Finding a romance story that doesn't rely on high school rooftop confessions or magical coincidences is surprisingly hard. Most manga in the genre leans heavily into the "sparkle" of youth, but Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu (I Have a Crush at This Company) decides to take a different route. It’s grounded. It’s messy in a very "corporate" way. Honestly, it’s one of the most refreshing takes on office romance I've seen in years because it treats the characters like actual adults who have bills to pay and reputations to protect.
The premise isn't groundbreaking, but the execution is. We follow Masamoto and Mitsuya, two coworkers who start dating in secret. That’s it. No world-ending stakes. No convoluted love triangles that last fifty chapters. Just two people trying to navigate the minefield of HR policies and professional boundaries while being totally head-over-heels for each other.
The Realistic Charm of Masamoto and Mitsuya
Akamaru Enomoto, the creator, clearly understands the nuance of the Japanese workplace. In many series, the "secret" part of a secret relationship is just a plot device to create fake tension. Here, it feels like a necessity. If they get caught, things get weird at the office. People gossip. Management looks at your performance differently.
Masamoto is your typical "reliable" guy, but he’s not a cardboard cutout of a perfect man. He gets jealous. He gets tired. Mitsuya, on the other hand, is sharp and capable, but she has these moments of intense vulnerability that feel earned rather than forced. Their chemistry works because it isn't based on a one-time "fated encounter." It’s built on shared projects, late-night convenience store snacks, and the mutual respect of seeing someone do their job well.
One of the things I love most is how the series handles the "firsts." Usually, manga drags out the first kiss for 100 chapters. Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu doesn't do that. It moves at a pace that feels human. They deal with the awkwardness of the first time they go to each other's apartments. They deal with the terror of a coworker almost spotting them at a restaurant on a Friday night. It's relatable.
Why the Office Setting Actually Matters
Most "office romances" are just regular romances where the characters happen to wear suits. This one is different. The work actually matters. We see them handling product launches, dealing with supply chain issues, and navigating the social hierarchies of their departments.
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The tension comes from the environment. There’s a specific kind of adrenaline that comes from holding hands under a table during a boring meeting or exchanging a "look" when a boss is being particularly annoying. Enomoto captures that specific vibe perfectly. It’s about the small victories.
You also get a real sense of the "after-hours" culture. The izakaya visits, the train rides home, the exhaustion of a 60-hour work week. It adds a layer of weight to their relationship. Their time together isn't just about romance; it's about recovery. They are each other's "safe space" in a high-pressure society.
Breaking Down the "Secret Relationship" Trope
Let's be real: the "we can't let anyone know" trope is usually annoying. But in Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu, it serves a thematic purpose. It highlights the divide between our public personas and our private selves.
In the office, Mitsuya is the "cool, professional woman." With Masamoto, she's dorky and affectionate. Watching that mask slip is the core joy of the manga. It’s not about the scandal; it’s about the intimacy of being the only person who knows the "real" version of someone else.
There’s also the comedy. The series is genuinely funny. The lengths they go to to avoid being seen together—like taking different exits or pretending they don't know each other's favorite foods—leads to some top-tier physical comedy. It balances the sweetness with enough humor to keep it from becoming too "saccharine."
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Technical Brilliance and Art Style
The art style is clean. It’s not overly stylized like a shoujo manga, but it’s not gritty either. It sits in that comfortable middle ground of seinen (young adult men) or josei (young adult women) demographics, though it technically ran in Morning magazine.
The character designs are distinct. You can tell who everyone is just by their silhouettes, which is a hallmark of good mangaka work. More importantly, the facial expressions are incredibly expressive. You can feel Mitsuya’s panic or Masamoto’s pride without needing a single word of dialogue.
Common Misconceptions About the Series
Some people go into this expecting a high-octane drama or a steamy, explicit story. It’s neither. While it doesn't shy away from the physical side of a relationship—they are adults, after all—the focus is always on the emotional connection.
Another misconception is that it’s "just another workplace manga." I’d argue it’s a character study first, and a workplace comedy second. The growth we see in Masamoto as he learns to balance his ambition with his love for Mitsuya is a legit character arc that spans the entire run.
The Cultural Impact and Why It Resonates
In Japan, the concept of "work-life balance" is a massive talking point. This manga taps into that zeitgeist. It asks the question: Can you be successful at work while being happy at home? For many readers, seeing a couple navigate this successfully is a form of wish fulfillment, but a grounded one.
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It’s also surprisingly popular internationally. Why? Because the "work grind" is universal. Whether you’re in Tokyo, New York, or London, the feeling of wanting to text your partner during a soul-crushing Zoom call is a shared human experience.
Practical Ways to Enjoy the Series
If you’re looking to dive into the world of Masamoto and Mitsuya, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the most out of the experience.
- Start with the Manga: While there have been rumors and various adaptations discussed, the original manga by Akamaru Enomoto is the definitive version. The pacing is perfect.
- Pay Attention to the Side Characters: The coworkers aren't just background noise. Many of them have their own mini-arcs that reflect different types of adult struggles, from single parenthood to career stagnation.
- Read for the "Small Moments": Don't rush through to see if they get married. The beauty of this series is in the chapters where absolutely nothing happens except they cook dinner together.
- Check Digital Platforms: The series is widely available on digital manga platforms like Kodansha’s K-Manga or other legal distributors. Supporting the official release helps ensure we get more adult-oriented romance like this.
The series eventually reached its conclusion after a long, successful run, and unlike many series that overstay their welcome, it sticks the landing. It provides a sense of closure that feels earned. You aren't left with a cliffhanger; you're left with a sense of warmth.
If you are tired of the "will-they-won't-they" trope that lasts for a decade, Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu is the antidote. It's a story about "they are, and now what?" That "now what" is where the real life happens.
Next Steps for Readers
- Locate the Official Translation: Find the series on your preferred legal manga app. It is often listed under the English title I Have a Crush at This Company.
- Commit to at least 10 Chapters: The first volume sets the stage, but the rhythm of their relationship really hits its stride around chapter 10.
- Explore the "Seinen Romance" Genre: If you enjoy this, look into titles like Sweat and Soap (Kase-san to Yamada-san) or Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku for similar adult-centric vibes.
- Join the Community: Check out forums or subreddits dedicated to seinen manga to discuss the subtle workplace politics depicted in the series, as many readers share real-life anecdotes that mirror the story.