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おとなにナッツ [Otona ni Nuts] #1
Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts, Vol. 01
Meet Natsumi Kawashima, a homely fifth grader with a craving for curves of her own. One day, after eating a packet of mysterious pink nuts, her wish comes true and she is transformed into a beautiful, sexy woman! Now endowed with a mind for recess and a body for supermodel glitz and glamour, will Natsumi find happiness or heartbreak as a result of her newfound adulthood and sudden legion of fawning admirers?
208 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2001
7 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Haruka Fukushima
64 books73 followersName in Japanese: フクシマハルカ
She is a Japanese shōjo manga artist. She made her manga debut in 1999 in Nakayoshi Magazine with her award-winning manga Sakuranbo Kiss. She considers Otona ni Nuts (Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts) to be her masterpiece.
She is a Japanese shōjo manga artist. She made her manga debut in 1999 in Nakayoshi Magazine with her award-winning manga Sakuranbo Kiss. She considers Otona ni Nuts (Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts) to be her masterpiece.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 15, 2021
Review for the complete series
Eleven-year-old Natsumi can't wait to become an adult and rid herself of all the limitations children are put under. As fate has it, Natsumi comes by a pack of magical nuts that turn her into an eighteen-year-old. Even though she is thrilled, she's starting to see that life as an adult isn't all fun and games. And in the end, it's up to her childhood friend Asuma to help her out whenever her adult-shenanigans have gone wrong.
Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts ended up with a rather embarrassing-sounding title for its English translation. Interestingly, I find this manga's plot to be incredibly similar to Fukushima's other work, Ai ga Nakuchane!, which was never actually translated to English. Natsumi's story focuses on how she becomes older by eating nuts whereas the other work focuses on a girl who becomes more stylish by the use of magical make-up. Not just the premise but the characters, main and supporting, are very similar. Fukushima does rather like plots that tamper with characters' appearances, especially younger characters, and I do have to say that she does it rather well.
I've always appreciated how Fukushima writes younger characters. Natsumi loves the idea of becoming an adult but doesn't quite grasp what that entails. Above all, she doesn't realise that taking these nuts doesn't actually change who she is on the inside: a child. Her friend Asuma seems to understand that better than she does, though, and I appreciate the resulting banter. They're pretty cute together and yes, there's a bit of a romance which I think has a sweet development.
Despite their similarities, I find myself liking Fukushima's Ai ga Nakuchane! a tad more. It probably comes down to length, which might come as a surprise, given that one is a four-volume series whereas the other is a oneshot. Natsumi's story has more time to develop, which I'd generally always consider an advantage, but in this particular case, I really enjoyed the oneshot's pacing and Natsumi's story became rather repetitive.
There's quite a bit of sexualising which I probably could have done without but I would still deem this a harmless manga that can be read by the intended younger audience without worry. Otherwise, it's a fun manga but nothing outrageously special.
November 10, 2022
When I first read this volume in high school, I remember being super confused because the art style feels visually so similar to Natsumi Ando's work (though perhaps a little less polished) that I thought Haruka Fukushima was a penname Ando used when she was younger. Now I'm fairly certain the two are different; there are enough things about the art that earmark the two creators as separate.
Back then I used to read any manga I could get my hands on, and I think Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts fell under that umbrella where it was less about the content or story and more that I wanted to read any manga, period, because my legal guardians had forbidden it with a single broad banhammer. Since I got older and at one point had sold the original volume 1 I owned of this series (I sold a lot of books at multiple points to make ends meet,) distance and growth as a reviewer, as an analyst and someone who tries to do more research and critical thinking into what I read, my memory of this was vague and left me on the fence. A lot of anime and manga, including shoujo titles, can present issues like sexualization of minors under a lens of cuteness and innocence that can still not have a great impact on the reader's mind, especially if the reader is already younger. (There were definitely some things I read back then that seriously screwed up my perception in unhealthy ways.) The thought of ever returning to this series and finding too many issues with it left me leery for a long time.
I'm not sure what it was that spurred me to recall Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts but I thought about it, and decided to look it up to possible work on hunting down all the volumes and reading it, given it's only 4 books long. I suppose it helps that the Wikipedia article on the series indicates that there's a recurring theme of the main character having to learn valuable lessons via the situations she gets herself into when she eats these "miracle nuts" that cause her transportation, so I'm willing to give it a shot again. (Please note I didn't bother reading the one short story put into the back of this volume, so I won't be reporting on that.)
For what it's worth, this isn't a bad start, but I do worry about the way a lot of this is handled. From Natsumi's clear discomfort and close calls in the things that happen to the way her best friend Asuma (also 10 years old and in fifth grade) does view Natsumi's transformed self in a clearly sexual manner, this does feel like it's skirting a line. There are themes and elements you are going to run into in older manga, for sure, and it isn't like the kids aren't on the cusp of growing into their understanding of their bodies and sexuality when they're reaching that preteen age. Things like this are going to come up. But I definitely feel like the way these things show up in volume 1 could have been handled better.
Overall the story isn't bad; it's meant to be a fun, lighthearted look at why girls maybe shouldn't grow up to fast and that there are going to be things that happen that any teenager might feel out of their depth about (especially neurodivergent teens who already experience social hell; not that either Natsumi or Asuma are presented as neurodivergent, but given the amount of nd teens who read manga, it's still a point to keep in mind as relatability can be a factor with any fictional characters going through similar struggles.) But it isn't something I would recommend to just anybody, at least based on my retread of this first volume. Finding and reading the other three volumes might help either cement that or change my mind a little. For now, I'll leave it as, approach this one with a little caution and remember it is older and is going to have flaws.
Back then I used to read any manga I could get my hands on, and I think Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts fell under that umbrella where it was less about the content or story and more that I wanted to read any manga, period, because my legal guardians had forbidden it with a single broad banhammer. Since I got older and at one point had sold the original volume 1 I owned of this series (I sold a lot of books at multiple points to make ends meet,) distance and growth as a reviewer, as an analyst and someone who tries to do more research and critical thinking into what I read, my memory of this was vague and left me on the fence. A lot of anime and manga, including shoujo titles, can present issues like sexualization of minors under a lens of cuteness and innocence that can still not have a great impact on the reader's mind, especially if the reader is already younger. (There were definitely some things I read back then that seriously screwed up my perception in unhealthy ways.) The thought of ever returning to this series and finding too many issues with it left me leery for a long time.
I'm not sure what it was that spurred me to recall Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts but I thought about it, and decided to look it up to possible work on hunting down all the volumes and reading it, given it's only 4 books long. I suppose it helps that the Wikipedia article on the series indicates that there's a recurring theme of the main character having to learn valuable lessons via the situations she gets herself into when she eats these "miracle nuts" that cause her transportation, so I'm willing to give it a shot again. (Please note I didn't bother reading the one short story put into the back of this volume, so I won't be reporting on that.)
For what it's worth, this isn't a bad start, but I do worry about the way a lot of this is handled. From Natsumi's clear discomfort and close calls in the things that happen to the way her best friend Asuma (also 10 years old and in fifth grade) does view Natsumi's transformed self in a clearly sexual manner, this does feel like it's skirting a line. There are themes and elements you are going to run into in older manga, for sure, and it isn't like the kids aren't on the cusp of growing into their understanding of their bodies and sexuality when they're reaching that preteen age. Things like this are going to come up. But I definitely feel like the way these things show up in volume 1 could have been handled better.
Overall the story isn't bad; it's meant to be a fun, lighthearted look at why girls maybe shouldn't grow up to fast and that there are going to be things that happen that any teenager might feel out of their depth about (especially neurodivergent teens who already experience social hell; not that either Natsumi or Asuma are presented as neurodivergent, but given the amount of nd teens who read manga, it's still a point to keep in mind as relatability can be a factor with any fictional characters going through similar struggles.) But it isn't something I would recommend to just anybody, at least based on my retread of this first volume. Finding and reading the other three volumes might help either cement that or change my mind a little. For now, I'll leave it as, approach this one with a little caution and remember it is older and is going to have flaws.
February 13, 2011
When I ordered Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts from my library, I had absolutely no idea what it was going to be about. So when I found out that the main character, Natsumi, was only in the fifth grade I almost didn't read it, but decided since I had it checked out I might as well give it a shot. I'm so glad I did because her crazy antics were just what I needed to lighten up my reading.
While the plot line is fairly (dare I say it...) predictable, I still found myself enjoying reading it none the less. I liked reading about Natsumi and Asuma and the trouble that she kept getting them into. It was as I said earlier a nice light read, but oh so easy to figure out how the whole series would play out without reading all the volumes.
My favorite scene in Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts would have to be when Natsumi finds out that Asuma had taken a picture of her and submitted it to a magazine for a contest. If I'm remembering right, I'm pretty sure she hit him.
While I can usually peg what I don't like in a manga, I don't have really any negative thoughts for this one. The artwork was nice and the story thoroughly entertaining. Though I am sad that my library doesn't have the other three volumes and even worse it's out of print.
Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts, volume 1 earns 4 out of 5 pineapples.
While the plot line is fairly (dare I say it...) predictable, I still found myself enjoying reading it none the less. I liked reading about Natsumi and Asuma and the trouble that she kept getting them into. It was as I said earlier a nice light read, but oh so easy to figure out how the whole series would play out without reading all the volumes.
My favorite scene in Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts would have to be when Natsumi finds out that Asuma had taken a picture of her and submitted it to a magazine for a contest. If I'm remembering right, I'm pretty sure she hit him.
While I can usually peg what I don't like in a manga, I don't have really any negative thoughts for this one. The artwork was nice and the story thoroughly entertaining. Though I am sad that my library doesn't have the other three volumes and even worse it's out of print.
Instant Teen: Just Add Nuts, volume 1 earns 4 out of 5 pineapples.
August 19, 2012
It was all right. Kinda made me feel creepy though, that such a young girl was instantly so much older. o.e Like, everyone who hit on her was a pedo, so to speak. Idk.
February 2, 2025
This used to be one of my favorite mangas as a teen. Rereading it around 15 years later was still a lot of fun, but there's one issue.
For Natsumi, being an adult means being curvy and conventionally attractive, as well as getting male attention. But she gets away with it because she is a naive, 11 year old kid. Taking the nuts that turn her into a young adult, she quickly learns that being an adult takes more than having an adult body though. Her friend Asuma is annoyed by her antics and just wants his childhood friend back.
The manga is funny, cute and charming. It's a lovely art style. The only issue is that Natsumi's behavior towards Asuma in "adult" form sometimes crosses the border to sexual harassment. I wish there was more character growth in this regard. However, Asuma's behavior always makes it clear that he doesn't want it and that he prefers Natsumi in her 11-year old form - and the message it gives to girls is that it's ok to be young, and okay not to be "sexy" yet. That kinda saves it for me.
For Natsumi, being an adult means being curvy and conventionally attractive, as well as getting male attention. But she gets away with it because she is a naive, 11 year old kid. Taking the nuts that turn her into a young adult, she quickly learns that being an adult takes more than having an adult body though. Her friend Asuma is annoyed by her antics and just wants his childhood friend back.
The manga is funny, cute and charming. It's a lovely art style. The only issue is that Natsumi's behavior towards Asuma in "adult" form sometimes crosses the border to sexual harassment. I wish there was more character growth in this regard. However, Asuma's behavior always makes it clear that he doesn't want it and that he prefers Natsumi in her 11-year old form - and the message it gives to girls is that it's ok to be young, and okay not to be "sexy" yet. That kinda saves it for me.
March 5, 2017
This manga by Haruka Fukushima is an excellent entry in the "be careful what you wish for"category. A fifth grader, Natsumi Kawashima, wants to be an adult. When she accidently takes an experimental drug, she becomes an attractive young woman. The drug is in the shape of a peanut, and each peanut gives her eight hours of adulthood. Problems follow. How does a 5th grader react to romantic advances by young men, a possible career as a model, the kids her actual age, and the chance to go on a photo shoot outside of Japan?! In addition to this story, an early work by Ms. Fukushima, Fruit Cake, is included. The manga is rated age 10+, so almost everybody can read and enjoy it.
July 4, 2017
Series Review: This is a cute and funny story about a girl who can't wait to grow up, and her best friend who just wants to enjoy being a kid. Natsumi doesn't understand it takes more than size to be an adult, but that's a common misunderstanding for kids. I wish Asuma had used the adult nuts at least once.
Read via scans by chocofansubs, good quality, but in volume 4 they omitted an extra story, which I don't think is right, because it should be the entire book scanned and translated regardless of if they think it's necessary. Some people really like the extra content sometimes.
Read via scans by chocofansubs, good quality, but in volume 4 they omitted an extra story, which I don't think is right, because it should be the entire book scanned and translated regardless of if they think it's necessary. Some people really like the extra content sometimes.
July 18, 2021
Very small spoilers ahead.
I thought this first volume was very good. The story obviously is as cliché as they come, but it's enjoyable. Knowing how young Natsumi is, it is a bit uncomfortable when adults are calling her "hot" or flirting with her. However, I did enjoy this volume!
I thought this first volume was very good. The story obviously is as cliché as they come, but it's enjoyable. Knowing how young Natsumi is, it is a bit uncomfortable when adults are calling her "hot" or flirting with her. However, I did enjoy this volume!
June 2, 2017
It was cute.
January 25, 2018
3.5 stars, I rather enjoyed this series. Its geared towards a younger audience but I liked the premise and its one of the earlier series I read so there's sentimental attachment to it as well.
January 5, 2022
I simply adore sappy romance manga. This was one of the first Shojo manga I ever read and I just received my own copy off of Amazon. I feel the nostalgia 😊 I love this short series and the author!
February 6, 2023
I’m doing this thing where I go through books that have been on my TBR since like 2010. I have questions about why this manga was published, it’s pretty gross and I would give it 0 stars if I could.
January 6, 2017
Good grief, are you a kidding me?
This book gave me one heck of a headache .
The story line is really good and interesting but, since I have seen 13 Going On 30, I can say I have pretty much heard all this before.
The writing... oh my gosh the writing so so terrible. One second it makes sense, the next, it jumps to something else like three pages had been ripped out or something.
Yes, I read the book correctly, no this isn't my first day at the rodio. I've read manga before and so far this is the first and only one that annoyed the heck out of me.
This book gave me one heck of a headache .
The story line is really good and interesting but, since I have seen 13 Going On 30, I can say I have pretty much heard all this before.
The writing... oh my gosh the writing so so terrible. One second it makes sense, the next, it jumps to something else like three pages had been ripped out or something.
Yes, I read the book correctly, no this isn't my first day at the rodio. I've read manga before and so far this is the first and only one that annoyed the heck out of me.
October 11, 2008
It is not the best story she's written, but one of her largest hits.
But what I find totally strange is a fifth grader is already URGING to become a "women" as in totally developed. Strange things happen, now a days.
But what I find totally strange is a fifth grader is already URGING to become a "women" as in totally developed. Strange things happen, now a days.
June 18, 2015
Super cute!!
Remembered this one from my primary school years and it definitely didn't disappoint!! Love the cute story line and the gorgeous pictures. Really a manga to read when you don't want to think too hard and just want the sugar laid on thick. Absolutely a favourite.
Remembered this one from my primary school years and it definitely didn't disappoint!! Love the cute story line and the gorgeous pictures. Really a manga to read when you don't want to think too hard and just want the sugar laid on thick. Absolutely a favourite.
April 27, 2008
awesome...
and so funny!!!
and so funny!!!
March 1, 2009
This is a cute series. The girl in this makes me laugh with wanting to be a grownup. I also like the boy in this.
May 25, 2009
This series is just about the funniest series ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!If you have read it, hubba, hubba
May 28, 2009
This story was weird, but it does get better with each volume. Stick with it and you'll be rewarded with weird side stories and a great ending.
Read
April 13, 2011:d
June 18, 2015
readng a book
January 15, 2016
~review by j~
this book is the very reason why I don't take nuts from strangers. you end up being an adult.
~review by j~
this book is the very reason why I don't take nuts from strangers. you end up being an adult.
~review by j~
March 25, 2017
An adorable little series about a 5th grader who wants to be a grown up (apparently teens are adults in Japan??) right now rather than wait for it to happen naturally.
July 26, 2010
very similar to a series I read in chinese.
June 25, 2014
Cute, with a unique spin on the transformation genre. The art style is exactly the kind I love.
April 18, 2017
Another fucked up lame boring Manga. I don't know why she making all her manga so badly like this. This manga make no sence at all. The story/plot/characters make no sence at all. She was all about growing up and being a adult. It was all about her and only her. She could not even see how her best friend felt/was going through at all. She only cares about being cool/sexy/adult/popular/a star. She think being a adult is all about being popular/sexy/cool nothing else. She does not care about being a chid/enjoying being a kid. She almost lost her best friend and is the only friend she have it seem. She was being hit on by older men and dating them like WTF OMG.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews