I often find myself reading a manga before watching its anime adaptation. However, in a rare twist, I watched the live-action drama adaptation of Don’t Call It Mystery before picking up the manga. The drama, featuring Masaki Suda as Totonou Kunou, captivated me with its compelling portrayal. Suda’s performance was outstanding, and I learned that he even requested and met with the manga author, Yumi Tamura, prior to filming to discuss the character in depth.
In an interview, Tamura mentioned that she was so engrossed in the first episode of the drama that she didn’t even notice the music at certain points. She was moved to the extent that she applauded at the end and shed a few secret tears. It’s clear that the drama has Tamura’s seal of approval, and while this is a manga review site, I strongly recommend the drama as well.
The manga, titled “Don’t Call It Mystery,” fits firmly within the mystery genre. It follows Totonou Kunou, a university student with a peculiar sense of mystery and a knack for social awkwardness, who also has a passion for cooking curry. Despite his quirks, Kunou becomes involved in various incidents thanks to his exceptional insight, remarkable memory, and extensive knowledge. He challenges societal norms and spots subtle inconsistencies that others miss. Through his lengthy dialogues, he unravels mysteries and resolves personal troubles, showcasing how he can solve cases merely through conversation. His tendency to share his ideas incessantly often makes him seem bothersome to those around him.
Don’t Call It Mystery, Episode 1. English translation: “So, why is it… that you believe they’re telling the truth? Why do you think… that I’m the one who’s lying?”
The manga features a range of incidents, each rich with human drama involving both victims and perpetrators. Readers are drawn into these dramas while working to solve the cases themselves. The story frequently surprises with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged as they anticipate the next development and uncover unexpected culprits.
Yumi Tamura, the manga’s author, has been a prominent figure in the manga industry since her debut in 1983. She has consistently produced successful works, including the acclaimed “Basara” and “7Seeds,” which I look forward to reviewing in the future—budget permitting, of course. A quick search for Tamura in Japanese reveals the word “genius” frequently associated with her name, a testament to the high regard in which she is held by manga fans.
In summary, “Don’t Call It Mystery” offers an engaging blend of mystery and character-driven drama. The live-action drama adaptation, approved by Tamura herself, is a testament to the manga’s impact. Although I haven’t yet seen the movie adaptation released in September 2023, which covers manga volumes 2 through 4, I am eager to watch it and recommend exploring both the manga and its adaptations for a complete experience.
