私の少年 [Watashi no Shounen]

A quietly powerful drama from Kōdansha (2018–2020), Watashi no Shounen follows the delicate, unconventional bond between a lonely thirty-something woman and a twelve-year-old boy. Over nine issues, manga creator Mari Okazaki explores themes of isolation, empathy, and the fragile lines between connection and dependence. The series earned critical praise for its nuanced, mature handling of a sensitive premise.