My Girl (Sahara Mizu) (en)
My Girl is a gentle, emotionally rich slice-of-life manga that follows a young man whose quiet routine is transformed when he suddenly becomes the guardian of a small girl connected to his past, leading him down a path of healing, responsibility, and rediscovered warmth. The story centers on Masamune Kazama, a reserved salaryman still carrying the weight of lost love, and Koharu, an innocent and soft-spoken child whose presence slowly reshapes his understanding of family, love, and purpose. At its emotional core, My Girl explores themes of grief, parenthood, unconditional love, memory, and personal growth, delivering a deeply human narrative that balances tenderness with subtle melancholy. Rooted firmly in slice of life and drama, the series is known for its delicate artwork, introspective pacing, and emotional realism rather than dramatic plot twists. Its cultural impact lies in its critical acclaim and lasting reputation as one of the most heartfelt portrayals of non-biological parenthood in manga, later receiving a Japanese live-action drama adaptation that further expanded its audience. Also known as マイガール, My Girl manga, My Girl Sahara Mizu, written and illustrated by Sahara Mizu, featuring Masamune Kazama and Koharu, slice of life drama manga, emotional family manga, healing manga, seinen slice of life, and common searches such as My Girl Sahara Mizu manga, My Girl Japanese title, and My Girl manga parenthood.