So cute

If there’s one thing in this world I love, it’s absolutely dumb and cute stories in which intimidating dudes have to do cute shit. The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting is a perfect example of this trope.

Kirishima is the right-hand man of a Japanese crime family. He’s unafraid to be violent with those he’s assigned to take out and is known to snap at someone out of nowhere. Though he is violent and takes care of business well, he lacks any sense or personal responsibility. Thus, the Sakuragi crime family leader names Kirishima as the new babysitter/handler of his young daughter to teach him how to be more responsible.

It’s a bonkers setup, but it’s done quite well. Kirishima is very likable, and even though he’s living a life of crime, he’s a good guy. Though less silly, he feels similar to Tatsu in The Way of the Househusband. Yaeka, the little girl he’s told to watch, lacks the love she should feel from her family because of the lives they lead. That said, her father adores her and dotes upon her so the reader doesn’t think he’s a lousy guy pawning his child off on another adult. Yaeka’s mother is in a coma, which also adds to Yaeka’s struggles with trust and having fun. Thankfully this story is precisely what you imagine, and Kirishima takes his role seriously, introducing Yaeka to new things and being the trusted caretaker she needs. It’s delightful, and I think a romance will be built between Kirishima and Yaeka’s aunt.

Title: The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting (Vol 1)
Author: Tsukiya
Format: Paperback
Pages: 152
ISBN:  9781952241178

Three Descriptors: Sweet, Adorable, Heartwarming