However, if you haven't—Itazura na Kiss tells the story of not-so bright Kotoko, madly in love with the school ikemen Naoki. Suffice to say that the arrogant Naoki's not exactly enamored with Kotoko. But when an earthquake destroys Kotoko's house, she and her dad are forced to live with her father's good friend and—you guessed it—Naoki is dad's buddy's son.

Originally released in Japan in 23 volumes (cut short by the manga-ka's tragic death), DMP plans to publish 12 omnibus editions of the series that chronicles Kotoko and Naoki's meandering to Happy Even After. The first is scheduled for this November and the second, March of next year. Each hefty volume retails for $14.95.

As an unapologetic shoujo fan, I would sell, not my family, but all the dupes in my manga library to make way for ItaKiss. The tropes and clichés that now define the genre trace their origins to this manga. And even if it weren't the wellspring, I'd still Get! and mumble "guilty pleasure" to anyone who asks "Why?"

DMP Press release:

Gardena, CA - (January 26, 2009)- Digital Manga Publishing, Inc., one of the industry's most unconventional and innovative companies is proud to announce its acquisition of the classic and timeless shojo manga: ITAZURA NA KISS. Never before released in translated form in the U.S., ITAZURA NA KISS has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, inspired live action dramas, and has recently been released in a newly created anime by the same name.

Published under the DMP imprint, ITAZURA NA KISS was released as 12 omnibus volumes in Japan, and plans for the first two volumes in a 5.125" x 7.1875" format at a cost of $14.95 per volume, will begin with volume one in November, 2009, and volume two following in March, 2010. ITAZURA NA KISS has inspired countless shojo manga artists, and with its unconventional narrative in following the lives and relationships of its main characters from high school to beyond, it created the groundwork for many contemporary shojo manga stories. This timeless manga will enchant and inspire new readers while reminding seasoned readers why shojo is as popular as it is. It is a "must-have" for any manga enthusiast, or anyone who loves a romantic, comedic story of why people fall in love, and the sacrifices and growth each must go through for the other.

ITAZURA NA KISS VOL. 1- RATED T+ (for ages 13+), MSRP: $14.95 US, Available: November 4, 2009

ITAZURA NA KISS is the beloved and classic shojo manga following two high school students, the air-headed Kotoko and the brilliant cold genius Naoki. When Kotoko finally musters the courage to confess to the haughty Naoki, his instant rejection shocks her and she decides to forget him forever. But when circumstances force her and her father to move in with her father's close friend, she encounters an even bigger shock when she realizes her father's friend is Naoki's father, and they'll be living together from now on! Is it fate? A sign from heaven? Whatever it is, Kotoko's every attempt to impress the aloof Naoki seems to create chaos in Naoki's life, and the cracks in his cool, robot-like facade begin to show. Follow the journey of these two through life, love, and every chaotic, crazy moment in Kotoko's mission to make Naoki hers!

KAORU TADA was born in 1960, and is the creator of AI SHITE KNIGHT and ITAZURA NA KISS. ITAZURA NA KISS was her most popular work in Japan, and has spawned live action dramas, been adapted for the theatrical stage, and released as an animated series. KAORU TADA died tragically at the age of 38 in 1999.

[Via email]