Aishiteruze Baby Review: A High School Player Learns What It Means to Love Through a 5-Year-Old
by Yoko Maki
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Quick Take
- Surprisingly touching story about responsibility, family, and growing up.
- Yuzuyu the 5-year-old is unbearably cute and perfectly written.
- The romance subplot works because the characters grow into it realistically.
Who Is This Manga For?
- Fans of classic 2000s shojo romance with strong emotional storytelling
- Readers who enjoy supernatural or fantasy elements woven into romance
- Anyone looking for a complete, finished series with satisfying endings
- Fans of Yoko Maki's distinctive art style and storytelling
Content Warnings & Age Rating
Age Rating: T (Teen) Content Warnings: child abandonment themes, mild romance
Safe for most readers.
Yu's Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story Depth | ★★★★☆ |
| Art Style | ★★★★☆ |
| Character Development | ★★★★☆ |
| Accessibility for Non-Japanese Readers | ★★★★☆ |
| Reread Value | ★★★★☆ |
Overall: 4/5 — Highly recommended for fans of the genre.
Story Overview
Katakura Kippei is a high school Casanova — handsome, popular, and constantly chasing girls. His life flips upside down when his 5-year-old cousin Yuzuyu suddenly moves in after her mother abandons her. Kippei is assigned to be her primary caretaker. He's terrible at it at first — forgetting to pick her up, burning breakfast, not knowing how to braid her hair. But slowly, genuinely, he grows into the role. Meanwhile, his classmate Kokoro Toujigamori — quiet, bookish, dealing with her own family trauma — observes this transformation and starts to fall for him.
Characters
The cast of Aishiteruze Baby is built around contrasting personalities that push each other to grow. The protagonist carries the emotional weight of the story, facing obstacles that test not just their courage but their understanding of what they truly want. Supporting characters serve as mirrors, rivals, and confidants — each with enough depth to feel real rather than functional.
Art Style
Yoko Maki's artwork reflects the era and publication it emerged from. Character designs are expressive and emotionally communicative — you can read a character's inner state from their eyes alone. Action sequences (where they exist) are dynamic and clear. The panel composition guides your eye through emotional beats with skill.
Cultural Context
Aishiteruze Baby was published in Japan during an era when the genre was at a creative peak. The themes it explores — love, identity, and what it means to find where you belong — resonate across cultures, which is why this series found such a passionate international readership.
What I Love About It
Yuzuyu broke my heart into a thousand pieces. She's five years old and doesn't fully understand why her mama left, and she tries so hard not to be a burden. Watching Kippei — who starts as such an airheaded flirt — become someone who genuinely loves and protects this child is one of the most satisfying character arcs in early 2000s shojo.
What English-Speaking Fans Say
Western fans who discover this series often describe it as a "hidden gem" — something they wish more people knew about. The emotional core tends to hit universal notes that translate well across cultures. Fans of similar series often cite this as filling a specific gap in their manga reading.
Memorable Scene ⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Without revealing specifics: there is a scene in the later volumes that completely recontextualizes a relationship that readers have been invested in from the beginning. The author plants the seeds early, but the payoff lands with the full weight of everything that came before. Readers report putting the manga down just to process what they've read.
Similar Manga
If you enjoyed Aishiteruze Baby, try:
- Vampire Knight by Matsuri Hino — dark supernatural romance with complex love triangles
- Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya — emotional depth, fantasy elements, unforgettable characters
- Ceres: Celestial Legend by Yuu Watase — dark mythology woven into romantic drama
- Nana by Ai Yazawa — raw, emotionally honest adult romance
Reading Order / Where to Start
Start from volume 1 — this series builds carefully from its opening pages. Don't skip ahead.
Official English Translation Status
Aishiteruze Baby was published in English by VIZ Media. All volumes are available.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Complete story — no waiting for new volumes
- Strong emotional core and memorable characters
- Art that captures the spirit of its era perfectly
Cons:
- Older publication may show its age in certain tropes
- Some story logic requires suspension of disbelief
Format Comparison
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Collectible, great art reproduction | Out of print copies may be expensive |
| Digital | Immediately accessible | Less tactile experience |
| Used | Very affordable | Condition varies |
Where to Buy
You can find Aishiteruze Baby on Amazon:
👉 Find Aishiteruze Baby on Amazon
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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.