The year is 2013, and it's the city of No. 6: a stringently controlled, diligently maintained megalopolis that embodies the highest ideals of humankind. Sion has lived under close supervision as a "high-ranking elite and therefore one of the city's assets" since the age of two, and feels secure - if not particularly happy - in his carefully planned out, government-sponsored future. ... more>>

On the night of his twelfth birthday, his comfortable lifestyle is turned upside-down when he meets, tends the wounds of, and shelters, a strange boy with an icy demeanour who calls himself "Nezumi" (Rat).

Why did I open the window that night? If I had not, I'd never have been forced to know what it's like to fight, to starve, and to suffer in anguish... <<less

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

Koushun Takami's notorious high-octane thriller envisions a nightmare scenario: a class of junior high school students is taken to a deserted island where, as part... more>> of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are provided arms and forced to kill until only one survivor is left standing. Criticized as violet exploitation when first published in Japan—where it became a runaway best seller—Battle Royale is a Lord of the Flies for the 21st century, a potent allegory of what it means to be young and (barely) alive in a dog-eat-dog world. <<less

In the year 1989, the Japanese government passed the Media Betterment Act, allowing a group of soldiers known as the Media Betterment Committee (MBC) to destroy and censor any "problematic" media under the guise of protecting public morals. As a response, regional governments established the Library Defense Force (LDF), whose members take up arms and put their lives on the line to protect freedom of expression. At the top of the Kanto branch of the LDF stands the Library Task Force (LTF): an elite squad consisting of only the most exceptional fighters.... more>>

As a high schooler, Iku Kasahara experienced the terror of censorship first-hand when she refused to surrender the newest volume of her favorite series to MBC agents. She only came out unscathed thanks to a lone member of the LDF, who protected her and her beloved book. Now in her 20s and still unable to forget the man who saved her, Kasahara joins the LDF in the hope of becoming just like her prince.

But LDF training turns out to be far more rigorous than she could have imagined, and her instructor, LTF member Atsushi Doujou, seems fixated on making her life a living hell. Given her struggles, Kasahara is shocked when she is selected as one of the two new LTF recruits as a result of Doujou's recommendation. As Kasahara does all she can to become worthy of the LTF and unravel her enigmatic superior's motivations, she wages war—both on the battlefield and in her personal life.

Vol 1 – Toshokan Sensou (図書館戦争) (Library War)
Vol 2 – Toshokan Nairan (図書館内乱) (Library Infighting)
Vol 3 – Toshokan Kiki (図書館危機) (Library Crisis)
Vol 4 – Toshokan Kakumei (図書館革命) (Library Revolution) <<less

Exile No. 239: thirty-something, male omega, first degree felon. One day, he comes home to find the alpha girl Yasha sleeping in his bed.... more>>

The unwholesome love story of a bashful tyrant girl and a listless young man. <<less

※ This novel contains numerous vulgar expressions related to the human body, as well as intense violence, profanity, non-consensual relationships, and offensive expressions. Please be cautious when reading.... more>>

※ In addition, the background and setting of the work are all fictitious, and the names of regions, characters, groups, and other companies are not related to reality.

※ Not all thoughts expressed in the work are the same as the author's beliefs.

※ This book is a spin-off of "Wax Doll Explosion Academy."

At the end of the 29th century, there was a king in Far East Asia.

In an era where the number of countries in the world had dwindled from 237 to 98, and Far East Asia was suffering from resource depletion and an abnormal climate, countless human butchers, driven by their lust for the power to control the country, unleashed a bloodbath. Among these numerous villains, he was particularly notable.

―Shall we now try to seduce the Goddess of Fate?

To prevent a disaster from befalling his country, the king takes the gamble of a lifetime. However, what awaits him is an unforeseen emotion he hadn't even anticipated by 0.1 percent.

"Turn my love into a handful of ashes." <<less

In the Japan of a 1000 years from now. A humanity that has acquired the telekinetic power called ‘Jyuryoku’, while terrified of the legendary abominations... more>> called ‘A’ki’ (Fiends) and ‘Gouma’ (Karmic Demons), has built a peaceful society. However, a group of children previously under the school’s strict control, as a result of violating a certain rule, have suddenly descended into a nightmare! The false peace crumbles away, as a fantastic archive tells them the truth of humanity’s bloodstained history!? <<less

​​​​​​​This is a story set centuries after the Sol system crumbled and the old human went extinct. At least, this is what the crew of the Ark Continuum-5 are told.... more>>

To ensure humanity will continue to exist, the Continuum-5 began a journey across millennia. Although every post is essential, the hierarchy is ruled by meritocracy, yet skill and prowess are predisposed by genetics – you can say the destiny of every crew member has been set before they are even born.

This solid and cruel system is essential for the New World. At least, this is what the crew of the Ark Continuum-5 was taught. <<less

During the aftermath of an accidental virus outbreak, humans begin to perceive "Phantoms", supernatural entities that they were unable to see before. Some of these... more>> humans would develop abilites that would allow them to fight and seal rampaging Phantoms. The story revolves around Haruhiko and his friends of the Hosea Academy Phantom-hunting club in their attempt to seal harmful Phantoms, as well as their personal struggles. <<less

Lu Wen was reborn as a bionic housekeeper.... more>>

He thought he would do just simple housework in this life.

On the first day he was taken home by his employer, he received two instructions:

“Don’t go to the third floor.”

“Dig a hole in the backyard that can bury an adult, and dig a little deeper.”

What should he do now? Is this fate of MC? <<less

The world is shrouded in radioactive dust, descendants of ancient gods hunt mankind as mutant creatures run rampant all while bizarre existences emerge from unknown depths. ... more>>

The alliance of humanity has long ago fallen apart, suffering, poverty and death nibble away like maggots at the remaining human souls.

Li Mu awakens from the distant past and discovers that he too possesses the power of the ancient gods.

Before him, there are two paths: one is to soar high above the heavens, overlooking the changes of the world among other ancient gods, and the other is to light the forge, strike the hammer of battle and completely change the world. <<less

A land covered with snow-white sand, an air with a foul smell of sulfur, and a land where it was difficult to breathe without a purifier. A gloomy future where even tomorrow’s life could not be guaranteed.... more>>

Faced with a desperate crisis, humanity sculpts the dragon’s corpse to create eight cities. The chosen move to a new city, and the unchosen are left in the desolate Dead sea.

The ‘Theory of Paradise’ will be supported by three pillars. The three of them will be attending the school at the same time, dreaming and sharing the same senses, so they will surely acknowledge each other’s presence.

1000 years after the city was built, three youths who were abandoned and destroyed by the world faced an old prophecy.

“Tell me, you will never love me.”

“You said there was a light outside the tunnel, but to me, the light was you.”

Even in the gloomy dystopian era, the three main characters, Eun Woo, Jae Hee, and Yoon Hwan, were constantly in dynamism. They faced their fate head-on and continued to carry out their own beliefs that they firmly believed on. Through this, it showed how important “love” was in choosing the direction of life, how courageous choices were gathered to change the world, and how overwhelming the ‘love-induced revolution’ was.

‘Theory of Paradise’ was the story of three people who had fallen into hell and had lived desperately, trying to change the world for the one they love, and eventually finding light in the dark. <<less

Waking up from cryo sleep, Shen Siwei received an urgent mission: to disguise himself as a noble negotiator and enter the occupied area under the disguise of negotiations, investigating the background of the leader of the refugeees, Klet. He thought that his noble identity would serve as protection, but little did he know that those refugees had no limits. As soon as Shen Siwei entered the war zone, a group of men sort him and imprisoned him. Outside the cage, someone threw coins at Shen Siwei, asking him to strip naked. Just as Shen Siwei’s killing intent grew stronger, Klet finally appeared and put a stop to his subordinates’ misconduct. And then… he himself paid... more>> one dollar to buy Shen Siwei.

The mission was progressing slowly, so Shen Siwei sought guidance from his superiors.

Shen Siwei: Can I directly kill Klet?

Superior: No. Find a way to gather information by any means necessary.

Unable to retreat or resist, Shen Siwei was firmly held by Klet, the thug leader. In his heart, he killed this rogue leader countless times, but on the surface, he had tears in his eyes and tried to reason begging: “Please let me go.”

Klet remained unmoved, his voice deep and hoarse: “Behave yourself, and I’ll let you go.”

Not long after, Klet saw Shen Siwei, who handled guns better than him, and realized that this was not a weak beauty but a humanoid weapon.

Klet (gong) x Shen Siwei (shou) Fierce Beast x Carnivorous Flower

Reading Guide: Cyberpunk background with traces of post-apocalyptic elements, no interstellar involvement. <<less

※Attention: ‘Set-ups’ exist in this story.... more>>

-----------------------------

Have you ever wished to become a doll?
When something makes you sad, have you ever found your aching heart annoying?
I have.
Since when have I been living as a doll?

Since when?
Since when have I considered myself not the real deal?

-----------------------------

Japan is at risk because of terrorists called ‘the Neoepicureans’.

A girl attending a girls’ school in Tokyo — Kōko meets another ‘girl’. If you can call her a girl, that is. ‘She’ is an android.

Targeting the android — Ichigo — are those who unveil themselves as ‘magicians’. Deeper and deeper, Kōko is pulled into the battle for Ichigo behind the curtains. Out of the sight of the everyday person, fights unfold between ‘magicians’.

This story is a yuri fantasy set in the modern age, told by the mysterious speaker ‘Metako’.

— If you found a heart weeping, what would you do? <<less

A daughter from a wealthy noble family,
She attempted to kill herself after she witnessed the affair of her fiancé and her sister.
It was fortunate that she didn’t die, however, she fell into depression.
Not until one day, a man came into her life.
She was swept away by the man’s fluttering charms.
But even that relationship, eventually turned into tragedy.... more>>

As tragedies of life have no limitations.

She had lost her family overnight, without knowing the cause, and her life from then on were driven to the brink.
And another man came to her and miraculously gave her a choice.

“Madeloena de Devon Jay. You have two options:
One, to simply die. And two, live a complicated life. Which would you choose?”

She had lost her family, her memories, and her name.

When she woke up in a blank state, a medical officer said to her,
“Your name is Harley.”

She was thrown into an unfamiliar situation, unaware of anything. <<less

[This sci-fi concept will blow your mind + multiple female leads + overpowered MC + apocalypse + hoarding supplies + lone wolf + selfish]... more>>

In 2066, a mycology research expedition discovered a brand new ancient microbial fungal community under the Arctic glaciers.

In 2070, a viral pandemic swept across the human world. Spherical fungal viruses that used fungi as hosts emerged and brought about the apocalypse, taking over the planet. 90% of the global population was infected and turned into fungal zombies with mushroom heads! Against this backdrop, the fungi controlled the zombie puppets to establish a civilization belonging to the microbial fungal community, wiping out human civilization.

Reborn one month before the apocalypse, Xu Que intended to hoard supplies to build an impregnable doomsday fortress that could withstand the fungal invasion. By chance, he dug a magical hole in the wall. He had wanted to use the hole to peep at his beautiful neighbor showering next door, but instead saw that the beauty was also a zombie...

When doomsday came, people were willing to abandon everything for a protective mask. Xu Que hid in the banquet hall inside the hole, sipping red wine and gazing at the table full of dishes, not knowing which to eat first.

Goddess: Xu Que, please, as long as you let me in, I'll do anything!

Nosy relative used to moral coercion: Xu Que, I'm your elder. Quick, bring some supplies to honor your auntie!

High school show-off classmate: Xu Que, we're classmates. Please, I'm begging you, throw a bun out here to feed me! <<less

A data loving young man from Earth has an accident which transports him to a dark land filled with terrifying creatures and magical powers. ... more>>

Fortunately for him, he has a Biological Assistance Chip to ease his path.

However, things in this bizarre and strange world are not always as they seem, and, though it is a tremendous asset, the chip doesn’t always work as expected. With all of the crazy creatures and magical mayhem around him, one can only wonder what the future holds for this young man… <<less

In a ruined, post-apocalyptic world where survival is everything, a young man possesses a unique skill: Make anyone fall asleep instantly!

Blood, rust, and darkness reign in a nightmare land where an amnesiac girl awakens.... more>>

The misshapen entities who call her “Alice” assault her one after another.

Without a clue of what is taking place, the girl is forced to engage in battle.

She continues to struggle in her nightmare that she cannot wake up from. <<less

Five hundred years of time stole the memories from the boy.... more>>

Due to losing his memories in cold sleep, Touji was obligated to become an infantryman, burdened by debt.

Clad in an enhanced exoskeleton and accompanied by spherical robots called Monos as companions, Touji continues to fight against hostile extraterrestrial beings in the changed Earth, now a wasteland.

The demon cards distributed to him represent the talent of a sniper, a skill that would have never blossomed in times of peace.

――In the wasteland, the boy inherits the role of a hunting dog. <<less

Reincarnated into the fusion punk genre.... more>>

A world where technology and magic replace human dignity, and intangible values ​​like life, love, religion, and truth become empty cries.

A company that throws humans as sacrifices to monsters, citizens who are cynical toward a company that has destroyed itself with greed, mercenaries who look for scraps in a company that has turned into a dungeon, and a city where all kinds of corruption prosper as if it were natural.

In the middle of this city of sin, I repeat to myself.

I am human.

This is the story of a human in the punk world. <<less

‘Seven Days, Seven Nights’. Initially, he had thought it was forbidden due to explicit rated contents (er*tica). In order to survive, he behaved so unrestrained... more>> he was basically flying. Later — I’ve already flown out of the sky and only now you tell me it’s an ‘unlimited flow’ horror novel?! <<less

“Old Tang, you activated speed-related Genetic Base Points. What’s the direction of those Base Points?” ... more>>

This question caused Tang Ting to have a melancholic expression.

“It’s… Hand speed…” “And the right hand at that!”

Xu Tui slipped onto a daze.

Hand speed and the right hand. This image…

Didn’t the teacher say that it was easier to activate the Base Points of the areas you use the most?

“Old Tang, just what do you use your hands for?”

“According to that explanation, did I activate the Genetic Base Points in my stomach because I’ve eaten 18 year’s worth of meals?” Cheng Mo, who was on his way to becoming a glutton, looked up and sighed.

Xu Tui stroked his head, “Could it be because I’ve used my brain for 18 years?” <<less

The Killing Reality Show could be considered an entertainment… circle… probably.... more>>

The story of two slightly straight comrade-in-arms, who due to certain circumstances, were forced to go to bed together.

High profile crazy and low profile crazy pair. <<less

In this latest work by Lord of the Mysteries author, Cuttlefish That Loves Diving, be prepared for a well-thought out and detailed apocalyptic, cyberpunk world with a setting superseding Lord of the Mysteries! ... more>>

Our protagonist, Shang Jianyao, is crazy—literally crazy, at least that's what the doctors said. Living in a huge, underground building of Pangu Biology, one of the few remaining factions in this apocalyptic wasteland known as the Ashlands, he acts in unfathomable ways that's head-scratching, comical, and shrewd. So is he really crazy? Probably.

He has a grand dream: to save all of humanity.

Intricately tied to this dream is something everyone in the Ashlands believes in: Deep in a particular ruin buried away by danger and famine, a path leading to a new world awaits. To step into the new world, one only needs to find a special key and open that certain door.

There, the land is bountiful, as if milk and honey flows freely.

The sunlight is dazzling, as if all coldness and darkness are washed away.

The people will no longer have to face desolation, monsters, infections, mutations, and all kinds of dangers.

There, children are joyous, adults are happy, everything is fine as they are supposed to be.

Every Antiquarian, Ruin Hunter, and Historian roaming the Ashlands knows: That's the New World. <<less