When I Quit as the Manager for this Popular Idol Group, They Quit the Agency and Followed Me
Japanese Manga in English
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Japanese Manga in English
Manga video to learn English
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00:00The Best Idol of the Year Award goes to...
00:03Koiwa Komachi!
00:05Thank you, everyone! We love you!
00:08We adore you!
00:10I'm Kent Ito, 29 years old.
00:13I'm the manager of the idol group Koiwa Komachi,
00:17which consists of the noble Hana,
00:19the energetic Arisa,
00:21and the enchanting Sarah.
00:23They have beautiful smiles, but...
00:26you all had an amazing performance.
00:29Great job!
00:31Arisa, your high notes during the chorus were fantastic!
00:35Have some hot water.
00:37Thanks.
00:38Sarah, here's a blanket to keep your feet warm.
00:41I can take care of myself. No need.
00:44For some reason, they are all very cold towards me.
00:49Is there something else?
00:51I have to tell them properly.
00:54Today, your album and single both ranked first in sales,
00:59and you've become the number one idol group!
01:02Congratulations!
01:04Thank you all for working so hard until now.
01:07Your dreams have come true.
01:09With this, I can finally express my true feelings.
01:14I...
01:15I'm quitting as your manager.
01:18From now on, I'll be your number one fan,
01:21supporting you all.
01:23I'll even attend your handshake events,
01:25so please look forward to that.
01:28Thank you for everything until now.
01:30Good job, guys.
01:32Having quit my job as an idol manager,
01:35the next profession I chose was...
01:38Today, the sewing machine is running smoothly.
01:41That's right, costume making!
01:44In my newly moved home, which also served as my workplace,
01:47I make costumes for the idols.
01:50Sewing had been my hobby for a long time,
01:52and it had successfully become my main job.
01:56Oh, a new request!
01:58Costumes?
01:59This many?
02:01I'm thrilled,
02:02but meeting the deadline for all of these is gonna be tough.
02:06Why so many?
02:08Oh, there's a continuation of the email.
02:11Who is it?
02:13Uh, everyone?
02:14Why are you here?
02:16Hello!
02:17Why do you think?
02:19We quit being idols,
02:21so we came to say hello.
02:23Wh-what?
02:25To avoid drawing the neighbors' attention,
02:27I decided to invite the three of them into the room
02:30and listen to what they had to say.
02:33The tea is delicious.
02:35I brought some tea sweets, so please have some.
02:38I think you'll like them.
02:40No, wait!
02:42You quit?
02:43Does the president know?
02:44What about the fans?
02:46Oh, about that...
02:48We told them properly.
02:50We have an abrupt announcement to make.
02:53The Koiwa Komachi Idol Group
02:55has decided to step up onto a new stage.
02:59We're very sorry for causing inconvenience
03:02and wearing everyone involved.
03:04See?
03:06You're having a full-fledged press conference!
03:09Social media and the internet are buzzing!
03:12I've been so busy and distracted
03:15that I didn't notice anything on my phone or TV.
03:19Don't leave!
03:21We've already informed the president.
03:23We've finished all the remaining work properly.
03:26Don't worry.
03:28Right.
03:29If they're quitting their idol careers
03:31despite being so dedicated,
03:33it must mean they have something they want to pursue now.
03:35In that case...
03:37We'll be in your care from now on too!
03:40Huh?
03:41Why?
03:42What's the next stage?
03:44It's a celebration for stepping up!
03:46As long as we're here,
03:48you can take measurements and do fittings any time!
03:51We can even give you our opinion on costumes
03:55from an idol's perspective, you know?
03:58And we won an idol craft contest too!
04:02When did you win that?
04:04Anyway, even if you suddenly tell me...
04:07Are you going to abandon us?
04:09You were just saying you'd support us with your words,
04:12weren't you?
04:13It's just a work relationship after all.
04:16I'm shocked.
04:18It's not like that.
04:20I'm sorry, it's from the president.
04:23Oh, Kent.
04:24They're all yours, right?
04:26I'm sorry, but can you help them learn
04:28about the real world for a while?
04:30Huh?
04:31The world is still buzzing
04:33since they made that declaration.
04:35I can't let them go back to the dorm.
04:37And did you see the costume requests?
04:39We'll provide a special fee for keeping them hidden,
04:42so I bet you could use the extra hands, right?
04:45Uh, I understand.
04:48The president made a valid point
04:50and there's indeed a lot of work to be done.
04:53For a while,
04:54I ended up hiding the three of them
04:56at my house and working together.
04:58Alright, Hana, you handle the production.
05:01Arisa, take measurements.
05:03And Sarah, oversee the overall progress, please.
05:06Yes!
05:07When was the last time I got such a positive yes?
05:11Now that I think about it,
05:13they weren't always this cold.
05:15Kent, I don't understand this part.
05:18Oh, this part here.
05:20First, hold the edges and...
05:22And what about this part?
05:24Hmm?
05:25It seems kind of close.
05:27Is it just my imagination?
05:30That was really easy to understand.
05:33Thanks, Kent.
05:34If you don't understand,
05:36feel free to ask anytime.
05:37You're getting the hang of it so quickly.
05:39It's impressive.
05:40It's not that impressive.
05:41I can only do it because you're teaching me.
05:44Huh?
05:45If I get better at this,
05:47will you praise me more?
05:48Praise you more?
05:50I want more praise so I can work even harder.
05:55You're too close to him.
05:57Kent,
05:58we're going to buy more fabric because we're running out.
06:01Oh, okay.
06:02Wait, I'll go with you.
06:04Have a good trip.
06:06Did Hana just ask me to praise her?
06:09What's happening?
06:11And so,
06:12the three of them left together.
06:14Both are nice,
06:15but this one seems to catch the light better.
06:18Yeah,
06:19this one has a shine,
06:21but the stretch might not be ideal.
06:24How about using the stretchier one as a base
06:28and layering this on top?
06:30That's a good idea.
06:32You really are a former idol.
06:34Well, you know,
06:36I can sing and dance,
06:38but I also have a good sense of style and can cook,
06:41so you know what I mean, right?
06:44Huh?
06:45What do you mean?
06:46For a wife, I mean.
06:49Huh?
06:50For a wedding dress,
06:52do you think this fabric would be suitable?
06:55W-what?
06:57Kent,
06:58doesn't this suit me perfectly?
07:00Hana,
07:01don't interrupt.
07:03Alyssa,
07:04you're the one who got sidetracked when we came for shopping.
07:07Both of you,
07:08calm down.
07:10Walk more to that side.
07:12Alyssa,
07:13you move away.
07:14Kent can't walk properly.
07:17Even though you two are in disguise,
07:20you still have a hint of your former idol selves.
07:23The desire for the comeback of the popular idol group,
07:26Koiwa Komachi,
07:27is overflowing on social media,
07:29and on their first day of retirement,
07:31they trended as number one.
07:33Many fans lamented the sudden retirement announcement.
07:36Ugh.
07:38Huh?
07:39Life continued with these three who were surprisingly kind,
07:43and before I knew it,
07:44several weeks had passed.
07:46While this was a source of happiness for fans,
07:49isn't this cutting it a bit close for fan service?
07:55Could they possibly...
07:57like me?
07:58No, it can't be.
08:00Ugh.
08:01Oh, not again.
08:02When we went out to town before,
08:04Hana and Arisa were acting strangely,
08:07so it seems...
08:09I wonder if they have some lingering attachment to being idols.
08:14But if that's the case,
08:16then why...
08:17Here you go.
08:19Sarah, when did you...
08:21If there's more work to do,
08:23I'd like to help too.
08:25Oh, it's not that.
08:26I was just lost in thought.
08:28We've imposed on you since we showed up unannounced.
08:31I'm sorry.
08:32No worries at all.
08:34While it's been challenging and surprising at times,
08:37we're achieving a lot,
08:39and everyone works quickly,
08:41which is a huge help.
08:42Thank you for always being concerned.
08:45Really?
08:46That's a relief.
08:47Yeah.
08:48And Sarah,
08:49don't push yourself too hard.
08:51You've always balanced the team,
08:52haven't you?
08:53If there's anything difficult or something you want to say,
08:56don't hesitate to speak up.
08:58You're very kind, Kent.
09:01But for now,
09:03I'm your manager, you know.
09:05Huh?
09:06That's why.
09:07If you ever have any troubles,
09:09please feel free to tell me.
09:13I'll be right by your side,
09:15supporting you the most.
09:17This atmosphere is getting dangerous.
09:20What should I do?
09:23Sarah!
09:24Hana!
09:25Arisa!
09:26We said no cheating.
09:28What on earth are you doing?
09:31Oh my,
09:33I got caught, didn't I?
09:35It's not got caught,
09:37is it?
09:38Unfair.
09:39I've been holding back from getting into Kent's bed too.
09:42So,
09:43what's going on with all of you?
09:45Kent,
09:46you still haven't noticed?
09:48Our feelings.
09:49Huh?
09:51We couldn't say it when we were idols,
09:53but we really like you, Kent.
09:56You're way too oblivious.
09:58Seriously,
10:00since you didn't notice at all,
10:02we couldn't stop ourselves from making it obvious.
10:05We like that about you, but...
10:07What?
10:09You have been supporting us since before we were popular.
10:13We became popular idols because of your management.
10:17But I wanted to focus on being an idol,
10:19so I kept my feelings sealed away.
10:22I didn't want to let you down your expectations and our fans,
10:26so we decided not to rush ahead without you.
10:29The more popular we got,
10:31the busier you became,
10:33and you couldn't have a girlfriend.
10:35We really liked you,
10:37and our feelings just couldn't stay hidden.
10:40So,
10:41we decided to maintain a cold attitude.
10:44We didn't have any other choice.
10:47I'm sorry.
10:48We actually really liked you, Kent.
10:51Now that we're not idols,
10:53I can finally say it.
10:55Everyone?
10:56So, that's why they were distant.
10:59So...
11:01We heard it from Charao,
11:03who acted like he knew something about you.
11:06We gave him the information about a membership-only bar in exchange.
11:10It seemed like he was looking for a place for secret dates with an actress.
11:15We thought you were quitting because you were getting married,
11:18but it turned out to be different,
11:21so we followed you.
11:23The president seemed like she wanted to keep why you were leaving a secret, too,
11:27but she's not very good at hiding things, huh?
11:31Wait...
11:32Did the president know I was going to resign when they became the number one group?
11:36She knew this would happen?
11:38So...
11:39Which one of us are you going to choose to marry?
11:43It's me, right?
11:45I'm the perfect wife for you, aren't I?
11:48W-wait...
11:49I have work to do right now, and it's too early to give an answer.
11:54Oh...
11:55I see...
11:56I was surprised by the confessions from the three,
11:59but their professionalism and handling work remained intact.
12:03We decided to put the response to their confessions on hold for a while.
12:08Actually, it's been quite helpful,
12:10and they seem to be enjoying themselves.
12:13And so, these days continued for a while.
12:17Three months later, all the requested outfits were completed.
12:21However, when I went to deliver them to the venue...
12:25W-what should we do?
12:27This is way more than we expected.
12:30President, it's been a while.
12:32What happened?
12:33Kent!
12:34Hana!
12:35Alyssa!
12:36Sarah!
12:37Yes?
12:38Please, can you perform as idols just for today?
12:42Huh?
12:43President?
12:44What on earth happened?
12:46The idols scheduled to perform as the closing act all got food poisoning.
12:51There's no one else we can ask to fill in
12:54because all the other girls are performing too.
12:57Please, just for one night.
13:00We never had a farewell concert,
13:03and I think the fans would be delighted.
13:05But...
13:06It's too late now.
13:08Ugh...
13:09I think it's a good idea.
13:11Maybe you should go ahead with the farewell concert.
13:14Huh?
13:15I believe all of you have been thinking about it ever since you left, right?
13:19You... knew?
13:21How many years do you think I worked as Koiwa Komachi's manager?
13:26You all really cared about your fans,
13:29so I think it's necessary to properly put an end to it before moving forward.
13:34But...
13:35If you still have feelings for being idols,
13:38this might be your last chance.
13:40The last chance?
13:42Are you okay with this?
13:44Let's do it.
13:45Yes, of course.
13:47We'll do it.
13:48The farewell concert.
13:50Please, let us sing.
13:52I'm on it.
13:53I'll start preparing right away.
13:55Thank you.
13:56This really helps.
13:58Afterward,
13:59the news of Koiwa Komachi's one-night revival in place of the closing act
14:04was announced on social media.
14:06They rehearsed at a breakneck pace and perfected their routine.
14:10And then...
14:11Before the performance...
14:13It's been a while, hasn't it?
14:16I'm nervous.
14:18I wonder if it's okay to do.
14:20What will the fans think?
14:22Don't worry.
14:24Your rehearsal was so sharp
14:26that you'd never think there was a gap since your last live performance.
14:30Besides,
14:31your feelings for the fans will surely come across.
14:35You're the best idols.
14:38Really?
14:39Kent,
14:40you're like that, huh?
14:42You're tickling a girl's heart.
14:44You're going to take responsibility,
14:46right?
14:47Of course.
14:48You're my pride as idols.
14:50As your former manager,
14:52I'll take as much responsibility as needed.
14:55That's what you said.
14:56So give us some energy.
14:58Energy?
15:00This.
15:01Me too.
15:02We'll do our best.
15:04Be back soon.
15:07Our last stage.
15:09Watch us from the closest spot.
15:11We're off.
15:13Have a great show.
15:15Everyone,
15:16it's been a while.
15:18Today,
15:19Koiwa Komachi is making a one-night-only comeback.
15:22Let's enjoy it to the fullest.
15:27The concert reached an unprecedented level of excitement,
15:31and the encore was met with a storm of applause.
15:34Thank you for singing with us.
15:36We're really happy to see everyone.
15:40This is our last performance,
15:42so there's something we have to tell you all.
15:45Huh?
15:46The truth is,
15:48when we announced our retirement,
15:50I hadn't really found something I truly wanted to do.
15:54At that time,
15:55I thought we had given our all as idols,
15:59and I even considered moving on to the next stage.
16:02But,
16:03it wasn't just about that.
16:05I quit for the sake of someone important to me.
16:08What?
16:10We didn't want to hurt anyone,
16:12so we held that retirement press conference and told a lie
16:16because we couldn't reveal the truth
16:18to all the fans who had supported us.
16:21We're really sorry.
16:23But now,
16:24we've truly found what we want to do.
16:28That's why,
16:29after today,
16:30Koiwa Komachi will be disbanding permanently.
16:34Mmm...
16:36I'm happy about their feelings,
16:38but can the fans really forgive this?
16:41That's...
16:43Of course we're gonna support you!
16:46You've allowed us to dream!
16:49You've made us happy!
16:51So now it's your turn to be happy!
16:53Chase your dreams with your loved ones,
16:55and be happier than anyone else!
16:58Just being able to see the dream come back live makes me happy!
17:03The brilliance of Koiwa Komachi is eternal!
17:07Please give us one last encore!
17:11Thank you!
17:13We'll send this song to everyone as our final gift!
17:17Let's sing together until the end!
17:22You really have amazing fans!
17:25The hard work of those three has paid off!
17:28They are the best idols!
17:31The unending calls for an encore
17:33were met with a heartfelt response from the trio until the end.
17:38The revival concert of Koiwa Komachi
17:41once again made waves in the world,
17:43and they became known as the immortal idols of Koiwa Komachi,
17:47a legendary group.
17:49Their final confession was granted permission by the president,
17:52and the subsequent arrangements were flawless.
17:55The president regretted not letting them speak their truth earlier.
17:59As for the current state of the trio…
18:03They continued to take on my costume production work.
18:06They had apparently always wanted to become backstage supporters of idols,
18:10while looking at me as their manager.
18:13As they worked, costume production became each of their respective passions.
18:18Thanks to them, the company was able to incorporate
18:21and take on many new jobs.
18:23Enjoying success!
18:26I'm so so glad!
18:28Why are you smiling by yourself like that?
18:31Look over here and smile!
18:34By the way, have you made a decision yet?
18:37Huh? About what?
18:39Come on!
18:41Who are you going to marry?
18:43Tell us already!
18:45It's me, right?
18:48The number one idols became my own personal idol group for me.
18:53It seemed like I would continue to be bewildered by them
18:57for the days to come.