Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible

Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible (Japanese: 久保さんは僕（モブ）を許さない, Hepburn: Kubo-san wa Mobu o Yurusanai, Kubo Won't Give Up The Mob (Is Me))[lower-alpha 1] is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Nene Yukimori. It was serialized in Shueisha's seinen manga magazine Weekly Young Jump from October 2019 to March 2023, with its chapters collected in twelve tankōbon volumes as of April 2023. An anime television series adaptation by Pine Jam premiered in January 2023.

Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible
Cover of the first manga volume
久保さんは僕を許さない
(Kubo-san wa Mobu o Yurusanai)
GenreRomantic comedy[1]
Manga
Written byNene Yukimori
Published byShueisha
English publisher
ImprintYoung Jump Comics
MagazineWeekly Young Jump
DemographicSeinen
Original runOctober 24, 2019 – March 2, 2023
Volumes12
Anime television series
Directed byKazuomi Koga
Written byYūya Takahashi
Music byKujira Yumemi
StudioPine Jam
Licensed bySentai Filmworks
Original networkAT-X, Tokyo MX, BS11, MBS
English network
Original run January 10, 2023 – present
Episodes7

Premise

High school student Junta Shiraishi is so ordinary and quiet that his classmates and teachers do not notice him at all, as if he were a mob character in a video game, that is, until his female classmate Nagisa pays attention to him and dares him to do things that would make him stand out.

Characters
Nagisa Kubo (久保 渚咲, Kubo Nagisa)
Voiced by: Kana Hanazawa[3]
Junta's classmate and the only one who gives him attention. She is fond of teasing him.
Junta Shiraishi (白石 純太, Shiraishi Junta)
Voiced by: Kengo Kawanishi[3]
Akina Kubo (久保 明菜, Kubo Akina)
Voiced by: Miku Itō[4]
Nagisa's older sister who works at a bookstore.
Saki Kubo (久保 沙貴, Kubo Saki)
Voiced by: Sora Amamiya[4]
Hazuki Kudō (工藤 葉月, Kudō Hazuki)
Voiced by: Ai Kakuma[5]
Tamao Taira (平 玉緒, Taira Tamao)
Voiced by: Ayana Taketatsu[5]
Yoshie Shiraishi (白石 由恵, Shiraishi Yoshie)
Voiced by: Mamiko Noto[6]
Seita Shiraishi (白石 誠太, Shiraishi Seita)
Voiced by: Mariya Ise[6]
Unzen-sensei (雲仙先生)
Voiced by: Naoki Tatsuta[6]

Media

Manga

Written and illustrated by Nene Yukimori, Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible was serialized in Shueisha's seinen manga magazine Weekly Young Jump from October 24, 2019,[7] to March 2, 2023.[8] Shueisha has collected its chapters into individual tankōbon volumes. The first volume was released on February 19, 2020.[9] As of April 18, 2022, twelve volumes have been released.[10] The 12th and final volume will include an extra epilogue chapter set after the main story.[11]

The series is simultaneously published in English and Spanish on Shueisha's Manga Plus service and Viz Media's Shonen Jump website.[12] Viz Media licensed the series for print publication in North America.[13]

Volume list
No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
1 February 19, 2020[9]978-4-08-891476-3May 3, 2022[14]978-1-9747-2968-5
2 June 19, 2020[15]978-4-08-891550-0July 5, 2022[16]978-1-9747-3215-9
3 September 18, 2020[17]978-4-08-891654-5September 6, 2022[18]978-1-9747-3389-7
4 February 19, 2021[19]978-4-08-891781-8November 1, 2022[20]978-1-9747-3390-3
5 June 18, 2021[21]978-4-08-892009-2January 3, 2023[22]978-1-9747-3391-0
6 September 17, 2021[23]978-4-08-892073-3March 7, 2023[24]978-1-9747-3392-7
7 November 19, 2021[25]978-4-08-892118-1May 2, 2023[26]978-1-9747-3690-4
8 February 18, 2022[27]978-4-08-892214-0July 4, 2023[28]978-1-9747-3747-5
9 May 18, 2022[29]978-4-08-892299-7——
10 September 16, 2022[30]978-4-08-892432-8——
11 December 19, 2022[31]978-4-08-892567-7——
12 April 18, 2023[10]978-4-08-892662-9——

Anime

An anime television series adaptation was announced on May 13, 2022. It is produced by Pine Jam and directed by Kazuomi Koga, with scripts written by Yūya Takahashi, character designs handled by Yoshiko Saitō, and music composed by Kujira Yumemi.[3] The series premiered on January 10, 2023, on AT-X and other networks.[4][6] The opening theme song is "Dramatic Janakutemo" (ドラマチックじゃなくても, "Even Though it's Not Dramatic") performed by Kana Hanazawa, while the ending theme song is "Kasuka de Tashika" (かすかでたしか) by Dialogue+.[5][32] At Anime NYC 2022, Sentai Filmworks announced that they licensed the series, and will be streaming it on Hidive.[33] Medialink licensed the series in Asia-Pacific.[34]

After the broadcast of Episode 3, the anime's website announced that the series past Episode 6 would be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be rebroadcast in April, effectively restarting from Episode 1.[35]

Episode list
No.Title [36][37]Directed by [36]Written by [36]Storyboarded by [36]Original air date [38]
1"Heroine and Background Character"
Transcription: "Hiroin Joshi to Mobu Danshi" (Japanese: ヒロイン女子とモブ男子)		Kazuomi KogaYūya TakahashiKazuomi KogaJanuary 10, 2023 (2023-01-10)
Shiraishi is a teenager with such a low spiritual presence he is practically invisible, has to remind people he exists in case they bump into him while walking and generally accepts he is a background character in his own life story. The only people who can easily see him are his family and his beautiful, popular classmate Kubo. Kubo delights in teasing him but is fascinated by his invisibility and frequently tests just how invisible he can get, even discovering that not one person noticed her sitting on Shiraishi’s lap in class. Shiraishi cannot decide if Kubo is a friend, a bully or just using him to amuse herself. Kubo tries to get Shiraishi’s phone number but is prevented by her friends interrupting as they didn’t see Shiraishi was there. Over the weekend Kubo spots Shiraishi in the park and tries to take a selfie together, but her camera can’t recognise his face, so to take the picture she almost has to sit on him again. Afterward she finally gets his phone number. Unused to texting people Shiraishi is surprised when Kubo asks if they can hang out sometime. Kubo’s older sister immediately knows Kubo is happy about something.
2"Bad Luck and Home Visit"
Transcription: "Hādo Rakku to Jitaku Hōmon" (Japanese: ハードラックと自宅訪問)		Barusa MikosukunYūya TakahashiKazuomi KogaJanuary 17, 2023 (2023-01-17)
After gym Kubo gives Shiraishi a scented towel and is secretly thrilled they now smell identical. Shiraishi goes shopping for manga, but the shop’s automatic door can’t detect him. The passing Kubo thinks his frustration is adorable and opens the door for him. Seeing his favourite manga series Kubo asks if she can borrow them. After fetching them Kubo realises their homes are only five minutes apart and decides to walk to school together. The next morning Kubo’s sister, Akina, notices Kubo is wearing perfume, and teases her for having a crush but also wishes her luck. Kubo is mildly disappointed when Shiraishi doesn’t notice the perfume. Meeting her friends Hazuki and Tama they don’t notice Shiraishi until Kubo points him out. Shiraishi’s invisibility causes a car to splash him from a puddle. Needing a shower he returns home but has lost his key so Kubo invites him to shower at her house and borrow her gym tracksuit. Shiraishi awkwardly agrees but Kubo is embarrassed when he sees her bra in the laundry. For his entire walk home Shiraishi is hyper aware he is wearing Kubo’s clothes.
3"The Nobody's Gift"
Transcription: "Bonja no Okurimono" (Japanese: 凡者の贈り物)		Yurika FukayaYūya TakahashiYurika FukayaJanuary 24, 2023 (2023-01-24)
Kubo learns Shiraishi is only one inch taller than her and teases him that in couples the boy is generally six inches taller. Kubo sees Shiraishi at the park with his much younger brother, Seita. Seita insists they all share a drink, though Kubo notices Shiraishi only pretends to drink and correctly guesses he was embarrassed by the “indirect kiss”. Shiraishi wants to buy a manga poster but is embarrassed as the magazine containing the poster has a bikini model on the cover. Akina, an employee, sells it to him but has no idea he is Kubo’s friend. Shiraishi is shocked Akina could see him. Akina notices he dropped his student ID and gives it to Kubo to return, commenting that he had bought a magazine of giant breasts. Having medium breasts herself Kubo asks Shiraishi if he prefers large breasts then covers her embarrassment by teasing him. Kubo arranges to spend Christmas Eve with Shiraishi shopping. Upon arriving Kubo reveals she bought him a gift so Shiraishi rushes to buy her one, picking gloves that match her outfit. Kubo is rather embarrassed by what she bought him, a bright yellow “main character” shirt to make him easier to see.
4"Red Heart and Secret Admirer"
Transcription: "Akai Hāto to Okurinushi" (Japanese: 赤いハートと送り主)		Yoshinobu TokumotoYūya TakahashiYoshinobu TokumotoJanuary 31, 2023 (2023-01-31)
While playing with Seita Kubo gets a video of Shiraishi acting silly, mortifying him. Shiraishi accidentally wears odd socks to school but only Kubo notices. He in turn notices Kubo is wearing tights. Kubo teases him for staring at her legs. After school Kubo takes him to a store to try a complicated drink, insisting she needs Shiraishi to ensure she doesn’t mess up the order. She offers to share the drink but Shiraishi declines due to the “indirect kiss”; instead Kubo deliberately takes a bite of his snack before leaving. Before Shiraishi can decide to accept the new “indirect kiss” someone bumps into him and he drops the snack. Valentine’s Day arrives but Shiraishi is unconcerned since girls never remember he exists. However, he discovers a chocolate heart in his desk. His instinct is to assume it was put there by mistake. He briefly wonders if it was Kubo but Kubo claims it was a secret admirer, leaving Shiraishi wondering who it was. In reality Kubo, a notoriously bad cook, had spent all night baking the heart, even asking Akina for help despite knowing Akina would tease her for it. Shiraishi enjoys the heart but is genuinely confused who gave it to him.
5"White Day and a Destination for Feelings"
Transcription: "Howaito Dē to Kanjō no Atesaki" (Japanese: ホワイトデーと感情の宛先)		Shintarō ItogaYūya TakahashiKumazō MorinoFebruary 7, 2023 (2023-02-07)
Shiraishi usually eats lunch alone but Kubo joins him. Kubo suggests sharing lunches; Shiraishi avoids her attempt to hand feed him but cannot avoid having to hand feed her, to her obvious delight. She decides next time to cook something special to share with him. Hazuki and Tama are convinced Kubo has a crush on Shiraishi. Tama is disappointed since Shiraishi is so unimpressive but Kubo scolds her since she doesn’t know the real Shiraishi behind his invisibility. The two realise the crush might just be full blown love, though Kubo hasn't realised it yet. The next day Shiraishi arrives to school early but finds Kubo still got there first so they share Shiraishi’s chair while listening to each other’s music. Seeing his obsession with manga Kubo watches Shiraishi’s favourite anime movie. Akina is amused, knowing exactly what Kubo is doing and why. White Day arrives so Shiraishi buys chocolates but has no idea who to give them to since his “secret admirer” is still anonymous. He gives them to Kubo to pass on to his admirer, which Kubo teases him for, subtly hinting she is his admirer but also might not be, leaving Shiraishi even more confused than before.
6"Nurse's Office and Main Character"
Transcription: "Hokenshitsu to Shujinkō" (Japanese: 保健室と主人公)		Barusa MikosukunYūya TakahashiYasushi MuroyaFebruary 14, 2023 (2023-02-14)
A young girl spots Shiraishi on the street, shocking him. She turns out to be Akina’s cousin Saki, causing Shiraishi to realise that Akina, the shop assistant who sold him the bikini magazine, is Kubo’s sister. Akina teases him a little then exchanges numbers. Shiraishi suspects Kubo’s ability to see him might be in her family’s genetics. Akina returns home with fresh material to tease Kubo with. With exams approaching Shiraishi’s mother warns she will confiscate his games if he does badly. Kubo helps him study and turns out to be an excellent tutor. The next day Shiraishi has a fever, though Kubo is the only one to notice his absence. She texts him but Seita gets his phone and sends back an “I miss you” emoji. Shiraishi hurriedly explains so Kubo teases by sending him a “Lonely without you” emoji that she claims Akina sent. The next day Shiraishi is late to school but he meets Kubo in the hallway now with her own fever, so he helps her to the infirmary where she holds his hand until she falls asleep. Shiraishi realises for the first time he actually feels like the main character in his own life story.
7"Sleepover and Next School Year"
Transcription: "Otomarikai to Tsugi no Gakunen" (Japanese: お泊まり会と次の学年)		Yū YabūchiYūya TakahashiKatsumi TerahigashiMay 16, 2023 (2023-05-16)
Shiraishi survives his exams thanks to Kubo’s tutoring, but as classes will soon be switched as they become second years he and Kubo may no longer be in the same class. As it is raining Kubo manipulates him into sharing an umbrella to see if it makes him visible, though Shiraishi suspects she just wanted to walk together. They are seen by Akina who chooses not to tease Kubo this time. At the weekend Shiraishi spots Saki with heavy shopping and volunteers to help carry it as Saki is cooking dinner for Akina and Kubo. Wanting to know how close they are Saki has Shiraishi say Kubo’s first name, Nagisa, and concludes from Kubo’s reaction they are more than just classmates. While slacking in class Shiraishi loses the spring from his pen so Kubo deliberately gives him a rabbit toy pen that matches hers, making her smile when he uses it. At a sleepover Kubo, Tama and Hazuki discuss the class switch; if they end up separated they won’t get to go on the same class trips or be together at school events, upsetting them. They notice Kubo is also upset at possibly losing Shiraishi.

Reception

In 2020, Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible was nominated in the sixth Next Manga Awards and placed 19th out of 50 nominees with 9,306 votes.[39][40] In 2021, the series was again nominated in the seventh Next Manga Awards and placed 7th of 50 nominees.[41]

Explanatory notes
  1. The kanji 僕 in the Japanese title meaning "I/me" (commonly used by Japanese boys) are normally read as boku (ぼく), glossed with furigana as mobu (モブ), Japanese spelling from "mob".

References
  1. "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible". Viz Media. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  2. "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible - Trailer". YouTube. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  3. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (May 13, 2022). "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible Manga Gets TV Anime". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  4. Morrissy, Kim (September 14, 2022). "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible Anime Unveils More Cast, January 2023 Premiere". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  5. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (October 14, 2022). "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible Anime Reveals More Cast, Opening Theme Song Artist". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  6. Cayanan, Joanna (December 8, 2022). "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible Anime's 2nd Video Reveals More Cast & Staff, January 10 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  7. 美少女とモブ男子のラブコメ2歩手前のやり取り描く“スイートコメディ”がYJで. Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. October 24, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  8. 久保さんは僕を許さない：4年の連載に幕 テレビアニメも話題の“スイート”コメディー. Mantan Web (in Japanese). March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  9. 久保さんは僕を許さない 1 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  10. 久保さんは僕を許さない 12 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  11. Pineda, Rafael (March 2, 2023). "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible Manga Gets Epilogue Chapter". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  12. Lanzidei, Alberto (August 18, 2021). "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible di Nene Sukimori debutta su MangaPlus!". Everyeye Anime (in Italian). Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  13. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (October 10, 2021). "Viz Announces Summer 2022 Book Releases Including Junji Ito's The Liminal Zone, Takashi Shiina's Yashahime Manga". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  14. "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, Vol. 1". Viz Media. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  15. 久保さんは僕を許さない 2 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  16. "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, Vol. 2". Viz Media. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  17. 久保さんは僕を許さない 3 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  18. "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, Vol. 3". Viz Media. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  19. 久保さんは僕を許さない 4 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  20. "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, Vol. 4". Viz Media. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  21. 久保さんは僕を許さない 5 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  22. "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, Vol. 5". Viz Media. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  23. 久保さんは僕を許さない 6 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  24. "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, Vol. 6". Viz Media. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  25. 久保さんは僕を許さない 7 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  26. "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, Vol. 7". Viz Media. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  27. 久保さんは僕を許さない 8 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  28. "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, Vol. 8". Viz Media. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  29. 久保さんは僕を許さない 9 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  30. 久保さんは僕を許さない 10 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  31. 久保さんは僕を許さない 11 (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
  32. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (November 11, 2022). "Dialogue+ Performs Ending Theme for Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible Anime". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  33. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (November 19, 2022). "HIDIVE Reveals 5 Winter Simulcast Anime Including Tsurune 2nd Season, Spy Classroom". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  34. Pineda, Rafael Antonio (January 12, 2023). "Ani-One Asia Streams Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, Giant Beasts of Ars, Kaina of the Great Snow Sea Anime". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  35. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (January 24, 2023). "Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible Anime Delayed After Episode 6 Due to COVID-19". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 24, 2023. Anime to restart airing from 1st episode in April.
  36. "Sutōrī -"Kubo-san wa Mobu o Yurusanai" Anime Kōshiki Saito-" STORY -「久保さんは僕を許さない」アニメ公式サイト- [Story -"Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible" Anime Official Website-]. kubosan-anime.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  37. "Stream Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible! on HIDIVE". HIDIVE. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  38. "On'ea -"Kubo-san wa Mobu o Yurusanai" Anime Kōshiki Saito-" ON AIR -「久保さんは僕を許さない」アニメ公式サイト- [On Air -"Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible" Anime Official Website-]. kubosan-anime.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  39. Loveridge, Lynzee (August 19, 2020). "Shonen Jump's Undead Unluck Wins Tsugi ni Kuru Manga 2020 Awards". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  40. コミックス部門 結果発表 - 次にくるマンガ大賞 2020. Tsugi Manga (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  41. Loveridge, Lynzee (August 24, 2021). "Kaiju No. 8, Oshi no Ko Win Next Manga Awards Web, Print Categories". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
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