My theory is that they're not really homeless, just stupid and dramatic.

This is a really charming little manga.

My theory is that they're not really homeless, just stupid and dramatic

They're definitely at least two of the three.

This is a really charming little manga.

I continue to like it more than I expected. Cute art, silly characters, tiny hint of maybe having an actual plot... (Also tentative polycule.)

Recruitment kickbacks are illegal in Japan, they're not "society's rules." More likely these are shady web recruiters that dredge up workers that don't comply with Japanese labor and immigration laws and steer said workers to employers desperate for any kind of workers. Given Japan's cratering birth rate, companies will take anyone to fill positions and are willing to pay these kickbacks for no questions asked. Given how frequently aberration like these and so called Black Companies show up in Japanese popular culture, I have to ask, does anyone enforce labor laws in Japan? Or is exploitation somehow been made socially acceptable?

This manga is most likely based on the Toyoko Kids, which are teenagers in Japan who run away from their homes and congregate in the Toyoko Plaza in Kabukicho, Tokyo.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/02/05/japan/society/toyoko-kids-tokyo-subculture/

It's rock... (cries together with the Boss)

Wow, texting the group while literally sitting side by side. Smart move, this way, everyone gets to say what they want in no time! :D
https://dynasty-scans.com/chapters/street_children_ch04#19

My theory is that they're not really homeless, just stupid and dramatic.

This is a really charming little manga.

Rather than homeless in the way we'd think of it in the west, they're likely all runaways. There hasn't been anything implying they have to do sex work the way real-life runaway teens in Japan usually end up being forced to do (they're broke all the time anyway) but it's a little hard to say just how heavy the manga is gonna be in the end with Ozaki's memory loss remaining unresolved.

last edited at Jan 4, 2025 6:35PM

They're like an entire party of chaotic neutral bards, I swear... All that's missing is hitting on random NPCs and starting a fire to cover their escape. Both of which remain distinctly plausible scenarios.

Wait, "street children"? With that expensive fashion, the nails and haircut and all? Aren't they just skipping school?

Where'd Stella go when she went to edit the image on "the PC"? They don't have money for an internet cafe, so I assumed she went home to use a computer... but then they're talking about having trouble finding lunch? (Does Japan have computers at public libraries?)

What's the premise here exactly...?

Ooh, this chapter answered a lot of that in one go. Except for the pricy fashion and stuff. Big fan of Mameshiba

My theory is that they're not really homeless, just stupid and dramatic.

Cham Cham had enough brains to scam her way into free meals. At least she's not stupid, but they may now in fact be homeless.

Damn, it's quite charming, though.

last edited at Jan 29, 2025 8:40PM

To reiterate: Chaotic neutral bards.

Slight correction on c5 p26, panel 3: "I don't you not to cause any direct damage!" Don't should probably be "told."

That was fun. I have to say, Chamcham is one shrewd cookie.

This chapter had so much going on I almost missed how we got to see Chamcham maskless for the first time.

Osaki’s “Super Alloy Granny” had me laughing.