When two friends like the same boy, what could go wrong? Rivals in love, Aimi and Nami may seem to be fighting for the attention of the mysterious Kirio, but are they really? Aimi and Nami seem more set on talking and imagining making moves on Kirio, versus actually doing it. Are these friends really in it for love?
About Kirio Fan Club
Kirio Fan Club is a manga series by Chikyu no Osakana Ponchan, published in English by Kodansha. The manga centers two best friends, Aimi and Nami, who have a crush on the same guy, Kirio. Both girls consistently bicker over him, but it’s never that deep. Each chapter is more whimsical than the next, where at the end of the day, the girls are closer than ever over their mutual pining.
My Thoughts
Initially, I was worried this story would be more about the boy vs Aimi and Nami. Of course, that is the premise, but I like when the heart of story is found a few layers in. With Kirio Fan Club, this is absolutely the case. While this allusive Kirio (we never see his face) is all the girls seems to talk about, the heart of it all is the bond between Aimi and Nami. They imagine fake scenarios together, play around about who loves him more, and mutually dislike potential love rivals (even though they are technically rivals, too.) The girls have a lot of “plans” on how they will get closer to Kirio but never seem to put them into action.
Underneath their rivalry seems to hints of a deeper story between Aimi and Nami. Could I be projecting my selfish wishes? Absolutely. But I also think that there are some gazes, some internal monologues, some moments that suggest that there may be something more than just “friendship” with at least one of the girls. However, whether or not Aimi and Nami kiss kiss fall in love, I am obsessed with their bond as is. You can sense that they care about each other deeply. A favorite moment of mine in this volume is when Kirio is talking to other classmates about Aimi and Nami, and they all note how close the girls are. The fact that their friendship is on a level that others take note makes my heart so happy.
With the anime around the corner, I’ll wait until it’s done airing to continue the manga (if more volumes come out by then.) These first few chapters have me super excited about the anime and what’s in store of Aimi and Nami. I’m always in need of more stories about friendships (and potential romance) between girls and I’m so happy we’re getting that in manga and anime form.
Where to Buy Kirio Fan Club, Volume 1
Kirio Fan Club, Volume 1
Mangaka: Chikyu no Osakana Ponchan
Translation: Matt Treyvaud
Lettering: Madeleine Jose
Editing: Alexandra McCullough-Garcia
Publisher: Kodansha
Kirio Fan Club, Volume 1 is available for preorder and will be available on April 28, 2026.
Thank you to Kodansha and NetGalley for the ARC!
