This review is for ちいかわ なんか小さくてかわいいやつ, Vol. 1.
I have long been familiar with Chiikawa, the cute little creature that is somehow incredibly uplifting and relatable. Still, I didn’t think to interact with the media until this year—and that’s when I knew I had to find the manga. Which I did. At Kinokuniya. In Japanese. At exorbitant cost. But Chiikawa is worth it, right? Money comes and goes, but Chiikawa is forever… or something like that. Nervous sweating.
Volume 1 opens by introducing the characters by name, alongside illustrations by nagano with notes like “getting tired accidentally,” “feeling happy,” and “wearing a weird hat.” Eventually, we reach the first real strip—the same one that opens episode 1 of the anime: Usagi eating a pizza bun and refusing to share it with Chiikawa. Page 17 shows Chiikawa struggling with eating broccoli. (Mood. I don’t like it either, little one.)
About a quarter into the manga, we’re introduced to Hachiware (my number one favorite character), starting with the Sphinx adventure. The charimera/charumera arc happens in this volume as well, and it’s such a sweet moment between Chiikawa and Hachiware. It’s not easy admitting you were mistaken, even over something small like the type of ramen. Hachiware’s embarrassment is relatable, and Chiikawa’s reaction—suggesting they should eat it again rather than focusing on the mistake—is a masterclass in how to handle situations like this.
Despite Chiikawa’s naturally timid and anxious nature, we learn they are willing to put themselves in scary and uncomfortable situations to help their friends. When Hachiware is stuck in a deep hole, feeling scared and alone, Chiikawa not only comes to the rescue but also goes out of their way to save Hachiware’s weapon—something Hachi had to save up money to buy. Chiikawa knows how much that weapon means to Hachi, so they aren’t going to let it get left behind.
The volume ends with Hachiware and Chiikawa meeting their “oshishou” Rakko.
Filled with numerous shorts highlighting the power of friendship, being brave in the face of adversity, and trying new things, Chiikawa Vol. 1 is exactly what we need in today’s social and political climate, which is filled with fear and uncertainty.
Chiikawa Vol. 1 is a warm, gentle read that reminds us to be kind to ourselves and to each other. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the anime or discovering these characters for the first time, this volume is a treasure. Worth every penny—even the exorbitant Kinokuniya price.
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