Natsume Ono

Complex, powerful, and emotionally wrenching, not simple is a novel told in visual form by one of the most acclaimed creators at work today. Complex, powerful, and emotionally wrenching, not simple is a novel told in visual form by one of the most acclaimed creators at work today. Reads R to L (Japanese Style). Ian, a young man with a fractured family history, travels from Australia to England to America in the hope of realizing his dreams and reuniting with his beloved sister. His story unfolds backwards through the framing narrative of Jim, a reporter driven to capture Ian’s experiences in a novel: not simple. A story within a story, a book within a book, a tale about the search for family, for an emotional home.

not simple

ACCA, Vol. 1

A best-selling series from one of Japan's most respected authors. R to L (Japanese Style). A best-selling series from one of Japan's most respected authors. Masterless samurai Akitsu Masanosuke is a skilled and loyal swordsman, but his naïve, diffident nature has more than once caused him to be let go by the lords who employ him. Hungry and desperate, he agrees to become a bodyguard for Yaichi, the charismatic leader of a group calling itself "Five Leaves." Although disturbed by the gang's sinister activities, Masa begins to suspect that Yaichi's motivations are not what they seem. And despite his misgivings, the deeper he's drawn into the world of the Five Leaves, the more he finds himself fascinated by these devious, mysterious outlaws.

House of Five Leaves

A collection of 14 charming short stories about family, friends, couples and unexpected bonds. Reads R to L (Japanese Style). A treasure of 14 charming stories about family, friends, couples and unexpected bonds. Written by Natsume Ono over ten years, here is the long-awaited collection of her early work, including numerous illustrations and previously unpublished stories!

Tesoro

ACCA vice-chairman, Jean Otus, would much rather talk about bread, but everyone around him seems intent on talking about the coup. And when Jean's audit in Suitsu goes sideways, he lands smack in the middle of open rebellion. Will the swirling rumors about him gain credence?

ACCA 13-Territory Inspection Department

Once known as “Sei the Drifter,” Yaichi has maintained a coldhearted outlook on life, a despair rooted in the trauma of a kidnapping that occurred years ago. With his past now coming to light, an air of restlessness pervades the Five Leaves. At the same time, Masanosuke must make a difficult decision when confronted with his brother Bunnosuke’s complicated circumstances. -- VIZ Media

Just as Masa is settling into his new life as part of the Five Leaves, the gang’s spy, Matsukichi, vanishes. After discovering that the reticent Matsu’s disappearance is linked to an unresolved difficulty in his past, Masa decides to try to help him. To do so, he enlists the aid of the samurai Yagi. However, Yaichi, the head of the Five Leaves, is not at all pleased with Yagi’s involvement. It soon becomes clear that the two men share a common past—and that something dire has shattered the bond between them. -- VIZ Media

!--StartFragment-- An apartment in Italy. In four of the rooms live four single men with singular personalities. Into this peculiar ménage steps an exchange student, the new tenant of the fifth room. Brought together by chance, friends by choice, they pursue their dreams together as the days drift gently by. !--EndFragment-- -- VIZ Media

The Fifth Room

La Quinta Camera

For the final course of Gente, a senator pondering a political maneuver arrives at an unexpected conclusion over a delicious meal at Casetta dell’Orso. A notorious playboy finds himself enthralled by the sophisticated Savina, a Cassetta regular. Lorenzo finally reaches the point in life where he needs glasses, and silent Gigi accepts an invitation from a young lady. Enjoy the dolce conclusion to this charming story. -- VIZ Media

The People of Ristorante Paradiso

Gente, Vol. 3

In this volume, Claudio reminisces about when he was a young, insecure waiter just getting his feet wet. Vanna gets to the bottom of why Teo’s stubborn lack of ambition prevents him from living up to his full potential in the kitchen. A woman running a streak of bad luck finds cheer when Gabriella introduces her to the magical ambience of Casetta dell’Orso. And finally, a mysterious young woman arrives with an important message for Lorenzo. -- VIZ Media

Gente, Vol. 2

Go Home with a Handsome Italian Waiter Buona sera! Welcome to Casetta dell’Orso, a quaint little restaurant in the heart of Rome. The food’s delicious, but the handsome staff of bespectacled gentlemen is the real draw. Follow these dashing men home and witness their romances, heartaches, hopes and dreams in this delightfully whimsical continuation of Natsume Ono’s beloved Ristorante Paradiso. Go back to the beginning, when the owner Lorenzo was just opening Casetta dell’Orso. His wife Olga’s particular preference for a certain bartender inspires Lorenzo to hire an entire staff of gentlemen in glasses. Watch the cranky-but-kind Luciano juggle babysitting duty and the advances of an amorous customer. Witness handsome playboy Vito meet a healthy young college student who will eventually become his wife. All this and more awaits you, just beyond that discreet restaurant door... -- VIZ Media

Gente, Vol. 1

Danza is a collection of stories about being a foreigner, sometimes even in your own home. Quiet, comtemplative and subtle, Danza collects some of Ono's best short work.

Danza

At the age of 21, Nicoletta travels to Rome to find her mother, Olga, who abandoned her long ago. Nicoletta finds her at Casetta dell'Orso, a charming little restaurant owned by Olga's husband. The staff of bespectacled gentlemen welcomes Nicoletta warmly, but Olga's reception is not so pleasant. Olga has never told her husband that she ever had children--and he must never know. In exchange for Nicoletta's playing "the daughter of an old friend," Olga offers Nicoletta a place to live and an apprenticeship at the restaurant. Nicoletta fits in well among the unique personalities at Casetta dell'Orso. She gets along particularly well with the kindly headwaiter, Claudio, a divorced man who, after years, has still never taken off his wedding ring. As Nicoletta's feelings for Claudio become complicated, she finds a sympathetic ear in Olga, leading the estranged pair to form a friendship neither expected. But as they grow closer, the pressure exerted by the secret they share becomes too much to bear. -- VIZ Media

Ristorante Paradiso

When political conspiracies abound, preserving the peace is no piece of cake. It's up to one deceptively aloof hero to sniff out corruption in this atmospheric thriller by Natsume Ono (House of Five Leaves, Ristorante Paradiso)!

Natsume Ono

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