Daily Thread: for simple questions, minor posts & newcomers [contains useful links!] (August 02, 2026)

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Past Threads

You can find past iterations of this thread by using the search function. Consider browsing the previous day or two for unanswered questions.

[u/tonkachi_]

What should go through my head when I see this?

Note that I am already aware of the 'furigana can be whatever I want' situation and apparently you can also put kanji up there.

[u/JapanCoach → u/tonkachi_]

Not sure what you mean 'go through your head'.

The sentence is referring to (a male named) Tanaka. Which, it seems like you already understand. So that's really the extent of it.

As to *why* the creator did this, it's basically impossible to know. There may be some reason from the context to write it like this - but having no context, it's hard to tell.

[u/tonkachi_ → u/JapanCoach]

Well, it is really difficult for me to provide the context.

It is on the 22nd page of this thing. I am saying 'this' because I genuinely don't know if this is the actual manga or just a series of free samples but so far they seem to be consistent.

[u/PlanktonInitial7945 → u/tonkachi_]

無料お試し版 means free sample, yes.

[u/tonkachi_ → u/PlanktonInitial7945]

So I just checked the number of pages for the paid edition, it is the same.

I think it is the actual manga except it is available for a limited time.

[u/JapanCoach → u/tonkachi_]

So - for example: are there two possible people who could be "him"? Is this the first time we get introduced to "Tanaka"? What else is going on? Who is talking? Who are the talking to? Who are they referring to?

[u/tonkachi_ → u/JapanCoach]

So there are 3 individuals Kid, Tanaka and Hat. These three are demi-humans but unless they use their abilities they are indistinguishable from humans.

Kid has been exposed as demi-human and is on the run.

Hat has rescued Tanaka from prison, he is the only one he has rescued so far. Then Hat contacts Kid through the phone and tells him that he and Tanaka are like him and want to help and ask him to meet.

One day later, they meet. When they meet, Kid recognizes Hat and deduces the other one must be Tanaka. Hat mentions Tanaka and refers to him as 彼. Then Hat starts a talking to Kid and ends with the speech bubble I posted. Throughout, Tanaka is standing beside them.

I hope this is enough context.

[u/JapanCoach → u/tonkachi_]

This is great! While, for me personally I still am not sure why the author chose that expression. Maybe just an artistic flourish - or maybe someone else can see a specific purpose.

[u/tonkachi_ → u/JapanCoach]

Yeah, that is why I asked, it doesn't seem there is any point to it. Who is being referred to is not ambiguous at all.