Manga Artist Takauma So's New Series "Ikubakuka: Shounin no Katsukyuu" Volume 1 Released
"Ikubakuka: Shounin no Katsukyuu" (いくばくか～承認の渇求～), the first volume of the new manga series, was released in Japan on June 23, 2024. The series deeply explores the light and shadows of young girls who can only exist by comparing themselves to others, and the dark aspects of the desire for approval.
The manga's creator, Takauma So, is known for works such as "Tonari no Furi-san ga Tonikaku Kowai" and "Futari no Tame ni Sekai wa Aru". The artist is known for character-driven stories with high psychological depth. In his new series, he focuses on the approval addiction that adolescent girls experience under social media and peer pressure.
According to Natalie, the first volume was released on June 23. The story follows two rival young girls; it questions their lives that are constantly dependent on external metrics such as likes, follower counts, and social status. The title "Ikubakuka" (いくばくか) means "a little" or "how much," while the subtitle "Shounin no Katsukyuu" can be translated as "hunger for approval."
In recent years, interest in psychological-themed young girl stories has increased in the Japanese manga industry. "Ikubakuka: Shounin no Katsukyuu" stands out as part of this trend. Particularly, its bold handling of concepts brought by the digital age such as comparison culture and validation need makes the series thought-provoking not only for young readers but also for adults.
The release date of the second volume has not been announced yet, but it is known that Takauma So follows a regular publication schedule for his previous series. Manga fans are eagerly awaiting the characters' journey of self-discovery in the upcoming chapters of this psychological drama.
