Jitsu wa Watashi wa Review: A Monster-Secret Romantic Comedy That Earns Its Warm Ending
by Eiji Masuda
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Quick Take
- The secret-identity comedy stays fresh by adding new monsters with new secrets throughout.
- Youko the vampire is adorably earnest — you immediately want her relationship to succeed.
- Better than expected emotional payoff — the ending lands and the character arcs resolve properly.
Who Is This Manga For?
- Fans of romance comedy fans who like supernatural twists without dark themes
- Readers who enjoy readers who want monster-girl romance done with genuine warmth
- Anyone interested in complete series with satisfying conclusions for all characters
- People who like fans of Rosario+Vampire who want something tonally lighter
Content Warnings & Age Rating
Age Rating: T (Teen) Content Warnings: mild romance, comedic supernatural
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 — Warm, charming, and more emotionally satisfying than the premise suggests.
Story Overview
Asahi Kuromine has no ability to keep secrets — his face broadcasts everything he thinks. When he discovers his crush Youko Shiragami is actually a vampire who will be forced to leave school if anyone finds out, he pledges to keep her secret. His terrible poker face makes this immediately and continuously complicated — especially as more classmates reveal supernatural secrets of their own.
Characters
The cast of Jitsu wa Watashi wa is built around contrasting personalities that force each other to grow. The main character carries a mix of strength and vulnerability — enough to earn sympathy without feeling passive. Supporting characters each serve a distinct emotional function: some mirror the protagonist's flaws, others challenge their assumptions, and a few provide the warmth that makes the harder moments bearable.
Art Style
Eiji Masuda's visual style suits the story it tells. Emotional moments land because facial expressions are drawn with real attention to subtlety — you rarely need dialogue to understand what a character is feeling. Background detail varies by scene, pulling back in quiet moments and getting tight and detailed when the stakes rise.
Cultural Context
Jitsu wa Watashi wa comes from Japanese kaidan (ghost story) tradition adapted into school romance comedy. English readers will find most of this translates naturally; a few cultural notes in good translations help bridge any remaining gaps.
What I Love About It
Youko is genuinely charming — her enthusiasm for being able to stay in school and have normal friends is infectious. The comedy works because the stakes (her leaving) are real, and the eventual emotional resolution actually earns its sweetness.
What English-Speaking Fans Say
Western readers who find this series often describe it as something they wish they'd found sooner. The emotional beats translate well; the universal themes of connection, loss, and growth resonate regardless of cultural background. Fans of similar series consistently recommend it as a must-read for genre newcomers and veterans alike.
Memorable Scene ⚠️ Spoiler Warning
There is a moment — usually in the middle or final act — where the story does something unexpected with a character you thought you understood. The setup is careful and patient. The payoff is sudden and complete. Readers report rereading earlier chapters afterward, finding all the foreshadowing they missed the first time.
Similar Manga
If you enjoyed Jitsu wa Watashi wa, try:
- Rosario+Vampire by Akihisa Ikeda — supernatural school romance (racier)
- My Monster Secret (alternate title) — exactly this manga, try the Seven Seas release
- High School DxD — supernatural school with heavier romance focus
Reading Order / Where to Start
Start from volume 1. This series builds its world and characters carefully from the first chapter — jumping in anywhere else means losing the context that makes later moments land. Volume 1 is a very strong opening; if you're not hooked by the end of it, this series may not be for you.
Official English Translation Status
Jitsu wa Watashi wa has been fully published in English. All 22 volumes are available.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Complete story with no wait for new volumes
- Strong character work and genuine emotional investment
- All major relationships get proper resolution
Cons:
- Art style is inconsistent between early and later volumes
- Some running gags overstay their welcome
Format Comparison
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Best art reproduction | May require ordering online |
| Digital | Instant access, cheaper | Less collector value |
| Used | Very affordable | Condition and availability vary |
Where to Buy
Find Jitsu wa Watashi wa on Amazon:
👉 Search for Jitsu wa Watashi wa on Amazon
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*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.