108 alien beings called Sekirei are bonded to human Ashikabi — and forced to fight each other
- Action-harem that takes its tournament structure more seriously than expected
- If you like this genre, Sekirei does it competently with some genuine character moments
Who Is This Manga For?
- Fans of harem action manga who want a complete series
- Readers who enjoy supernatural fighting tournament setups
- Anime fans of the Sekirei series wanting to read the source
- Adults comfortable with mature content who like action alongside it
Content Warnings & Age Rating
Age Rating: M (Mature) Content Warnings: sexual content, nudity, violence
Please check these warnings before reading.
Yu's Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story Depth | ★★★☆☆ |
| Art Style | ★★★☆☆ |
| Character Development | ★★★☆☆ |
| Accessibility for Non-Japanese Readers | ★★★☆☆ |
| Reread Value | ★★★☆☆ |
Story Overview
Minato Sahashi fails his college entrance exam twice and has no prospects — until the Sekirei Musubi literally falls from the sky and bonds with him as his 'Ashikabi.' He's now drawn into the Sekirei Plan: a massive battle tournament where 108 Sekirei bonded to human partners fight until only one pair remains. Minato, despite his apparent weakness, turns out to have an exceptional aptitude for forming bonds, and multiple powerful Sekirei choose him. He must protect them all while questioning the ethics of the entire system.
Characters
Minato is a more thoughtful protagonist than typical harem leads — he genuinely struggles with the Sekirei Plan's moral implications. The Sekirei themselves are given distinct personalities and genuine character arcs beyond their relationship with Minato. Musubi is charming; Tsukiumi's tsundere arc is the series' most beloved; Miya's role as landlady conceals depths.
Art Style
Gokurakuin's art is polished, with strong character designs and good action choreography. The ecchi elements are abundant but integrated into the action rather than being separate fanservice chapters.
Cultural Context
Sekirei engages with Japanese science fiction traditions — the Sekirei are aliens with both advanced technology and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The Ashikabi-Sekirei bond draws on concepts of destined relationships from Japanese folklore and romantic tradition.
What I Love About It
What distinguishes Sekirei from lesser harem manga is that Minato genuinely cares about all his Sekirei as people, not prizes. His discomfort with the Plan's ethics gives the series a moral dimension that many similar manga lack. The ending, after 16 volumes, actually provides satisfying closure.
What English-Speaking Fans Say
Sekirei has a dedicated fanbase in the action-harem genre. The anime adaptation brought in many new readers. Readers who approach it expecting a serious action manga may be frustrated, but fans of the genre rate it highly for delivering what it promises while adding more depth than expected.
Memorable Scene ⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Spoiler Warning: The reveal of what will happen to 'unwinged' Sekirei — those who haven't bonded with an Ashikabi — and Minato's response to this revelation, shows the series can generate genuine emotional stakes.
Similar Manga
- Taboo Tattoo — Similar action/ecchi with supernatural tournament
- To Love-Ru — If you want lighter harem
- Infinite Stratos — Similar harem/action structure
Reading Order / Where to Start
Start from Volume 1. Complete at 16 volumes.
Official English Translation Status
Status: Complete Publisher: Yen Press Volumes Available in English: 16 of 16
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Minato is a better protagonist than typical harem leads
- Tournament structure works
- Complete series with satisfying ending
- Action quality is solid
Cons:
- Heavy ecchi content throughout
- Not for readers seeking serious drama
- Harem structure means some characters get less development
Format Comparison
| Format | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paperback | Amazon | Yen Press edition — all 16 volumes |
Where to Buy
You can find Sekirei on Amazon:
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*Affiliate link — I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Written by
Yu
Manga Enthusiast from Japan
I grew up in Japan and manga literally saved me during a tough time in elementary school. My English isn't perfect, but my love for manga is real — and I want to share it with you.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.