Manga UP! Global has added Nobuko Takekawa’s cozy supernatural manga Boku no Heya no Yūko‑san (Yuko, the Ghost in My Room) to its English catalog, giving English-speaking readers a chance to discover a gentle, funny, and unexpectedly warm tale about two very different roommates. What begins as a haunted-apartment comedy quickly becomes a quiet meditation on loneliness, companionship, and the little moments that make a place feel like home.
Table of Contents
About Yuko, the Ghost in My Room
Yuko, the Ghost in My Room follows a flat‑broke young man who rents an apartment with a reputation for being “shady.” The rumor never materializes—until a ghost named Yuko literally arrives and knocks the wind (and a very audible fart) out of him. What could have been a short gag premise evolves into an everyday, heartwarming slice‑of‑life focused on the odd but tender cohabitation between a human and a ghost. Takekawa balances the comedic beats with sincere character work, turning a haunted-apartment setup into an endearing story about connection.
Where and when the series started
Takekawa initially serialized the manga on X (formerly Twitter) beginning in January 2023, building an audience with short, charming installments. The story was later picked up for serialization on Manga UP! in April 2023, and it continued growing in popularity. Square Enix published the second collected volume in Japan in April 2025, signaling steady reader interest and the series’ suitability for collected print volumes.
English availability: Manga UP! Global
The English release on Manga UP! Global makes it easy for international readers to enjoy Takekawa’s work without relying on unofficial scans. If you want to read the official English translation, you can find the series on Manga UP! Global’s site or app. Read Yuko, the Ghost in My Room on Manga UP! Global.
What makes this manga worth your time
Yuko’s charm comes from a few clear strengths that help it stand out in the crowded slice‑of‑life and supernatural crossover space:
- Warm slice‑of‑life tone: The series treats everyday moments—cooking, awkward conversations, and small domestic rituals—with affection, making even the mundane feel meaningful.
- Comedy with heart: Jokes land naturally (yes, even the opening fart joke), but they never undercut the emotional core. Humor and tenderness coexist smoothly.
- Relatable loneliness and companionship: The protagonist’s financial insecurity and quiet life contrast with Yuko’s supernatural existence, creating space for mutual growth and mutual care.
- Accessible pacing: Short chapters and episodic beats make it easy to jump in and enjoy single chapters while still rewarding readers who follow the series long term.
Characters and dynamics
The central relationship—between the human renter and Yuko—is the engine of the story. Yuko herself blends mischievous ghostliness with surprising tenderness; she’s funny and unfiltered but capable of quiet empathy. The protagonist acts as an effective foil: practical, a little frazzled by life, but slowly softened by the routines and rituals that come from sharing space. Secondary characters are used sparingly, which keeps the focus on their cohabitation and the everyday details that define it.
Art style and mood
Takekawa’s art leans into expressive faces and clean linework, prioritizing readability and emotional clarity over ornate detail. Visual gags are timed well, and the paneling supports both comedic and reflective beats. The art helps signal tonal shifts—from playful to poignant—without jerking the reader out of the story. Overall, the artwork is well suited to a story that trades on charm and subtlety rather than spectacle.
Themes: More than a haunted apartment
At its heart, Yuko is about making a space into a home. It explores themes of:
- Belonging: How living with another being—even an unexpected, supernatural one—changes how we view our own lives.
- Ritual and routine: Small shared routines become the glue that binds people (and ghosts) together.
- Acceptance: Learning to accept oddities in others, and to be accepted in return, is a quiet throughline.
How to read Yuko (tips for new readers)
If you’re new to the series, start with the Manga UP! Global release for an official English translation and to support the creator. Because chapters are often short and episodic, it’s easy to sample a few chapters in one sitting to get a feel for the tone. If you enjoy gentle, character-driven manga with light supernatural touches, read a volume straight through to appreciate the slow-building emotional beats.
Where to buy or follow updates
The English chapters on Manga UP! Global are the most accessible legal option for international readers. For print editions, check publisher announcements and official bookstores for Square Enix releases and import volumes. Supporting official releases helps creators like Takekawa continue producing the intimate stories fans love.
Final thoughts
Yuko, the Ghost in My Room is a delightful example of how a high‑concept premise can yield low‑key, emotionally resonant storytelling. If you appreciate slice‑of‑life manga with a supernatural twist—stories that make you smile, chuckle, and quietly feel a little less alone—this series is worth a look. Head to Manga UP! Global to read the official English release and experience this warm roommate comedy for yourself.
Source: Email correspondence
