The World's Greatest First Love: The Case of Ritsu Onodera

Ritsu Onodera has always dreamed of editing Japan's bestselling novels, making Marukawa Publishing seem like the perfect place to launch his career. However, his expectations are quickly upended when he's unexpectedly assigned to Emerald—the shoujo manga department—instead of the prestigious literature division he had envisioned. His new workplace presents an even bigger challenge in the form of his demanding boss, Masamune Takano, whose intense work ethic and unconventional methods (including using real-life references for romantic scenes) push Onodera to his limits. Determined to prove himself worthy of a transfer to his desired department, Onodera throws himself into learning the intricacies of manga editing. As he navigates the unique dynamics of the all-male Emerald Department, Onodera finds himself surrounded by passionate editors who live and breathe romance—both on and off the page. The romantic themes of their work stir up unexpected feelings and memories, leading to complicated interactions with his new colleagues. This workplace comedy explores the chaotic world of manga publishing, where deadlines are tight, emotions run high, and love might be found in the most unexpected places. Through late nights, creative crises, and the daily grind of bringing shoujo manga to life, Onodera begins to discover that his career path—and his understanding of love—might not be as straightforward as he once thought.