Manga Like Piccolina

Najika Kazami has a deep passion for both eating and preparing food. She holds dear the Lavender House orphanage in Hokkaido and its caretaker, Hagio, who looks after her. Despite the warmth she receives from Hagio and the other orphans, Najika decides to leave and enroll in a prestigious academy in Tokyo, driven by her dream of becoming a pastry chef. But Najika has another secret reason for attending this school: she is searching for the "Flan Prince," a boy who left a lasting impression on her seven years ago by simply sharing a cup of flan. At age 13, Najika discovers that the spoon left with the flan bears the emblem of Seika Academy, the elite institution where she has just been accepted. Filled with renewed hope, Najika steps onto the beautiful campus of Seika Academy as a junior high student. Though her classmates initially disapprove of her love for eating, she finds support from the Kitazawa brothers, Daichi and Sora, who appreciate her culinary skills. Will Najika make her mark at the academy through her cooking, and might she once again find her Flan Prince?

Kenta Fukuyama is a 30-year-old man who has always lacked self-confidence, making romantic relationships difficult for him. His life changes when he meets Chihiro Yamaguchi, a designer who appears distant but is genuinely kind and caring. Kenta becomes deeply drawn to her, and her appreciation for his honest and gentle nature leads to their decision to get married. As newlyweds, Kenta and Chihiro face various challenges because of their shy personalities, inexperience, and living apart. Despite these difficulties, their shared passion for barbecuing and occasional help from friends and family allow them to overcome their obstacles and strengthen their unique, heartfelt bond.

In "Yume-iro Pâtissière," Ichigo Amano has a deep love for cakes and wants to share that happiness with others. At a sweets festival, she comes across a cake that reminds her of a dessert from her past, catching the attention of Henri Lucas, its creator and a skilled pâtissier. Recognizing her refined taste, Henri encourages Ichigo to enroll at St. Marie Academy, a prestigious school dedicated to training future masters of confectionery. As a new transfer student, Ichigo seeks a blessing from a statue of the Queen of Sweets Spirits on her first day. She is assigned to the elite group called the Sweets Princes, which consists of three top male students, each an expert in a different pastry craft. Despite Henri's endorsement, Ichigo's early difficulties with the coursework lead to doubt from her classmates, who question her abilities. Determined to improve, she commits herself to relentless practice. Her dedication catches the attention of Vanilla, a Sweets Spirit who decides to help Ichigo master the art of cake making. Vanilla aims to become a Royal Pâtissière in the Sweets Kingdom but must first prove her abilities by mentoring a human. With Vanilla's magical guidance, Ichigo hones her skills and techniques, working toward their shared goal of achieving excellence in confectionery. Additional one-shot: Beautiful Dreamer

In a world where many alien species coexist with humans, Kumika stands out due to her unique trait of subsisting solely on air, a consequence of her past experiences with extreme poverty. Consequently, she declines her coworkers' frequent invitations to socialize over meals or drinks, concentrating entirely on her work. This behavior causes her to appear distant to those around her. Despite her intentions, Kumika's body rebels against her work-centric lifestyle, leading to a collapse at work from exhaustion and malnutrition. Her colleague Chihiro assists her by offering a bowl of hot udon, which revitalizes Kumika and introduces her to the pleasures of eating. With this newfound appreciation for food, Kumika embarks on a journey to explore and savor the diverse culinary delights Earth has to offer.

In Oishii Kankei, Fujiwara Momoe, a pampered daughter from a well-off family, enjoys a life filled with luxury and a deep passion for fine cuisine. Her world turns upside down when her father passes away suddenly due to a heart attack, forcing her to step up and support herself and her mother, including cooking their meals. With no prior experience in the kitchen, her early efforts are less than successful. To improve, she secures a job at a French restaurant where she works as a cook under the guidance of the head chef. Despite developing feelings for him, the chef views her solely as his apprentice.

Nene Arisugawa loves food, while Rintarou Kamioka finds joy in cooking. After a rough day at work, the two start talking one evening. Learning that Nene mostly gets by on protein shakes, instant noodles, and energy drinks, Rintarou—a culinary student—volunteers to make her meals so she can eat more properly. As they grow closer through this routine, their bond strengthens. Yet Nene can't help but notice Rintarou seems oddly uncomfortable around her. There's also a strange door in his apartment that he absolutely refuses to unlock. What is Rintarou hiding behind that door?

Sakura Kouzuki is a top-tier gyaru who shines as the class celebrity and even works as a reader model. Houri Kazami prefers spending his time talking about otaku stuff with his buddies in the classroom corner. These two seem to live in completely different worlds—but in reality, they're step-siblings secretly living together as a couple. None of their classmates have any idea. At school, Sakura sparkles, but once she's home, she completely lets her guard down and becomes totally smitten with Houri's cooking. Since Houri handles the meals, he doesn't mind at all—— "Simmered fish is sooo good~♡" "Onii-chan's cooking really is the best~!" This is a sweet, fluffy feeding story about a cute gyaru and their double life at school and home.

Like every proper noblewoman, one must develop refined tastes. For Melphiera Marchalrayd, that taste is for a rather unusual protein—monsters! However, don't be quick to judge. In spite of its poor reputation, monster meat can be turned into elegant dishes, and Melphiera is dead set on transforming the kingdom's view of it. Unfortunately, ever since making her society debut, she has had trouble finding the right partner... until she crosses paths with the fearless "Blood-Mad Duke" of Galbraith!

Rin Takanashi, a thirty-something caregiver, was summoned as a saint only to be cast aside as "trash." But as an outdoor enthusiast and camping lover, she receives a boon: the special skill "Survival," plus another unique ability! What follows is a tale of sweat, tears, and endless hunger, as Rin and the companions she gathers along the way take a leisurely journey through this parallel world, indulging in gourmet food to her heart's content... That was the plan, yet their path seems to be heading somewhere unexpected...?

After finishing university, Inaba and Seto have started living together. A new chapter unfolds for them, filled with tasty meals and romance.

Just as the Prince calls off their engagement, Letícia Gramwell, the Duke's daughter, suddenly remembers her past life as a devoted lover of cooking. Though she resents being cast out of her homeland, the forsaken Crown Princess decides to head to the neighboring kingdom, where she passes her days in the royal palace alongside the King, surrounded by adorable fluffy creatures! Yet one day, after she encounters a magnificent silver wolf and shares a meal with it, the King's demeanor toward her begins to change, little by little...

"I'll make whatever you want to eat." Chiharu, an office lady whose boyfriend cheated on her, is transferred to Sapporo City in Hokkaido with a broken heart. On her way home from work, she stops by a shop called "Bear Bistro," which sits quietly behind an alley. There, Chiharu meets Yuu, the creator of a "magical lunch" that satisfies the diner's hidden wishes, and feels her frozen heart slowly begin to melt.

Jun-ho inherits his late uncle Deok-chun's food truck and travels across the country, cooking to spread the name "Go Deok-chun" far and wide. After meeting Se-hee, the heir to a large conglomerate, Jun-ho becomes entangled with women from every region he visits, each carrying their own unique stories! They all develop feelings for him, but the only thing that truly steals Jun-ho's heart... is cooking! Join the charming Jun-ho on his nationwide romantic food truck journey—business, let's get started!

A high school boy with a nosy streak, Suzufumi Mamori, lends a hand to his apartment neighbor who collapsed from hunger. That neighbor turns out to be Yuzuki Arisu, a high school girl making her way as an up-and-coming idol! In pursuit of her ideal idol image, Yuzuki has been on an extreme diet. Concerned for her well-being, Suzufumi prepares a home-cooked meal for her. “Ahhhhh… I can't take it anymore!" She devours it with pure joy on her face! Witnessing how much she relishes it, Suzufumi resolves to lure Yuuki with her preferred dishes and help her rediscover a "love for food." This romantic comedy is about winning over both the heart and stomach of a very special neighbor.

In school, Kyouko Hori is seen as cheerful and academically strong, but at home she has a different side. Because her parents are often away on work trips, she has to manage household chores and take care of her younger sibling, which leaves little time for hanging out with friends. Izumi Miyamura, on the other hand, is perceived as a quiet, glasses-wearing otaku, but he is actually a kind person who struggles with his studies. Hidden under his long hair are nine piercings and a tattoo that runs from his back to his left shoulder. By chance, Hori and Miyamura meet outside of school and discover each other's hidden sides. These contrasting personalities grow close, sharing parts of themselves that they keep hidden from others.

At Shuchiin Academy, Miyuki Shirogane, a nationally renowned genius and student council president, shares the stage with Kaguya Shinomiya, the vice president who is both affluent and stunningly beautiful. Though they aren't in a relationship, students often view them as the ideal couple. Unbeknownst to most, their frequent interactions have sparked romantic feelings between them. Nevertheless, neither Miyuki nor Kaguya wishes to be the first to admit these feelings, as it would be perceived as a sign of vulnerability. Driven by their pride as top students, they engage in elaborate strategies aimed at making the other confess first, igniting a war of love and wits.

As a child, Raku Ichijou made a promise to a girl he met long ago that they would marry if they ever met again. Over time, he forgot her face, but still holds onto a locked pendant that only she can open with a key. He hopes to one day find her, even though he cannot recall her appearance. Now a first-year student at Bonyari High, Raku wants a peaceful school life and dreams of dating his crush, Kosaki Onodera. But as the son of a yakuza boss, his life is far from normal. When the American Bee Hive gang attacks his family's territory, a truce is forced between the two rival organizations. To maintain peace, Raku must pretend to be in a romantic relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of the Bee Hive's leader. Despite their mutual dislike, they have to act like a loving couple to keep the gangs from clashing. Meanwhile, the search for the key to his pendant grows more complicated as other girls appear, each somehow connected to the lock. Raku must navigate his fake romance, preserve the fragile peace between the warring factions, and find out which girl holds the key to both his pendant and his heart.

In "My Dress-Up Darling," Wakana Gojou is a reserved high school freshman who devotes himself to his family's traditional craft of doll-making. Haunted by the mockery of a childhood friend toward his interests, Gojou finds it difficult to connect with his classmates' hobbies, leading him to withdraw from social interactions. Though he struggles with creating doll faces, Gojou possesses exceptional skill in designing and crafting their clothing. This talent catches the attention of Marin Kitagawa, a striking classmate known for her straightforward and bold personality. Kitagawa is an avid cosplayer of characters from mature video games. Unable to make her own costumes, Kitagawa asks for Gojou's help. As they explore the world of cosplay together, Gojou forms his first genuine friendship with Kitagawa. Despite their contrasting personalities, their bond strengthens through their shared dedication to the meticulous art of cosplay.

In "Bakuman。", Moritaka Mashiro, a skilled middle school artist, feels uncertain about his future, expecting a dull life ahead. His outlook changes when Akito Takagi, an aspiring writer, finds one of Mashiro's drawings and suggests they team up to create a manga. Mashiro initially hesitates because his late uncle, a mangaka, died from overworking, but he is spurred on by his crush, Miho Azuki, who wants to become a seiyuu. Driven by a goal to craft a manga that could become an anime for Azuki to voice, Mashiro agrees. Azuki, who shares his feelings, promises to marry him once they both achieve their dreams. The story follows Mashiro and Takagi as they tackle the hurdles of getting their work published in Weekly Shounen Jump and striving to gain fame as mangakas. Their path balances between success and the risk of falling short like many other hopeful creators.

Takao Kasuga is a shy middle school student with a passion for reading, particularly Charles Baudelaire's Les Fleurs du Mal. He harbors a crush on his kind-hearted classmate and idol, Nanako Saeki. In contrast, Sawa Nakamura is a rude, indifferent student who shows little interest in school. One evening, Takao realizes he left his book at school and returns to retrieve it. There, he finds Nanako's recently worn gym clothes on the floor and, overcome by a strange impulse, steals them. Overwhelmed by guilt after his act, Takao tries to maintain his normal routine. However, Sawa, who witnessed the theft, has her own plans for him.

At fifteen, Souma Yukihira dreams of one day surpassing his father's cooking skills and taking over their modest family diner. But when his father suddenly decides to close the restaurant to pursue culinary work overseas, Souma is steered toward enrolling at the prestigious Totsuki Culinary Academy. Known for its grueling curriculum and high dropout rate, Totsuki only produces elite chefs. Reluctantly, Souma enters the academy's high school division for the entrance exam, unaware of the intense rivalries, new friendships, and countless sleepless nights that lie ahead. Included one-shot: Volume 3: Kimi to Watashi no Renai Soudan

Fuutarou Uesugi is a top student who excels in his studies, but his dedication has left him without friends and struggling with his family's financial burdens. His isolated life changes when he encounters a new student, Itsuki Nakano, who challenges him over their usual lunch spot. After a minor clash where Fuutarou bests Itsuki with a remark about her eating habits, he learns that a wealthy family has hired him to tutor their underperforming daughters. To his surprise, the students are Itsuki and her four identical sisters: the reserved Miku, the energetic Yotsuba, the cunning Nino, and the composed Ichika. Fuutarou soon discovers that teaching these quintuplets is far more difficult than anticipated, as they show little interest in academics. He must now navigate the challenges of guiding five unique and beautiful young women through their studies.

In "Nana," Nana Komatsu is a dreamy and aimless high school student obsessed with romance. Although her attempts at love often fall short, she remains optimistic. On her 20th birthday, she heads to Tokyo hoping to rekindle a relationship. In contrast, Nana Osaki is fiery and confident. After joining a band in high school, she discovers a passion for music and develops feelings for a bandmate. When faced with a choice between her love life and her music, she chooses her career, leaving her boyfriend behind. Also on her 20th birthday, she boards a train to Tokyo, determined to make a name for herself as a top singer. Despite their different aspirations, these two women, coincidentally sharing the same name, find themselves sitting next to each other on the train. Eventually, they end up sharing the same apartment. Over time, a strong and unusual bond forms between them as they navigate the complexities of love, music, friendship, and loss.

The difficulties of adulthood and the harsh realities of office work often make people wish they could go back to their younger years and choose differently. This feeling leads 27-year-old Arata Kaizaki to consider an unusual offer. After returning home from his part-time job, Arata is contacted by Ryou Yoake, a representative from the ReLife Research Institute, who presents an experimental program designed to improve his job prospects. The ReLife project plans to change Arata's appearance to that of a 17-year-old, allowing him to experience high school again for one year. After this trial ends, he will receive a job offer, something he has had trouble getting since leaving his previous job. Despite his doubts, Arata agrees to the strange arrangement. But his adult way of thinking and his lack of recent school experience make handling everyday life in high school harder than he expected.