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僕になった私 [Boku ni Natta Watashi] #1
Secret Girl, Vol. 01
The story is about Takanashi Momoko, a 16-year-old girl. Her life is pretty normal, until her twin brother, Akira, disappears. Akira was supposed to enter a high-class all-boys school but he runs away to pursue his dream of becoming a photographer, leaving only a note explaining his actions. At first Momoko and her mother thought it was just a joke but he really didn't come back. Now Momoko's mother went ballistic and started cutting her daughter's hair saying that she has to take her brother's place until he comes back. Not good for her since she has to disguise herself as a boy and what's this about being roommates with another guy? Will she be able to hide her secret and survive or will she be found out?
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 9, 2025
Review for complete series
Have you seen She's the Man? If you've ever wanted a manga version of this, Boku ni Natta Watashi is a solid candidate.
Momoko's twin brother Akira was always the smarter of the two. But one day Akira decides he'd rather not attend a private elite school which prompts their mother to give Momoko a quick make-over; she is to attend her brother's elite boy's school in disguise to make sure he doesn't lose his spot.
How to enjoys Boku ni Natta Watashi:
- Be aware that this is a RomCom with more Com than Rom
- Be aware that the romance comes very rushed but develops quite steadily from there on
- It's not altogether realistic but just go with the flow
Boku ni Natta Watashi suffers from a weak start; Momoko is thrown into a boys school in the blink of an eye and she's in love before the end of the first volume - as in, they already start dating. It's not the most unusual thing in a manga, but I did find this one was particularly bad in that aspect. There's also a lot going on that's just plain and simple not realistic, Momoko's mother is completely over the top crazy. However, if you can live with that, this can be a pretty fun manga.
Momoko makes a pretty balanced character - she can be both strong and weak depending on the situation or mood she is in. When she doubts or feels down, she takes the advice offered to her and manages to cheer herself with that. The rushed initial romance aside, I like the relationship between Momoko and her love interest Ito. Once on to the second volume, their relationship develops nicely; there's tension but neither rushes the other. There are misunderstandings but they talk things out. Both have their moments of doubt and jealously and both go out of their way to help the other - I feel like there aren't many fictional couples that seem as balanced as these two.
This is definitely more of a comedy, and it works as such. There are romantic moments as well, but it's really the comedy that's dominant and also makes this manga worthwhile the read. I've always found Shimaki Ako's art to be rather unique and it adds nicely to the comedic aspect. It is one of her older works so the art can sometimes look a little off, but there are also some angles in which the characters look very handsome.
It's not an overwhelmingly great manga, but it can be just the right thing if you are looking for a quick RomCom read.
February 10, 2017
Well I expected something better than this one. Yes, it was good, well OK it had some lovely moments, but the pacing just sucked.
Not only that but the characters weren't always the best. Our MC is quite an idiot, acts weird, and really who the hell can't see that this is a girl 100%. Then we have the male character (the roommate and love interest, yes, love interest), who at first hates the girl, but then suddenly loves her and suddenly wants to protect her? Wait what? He met her when she was still with long hair, hated her (or at least it seemed so), then when she turns up at his school as boy he is still annoyed, then finds out about her being a girl (the girl) he suddenly likes her or something?
The mother was also a point of annoyance. Really, you act like this towards your daughter? You just corner her in your house and then cut off her hair and drag her off to an all-male school because your perfect little son didn't get home and has run away? What the hell is wrong with you. It is clear who your favourite kid is. Definitely not the girl at least.
The pacing was already horrible, the secret is out in the first chapter, and by chapter 3 our MC is asking to be the sex slave of the male character + is instantly infatuated with him......
By chapter 4 it felt like they were practically married. By chapter 4 it felt like they were practically married. Seriously, I believe all this just takes place in like a few weeks time, maybe even less. :|
I also hate the love rival/rival.
I am not sure if I will continue with this one. On the one hand I want to know how the relationship will go, but on the other hand.... no thank you. Maybe when I have an off day I will be reading this one again.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
Not only that but the characters weren't always the best. Our MC is quite an idiot, acts weird, and really who the hell can't see that this is a girl 100%. Then we have the male character (the roommate and love interest, yes, love interest), who at first hates the girl, but then suddenly loves her and suddenly wants to protect her? Wait what? He met her when she was still with long hair, hated her (or at least it seemed so), then when she turns up at his school as boy he is still annoyed, then finds out about her being a girl (the girl) he suddenly likes her or something?
The mother was also a point of annoyance. Really, you act like this towards your daughter? You just corner her in your house and then cut off her hair and drag her off to an all-male school because your perfect little son didn't get home and has run away? What the hell is wrong with you. It is clear who your favourite kid is. Definitely not the girl at least.
The pacing was already horrible, the secret is out in the first chapter, and by chapter 3 our MC is asking to be the sex slave of the male character + is instantly infatuated with him......
By chapter 4 it felt like they were practically married. By chapter 4 it felt like they were practically married. Seriously, I believe all this just takes place in like a few weeks time, maybe even less. :|
I also hate the love rival/rival.
I am not sure if I will continue with this one. On the one hand I want to know how the relationship will go, but on the other hand.... no thank you. Maybe when I have an off day I will be reading this one again.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
October 12, 2019
Aún me apetecía algo de este estilo al dejarme a medias el otro manga que leí. Está bien, divertido pero no se sale mucho de lo habitual. Bueno sí, en una cosa: es demasiado precipitado todo, el enamoramiento, el descubrimiento... Una pena que no sacaran chicha a muchas situaciones divertidas típicas. Seguiré leyéndolo.
October 1, 2025
Boku ni Natta Watashi parte de una premisa interesante y con mucho potencial: Momoko, una chica de 16 años, se ve obligada por su madre a hacerse pasar por su hermano gemelo Akira —quien huyó de casa para perseguir su sueño de ser fotógrafo— y ocupar su lugar en un internado solo para chicos. Suena a lío divertido, lleno de enredos, tensión y secretos… pero la ejecución no siempre estuvo a la altura.
Lo bueno:
✨ La idea de una chica disfrazada de chico en un entorno masculino da pie a muchas situaciones cómicas y románticas.
✨ La relación con Itou, su compañero de cuarto, arranca con roces y termina en romance, lo que le da ese toque clásico de enemies-to-lovers que engancha.
✨ El manga es corto (16 capítulos) y se lee rápido, con momentos tiernos que te sacan alguna sonrisa.
Lo flojo:
⚡ El ritmo es apresurado: en apenas un par de capítulos ya todo el mundo sospecha o sabe su secreto, Momoko se enamora perdidamente de Itou y su relación avanza a velocidad de cohete. En menos de lo que canta un gallo, parecen pareja establecida.
⚡ La madre de Momoko es de lo más irritante: obliga a su hija a vivir una mentira solo porque el “hijo perfecto” huyó. Su trato desigual hacia ella se siente injusto y absurdo.
⚡ Los rivales amorosos (el hijo del director, el vecino de cuarto, el amigo de la infancia) tienen potencial pero quedan muy mal aprovechados. Todos parecen entrar solo para estirar la trama, pero sus conflictos se resuelven de manera superficial y rápida.
⚡ El “clímax” de la historia —cuando el director descubre la verdad y amenaza con expulsar a Momoko— se resuelve de manera bastante conveniente y poco creíble, solo porque Itou también se ofrece a cargar con la culpa.
En resumen:
Boku ni Natta Watashi es un manga ligero, con una premisa atractiva que promete mucho más de lo que realmente entrega. La historia de Momoko e Itou tiene momentos dulces, pero el desarrollo apresurado, los rivales desperdiciados y las resoluciones simplonas hacen que el manga se sienta regular. Es una lectura entretenida si buscas un romance escolar corto y cliché, pero no esperes demasiada profundidad ni un manejo sólido de los conflictos.
Lo bueno:
✨ La idea de una chica disfrazada de chico en un entorno masculino da pie a muchas situaciones cómicas y románticas.
✨ La relación con Itou, su compañero de cuarto, arranca con roces y termina en romance, lo que le da ese toque clásico de enemies-to-lovers que engancha.
✨ El manga es corto (16 capítulos) y se lee rápido, con momentos tiernos que te sacan alguna sonrisa.
Lo flojo:
⚡ El ritmo es apresurado: en apenas un par de capítulos ya todo el mundo sospecha o sabe su secreto, Momoko se enamora perdidamente de Itou y su relación avanza a velocidad de cohete. En menos de lo que canta un gallo, parecen pareja establecida.
⚡ La madre de Momoko es de lo más irritante: obliga a su hija a vivir una mentira solo porque el “hijo perfecto” huyó. Su trato desigual hacia ella se siente injusto y absurdo.
⚡ Los rivales amorosos (el hijo del director, el vecino de cuarto, el amigo de la infancia) tienen potencial pero quedan muy mal aprovechados. Todos parecen entrar solo para estirar la trama, pero sus conflictos se resuelven de manera superficial y rápida.
⚡ El “clímax” de la historia —cuando el director descubre la verdad y amenaza con expulsar a Momoko— se resuelve de manera bastante conveniente y poco creíble, solo porque Itou también se ofrece a cargar con la culpa.
En resumen:
Boku ni Natta Watashi es un manga ligero, con una premisa atractiva que promete mucho más de lo que realmente entrega. La historia de Momoko e Itou tiene momentos dulces, pero el desarrollo apresurado, los rivales desperdiciados y las resoluciones simplonas hacen que el manga se sienta regular. Es una lectura entretenida si buscas un romance escolar corto y cliché, pero no esperes demasiada profundidad ni un manejo sólido de los conflictos.
February 4, 2017
Yup her mom is crazy
March 20, 2020
Oho... Where to start🤔. If you know the manga or the drama HANA KIMI they have the same vibe but with a mix of the movie SHE'S THE MAN. This story is about Momoko who has a twin brother and a mother that is crazy😂😂😂. Momoko's brother is accepted into a ALL BOYS PRESTIGIOUS SCHOOL but bolted at the last minute, her mother because she's crazy forced Momoko to step in place for her brother.
But I don't know with our Main Character😅, she's either brave or stupid. I can't choose, she's doing so many weird things. My High School heart will love this but now ehhhhhhhhh.... It's for Laugh Out Loud and Cringe moments only😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
But I don't know with our Main Character😅, she's either brave or stupid. I can't choose, she's doing so many weird things. My High School heart will love this but now ehhhhhhhhh.... It's for Laugh Out Loud and Cringe moments only😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
July 1, 2024
Neither of the characters had any personality, especially not the female lead. There really isn’t any reason for Momoko to fall for Itou, and after a week, she’s convinced she’s in love. Even worse is Itou’s situation, because not only does Momoko not do anything good for him, her carelessness actively sabotages him (ie she loses his wallet after he took out money for their vacation, and that wallet is never found??? she makes his life harder) Also, maybe it’s just me, but I feel like a freshman in high school is too early to have sex, no? Maybe I’m a conservative LOL
February 1, 2019
It was a fun short manga. But the pacing was weird, a bit insta-lovey, some scenes were too awkward. Some elements were not handled carefully. It was a bit over the top. Not the best but still enjoyable.
* I read the entire series*
* I read the entire series*
March 1, 2018
I remember I read this because I loved Shimaki's art style, but the story itself is pretty generic.
October 10, 2020
El primer tomo es el que menos menos me gusto, osea por que el chabon era re bosta y la piba lo adoraba y no le decia nada por que el le decía esclava. Me enojo eso.
December 4, 2020
"The place where you belong
is right here, in my arms."
Awsgxencfjnhjkjjjvgfsg kawaiiiiii
is right here, in my arms."
Awsgxencfjnhjkjjjvgfsg kawaiiiiii
May 6, 2021
Really cute manga series, great story(just imagine “she’s the man” movie) 😁❤️👌
March 15, 2017
An einer Jungenschule mal die Fliege an der Wand sein? Wäre manchmal schon cool!
Die Mutter wird leider nur als Drache dargestellt, die ihre Tochter als Junge an die Eliteschule schickt, weil der Sohn sich verdrückt hat.
Und dann natürlich mit dem Schwarm das Zimmer teilen, das schreit nach Romantik!
Leider ist der Stil nicht so schön...und der Typ ist mir manchmal zu bestimmend. Auch wenn er das vielleicht anders meint, es macht ihn in dem Moment unsympatisch
Die Mutter wird leider nur als Drache dargestellt, die ihre Tochter als Junge an die Eliteschule schickt, weil der Sohn sich verdrückt hat.
Und dann natürlich mit dem Schwarm das Zimmer teilen, das schreit nach Romantik!
Leider ist der Stil nicht so schön...und der Typ ist mir manchmal zu bestimmend. Auch wenn er das vielleicht anders meint, es macht ihn in dem Moment unsympatisch
November 17, 2015
see full review @ Katie's Corner
Today I have a very nice story, which I found by pure chance and enjoyed it to my heart’s content. It is a bit similar to Mi-Ri Hwang’s Idol Shopping. No, no, no fighting here, or as much fighting. It’s similar only in one thing the twin sister is sent to her twin brother’s all boy’s school, because he somehow can’t attend it. Here the similarity ends and I won’t be back to comparing it to anything else.
The story is fast paced and well, it’s fabulous. I couldn’t help myself laugh out loud on all the things that happen between Momoko and Itou. They’re a great couple and I guess I enjoyed the story partly because they make such a great couple. Akira, that’s Momoko’s brother is also a fan character. The guy cracked me up; on how he came back to school because tat way he would be more respected. Another character is the “gay guy”. Sorry, forgot his name. He’s not really gay, but he did start off by first liking Itou, and in the need he fell in love with Momoko. Though in the last chapter there’s something shady going between him and Akira, though it’s only one sided.
Overall, this story is great and leaves you with great feelings after finishing it. You may not remember minor details, but you’ll definitely have this feeling of happiness after you finish it, and even some time after it. I believe everyone will enjoy this story and will laugh a lot throughout it. Shortly saying it’s fun, fast paced, has great character development and also relationship development. If I’m not mistaken Momoko & Itou go all the way, and that’s another thing why I love this story too. It has everything in it. There are only 16 chapters but they tell us a lot, and even if you think that it’s not enough.
I hope you will enjoy this manga to its fullest. Don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book o manga! Happy reading!
XOXO
Katie
Today I have a very nice story, which I found by pure chance and enjoyed it to my heart’s content. It is a bit similar to Mi-Ri Hwang’s Idol Shopping. No, no, no fighting here, or as much fighting. It’s similar only in one thing the twin sister is sent to her twin brother’s all boy’s school, because he somehow can’t attend it. Here the similarity ends and I won’t be back to comparing it to anything else.
The story is fast paced and well, it’s fabulous. I couldn’t help myself laugh out loud on all the things that happen between Momoko and Itou. They’re a great couple and I guess I enjoyed the story partly because they make such a great couple. Akira, that’s Momoko’s brother is also a fan character. The guy cracked me up; on how he came back to school because tat way he would be more respected. Another character is the “gay guy”. Sorry, forgot his name. He’s not really gay, but he did start off by first liking Itou, and in the need he fell in love with Momoko. Though in the last chapter there’s something shady going between him and Akira, though it’s only one sided.
Overall, this story is great and leaves you with great feelings after finishing it. You may not remember minor details, but you’ll definitely have this feeling of happiness after you finish it, and even some time after it. I believe everyone will enjoy this story and will laugh a lot throughout it. Shortly saying it’s fun, fast paced, has great character development and also relationship development. If I’m not mistaken Momoko & Itou go all the way, and that’s another thing why I love this story too. It has everything in it. There are only 16 chapters but they tell us a lot, and even if you think that it’s not enough.
I hope you will enjoy this manga to its fullest. Don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book o manga! Happy reading!
XOXO
Katie
August 12, 2012
So I complained to myself in some old PowerPoint about how, although at times kinda sweet and kinda cute, the leading couple of this manga spend about 75% of it (the remaining 25% being getting together) trying to have decent alone time for sex. For this reason I've put this on my 'Read Too Young' shelf, because at the time I thought it was boring. I didn't really get that this is the point of this kind of manga.
Outside of sexy times, the plot is the same cycle as any old gender bender smutty shojo. There are all the usual cliches. He accidentally gropes her. He discovers she's a girl. She nearly gets raped. Boyfriend rescues her. She makes friends with the guy that nearly raped her. Boyfriend somehow does not complain. She gets bullied. Boyfriend rescues her. She gets blackmailed. Boyfriend rescues her. She starts failing tests. Boyfriend tutors/rescues her. She gets kicked out of the school. Boyfriend rescues her.
This manga portrays everybody but Itou in a bad light. Momoko is stupid, slow, defenceless, gullible, simple-minded and spineless. Akira is a coward. Kawashima is first a rapist, then a raging totally-out-there caricature of a bisexual. Saeki is a 'prince' stereotype that pouts a lot and acts noble, and then takes his first shot at getting in Momoko's pants.
The only good thing about this manga is the laugh-out-loud moment when Itou and Saeki have a good old snog. And accordingly, that's all I remember to distinguish it from all the other old gender bender smutty shojos.
Outside of sexy times, the plot is the same cycle as any old gender bender smutty shojo. There are all the usual cliches. He accidentally gropes her. He discovers she's a girl. She nearly gets raped. Boyfriend rescues her. She makes friends with the guy that nearly raped her. Boyfriend somehow does not complain. She gets bullied. Boyfriend rescues her. She gets blackmailed. Boyfriend rescues her. She starts failing tests. Boyfriend tutors/rescues her. She gets kicked out of the school. Boyfriend rescues her.
This manga portrays everybody but Itou in a bad light. Momoko is stupid, slow, defenceless, gullible, simple-minded and spineless. Akira is a coward. Kawashima is first a rapist, then a raging totally-out-there caricature of a bisexual. Saeki is a 'prince' stereotype that pouts a lot and acts noble, and then takes his first shot at getting in Momoko's pants.
The only good thing about this manga is the laugh-out-loud moment when Itou and Saeki have a good old snog. And accordingly, that's all I remember to distinguish it from all the other old gender bender smutty shojos.
February 13, 2021
avis disponible en français et anglais// reviews in French and English
avis : Un manga très drôle entre un secret à garder coûte que coûte, visite médicale, camarade de classe trop curieux etc.. Romance entre les deux camarades de chambre mais suspect car normalement nous sommes dans une école de garçons. Une fois de plus SHIMAKI Ako nous montre une magnifique histoire d’amour cette fois avec une énorme touche d’humour contrairement à « dingue de toi » qui était dans le thème drame. Un manga que j’ai relu plusieurs fois et que j’adore toujours autant.
🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫
Review: A funny story, involving a secret to keep, medical check-ups, nosey classmates etc A romance between two roommates but suspicious as it happens in an all-boys school. Once more, Shimaki Ako drew a beautiful love story with a nice touch of humour, unlike in “Mucha Kucha Daisuki” which was truly dramatic. In short, this is a manga I read multilple times and but still love so much.
avis : Un manga très drôle entre un secret à garder coûte que coûte, visite médicale, camarade de classe trop curieux etc.. Romance entre les deux camarades de chambre mais suspect car normalement nous sommes dans une école de garçons. Une fois de plus SHIMAKI Ako nous montre une magnifique histoire d’amour cette fois avec une énorme touche d’humour contrairement à « dingue de toi » qui était dans le thème drame. Un manga que j’ai relu plusieurs fois et que j’adore toujours autant.
🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫
Review: A funny story, involving a secret to keep, medical check-ups, nosey classmates etc A romance between two roommates but suspicious as it happens in an all-boys school. Once more, Shimaki Ako drew a beautiful love story with a nice touch of humour, unlike in “Mucha Kucha Daisuki” which was truly dramatic. In short, this is a manga I read multilple times and but still love so much.
February 26, 2013
I really enjoyed this gender-bender, it really reminded me of the plot of "She's the Man"..!
When Momoko's twin brother Akira disappears, ran off to pursue his dream of becoming a photographer, right before he entered his high-class all-boys school changes her life. Their mother goes berserk, cuts off Momoko's hair and she her in Akira's place threatening her not to expose herself as a girl.
Momoko has to fool her roommate and the other boys in the school into thinking she's a guy. Itou her roommate finds out she's a girl and basically blackmails her falling in love with her at the same time, while she does the same....
This manga is great and enjoyable to read!!!
When Momoko's twin brother Akira disappears, ran off to pursue his dream of becoming a photographer, right before he entered his high-class all-boys school changes her life. Their mother goes berserk, cuts off Momoko's hair and she her in Akira's place threatening her not to expose herself as a girl.
Momoko has to fool her roommate and the other boys in the school into thinking she's a guy. Itou her roommate finds out she's a girl and basically blackmails her falling in love with her at the same time, while she does the same....
This manga is great and enjoyable to read!!!
August 3, 2011
This here is a review for the overall series.
I guess it was okay. The relationship between the two main characters were average I guess. The beginning, middle and end were nothing really new or special and the art was amazing either.
The plot was original in a way that worked but not as successful as I think that author would want it to be...
SO, yeah... Three stars.
For being average, not awesome but not bad either.
I guess it was okay. The relationship between the two main characters were average I guess. The beginning, middle and end were nothing really new or special and the art was amazing either.
The plot was original in a way that worked but not as successful as I think that author would want it to be...
SO, yeah... Three stars.
For being average, not awesome but not bad either.
August 15, 2011
I really love these gender-bender stuff like stories..so it isn't such a surprise that I read this one too.^^
Sometimes the main character is too cute but what the heck, cause the others are awesome and hilarious XD.
tHis Manga was really fun to read,and I think that the story really fits in those few volumes:D
Still from this type of manga, Ouran High School Host Club rules:D!!!Believe Me:)
Sometimes the main character is too cute but what the heck, cause the others are awesome and hilarious XD.
tHis Manga was really fun to read,and I think that the story really fits in those few volumes:D
Still from this type of manga, Ouran High School Host Club rules:D!!!Believe Me:)
July 30, 2015
This was a meh type of manga to me. I wasn't really impressed with the plot, and felt that it was to much like Hana Kimi for my test.
The gender bender factor was a comical flavor to the series. There were a lot of I want to shake you, errors in common sense.
The artstyle was nice though it could have presented much better. For example the scenery could have been more detail.
The gender bender factor was a comical flavor to the series. There were a lot of I want to shake you, errors in common sense.
The artstyle was nice though it could have presented much better. For example the scenery could have been more detail.
February 16, 2018
Seit langem habe ich mal wieder meine alten Mangas rausgekramt und obwohl ich die Geschichte nett fand und gut gezeichnet, sind einfach die dargestellten Beziehungen in vielen Mangas nicht mehr mein Fall. Die Frauen sind zu schwach und die Männer zu große Arschlöcher. ;)
May 4, 2009
Like Hana Kimi, only not as funny or complex.
October 30, 2012
Une note pour l'ensemble de la série qui comprend 5 tomes.
December 3, 2013
The art wasn't the best and the heroine was really annoying at times. The series did have some parts that made me laugh or sigh with happiness so it kept my interest enough to finish it. 3 Stars :)
December 3, 2014
Well this had potential, however it's a lil slow and predictable.
January 3, 2015
It was actually nice. Itou turned out to be an excellent guy.
February 17, 2016
Mucho amor y corazones everywhere, justo lo que necesitaba en este momento
December 25, 2015
(This is why I can't read my YA books at full speed) I read too many mangas, to be honest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews