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

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

Everyone is sick in this world, yet everyone thinks that they have the cure.... more>>

The imperial court seeks for transmigrators, conferring them all types of positions depending on their talent, in order to improve the civilization that lags behind and create a brand new world.

As the young master of Pang Men, Zuo Yunqi disguised as a transmigrator to sneak into the imperial palace, wanting to save his father. After the professional transmigrator-identifier Lou Zhu saw through his disguise, the two of them played rounds and rounds of mind games, made dozens and dozens of scenes, and finally reached a consensus at last.

However, while they jointly stopped a shocking conspiracy, they discovered that the transmigrators secretly established an alliance, trying to overthrow the administration and build a new society, and this discovery forced Zuo Yunqi and the others to take part in this warfare of scramble. <<less

During Grand Elder Bai’s birthday banquet, the always mysterious Feng Long, the Alliance Leader of Wulin, came to personally offer his birthday wishes, making the old man brimming with smiles.... more>>

When the distinguished guest graced everyone with his presence, the joyous atmosphere grew even stronger. Whilst the eyes of the crowd as well as their admiration and envy focused on the pride of Wulin, Feng Long’s eyes, instead fell upon the most inconspicuous corner of the birthday banquet.

“I, Feng Long, am untalented. To think that there is such a handsome new talent in Wulin. May I ask this honorable friend for your name?”

The people from the Bai family secretly frowned. The guests in the hall were also distinguished and outstanding talents, why was it that the stain of the Bai Family, the most unloved by his father, the third young master of the Bai Family, who was not even allowed to learn the Bai family’s style of martial arts, had attracted the attention of the Alliance Leader, Feng Long?

This is the world-famous Bilu sword?

After one meeting, Bai Shaoqing immediately came to a conclusion: this person was powerful, he should not stay any longer at the Bai Family Manor. Out of the thirty-six stratagems, fleeing was the best answer. <<less

Xu Qichen, who has made a habit of receiving blades from his readers, dies suddenly.... more>>

Ding! Your survival system has appeared out of the blue: transmigrate into all your bad ending novels and be the main character.

It wants him to change the ending? And it’s even asking him, an emotional defect, to personally date?

System: The deeper the emotional plot line between the gong and shou, the higher the probability of successful task completion!

Xu Qichen: It’s impossible to write a sweet novel, it’s impossible in all of this life

System: Very well, the host has decided to maintain the state of sudden death and not…

Xu Qichen: I’ll transmigrate! I’ll personally make a sweet biscuit [kneel]

#it’s my survival instinct that made the move#

Xu Qichen: You’re really like a certain person…

Old Gong: Open your mouth, eat this candy.

Xu Qichen: You’re really not…

Old Gong: Even a candy can’t stop your mouth!

Xu Qichen: You bit me <<less

Youth Wei Qian, orphaned at thirteen or fourteen, struggles through life with a half-sister. He picks up a street child who shamelessly latches onto him and gives him the name Xiaoyuan.... more>>

Wei Qian dreams of rising above the crop. He is someone who values money over his own life. In the earlier part of his life, he battles against many obstacles, with his number one mission being to make a name for himself. Finally, when he achieves some success and thinks that he’s seeing the light of daybreak in life, Xiaoyuan suddenly goes crazy. <<less

Find out Shao Lang’s unexpected encounter in the tram.

Immortal arts, magic weapons, magical powers, and the boundless spiritual qi between heaven and earth vanished into obscurity overnight, and all exorcists turned to mere mortals.... more>>

Three hundred years later, the Five Hus traversed the pass, it was a prelude to an era of great turmoil in China. They heralded the end of the world, where thousands of drought fiends stalked the night —— the collapse of the Divine Land is imminent.

Fortunately, within this long, dark night where silence had fallen on all magic, a lone star still glistened brightly on the horizon.

The Heart Lamp appeared, illuminating the vast expanse around it. A sixteen-year-old young man, who will end his life on his twentieth birthday, embarked on a journey to reclaim the spiritual qi of heaven and earth that had been sealed away —— only four years remain.

The road ahead was filled with countless thistles and thorns, and it seemed improbable for him to succeed.

————

Chen Xing: "The important thing is that I’m the last exorcist in this world, yet the only magic I am capable of is emitting light. What can I do?”

Wait patiently then. When the Dinghai Pearl reappears on earth, the uncertain trajectory of everyone’s fates will be completely disrupted before converging once more.

Chen Xing: “Could I be partnered with a more normal Protector Martial God?”

Isn’t your Protector really skilled in fighting?

Chen Xing: “He is good at fighting, but when he loses it he’ll hit even me……”

There’s nothing that can be done about that, you can only blame yourself for losing yourself to lust. <<less

On the day Feng Can transferred to SP Club, half of the people in the e-sports circle were stunned. The other half was watching the... more>> show and making a happy voice: the first ADC in the universe came to be a son for Nian-ge, and violence was expected. <<less

Is it wrong to face the perils of Dungeon alone, in a single-member guild blessed by a failed goddess? Maybe. Is it wrong to dream... more>> of playing hero to hapless maidens in Dungeon? Maybe not. After one misguided adventure, Bell quickly discovers that anything can happen in the labyrinth-even chance encounters with beautiful women. Only problem? He’s the one who winds up the damsel in distress! <<less

Small black belly meets big black belly; the routine is reversed.... more>>

REPUBLIC OF CHINA STYLE; HISTORY OVERHEAD

Lu Jiming (Gong) X Shen Fu (Shou)

"Seeing the letter is like meeting.

Last night, I dreamt that I had a dream, and the dream in my dream was you. When I woke up from my double dreams, I felt that I had lost you twice, which made me panic.

Attached to the letter was a bai xuan*, snow white and bright, like the moonlight when I thought of you last night."

* bai xuan: The calligraphy and painting paper produced in Xuancheng, Anhui. <<less

Yu Sui and Shi Luo met each other when they were much younger. One was a pro-gamer, a widely-renowned, best of the best, in-game medic. The other was an e-sports newcomer who was just starting out. The two originally played for the same team, during which their relationship became increasingly deep.... more>>

But things did not go as expected. Yu Sui went to Europe and Shi Luo changed his in-game job to become a striker. The two belonged to different teams and different divisions, with oceans between them, each doing wonderfully …

They had become two tigers on separate mountains. The last thing anyone expected was for Yu Sui to return to the domestic league two years later. There was no way to avoid it and the two met once again. <<less

The notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis. ... more>>

With one marriage edict, two people with mutual hostility are forced to marry and live under the same roof. Yet after these long days together, they come to the realization that this fellow is not truly devoid of any saving grace/unattainable and high out of reach. <<less

Why are we doing this...? When Haruhiro came to, he was in the darkness. Not knowing why was he here, or where "here" even was.... more>> With him were others who also remembered little more than their own names. What they found when they came out of the underground was a world that was `just like a game." In order to survive, Haruhiro forms a party with others in the same situation as him, learns Skills, and takes his first steps forward into the world of Grimgar as a Trainee Volunteer Soldier. Not knowing what awaits him... This is a tale of adventure born from the ashes. <<less

The Kitauji high school concert band club had at one time participated in national tournaments and was a champion school, but after the club's adviser... more>> changed, they have not been able to even participate in the qualifying tournament. However, thanks to the newly appointed adviser's strict instruction, the students are steadily improving and build up their strength. As they fight over who plays solos, some students give priority to studying and quit club activities. Finally, the long wished-for day of the contest arrives. <<less

I had initially hoped for a gentle puppy, but what I got was a wild, untamed dog. This story, "Prince x Eunuch," is set in ancient times, a BL (Boys' Love) tale with a medium-length plot. It revolves around the relationship between a prince and a beautiful eunuch who has maintained their true appearance. This is a story of rebirth and features a younger partner.... more>>

In the early stages of their connection, both characters are nothing short of drama queens. One pretends to be submissive, while the other plays the role of a gentle soul. Both can be labeled as villains, with the aggressor being a tad bit eccentric. Keep in mind that the protagonist's values in this tale may not necessarily align with the author's values. <<less

Hey, let’s have a crush together.... more>>

The nervous student Xu Jingjing has a crush on the school grass Gao Zhan, and the academic tyrant Kang Jiawei nicknamed “Instant Noodles” has a crush on the goddess Xu Jingjing.

In order to get close to her favorite male god, Xu Jingjing separated Gao Zhan and Xu Jingjing, and formed a “secret love front alliance” with Kang Jiawei – she urged him to lose weight and inspired him to pursue Xu Jingjing;

And Kang Jiawei helped her review her homework, which made her grades improve by leaps and bounds. The relationship between the two has undergone subtle changes in the process of helping each other, which seems to go beyond friendship…

Until the death of Kang’s father, Kang Jiawei left without saying goodbye to the United States, and this hazy relationship ended without a trace.

At the class reunion eight years later, “Instant Noodles” counterattacked gorgeously and turned into a tall, rich and handsome real estate developer. He decided to make up for the regrets eight years ago and made a belated confession——

Kang Jiawei: “I like you, Jingjing. Be my girlfriend.”

Xu Jingjing: “Why do you think that I will be your girlfriend in eight years? What if I have a boyfriend?”

Kang Jiawei: “It doesn’t matter, if you have a boyfriend, I will find a way to make him an ex. <<less

When I noticed it, I was in a different world.... more>>

I had become a sword… what, I don’t get it! The place I woke up was a great plain crowded with monsters. I fly in search of a partner (women only) to be equipped with. Magic stone? I get the skills I absorb? This has become fun! Hyahha, give me magic stones! Yes, that was a joke. But I’ll take a magic stone.

This is how I became a sword and went to another world, a story of an ordinary minor character otaku. <<less

Surrounded by many different kinds of companions, our protagonist: Hopeless siscon Hashima Itsuki. ... more>>

1st class genius and lover, the high end unfortunate-beauty Kani Nayuta.

Troubled about love, troubled about friendships, troubled even in her dreams, victor of the 3 crowns Shirakawa Miyako.

Brutal tax sabre, Ōno Ashley.

Natural born illustrator, Puriketsu.

Each and every one as hesitant as the next, and each and every one dealing with their own headaches. This is a busy story of a group of bewildering characters that play games together, take trips together, and work together, never a single dull day.

Watching over them is the kind and thoughtful, completely perfect, superhuman little brother of Itsuki; Chihiro, with a huge secret of his own―.

From the author that brought you ‘Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai’ (‘Haganai’), Hirasaka Yomi has drawn the curtains for the latest youth love-comedy series! <<less

Xuan Huaifeng hated that person to the very core. If not for what he did, somehow sneaking into his room that night, his father wouldn’t have sent him all the way to England for studies. If not for him… he would not have to part with his beloved.... more>>

But in an era of pretentiousness and instability, nobody can guarantee absolute power and status. Once the son of a commander, he had fallen. He, once an aristocrat, had become a meager teacher.

When things could not have gotten any worse, he appeared — that person, his old classmate, and now Chief of Customs. Bai Xuelan was his name. <<less

On the very first day that innocent country boy, Oyamada Kouta, transfers to a city high school, the prettiest girl in school asks him to meet her alone. They meet in the music room, all alone. Her shining hair and entreating eyes! Her flushed cheeks! Her sweet lips! Her... fox tail?!!... more>>

Who is this mysterious and alluring girl and just what does she want with unsuspecting Kouta? <<less

Whatever he does, it always backfires, a salaryman who always fails, Saeki Katsuya. Facing restructing, a guy appeared before him when he wanted to give... more>> up. “From the moment you put these on, your life will alter drastically.” The glasses which were handed to him, seemed to be a forbidden item that will change its wearer into a dominant brute... Having obtained the glasses and on the road to being a beast, will Katsuya obtain real love? <<less

In his young life, Takeyuki has never really known hardship. The youngest son of a wealthy family, he has never had any difficulty getting anything... more>> he desired. Now, though, Takeyuki is enjoying his last month of freedom before he begins working at his father’s import company in Tokyo, and he has decided to spend that time with his brother and his sister-in-law in Cassina, a small country in the Middle East. Little does Takeyuki know that his prideful manner will soon land him in hot water! In Cassina, some dangers are very real and some people are not who they seem. For example, who exactly is the charming, majestic man who won’t stop staring at Takeyuki during their flight to Cassina, and why do his blue eyes make Takeyuki feel like his chest will burst? <<less

I, Souichiro, picked up this little girl on a certain rainy day. Even though she has pink hair and wears unfamiliar clothing that looks like a cosplay, she still looks like a normal girl. If there is one thing not normal about her, then that would be—the single black wing that is growing out from her back. She who claims to be a Devil says that she has no place to return to, so I couldn’t help but decide to have her stay in my house.... more>>

But the situation doesn’t end there. Then on the next day, a blonde beautiful girl claiming to be an Angel visits my house. And according to this girl, I have a hidden possibility to become either a “Saviour” or a “Super Villain”—!? The ecchi love-comedy of a Delinquent boy×Devil girl×Angel girl brought to you by the super popular creator duo! <<less

“Until the day humanity falls.”... more>>

In the year 2020, Earth’s magnetic poles disappeared and humankind was nearly wiped out by cosmic radiation. Within the span of a hundred years, living creatures began to mutate and devour each other while the remaining humans, numbering in the tens of thousands, struggled bitterly in their man-made bases.

In the Abyss, home to the mutated xenogenics, there lived a sentient little mushroom. Because it had been nourished by the blood and flesh of the deceased human An Ze, not only did it take on a similar-looking human form, but a similar name as well: An Zhe.

An Zhe is determined to go to the human base to search for his spore, which had been harvested by humans. Once there, however, he faces the omnipresent risk of discovery and certain death as he tries to keep his non-human nature hidden from the Judges, whose responsibility is to inspect for and eliminate xenogenics like himself. And of all the Judges, Colonel Lu Feng is the most perceptive and merciless—as soon as he determines that someone is a xenogenic, he will execute that person on the spot.

But An Zhe’s mutation goes undetected by Lu Feng’s eyes, and so a tale of humans and xenogenics unfolds…

Silver Award winner at the 12th Chinese Nebula Awards for Chinese Science Fiction. <<less