Searching for the How to Become Ordinary manga? If you’ve been struggling to find a complete series, you are not alone. Many fans encounter this exact confusion.
There is no complete, ongoing manga series for ‘How to Become Ordinary.’ The series’ original and primary format is a light novel written by Honobu Yonezawa. User confusion often arises because two separate, short manga adaptations of the first two novels were published years ago, but they do not cover the full story seen in the anime.
Based on a detailed analysis of official source material, this guide will clarify the different formats. You will discover exactly what manga adaptations exist, how they compare to the anime and the original light novels, and where you can officially access the story. This reveals the complete picture of the Shōshimin universe.
Key Facts
- It’s a Light Novel First: The Shōshimin series, also known as The Petit Bourgeois Series, began as a Japanese mystery light novel series in 2004, written by Honobu Yonezawa. This is the original and most complete source material.
- No Full Manga Adaptation: There is no single, comprehensive manga series that adapts the entire Shoshimin story. The search for one often leads to confusion because only limited adaptations exist.
- Two Limited Manga Were Made: Two separate and short manga series were created years ago. Each one adapts only one of the first two light novels and was illustrated by a different artist.
- Anime Adapts the Novels: The popular 2026 anime adaptation, available on Crunchyroll, is based directly on the light novels, not a manga. The first season covers the plots of the first two novels.
- Same Author as Hyouka: The series is written by the acclaimed author Honobu Yonezawa, who is also famous for creating the Classic Literature Club series, which was adapted into the beloved anime Hyouka.
How to Become Ordinary Manga? Clarifying the Shoshimin Series Formats
The ‘Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary’ series is primarily a mystery light novel series by Honobu Yonezawa, not a comprehensive manga series. This is the central point of confusion for many fans. If you’ve been searching for the manga after watching the anime, it’s because the popular 2026 animation is based directly on the novels, which are the original source material. While there is no complete manga adaptation covering the entire story, two limited manga series do exist, each adapting one of the early novels, which contributes to the misunderstanding.
What Is the ‘Shoshimin Series’ If Not a Manga?
The ‘Shoshimin Series’ is a collection of Japanese mystery novels. Also known as The Petit Bourgeois Series, this collection of mystery light novels [a style of Japanese novel primarily targeting young adults] is written by the celebrated author Honobu Yonezawa. Published by Tokyo Sogensha since 2004, the series is a prime example of the “everyday mystery” genre. To give you some context, Honobu Yonezawa is the same author famous for the Hyouka series, another story celebrated for its clever, character-driven mysteries set in a high school.
Why Do Jōgorō Kobato and Yuki Osanai Want to Become “Ordinary”?
The central theme is the desire of the two protagonists, Jōgorō Kobato and Yuki Osanai, to live a quiet high school life. Their pact to become “ordinary” citizens is a direct reaction to their pasts. Kobato, a brilliant deductive prodigy, wants to stop his “wisdom work” [a term Kobato uses for his unwanted detective-like deductions] that always leads to trouble. Osanai, his partner in this goal, also wishes to avoid conflict and live peacefully. However, their nature and circumstances inevitably draw them into solving the small, “everyday mysteries” that occur around them.
What Are the Actual ‘Shoshimin’ Manga Adaptations That Exist?
While there’s no single, ongoing manga, two separate and limited manga adaptations of the first two light novels were published. This is the primary reason for the confusion. These are not a continuing series but two distinct projects by different artists that adapt specific parts of the story. They have been out of print for a long time, making them very difficult to find legally.
Here is a breakdown of the manga that actually exist:
* No Complete Manga: There is no single manga that covers the entire ‘Shoshimin’ series.
* First Novel Adaptation: A manga for the first book, The Case of the Springtime Limited-Edition Strawberry Tart, was made by artist Anko Manjuuya.
* Second Novel Adaptation: A separate manga for the second book, The Case of the Summer Tropical Parfait, was created by artist OmiOmi.
What Was the Manga for ‘The Case of the Springtime Limited-Edition Strawberry Tart’?
This manga adapts only the first novel in the series. The adaptation of The Case of the Springtime Limited-Edition Strawberry Tart was illustrated by the artist Anko Manjuuya. It was published by Square Enix [a major Japanese publisher] in their popular GFantasy magazine. While it tells the complete story of the first novel, its run was limited to that specific arc and it does not continue into the subsequent books.
How Does the ‘Shoshimin’ Anime Compare to the Light Novel and Manga?
The anime, light novel, and manga each offer a different experience in terms of story depth and availability. Understanding their distinctions is key to deciding how you want to engage with the series. The anime adaptation, animated by Studio Lapin Track [a Japanese animation studio], is a faithful retelling of the source material. However, the light novels provide the most complete story with deep psychological insight.
Here is a direct comparison of the three formats:
| Feature | Light Novel (Source Material) | Anime Adaptation | Limited Manga Adaptations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Story Coverage | The most complete and ongoing source for the entire series. | Season 1 covers the first two novels. Season 2 will cover subsequent novels. | Incomplete. Two separate manga each cover only one of the first two novels. |
| Pacing & Detail | Slower, more detailed. Features extensive inner monologues and psychological depth. | Faster-paced for television. Some inner thoughts are shown visually or simplified. | Varies by adaptation, generally condenses the novel’s plot. |
| Artist/Creator | Written by Honobu Yonezawa. | Animated by Studio Lapin Track. | Illustrated by two different artists (Anko Manjuuya and OmiOmi). |
| Availability | Published by Tokyo Sogensha in Japan. English availability is limited. | Streaming globally on Crunchyroll. | Out of print and very difficult to find legally, especially in English. |
Where Can You Officially Watch or Read the ‘Shoshimin Series’?
The easiest and most official way to get into the series is by watching the anime on Crunchyroll. For those wanting the full story, importing the original Japanese light novels is the best option. Unfortunately, finding the manga adaptations through official channels is nearly impossible.
- Watch the Anime: You can stream the SHOSHIMIN: How to become Ordinary anime series officially on the Crunchyroll platform worldwide.
- Read the Light Novels: The original Japanese novels are published by Tokyo Sogensha. They can be purchased and imported from major online Japanese bookstores and retailers. As of late 2026, official English translations are not yet widely available.
- Find the Manga: The two limited manga adaptations are out of print. They are not officially available for purchase or online reading, making them collectors’ items that are extremely difficult to find.
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FAQs About how to become ordinary manga
Is ‘How to Become Ordinary’ finished?
No, the ‘Shoshimin Series’ light novel is ongoing. Author Honobu Yonezawa continues to publish new stories. The anime is also not finished, with a second season already announced to adapt more of the existing novels, ensuring the story will continue in animated form as well.
Will there be a season 2 of the ‘How to Become Ordinary’ anime?
Yes, a second season of the ‘SHOSHIMIN: How to become Ordinary’ anime has been officially confirmed. It is expected to continue adapting the light novel series, likely starting with the third book, following the events of the first season which covered the first two novels.
Who is the author Honobu Yonezawa also known for?
Honobu Yonezawa is most famous for writing the ‘Classic Literature Club’ series, which was adapted into the beloved mystery anime ‘Hyouka’. Fans of Hyouka’s character-driven, “everyday mystery” style will find a very similar appeal in the Shoshimin series, as both are hallmarks of his writing.
Are Kobato and Osanai a couple?
The relationship between Kobato and Osanai is complex and central to the series, but it is not a straightforward romance. They are close partners in their quest for an “ordinary life” and share a deep, codependent bond built on mutual understanding. The story focuses more on their platonic partnership and shared secrets than on overt romance.
What is ‘wisdom work’ in Shoshimin?
‘Wisdom work’ is the personal term Jōgorō Kobato uses to describe his unwanted talent for deduction and problem-solving. He sees his sharp intellect not as a gift but as a source of trouble that prevents him from living an ordinary, peaceful life, so he actively tries to avoid engaging in it.
Is there an official English translation of the Shoshimin light novel?
As of late 2026, there is no official, licensed English translation of the ‘Shoshimin Series’ light novels. Readers who want to experience the source material typically have to import the Japanese versions or rely on fan translations, which are not officially supported.
What studio animated ‘SHOSHIMIN: How to become Ordinary’?
The anime adaptation was produced by the Japanese animation studio Lapin Track. They are also known for their work on series like Sarazanmai and the film Uchiage Hanabi (Fireworks), recognized for their distinct visual styles and character-focused animation.
Should I start with the anime or the light novel?
For most people, starting with the anime on Crunchyroll is the most accessible and enjoyable entry point. It’s a faithful adaptation that captures the core story and characters well. If you love the anime and want more detail, especially the characters’ inner thoughts, then reading the light novels is the perfect next step.
Is ‘How to Become Ordinary’ a slice of life or a mystery?
It is a hybrid of both; it’s best described as a “mystery slice of life” series. The “slice of life” aspect comes from the high school setting and the characters’ goal to live peacefully, while the “mystery” element drives the plot as they are constantly drawn into solving small, everyday puzzles around them.
What are the main story arcs covered in the anime’s first season?
The first season of the anime adapts the first two light novels. This includes “The Case of the Springtime Limited-Edition Strawberry Tart” and “The Case of the Summer Tropical Parfait,” which serve as the two main mystery arcs for the season.
Key Takeaways: How to Become Ordinary Manga Summary
- Primary Format is a Light Novel: The core takeaway is that ‘Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary’ is originally a Japanese mystery light novel series by Honobu Yonezawa, not a manga.
No Complete Manga Exists: Your search for a full manga was not in vain; it simply doesn’t exist. There are only two short, separate manga adaptations of the first two novels by different artists, which are now out of print.
Anime is the Best Starting Point: The anime adaptation by Lapin Track, available on Crunchyroll, is a faithful and highly accessible way to experience the story, covering the first two novels in its first season with more to come.
Authored by the Creator of Hyouka: The series is written by Honobu Yonezawa, the celebrated author behind the Classic Literature Club series (Hyouka), sharing a similar tone of character-driven “everyday mysteries.”
The Goal is “Ordinariness”: The plot revolves around two uniquely talented high school students, Kobato and Osanai, who form a pact to live a quiet, “ordinary” life, but are constantly pulled into solving mysteries against their will.
Final Thoughts on how to become ordinary manga
Navigating the world of media adaptations can be confusing, but now you have a clear map for the Shoshimin series. The most important thing to remember is that the light novel is the true source, the anime is a faithful and accessible adaptation, and the manga is a rare, incomplete piece of the series’ history. By understanding these distinctions, you can choose the best way to enjoy the clever mysteries and compelling character dynamics crafted by Honobu Yonezawa. Whether you start with the anime or dive into the novels, you are in for a unique and rewarding experience.
Last update on 2026-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
