Introducing 'Hima-Ten!': A Charming Addition to Shonen Jump

The latest addition to Shonen Jump's diverse offering is Genki Ono's romantic comedy manga, 'Hima-Ten!', making its appearance for the first time this week. As one of the less typical titles in a roster crowded with tales of exorcists, sports heroes, and espionage families, this captivating story about a teen-style idol and her housekeeper radiates promising potential. The inaugural issue allows readers to explore whether this series could find its way into their regular reading habits.

Behind the Name: Meet the Primary Characters

'Hima-Ten!' is named after its main characters - Himari, a fashionable teenager, and Tenichi, a diligent houseworker. Himari, who has accumulated an impressive social media following and has launched her own cosmetics line, stirs a wave of excitement upon enrolling in a new school. In contrast, Tenichi's life is characterized by his role as a responsible all-rounder who cooks and cleans both for his family and for his mother's acquaintances as part of his housekeeping job. His work ethic is driven by a need to save for future college expenses, overshadowing any immediate desire for enjoyment. Surprisingly, his hard work pays off when he lands a new housekeeping role.

'Hima-Ten!': Two Worlds Collide

As the tale unfolds in 'Hima-Ten!' it becomes apparent that the relationship between Himari and Tenichi has a rocky start. The responsible Tenichi finds himself tasked with supervising Himari to ensure she doesn't disturb her classmates with her social butterfly nature. Initially, they're an odd pairing, yet there appear to be sparks of something possibly deeper, even though the extroverted Himari is hesitant to label Tenichi as a friend. In the midst of the tumultuous school environment, Tenichi is reluctantly drawn toward Himari's seemingly irresistible allure.

The conclusion of the opening chapter of 'Hima-Ten!' delivers a requisite twist in the rom-com genre, as Tenichi discovers that his new housekeeping assignment is at Himari's residence. The revelation, resulting from Himari's aunt hiring him, comes as a surprise to both parties and isn't exactly a welcome development. Added to this is Tenichi's exposure to the untidiness of Himari's living conditions.

'Hima-Ten!' disrupts expectations for the kind of stories typically seen in Shonen Jump, by offering a straightforward romantic comedy. It adds a unique, hopeful flavor to the existing lineup, which could be sustained with time. As the narrative evolves, it'll be interesting to track the developments between Himari and Tenichi, and whether they'll make a lasting impression with manga fans, all curated via the Shonen Jump app.