Nikurashii Kare picks up after the events of the first novel, following Hira and Kiyoi as they navigate their university years and early adulthood.
The situation might improve in the future, especially given the massive international popularity of the live-action adaptations. The live-action drama "My Beautiful Man" has been extremely well-received globally, leading to increased demand for English translations of all the light novels.
"Not a romance. A vivisection." —
You can find the physical and digital copies available through major global retailers like Amazon or specialized manga and light novel storefronts. nikurashii kare novel english translation
The novel delves into the Japanese creative industry's competitiveness and the psychological hurdles of introversion.
Shifting into adulthood, the story follows the duo as they navigate university life and Kiyoi’s budding acting career. Co-habiting changes their dynamic, forcing them to confront the reality of loving a real person rather than an idealized idol. Official English Translation Status
The most complete English translations exist for the drama CDs based on the novel. The drama CD for "Nikurashii Kare" was released on July 23, 2021, as a 4-CD set including a bonus CD. Dedicated fans have translated these drama CDs into English, and you can find them on platforms like YouTube and various BL-focused forums. Nikurashii Kare picks up after the events of
The tension escalates as Kiyoi’s acting career takes off. He is exposed to charismatic peers, while Hira begins working as an assistant to a professional photographer. New characters enter the fray, triggering Hira's intense possessiveness and exposing the fragile foundation of their domestic life. The title Nikurashii Kare (He Is Hateful / Loathsome) perfectly encapsulates Kiyoi’s perspective: he loves Hira desperately, yet finds Hira's stubborn, self-deprecating worldview completely infuriating. How to Support the Author
Several passionate fans have worked on translating portions of the novel directly. These translations can be found on community forums like Hibiki Forum and NovelUpdates, though they're often incomplete or only cover specific scenes.
Reading the English translation of Nikurashii Kare provides a completely different experience than watching the live-action show. While the TV drama captured the aesthetic and emotional beats perfectly, the novel delivers crucial context: "Not a romance
The narrative explores the intense world of the professional Japanese creative industry as Kiyoi builds his acting career.
For English-speaking fans, the good news is that Nikurashii Kare has been translated into English. The novel was first published in English by VIZ Media in 2017, followed by a paperback release. The English translation has received positive reviews, with many praising the translator's work in capturing the essence of the original text.