On the outskirts of the Pleasure City of Midas lies the Ceres special autonomous area, commonly known as the slums. Gang leader Riki, looking for an easy pocket to pick in the nightlife districts, gets caught red-handed…by none other than one of the highest-ranking, golden-haired android elites ruling from the capital Tanagura: the “Blondy” Iason Mink!
By all rights, a Blondy standing at the pinnacle of aristocracy and a slummer should have never crossed paths—their chance encounter marks the beginning of a love twisted by obsession, soon spiraling into a karmic chain of events...... more>>

⬇️ //// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////
⬇️ //// About the English translation ////
⬇️ //// Current translation status ////
⬇️ //// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

//// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////

Originally serialized in the bimonthly magazine Shosetsu June (小説ジュネ) spanning six chapters from December 1986 to October 1987, the novel was released with minor revisions into a hardcover edition in 1990.
This first version of the story received a two-episode/OVA anime adaptation in 1992 and 1994.

Between the years 2001 and 2007, the original story was greatly expanded upon and released in six paperback volumes. After a change of Japanese publisher, two more volumes were released between 2009 and 2010, completing the series (the six aforementioned volumes were released as volumes 1-4 in the newest Japanese edition).
This second version of the story was meant to be adapted into a twelve-episode OVA anime—initially planned to release in 2010—but was postponed to 2012, only to be discontinued after the fourth episode’s release.

//// About the English translation ////

The English paperback expanded edition is made up of eight volumes: the six first volumes (Seibido/Crystal edition) + the two later volumes (#7 and #8 in English, but #5 and #6 in the newest Tokuma/Chara edition).
The change in Japanese publisher led to a change in translator for the English edition between vol1 to 6 and vol7 to 8: it is highly recommended to read the fan translations of #7 and #8 as opposed to reading the licensed edition, due to the massive loss in translation (expect a 50% word count difference between the two).

//// Current translation status of the different editions of the novel (as of April 20th, 2024) ////

. Shosetsu June edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation.
. 1990 hardcover edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation. An older fan translation had 4/6 chapters translated but the project was dropped.
. 2000’s expanded edition, English licensed: fully translated, complete.

//// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

– The Shosetsu June story was adapted into a drama cassette and a drama CD (Dark Erogenous).
– The expanded story was adapted into three drama CDs (Destiny, Nightmare, Resonance)
– A prequel called Midnight Illusion was serialized in Shosetsu June between December 1992 and April 1993, and released as a hardcover in 1996. 3/6 chapters have been fan-translated into English.
– The 5 side stories have all been fan-translated into English (Kizu/Wound, File-0, Cal’s Sighs, Musk, Illusion Night) and are based on the expanded version of the novel.

Look up online “Ai no Kusabi Master List LiveJournal” to find the links to all the material listed above and more.

[This page was updated as per an anon’s request, all credit goes to the AnK community where credit is due.] <<less

High school senior, Junya Sawa, gets a new classmate when Uzuki Kobayakawa, the heir to notorious crime syndicate, transfers to his school. The other students... more>> in Junya's class all keep their distance, giving Uzuki a wide berth, however Junya soon becomes good friends with him. Gradually, the two become attracted to one another, but Uzuki's educational "advisor" admonishes him, telling Uzuki that the world he must live in has no room for Junya, and the two are separated. Then, 8 years later, still holding that wound that never healed, the adult Junya reunites with Uzuki... <<less

Takechi Shigeto needs medicine for one of his patients, but can't afford it. a childhood friend sees his problem and pays for it for him.... more>> However, the medicine must be paid back at a cost.. <<less

Akikan (”Empty Can”) is the unlikely story of high school boy Kazuichi Souda, whose can of melon soda magically transforms into a human girl. More... more>> "akikan" girls begin appearing, each of them needing to be infused with carbon dioxide from their respective drink types to survive. The akikans were created as part of the 'Akikan Elect' to determine whether steel cans or aluminium cans are superior. The akikans must battle each other until only the strongest type is left standing. <<less

One moonlit night, Detective Kusaka Daisuke of Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Investigation Department, 1st Division, managed to catch some criminals red-handed in the middle of an... more>> illegal drug deal. Struck by one of the perp's bullets, the detective sought refuge down one of the city's many back alley and stumbled upon a beautiful blond boy. The boy's eyes shone red, his skin unearthly pale like a porcelain doll. He called himself Luca, and against all logic, mysteriously aged into a young man before Kusaka's very eyes! What will become of this chance encounter? Find out in this modern-day fantasy set in the bustling streets of Tokyo. <<less

When the alien Mimics invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent... more>> out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On his 158th iteration, he gets a message from a mysterious ally--the female soldier known as the Full Metal b*tch. Is she the key to Keiji's escape or his final death? <<less

Allison is an adventure series set in a world containing one continent (extending roughly from the Equator to 60 degrees North latitude) which is divided down the center by a towering mountain range and a huge river. The industry and technology of the world are roughly equivalent to Europe in the 1930s. Due to the geography, two cultures developed on either side of the divide, and at the time the story begins, the cultures have been at war on and off for hundreds of years. The bloodiest conflict yet began thirty-five years before the start of the story; both sides are so exhausted by the conflict that an uneasy armistice is signed after some five... more>> years of fighting. Aside from a brief conflict over the jurisdiction of the river, resulting in the formation of a buffer zone on either side, this peace has largely been unbroken. The east side of the world is known as Roxche, though formally the region's name is the Roxcheanuk Confederation. The entire region comprises sixteen countries which all speak a common language. The west side is known as Sou Beil, though formally the region's name is the Allied Kingdoms of Bezel Iltoa. The region comprises the two kingdoms of Bezel and Iltoa which both serve to bring together a small number of countries under a common language different than that of the eastern region. There are far more blond-haired people in the West than the East.

At the beginning of the first novel, Allison, a pilot in the Roxche Air Force, has come to visit her childhood friend Wilhelm ("Wil" for short), who has remained at school over his summer break to continue his studies. While traveling in the countryside near the school, the two encounter an old man well-known to Wil's schoolmates as a teller of tall tales. Nevertheless, he captures their interest with his talk about a "treasure" which, if found, is said to be able to put an end to the war. No one would believe him that the war between the countries could ever end, so no one listened to him. When the old man is abducted and taken over to Sou Beil, Allison and Wil steal an airplane and chase the abductors across the river into the next region. Fortunately, the two were raised as orphans by a woman who came from the West, and thus can speak both languages. <<less

Seiya Kanie is a good looking, perfectionist boy who is forced by the mysterious Isuzu Sento to visit an amus**ent park named Amagi Brilliant Park, which is in serious financial trouble and about to be closed forever.... more>>

The park is actually staffed by refugees from a magical realm called Maple Land, and the park is a facility for harvesting magical energy from visitors while they’re having fun. As such, the park is the only way the refugees can maintain their existence in the human realm.

To save the park from closing, Seiya is hired by the owner, Latifa Fleuranza, to use his skills in entertainment to become its new manager. However, to not lose the land to a real estate agency, they have only three months left to attract 250,000 visitors, a feat that seems impossible given the park’s current situation. <<less

The cool, attractive chemistry teacher Kuroki reaches out to the timid, lonely Tomoya. He forces his man-heat into Tomoya's sensitive body at school and on... more>> the train they commute by together; forcing Tomoya to drown in lustful pleasure. Pleasure and shame turns into attraction, and Tomoya begins to bloom. As his lonely heart trembles at this unpredictable love, the always kind Sakisaka sweetly approaches him... The men's ecstatic love hungers for Tomoya's affection. <<less

Himuro Suzuha, the student council president who is a perfect model student, but has high pressure and a small talk personality. Vice president Tajima Aito, who has feelings for her, can one day hear the "true feelings" hidden behind her words! Suzuha's true intentions—that was how harsh and harsh her attitude and poisonous tongue were all in front of her, and she was completely in love with Aito! Aito was happy to know that they had both feelings. If you know the answer, a happy ending is an easy win! ... more>>

So I made a confession at once, but…

I was rejected!? <<less

The light novel is the official prequel to the anime series.... more>>

It tells the story of how Yuri and Hinata meet, how they find out about “Angel” and the other characters and how the SSS was founded. <<less

If I gracefully accept the fate that will happen, my heart will definitely feel at ease.... more>>

Until I fall in love with you on that day. <<less

Ichiro Sato formerly suffered from a case of youthful delusions of fantasy and grandeur, which caused him to be bullied throughout middle school. Now in... more>> high school, he strives to be a normal student. Unfortunately, his teacher has entrusted him with the care of a girl with a similar case of delusions. <<less

Douglas is an adventurer who uses an axe as a weapon, a very serious and hard-working man who has lived an unrewarding life. One day... more>> he is betrayed by his teammates in the depths of a dungeon, and almost loses his life. In the midst of his despair, he finds an axe, a fearsome weapon with mythical power. After this great find, his life changes drastically from that day on. He becomes a man loved and adored by three beautiful girls. The forty year old adventurer begins a journey to become a hero to be envied by all. <<less

“Baccano”, which Narita translates as “s*upid commotion”, is Italian for “ruckus”. Each of the stories in the series involves several unrelated plots intersecting and crossing each other as events spiral farther and farther out of control. Immortal alchemists, mafia operated speakeasies, and many other elements of pulp fiction mashed together for a world straight out of the movies.... more>>

It all started 300 years ago on a boat where the alchemists summoned the “demon” in order to obtain the method of immortality. The demon gave the alchemist the liquor of immortality, the only way to die is to pass down the way to produce the liquor.

But the following night, one of the alchemist started to devour his companions. To escape the threat, the alchemists scattered all over the world. In America during the temperance movement, centering around the liquor of immortality, the “s*upid commotion” starts! <<less

Main Story volumes:
1: Nagareyo Hikari, to Majo ha Itta (流れよ光、と魔女は言った)
2: Horobiyo Tama, to Shishi ha Hoeta (滅びよ魂、と獅子はほえた)
3: Yomigaere Mukuro, to Miko ha Sakenda (蘇れ骸、と巫女は叫んだ)
4: Messeyo kono Omoi, to Kanojo ha Naita (滅せよこの想い、と彼女は哭いた)
5: Samayoe waga Genmi, to Mouja ha Umeita (彷徨えわが現身、と亡者はうめいた)
6: Todokeyo kono Nikushimi, to Shounen ha Nadashiita (とどけよこの憎しみ、と少年は涙した)
7: Shitagae waga Shukumei ni, to Otome ha Tsubuyaita (したがえわが宿命に、と少女は呟いた)
8: Hibikeyo waga Inori, to Otome ha Etta (響けよわが祈り、と少女は笑った)
9: Shizumeyo Koigokoro, to Ame ha Maiorita (沈めよ恋心、と雨は舞い降りた)
10: Tonaeyo Yasuragi no Uta, to Hoshi ha Kiita (唱えよ安らぎの歌、と星は輝いた)... more>>

Side Story volumes:
1: Mahoutsukaii de Ikkakusenkin! (魔法使いで一攫千金！)
2: Jutsusha no Mezame ha Usagi no Dansu!? (術者の目覚めはうさぎのダンス！？)
3: Yomiji ha Tsuranaru Bankokuki! (黄泉路へつらなる万国旗！)
4: Futago no Shiiku mo Gin Tama Jidai! (双子の飼育も銀玉次第！) <<less

The story is set in the human realm (Tokyo's Shibuya ward) and the bakemono realm (Shibutenmachi). In these two worlds which must not intersect, there... more>> lives a lonely boy and a lonely bakemono. One day, the boy gets lost in the bakemono world, becomes the disciple of the bakemono Kumatetsu, and is renamed Kyuuta. <<less

A boy who kills nightmares and a girl who lives them.... more>>

In the modern age, communication technology has developed that uses dreams as a medium instead of electrons.
In the world of “shared dreams,” people are engaged in economic activities even when they are asleep.

A malignant factor that invades artificial dreams and destroys the mind, “Nightmares (Noise)” ……
There are those who make a living out of suppressing them with force.
They were called “tapirs” by the people, who likened them to dream-eating beasts.

One day, Touya Rumaki, a high school student who carries out his duties as a “tapir,” finds himself in a situation where he is unable to find a way out. He meets a “witch” in a wheelchair.

The girl, who called herself “Meia”, stretched out her body, which was not free in any way, to Touya and whispered to him like a spell.
“I’ve been betrayed by everything in this world.

And when the wishes of a boy hunting nightmares and a fragile girl intersect
The nightmare that has been called a disaster, “The Beast’s Dream,” awakens.

This is the beginning of a dark battle of science fiction and otherworldly powers that will distort the world!

With “Gahou”! <<less

There’s the so called class transfer.... more>>

Among the high school students that were given cheat abilities, Kirishima Ran was given 『Underling Training』for some reason, a skill that can make a woman a s*ave.

Ran who was driven out by the kingdom using an absurd reason will make use of the given skill freely to take revenge on his classmates, release his desires (This is mainly the reason), and fight off the world’s system.

It’s a story of him using his wonderful skill making his classmates turn to an obedient cute and le*d s*ave. <<less

“To protect the girl fated to die an untimely death” ... more>>

That was the mission given to me by my senpai in heaven.

What were they thinking? Making me come down to earth to protect a foolish human…!

Even worse, an ordinary girl…?

Why should we, graceful angels, do such a thing!?

I’m certain my senpai has always believed the same, or at least that’s what I thought, so why is it that… <<less

Fate, a gatekeeper who had been working for the castle, is beset by a few burdens.... more>>

It is the constant hunger attacks triggered by a skill he had obtained upon birth. A useless skill, it only serves to make him hungrier; however, unbeknownst to him, it has a concealed ability.

On one day, having killed a thief sneaking into the castle, he finally noticed its true power.

A skill that feeds upon the very soul of the subjects he kills, taking away all their powers. And thus, finally, his constant hunger had been satiated for the first time.

With just that, the man who has been treated like a pile of tr*sh slowly started raising his head. Having exceeded the concept of levels, he strikes fear with his terror-like strength, earning him the nickname… <<less

During a War called the Hong Kong Crusade, an Old Blood vampire, Jirou Mochizuki, aka the Silver Blade (Gintou), fought and defeated most of the Kowloon Children. ... more>>

Ten years later, Jirou heads to Japan with his little brother, Kotarou, in hopes of reaching The Special Zone, a thriving secret city where vampires live. They soon realize that a plan to infiltrate The Special Zone is being hatched by the Kowloon Children survivors.

As they travel to The Special Zone, Jirou encounters enemies from the past and new threats that may endanger the safety of the Special Zone. The abduction of Kotarou, by one of the Kowloon Children, thrusts him even further into the battle. <<less

A near future, where humans have been defeated by the viral parasites named Gastrea. They have been exiled into a small territory and live in despair, side by side with terror.... more>>

In this world trapped in darkness—

Rentaro, a boy living near Tokyo and member of the "Civil Security" – an organization specializing in fighting against the Gastrea – is used to accomplishing dangerous tasks. His partner is Enju, a precocious young girl. They fight thanks to their peculiar powers until one day, when they receive a special assignment from the government. This top secret mission is to prevent the destruction of Tokyo...

Set in a near future, this thrilling heroic-action story... starts now! <<less

Rock (Okajima Rokuro) was just a normal Japanese businessman, but through a series of unlikely events, he found himself part of the "Lagoon Company," a group of transporters who do a little pirating on the side. Together with Dutch, Revy, and Benny, he sails the seas of Asia aboard the modified torpedo boat "Black Lagoon."... more>>

Their base, the lawless city of Roanapur, is just barely balanced on the brink of outright war, controlled and occupied by criminal organizations from across the globe. At the head of the pack are Balalaika of Russia and Chang of Hong Kong.

Our story finds Roanapur just a little while before Rock, with Revy in tow, is due to head back to his old home of Japan.

It is a tale about soldiers who once fought united under a cause in a land of sandy winds, the strictly personal reunion of a captain and her one-time subordinate... <<less

Hisagi must throw himself into a new fight as the mystery that Kaname Tōsen left behind resurfaces. The story reveals more details about the four... more>> Noble Houses, the Soul King, Arrancar and Fullbringers. <<less