Michelle Topham 
Now that the comedy romance manga Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi has come to an end with its 20th volume, here is what you can expect if you decide to read it, along with quite a few reasons why, I think, you should.
What is Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi?
Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi, aka Falling High School Girl and Irresponsible Teacher, is a Japanese shouju manga series written and illustrated by sora.
It was published in Hakusensha’s Hana to Yume manga magazine from July, 2017 to June, 2024 when it finally came to an end.
Since it began publication, the manga has gained popularity for its unique blend of dark comedy and romance, and its wonderfully written story, as it explores the complex “age gap” relationship between its two main characters — Mikoto and Jin.
What is the Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi plot?
Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi is a Japanese manga series that follows the life of Mikoto Ochiai, a high school student who finds herself at a crossroads after a failed confession to the boy she loves.
The story takes a dramatic turn when Mikoto, overwhelmed by her feelings of embarrassment, decides to end her life by jumping off the school rooftop.
Her plans, however, are interrupted by Jin Haiba, her physics and homeroom teacher, who appears on the rooftop for a smoke and engages her in a conversation that ultimately saves her from the fall.
The manga then follows the developing relationship between the two over the next few months and years, as well as reveals a surprise reason why Jin was up on the roof in the first place, and what he knows about Mikoto’s past.
Characters
Mikoto Ochiai: One of the two protagonists of the manga, Mikoto is a high school student who is struggling to cope with the humiliating rejection of the boy she has a crush on.
Mikoto is initially portrayed as a vulnerable and sensitive character, but as the series progresses, her strength, resilience and incredibly complex (and sometimes quite twisted) personality are revealed.
Jin Haiba: The homeroom teacher who saves Mikoto from jumping off the rooftop.
Jin is an intriguing character with a somewhat troubled past.
He is a gambling addict, and has a tendency to be reckless (although, weirdly, he is also very dependable), but he also has a deep affection for Mikoto.
One that is initially based on something he knows about her past, but we don’t learn about until much later in the manga series.
Why is Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi a must read?
The manga is not just a simple romance story between a high school teacher and his student but, instead, offers something so very different.
It instead delves into the complex dynamics of human relationships, exploring themes of love, rejection, self-worth, the importance of communication and how past events can really screw up your future if you’re not careful.
As the manga progresses, Jin Haiba, who is initially portrayed as a laid-back and nonchalant teacher, becomes a pivotal figure in Mikoto’s life, offering her the grounding she so sadly lacks, while helping her navigate through her emotional turmoil.
Especially as their relationship evolves into one with a complex dynamic that both sometimes struggle to deal with.
The main characters, Mikoto and Jin, are also both beautifully written and immensely relatable.
Mikoto’s journey from despair to self-discovery is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, while Jin Haiba’s enigmatic personality, that you cannot help but love, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Along with the romance aspect of it, the series also takes a look at the mental health struggles prevalent in many teens nowadays, as it explores the themes of depression and suicidal thoughts, but in a sensitive and realistic manner.
The plot of Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi is not only emotionally gripping, however, it is also filled with dark humor combined with light-hearted moments that balance the darker aspects of the story, and make the manga utterly addictive from its very first chapter.
So much so, since its first few chapters were published, Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi has received widespread acclaim for its unique storytelling, well-developed characters, and exploration of complex themes.
The series has also been praised for its ability to balance humor and drama, while telling a fabulous story, thus making it a compelling read for fans of romance and drama manga.
The manga series is so popular among non-Japanese manga readers that, when any western publishing company asks what manga they should publish in English next, Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi always ends up on the list somewhere.
As yet, however, we have not been lucky enough to receive an official English language translation so, unless you can understand Japanese, your only option is to read the manga via the less-than-legal sites.
We will keep you updated here on Baozi Buns if that changes.
About the Author
Steven Reynolds 
