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The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 4

(Gokushufudō: The Way of the House Husband #4)

Kousuke Oono

4.33 · Rating details · 1,122 ratings · 103 reviews

It’s a day in the life of your average househusband—if your average househusband is the legendary yakuza “the Immortal Dragon”!

A former yakuza legend leaves it all behind to become your everyday househusband. But it’s not easy to walk away from the gangster life, and what should be mundane household tasks are anything but!

On what begins as just another shopping trip, Tats ...more

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Paperback, 168 pages

Published September 15th 2020 by VIZ Media LLC (first published December 9th 2019)

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· 1,122 ratings · 103 reviews

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Aug 30, 2020 The Artisan Geek added it · review of another edition

31/8/20
Tasu-chan, you never disappoint!

30/8/20
My kanji skills are not that great and this manga doesn't have furigana unfortunately, but luckily VIZ gave me a review copy and so now I'm reading it alongside it :) After this I'll definitely be looking forward to tackling volume 5 on my own :)

You can find me on
Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Website | The Storygraph ...more

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Jul 05, 2020 Artemy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-stars, manga, best-of-2020

This series has been hysterically funny from the very beginning, but this volume is definitely the best so far — it’s a collection of absolute bangers, not a single weak story here. And I absolutely love that Tatsu’s wife Miku gets a lot more page time in this volume, she’s such a fantastic character and their comedic chemistry with Tatsu is off the charts. Brilliant series!

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Oct 28, 2020 Rod Brown rated it it was ok

I keep accusing this series of driving its one joke into the ground, and it seems to double down this time around doing the hey-we're-talking-about-a-common-thing-as-if-it-were-really-drugs gag like three or four times in a row. The need to make a tortured joke overrides any chance at character development.

The only intriguing characters in this series are the women are the women, and too little time is spent with them, even though the wife was in a few more strips than usual this time.

Time to se ...more

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Jan 08, 2021 Stefani Putria rated it really liked it

ALWAYS FUNNY AND HILARIOUS 💙💙💙

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Dec 05, 2020 Jill Kenna rated it really liked it

This was a great volume! I really enjoyed the bonus content at the end of the book, it was super cute

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Dec 17, 2020 serena rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: graphic-novels

tatsu going nuts for the dollar stores is a big ass mood

petition to make him and miku my parents. what a power couple esp during that beach volleyball game. if you insult tatsu you're gonna find miku's foot 6ft deep in your ass ...more

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Sep 26, 2020 Roxanne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Every chapter of this had me laughing! I just love this a manga soo damn much!

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Jun 21, 2020 Natrila Femi rated it liked it

Shelves: 2020, manga

Not sure if I'll continue reading this series. Reading the first four volumes in a one-sitting drained me. Sure, it's funny but the formula of the comedy is mainly based on the ex-yakuza's 'clueless' attitude with anyone. I am hoping to see more of how Tatsu has managed to live after such a dark past and how he has handled problems with fitting in again in society (how he has appealed his father-in-law, for instance). ...more

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Oct 25, 2020 Achillia ☽ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

WOMEN RESPECTING SPIKE!
THE POWER OF MARRIAGE!

Tatsu is husband material 100% if we hadn't noticed already. My favourite chapters are when he teams up with his wife, especially the beach volley one! ...more

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Oct 30, 2020 Julie Hayes rated it it was amazing

While at the market, Tatsu finds the perfect fish! While he is going into glorious details with the fishmonger about what he is going to do to that fish, it’s suddenly yanked from his hands by a four legged thief. And the chase is on!

Tatsu spies smoke coming from next door! Heading to the rescue, he finds the culprit to be a man and his grill. He invites Tatsu to join him, but the intensely smoky atmosphere inside the apartment is less than appetizing. Tatsu leaps into action, declaring, “I’m go While at the market, Tatsu finds the perfect fish! While he is going into glorious details with the fishmonger about what he is going to do to that fish, it’s suddenly yanked from his hands by a four legged thief. And the chase is on!

Tatsu spies smoke coming from next door! Heading to the rescue, he finds the culprit to be a man and his grill. He invites Tatsu to join him, but the intensely smoky atmosphere inside the apartment is less than appetizing. Tatsu leaps into action, declaring, “I’m gonna show you how the Japanese handle a beef.”

One of Miku’s colleagues has given her tickets to Bremen Land, a big kiddie park, and she wants to go with Tatsu. Tatsu is reluctant about the whole idea, especially as the place is liable to be filled with… well, children. Will Tatsu be able to enjoy this excursion?

Tora is finding that crepe sales at his food truck aren’t what they used to be, so he needs to do something else. He hears that bubble tea is all the rage but he knows nothing about tapioca balls, so reluctantly approaches the one man who is bound to have all the answers—Tatsu.

Tatsu gives Masa a lesson in shopping for essential but inexpensive household items—“Don’t you ever underestimate homemaking!”

When the regular picture book storyteller cancels at the last minute, and no one else is available, the bookstore owner reluctantly calls on Tatsu, who very enthusiastically undertakes the mission! He makes his own drawings to accompany the tale he chooses to tell, which seems to be taking an unexpected turn into not child friendly territory.

Tatsu and Miku are enjoying a day at the beach, when they are approached by a group of men. Tatsu recognizes the Bears, the volleyball team that beat Tatsu and the housewives in a match. They suggest a rematch but Tatsu turns them down. However, Miku is not about to let that fly, and now it’s Miku and Tatsu versus the Bears!

Tatsu is helping tutor a young boy in various subjects, including math, where he uses some rather unusual examples. Everything else accomplished, his last task is an independent project, such as a craft project or a science experiment or journal. The boy declares his intention to do something easy, like a wooden pencil holder. Tatsu is on it! Can anything ever be truly easy with Tatsu, though?

Tatsu is spending time at a restaurant with a couple of his housewife friends, trading stories. Tatsu tells them tales from his past, invoking completely different images in their minds than what he actually experienced.

Another fabulous volume of tales about Tatsu! I love this series so much! I’ve already pre-ordered the next one. I never get tired of reading of Tatsu’s adventures, and the way he applies his Yakuza background to his present life. The artwork is wonderful, the stories filled with humor, as well as some tender, heartwarming moments. I especially enjoyed Tatsu and Miku’s time at Bremen Land. There are a couple of bonus stories, and the one about Miku is great! Not sure when the live action version is going to be available, but I know they’ve added a couple of original characters who don’t exist in the manga, including a daughter. I’ll reserve judgment on that until I see how that works out.

Fantastic as always, looking forward to the next one!
...more

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Sep 19, 2020 Mark Evans rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Tatsu is back at it, bringing his own unique brand of homemaking mixed with yakuza values to every kind of domestic situation imaginable.

When this series is on fire it is ON FIRE. There is a solid slate on offer here, with no obvious duds. On average it might just be the strongest volume to date. They’ve also started integrating Tatsu’s wife, Miku, into the mix more and she adds some welcome variety (her bonus manga goes in some funny, yet appropriate, directions).

On the positive side, this book Tatsu is back at it, bringing his own unique brand of homemaking mixed with yakuza values to every kind of domestic situation imaginable.

When this series is on fire it is ON FIRE. There is a solid slate on offer here, with no obvious duds. On average it might just be the strongest volume to date. They’ve also started integrating Tatsu’s wife, Miku, into the mix more and she adds some welcome variety (her bonus manga goes in some funny, yet appropriate, directions).

On the positive side, this book has fantastic art and it knows how to deploy it for maximum comedic value. The best story for me involves a trip to the discount store and a series of utterly brilliant panels where Tatsu describes how simple items bring great joy - funny on its own, but the examples kill.

There are other great sequences, including a volleyball match that shames most shonen series in terms of over the top moves. I also loved one specific shot of Tatsu and Miku wearing rags amongst a sea of dogs.

I have one asterisk for the writing, see below, but for the most part it compliments the art delightfully. As an example, I lack any context for the Japanese tale of Momotaro, but Tatsu telling that story to a bunch of kids has enough context for me to get the gist and it is STILL a riot.

While this volume is top-notch, there’s no getting around the big question of how long this can go on. I’m amazed that this series remains so consistently funny, but it is spinning gold from what I can only imagine is a dwindling pile of straw.

I raise that point because this volume’s biggest misstep is its over reliance on white powder/cocaine juxtaposition jokes. They’ve been there before but they are rampant here and rather distracting. They should have kept it solely for the bubble tea chapter.

Still, great series. It has a single joke to tell, but it still remains brilliantly iterated on. It also has the perfect release schedule in North America - three months or so is just enough time to be in the mood for another one of these. Satisfying. ...more

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Nov 21, 2020 Ness (Vynexa) added it

Shelves: books-read-in-2020, manga-read

The only reason I picked this manga up was due to seeing that Netflix is doing an anime adaptation to it.
The fact alone that this follows a househusband who happens to have scar on the left side of his face was enough to catch my attention.

This series is a nice chuckle comedy. Seeing someone who was known to be so deadly and as "The Immortal Dragon" be this attention to detail househusband who is great at cooking is fun.
The chapters are super short and are quick reads. ...more

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Feb 20, 2021 Christyn rated it really liked it

Shelves: slice-of-life, comics-graphic-novel-manga-manhwa, seinen, humor, manga

The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 4 is another fun installment in the series following Tatsu as he goes about his normal "househusband duties". I think the highlights in this particular volume were that we did get to see more of Tatsu and Miku together, and enjoy the dynamic this couple has with each other. We also got to see Tatsu pass on his bargain shopping skills to Masa, Tutor a kid, and plow through the day with typical Tatsu-style. A fun, light series! ...more

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Jul 01, 2020 Tabrizia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: comics, graphic-novels, mangas, humor, favorite-series, manga-series, best-books-of-2020, best-books-for-teens-2020, best-graphic-novels-2020

Thank you Edelweiss and Viz Media for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Can this series get any better? I don't think so! It just becomes more enjoyable and funny with every new volume! Please keep them coming! ...more

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Feb 03, 2021 Arminzerella rated it really liked it

Shelves: funny, japanese-culture, cooking, borrowed-from-the-library, series, japan, adult-fiction, realistic, manga, cleaning

This installment really showcases Tatsu's softer side. He visits a kiddie park (with a petting zoo), reads a story to kids, and helps friends and neighbors with his cooking skills. Funny and light-hearted. ...more

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Jun 23, 2019 Marianne rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: graphic-novels-mangas, humorous, mafia-yakuza-triad-crime-lords, hot-badboys

The most adorably scary ex-yakuza in Japan never ceases to amaze me with his house husband skills!

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Aug 27, 2020 reese ♡ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: manga

I'm glad to see more of Miku from this volume. Still an entertaining read from start to finish. I think Gokushufudou had already captured people's hearts with its charm. ...more

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Sep 12, 2020 Michelle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: graphics-comics

Best one yet! The sequences where he tells a story to a group of children, and one where he helps a child with his homework (complete with gang oriented math word problems) were a riot!

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Sep 30, 2020 Sarah Schanze rated it really liked it

Shelves: manga

This series is just too funny, I'm always chuckling through every chapter. ...more

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Oct 31, 2020 Laura rated it it was amazing

Shelves: manga

A fantastic series that continues to entertain at the highest level. I am *so excited* for the recently announced anime. Great volume!

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Dec 19, 2020 Mary rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fun, graphic-novel-comic-manga

...can't wait for the anime adaption ⭐ ...more

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Dec 24, 2020 Kulwinder Singh rated it really liked it

Shelves: manga

Hahaha, Masa really sucks when it comes to homemaking stuff. It has the best Haikyuu rematch ever!! I'm a fan of Tatsu's arithmetic teaching skills now. 🤣 ...more

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Jan 24, 2021 Kristel (hungryandhappy) rated it it was amazing

That momotaro tale omg!!
And the trip to the ranch!!
I love Tacchan so much!

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Jan 07, 2020 Alethia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This series is so much. I can't wait to find out how Tetsu and Miku met. ...more

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Nov 19, 2020 Miss Susan rated it really liked it

i love tatsu's housewife crew. the support!

also miku and tatsu are weirdo4weirdo and their love is beautiful

4 stars ...more

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Oct 25, 2020 Ren (A Bookish Balance) rated it really liked it

3.5/5 stars

This is, unfortunately, where I think I'm going to stop with this series. The quality of the jokes just aren't consistent enough, sometimes they're funny but at other times they're a bit too out there for my personal tastes. I was also hoping some semblance of a plot was going to emerge, but that really hasn't been the case so far. I do want to say though that I loved seeing Tatsu and Miko's interactions, he is such a sweet husband and they're super cute together.

Blog | Instagram (ma ...more

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Aug 09, 2020 Kathreadya rated it it was amazing

Another laugh-out loud volume by Kousuke Oono!

All the jokes are as fresh as ever, and I love how we are getting to see more of his wife! I also love the chapters with his old yakuza buddies, and how scary but ridiculous they are.

But my favorite parts are when we see Tatsu, the immortal dragon, interact with children! In one chapter he reads a book to a group of kids and I almost died laughing!

If you want a hilarious, gag-filled manga, definitely check out The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 4!

And ...more

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Sep 20, 2019 Karlie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

So cute and quirky! I loved the humor and playfulness of this manga. Can't wait for the next one. ...more

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Dec 02, 2020 Samantha rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: People Who Need A Laugh!

Shelves: manga-slice-of-life

The Way Of The Househusband Story & Art By Kousuke Oono

Official Synopsis:
On what begins as just another shopping trip, Tatsu has a run-in with a thief—of the feline persuasion! When the gangster-turned-homemaker gives chase, yakuza are quickly drawn into the fray, and chaos erupts in the streets of the shopping district. Even everyday errands can turn treacherous when you’re the Immortal Dragon!

Genres: Slice Of Life (Realistic Fiction), Comedy, & Action
Book Style: Manga (Japanese Comics - Read R The Way Of The Househusband Story & Art By Kousuke Oono

Official Synopsis:
On what begins as just another shopping trip, Tatsu has a run-in with a thief—of the feline persuasion! When the gangster-turned-homemaker gives chase, yakuza are quickly drawn into the fray, and chaos erupts in the streets of the shopping district. Even everyday errands can turn treacherous when you’re the Immortal Dragon!

Genres: Slice Of Life (Realistic Fiction), Comedy, & Action
Book Style: Manga (Japanese Comics - Read Right to Left)

I decided to read The Way Of The Househusband Story & Art By Kousuke Oono Vol.4 because I already read Vol.1-3 and love it also wanted something funny to read. Once I started reading I feel in love because of the whole idea of this story! This story follow a man named Tatsu who was a underworld yakuza that went by the name "The Immortal Dragon" but now he left the criminal life to become a househusband for his lovely wife Miku. Miku is a career women who works hard and really is into anime/manga so Tatsu try's his best to take care of the house and simple things as she works also makes sure she's safe. Tatsu is learning to not use violence to solve problems and work things out like a normal person in stead of a yakuza. I really like the idea a yakuza wanting a normal life because it's rare to see a story like that and it gives lessons to his situation. My favorite characters so far are Tatsu and Miku because their relationship is very fascinating; Miku is an intimidating one who is a hark working women that secretly a Otaku and Tatsu is a man who's trying to fix his life, protecting his family (Miku & his cat) without violence (unless needed), and becoming a househusband because he actually likes it. My favorite parts of this story are when Tatsu and Miku go on a date to Bremen Land they get to see lots of cute animals, take funny pictures and enjoy fair food then Tatsu makes a picnic for them and has a heart to heart of how he never been to any parks before to Miku, which is very cute! Another part I really like is when Tatsu is trying to help his friend Masa keep up with his house cleaning by going to the 100 Yen store to buy helpful items to make things easier for Masa but Masa has no clue what these things are, which is shocking! Then Tatsu helps him figure what the things are by using example that the yakuza would use, it's such a funny chapter! Also like the part where Tatsu and Miku are at the beach enjoying themselves until The Bears Volleyball team shows up and Miku wants to play against them with her husband which ends up with crazy match of Volleyball! There are a lot of parts I really love in this volume but I don't want to fully spoil the book. The art style is very clear, detailed and easy to see which is great for telling it apart also Tatsu has very badass sexy tattoos! I can't wait to read The Way Of The Househusband By Kousuke Oono Vol.5 because I want to find out how Tatsu and Miku met and how he fully adjust to the way of the househusband (becoming a househusband)! I would recommend this book to people looking for a pick me up book and a good laugh. ...more

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Nov 21, 2020 Aaron rated it really liked it

Shelves: comics-eastern, social-commentary

There is no rest in the life of the househusband. Tatsu does his part to ensure he and his wife live in modest comfort, but alas, it has become wildly incumbent upon the neighborhood that if the former yakuza member discovers a problem is afoot, he'll do everything within his skill set to put things right. After-school tutoring? Bargain-bin shopping? Tatsu's ready. And don't even start talking recipes.

THE WAY OF THE HOUSEHUSBAND #4 kicks back and reflects on some of the manga's earliest hooks: t There is no rest in the life of the househusband. Tatsu does his part to ensure he and his wife live in modest comfort, but alas, it has become wildly incumbent upon the neighborhood that if the former yakuza member discovers a problem is afoot, he'll do everything within his skill set to put things right. After-school tutoring? Bargain-bin shopping? Tatsu's ready. And don't even start talking recipes.

THE WAY OF THE HOUSEHUSBAND #4 kicks back and reflects on some of the manga's earliest hooks: the fish-out-of-water scenario. Specifically, a well-meaning Tatsu going over and above what is necessary for someone of his station, ultimately making himself (or someone else) look like a complete and utter fool. It's wonderful. One imagines a part of the readership genuinely wishes to see "the immortal dragon" deal out some real, legitimate violence as evidence of his quirkiness. And one imagines readers also want to see more of just how in the world he initially made the transition from gang member to househusband. This volume nudges closer toward that awkward, desired, nexus of narrative.

Tatsu steps forward, for example, when a local bookstore's invited speaker cancels at the last second. For the area's elementary school kids, this will surely be a Picture Book Storytime for the ages. Sure, it's Momotaro. But it's Tatsu's Momotaro, so there are violent sword fights, declarations of seppuku, and accusations of bribery all throughout. Awesome. Too bad the bookstore owners interfere at the penultimate scene and usher the clueless schoolchildren home (Local bookseller: "Th- Then the ogres said they were sorry . . . so Momotaro forgave them . . . and they lived happily ever after!").

THE WAY OF THE HOUSEHUSBAND #4 does well in holding onto the manga series' prevailing oddities, like its sometimes brutally deadpan humor, while still hinting at something more curiously substantive, such as Miku's aggressiveness. On the latter, a few episodes highlight how Tatsu doesn't merely love his wife, he respects her above all else. While at the beach, she bitch slaps the poor man after he turns down a volleyball challenge from other, former yakuza. Elsewhere, while sipping tea with the local housewives, the man's conflation of life as a criminal underling with that of Miku's domination of the domicile sends chills down everyone's spines (Local housewife: "If you're ever in trouble . . . we've got your back."). ...more

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