The Ideal Sponger Life

The Ideal Sponger Life (Japanese: 理想のヒモ生活, Hepburn: Risō no Himo Seikatsu) is a Japanese light novel series written by Tsunehiko Watanabe. The series originated on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website in June 2011, before being published in print with illustrations by Jū Ayakura by Shufunotomo beginning in September 2012. A manga adaptation with illustrations by Neko Hinotsuki began serialization in the Young Ace magazine in February 2017.

The Ideal Sponger Life
Cover of the first light novel volume
理想のヒモ生活 (Risō no Himo Seikatsu)
Genre	Isekai, romantic comedy^[1]
Novel series
Written by	Tsunehiko Watanabe
Published by	Shōsetsuka ni Narō
Original run	June 25, 2011 – present
Light novel
Written by	Tsunehiko Watanabe
Illustrated by	Jū Ayakura
Published by	Shufunotomo
English publisher	^NA J-Novel Club
Imprint	Hero Bunko
Demographic	Male
Original run	September 28, 2012 – present
Volumes	14 (List of volumes)
Manga
Written by	Tsunehiko Watanabe
Illustrated by	Neko Hinotsuki
Published by	Kadokawa Shoten
English publisher	^NA Seven Seas Entertainment
Magazine	Young Ace
Demographic	Seinen
Original run	February 3, 2017 – present
Volumes	17 (List of volumes)

Synopsis

Zenjiro Yamai who is your everyday office worker in modern Japan suddenly finds himself summoned to another world. The person who summoned him – Queen Aura – wants him to marry her and leave his old life behind for a life of carefree extravagance as her Husband and Prince Consort. He is told that if he accepts, he only needs to provide her an heir. Other than that, he can laze around all day with no worries, and he will never have to work again as he did in his old life in Japan. After accepting her offer, he finds himself in a world that has Magic, different culture with nobilities who have hidden agendas and ambitious schemes. A world where a simple word or gift carries hidden meanings.

Characters

Zenjiro Yamai (山井善治郎, Yamai Zenjiro)

A salaryman from Japan who got summoned to Another World and ended up marrying the Queen of Kingdom of Capua, Aura Capua and became the Prince Consort. After that, his name changed to Zenjiro Capua. He eventually finds out that he is a user of the "Space-Time" Bloodline Magic.

Aura Capua (アウラ・カープァ, Aura Kāpua)

She is the Queen and the last surviving Royalty of the Kingdom of Capua and the wife of Zenjiro Yamai. She is a user of the "Space-Time" Bloodline Magic. At first, she married Zenjiro for political reasons, but then she has come to genuinely love him.

Freya Uppasala (フレア・ウップサーラ, Furea Uppusāra)

She is the 1st Princess of the Kingdom of Uppasala and the Captain of "Glasir's Leaf", the 8th ship belonging to the Kingdom of Uppasala's Navy. She came to Capua in search of a new trade route.

Inesl (イネス, Inesu)

She is Working in the Inner Palace of the Kingdom of Capua, as one of the Head Maid's supervising the Cleaning Staff. She is highly trusted by both Queen Aura and Zenjiro. Whenever Zenjiro takes trips, she is the maid assigned to accompany him as an aide.

Fabio Deubashe (ファビオ・デウバジェ, Fabio Deubaje)

He works as the head Secretary for Queen Aura along with working as a consultant. He always speaks candidly and is a person who isn't afraid to give his honest and harsh opinion even to the Queen.

Victoria Kronkvist (ヴィクトリア・クロンクヴィスト, Vikutoria Kuronkuvisuto) / Skaji

A highly capable warrior from the Kingdom of Uppasala who is serving as the attendant and bodyguard of Freya Uppasala. She is strong enough that she took down an alpha wyvern single-handedly.

Pujol Guillén (プジョル・ギジェン, Pujoru Gijen)

A General in the Army of the Kingdom of Capua and a highly ambitious man with both skills and strength to support his goal. Also a former marriage candidate of Aura Capua.

Natalio Maldonado (ナタリオ・マルドナド, Natario Marudonado)

A Palace Knight working in Kingdom of Capua. After Zenjiro gives him a wyvern bow, he swears his loyalty to him and is appointed as his Personal Knight.

Xavier Gaziel (チャビエル・ガジール, Chabieru Gajīru)

He is the 3rd and youngest son of Margrave "Miguel Gaziel", the only surviving heir of the Gaziel Family since the death of his two older brothers during the Great War.

Media

Light novel

Written by Tsunehiko Watanabe, the series began publication on the novel posting website Shōsetsuka ni Narō on June 25, 2011.^[2] The series was later acquired by Shufunotomo, who began publishing the series in print with illustrations by Jū Ayakura on September 28, 2012.^[3] It was one of the first batch of works published by Hero Bunko imprint.^[4] As of September 2021, fourteen volumes have been released.^[5]

In November 2020, J-Novel Club announced that they licensed the series for English publication.^[6]

Volume list

No.	Original release date	Original ISBN	English release date	English ISBN
1	September 28, 2012^[3]	978-4-07-284078-8	January 27, 2021^[7]	978-1-71-836402-8
Prologue — In Another World for His First Weekend Off in Six Months Intermission 1 — The Queens's Private Discussion Chapter 1 — A Temporary Return Chapter 2 — From Preparations to Transfer Chapter 3 — Marriage, and Starting Married Life Chapter 4 — The Mysteries of the Soul of Language Chapter 5 — Peaceful Times Passes Appendix — The Lord and Maids' Game Battle
2	November 30, 2012^[8]	978-4-07-284084-9	July 2, 2021^[9]	978-1-71-836404-2
Prologue — Their Respective Speculations Chapter 1 — Societal Debut Chapter 2 — Envoy From the Twin Kingdoms Chapter 3 — The Royal Conception Chapter 4 — Secret Missive From the Twin Kingdoms Chapter 5 — A Step Outside Chapter 6 — A Duel Called Negotiations Chapter 7 — Enacting the Secret Treaty Epilogue — The Royal Birth Appendix — The Lord and Maids' Joint Development
3	March 29, 2013^[10]	978-4-07-288700-4	June 18, 2021^[11]	978-1-71-836406-6
Prologue — Beginning of the Second Year Chapter 1 — Problem on the Salt Road Chapter 2 — Activity in the Capital Chapter 3 — The Salt Road Chapter 4 — Zenjirou's Daily Life Chapter 5 — An Afternoon Confrontation, an Evening Lecture, and a Night's Relaxation Chapter 6 — Set in Motion Appendix — The Lord and Maids' Culture Clash
4	August 31, 2013^[12]	978-4-07-292190-6	August 24, 2021^[13]	978-1-71-836408-0
Prologue — The Journey of the Prince and Princess Chapter 1 — The Queen, the Prince Consort, the Prince, and the Princess Intermission 1 — The Hero and the Youth Chapter 2 — Manipulator and Manipulate Intermission 2 — Fight of the Drake Marksmen Knights Chapter 3 — Zenjirou's Blunder Intermission 3 — A Quiet Road Chapter 4 — Prince's Secrets Revealed, and Prince's Secrets Exposed Chapter 5 — A Goal Confirmed Appendix — The Lord and Maids' Mutual Aid
5	April 28, 2014^[14]	978-4-07-296354-8	November 11, 2021^[15]	978-1-71-836410-3
Prologue — A Ship Sighted Chapter 1 — The Prince Consort Far From Home Chapter 2 — Princess of the Sea, Freya Intermission 1 — The Mountain Hunt Chapter 3 — The Boundary Between Kindness and Ambition Intermission 2 — Lingering Traces and Vanished Drakes Chapter 4 — Where the Chain Arrived Chapter 5 — A Predicament Born from Kindness Chapter 6 — Final Steps Towards Subjugation Epilogue Appendix — The Lord and Maids' Special Training
6	November 29, 2014^[16]	978-4-07-410241-9	February 7, 2022^[17]	978-1-71-836412-7
Prologue — New Year's Celebrations in Capua Chapter 1 — The General's Marriage Chapter 2 — Triumph in the Capital Chapter 3 — Princess Freya's Intentions Intermission — The Twin Kingdom's Actions Chapter 4 — Preparations Both Practical and Emotional Epilogue — Heading for the Gaziel March Appendix — The Lord and Maids' Turnover
7	September 30, 2015^[18]	978-4-07-403086-6	July 28, 2022^[19]	978-1-71-836414-1
Prologue — The Journey Out Chapter 1 — Arrival Chapter 2 — The Wedding Intermission 1 — The Queen in the Capital Chapter 3 — A Trifling Spark Intermission 2 — The Queen's Faith Chapter 4 — A Duel of Words Chapter 5 — The Moment of Settlement Chapter 6 — The Various Conclusions Epilogue — The Return Appendix — The Lord and Maids' Game Maintenance
8	June 30, 2016^[20]	978-4-07-417935-0	September 29, 2022^[21]	978-1-71-836416-5
Prologue — Zenjirou's Return Chapter 1 — Nilda Gaziel — 1 Intermission 1 — The Queen in the Capital Chapter 2 — Nilda Gaziel — 2 Chapter 3 — Freya Uppasala — 1 Intermission 2 — Lucinda's Influence Chapter 4 — Freya Uppasala — 2 Chapter 5 — Aura Capua Epilogue — Lucretia Broglie Appendix — The Lord and Maids' Electric Maintenance
9	May 31, 2017^[22]	978-4-07-424639-7	December 2, 2022^[23]	978-1-71-836418-9
Prologue — Sleeping Alone Chapter 1 — Audience Chapter 2 — A Private Meeting Intermission — A Strategy Meeting Chapter 3 — Coming Home and Going Home Chapter 4 — Secret Moves in Earnest Chapter 5 — Words of Gratitude Epilogue — Return After a Month Appendix — The Lord and Maids' Spread of Contamination
10	December 28, 2017^[24]	978-4-07-429074-1	February 3, 2023^[25]	978-1-71-836420-2
Prologue — Time with His Son Chapter 1 — Princess Freya's Crisis Chapter 2 — Contract of the Ivory Cathedral Intermission — Lucretia's Decision Chapter 3 — Complicated Negotiations Chapter 4 — An Unplanned Call Home Chapter 5 — Reconciliation and Return Epilogue — The Next Steps Appendix — The Lord and Maids' Home Renovation
11	July 31, 2018^[26]	978-4-07-433868-9	April 6, 2023^[27]	978-1-71-836422-6
Prologue — Prime Minister, Marshal, and Duke Chapter 1 — Ambition, Trade, and Safety Chapter 2 — The Old Sage, the Magic Researcher, and the Watcher Chapter 3 — The Isolation Barrier and Static Flame Chapter 4 — The Second Birth, the Three Promises, and the Four Magic Tools Chapter 5 — Birth, Trip, and Departure Epilogue — The Queen, Prince, and Backroom Deals Appendix — The Lord and Maids' Long Separation
12	April 30, 2019^[28]	978-4-07-437228-7	—	—
13	March 30, 2020^[29]	978-4-07-442815-1	—	—
14	September 30, 2021^[5]	978-4-07-447913-9	—	—

Manga

A manga adaptation, illustrated by Neko Hinotsuki, began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten's Young Ace magazine on February 3, 2017.^[30] As of June 2023, the series' individual chapters have been collected into seventeen tankōbon volumes.^[31]

In March 2018, Seven Seas Entertainment announced that they licensed the series for English publication.^[32]

Volume list

No.	Original release date	Original ISBN	English release date	English ISBN
1	July 25, 2017^[33]	978-4-04-106001-8	March 12, 2019^[34]	978-1-64-275043-0
Chapter 1: I Spent My First Two Days Off in Half a Year in Another World Chapter 2: Temporary Return Chapter 3: The Wedding Chapter 4: And Thus Our Newlywed Life Begins! Chapter 5: Suddenly, a Private Tutor!
2	December 4, 2017^[35]	978-4-04-106393-4	June 25, 2019^[36]	978-1-64-275128-4
Chapter 6: A Lecture on Magic Chapter 7: A Gorgeous Night Chapter 8: How to Refuse a Gift Chapter 9: Envoy From the Twin Kingdoms Chapter 10: The Price of Marbles Original Short Story: The Girls' After-Party
3	June 4, 2018^[37]	978-4-04-106841-0	September 17, 2019^[38]	978-1-64-275696-8
Chapter 11: Zenjiro's Selfishness Chapter 12: A Certain Rumor Chapter 13: Our Own Battlefields Chapter 14: Words of the Oath Chapter 15: This Is How A Sponger Lives Original Short Story: The Prince's Name
4	November 2, 2018^[39]	978-4-04-107482-4	December 10, 2019^[40]	978-1-64-275742-2
Chapter 16: The Second Year Begins Chapter 17: Xavier's Battle Chapter 18: Hidden Magic Chapter 19: The Swarming Raptor Menace Original Short Story: The Summoned Princess
5	February 4, 2019^[41]	978-4-04-107829-7	April 20, 2020^[42]	978-1-64-505236-4
Chapter 20: Visit from the Sharou Royal Family Chapter 21: Top Secret Chapter 22: Affinity Chapter 23: A Visit to the Sickly Prince Original Short Story: The Life of a Queen's Loyal Subject
6	June 4, 2019^[43]	978-4-04-108233-1	September 8, 2020^[44]	978-1-64-505742-0
Chapter 24: The Prince's Secret Chapter 25: Southern Magic, Northern Technology Chapter 26: Port Town of Valentia Chapter 27: Negotiations with the Princess Original Short Story: Birds Twitter in the Palace
7	October 4, 2019^[45]	978-4-04-108704-6	December 8, 2020^[46]	978-1-64-505816-8
Chapter 28: A Dinner of Great Import Chapter 29: The Responsibility Lies With Me Chapter 30: Balancing the Wage of War Chapter 31: Warrior of the North Chapter 32: Never Again...
8	February 4, 2020^[47]	978-4-04-108705-3	March 9, 2021^[48]	978-1-64-827083-3
Chapter 33: Husband and Wife - A Revealing Conversation Chapter 34: A Shake-up at the Welcoming Party Chapter 35: Aura vs. Freya Chapter 36: Zenjuri's Decision
9	June 4, 2020^[49]	978-4-04-109476-1	September 14, 2021^[50]	978-1-64-827310-0
Chapter 37: The Second Daughter of House Gaziel Chapter 38: Lucinda's Constraint Chapter 39: The Problem Child's Scheme Chapter 40: Irreconcilable Differences
10	November 4, 2020^[51]	978-4-04-109463-1	January 18, 2022^[52]	978-1-64-827480-0
Chapter 41: Secret Plan Chapter 42: The Light Is in His Hands Chapter 43: Pinto in a Pinch Chapter 44: And Now, Back to the Capital
11	March 4, 2021^[53]	978-4-04-109464-8	June 21, 2022^[54]	978-1-63-858215-1
Chapter 45: A Joyous Happoenstance Chapter 46: Amanda's Advice Chapter 47: The Image of Success Chapter 48: His Goal is Grand Marshal
12	July 2, 2021^[55]	978-4-04-111461-2	November 22, 2022^[56]	978-1-63-858621-0
Chapter 49: Raise the Anchor Chapter 50: A Formal Audience Chapter 51: Successor to the Throne Chapter 52: A Charming Representative
13	December 3, 2021^[57]	978-4-04-111462-9	April 11, 2023^[58]	978-1-63858-845-0
Chapter 53: A Kingdom Full of Confrontations Chapter 54: A Storm Comes Chapter 55: Pursuing Ideals Chapter 56: Imperial Wrath
14	April 4, 2022^[59]	978-4-04-112486-4	August 22, 2023^[60]	978-1-68579-507-8
15	September 2, 2022^[61]	978-4-04-112628-8	—	—
16	December 28, 2022^[62]	978-4-04-113261-6	—	—
17	June 2, 2023^[31]	978-4-04-113620-1	—	—

Reception

Theron Martin from Anime News Network praised the treatment of the series' sensitive subject matter, though he also criticized the world building.^[63]

The series has 2.7 million copies in circulation.^[64]

References

1. "The Ideal Sponger Life". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
2. 理想のヒモ生活 (in Japanese). Shōsetsuka ni Narō. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
3. 理想のヒモ生活 １ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
4. ヒーロー文庫：“なろう系”ブームで躍進 注目の新鋭ラノベレーベルの裏側. Mantan-web (in Japanese). November 15, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
5. 理想のヒモ生活 １４ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
6. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (November 14, 2020). "J-Novel Club Adds 5 Light Novels, 2 Manga". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
7. "The Ideal Sponger Life: Volume 1 (Light Novel)". Rakuten Kobo. J-Novel Club. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
8. 理想のヒモ生活 ２ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
9. "The Ideal Sponger Life: Volume 2 (Light Novel)". Rakuten Kobo. J-Novel Club. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
10. 理想のヒモ生活 ３ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
11. "The Ideal Sponger Life: Volume 3 (Light Novel)". Rakuten Kobo. J-Novel Club. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
12. 理想のヒモ生活 ４ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
13. "The Ideal Sponger Life: Volume 4 (Light Novel)". Rakuten Kobo. J-Novel Club. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
14. 理想のヒモ生活 ５ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
15. "The Ideal Sponger Life: Volume 5 (Light Novel)". Rakuten Kobo. J-Novel Club. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
16. 理想のヒモ生活 ６ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
17. "The Ideal Sponger Life: Volume 6 (Light Novel)". Rakuten Kobo. J-Novel Club. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
18. 理想のヒモ生活 ７ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
19. "The Ideal Sponger Life: Volume 7 (Light Novel)". Rakuten Kobo. J-Novel Club. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
20. 理想のヒモ生活 ８ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
21. "The Ideal Sponger Life: Volume 8 (Light Novel)". Rakuten Kobo. J-Novel Club. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
22. 理想のヒモ生活 ９ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
23. "The Ideal Sponger Life: Volume 9 (Light Novel)". Rakuten Kobo. J-Novel Club. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
24. 理想のヒモ生活 １０ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
25. "The Ideal Sponger Life: Volume 10 (Light Novel)". Rakuten Kobo. J-Novel Club. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
26. 理想のヒモ生活 １１ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
27. "The Ideal Sponger Life: Volume 11 (Light Novel)". Rakuten Kobo. J-Novel Club. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
28. 理想のヒモ生活 １２ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
29. 理想のヒモ生活 １３ (in Japanese). Shufunotomo. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
30. CLAMPキャラ原案「カブキブ！」コミカライズなど、ヤングエースで新連載3本. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. February 3, 2017. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
31. 理想のヒモ生活 （17） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
32. Mateo, Alex (March 14, 2018). "Seven Seas Licenses The Ideal Sponger Life Manga". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
33. 理想のヒモ生活 （１） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
34. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 1". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
35. 理想のヒモ生活 （２） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
36. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 2". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
37. 理想のヒモ生活 （３） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
38. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 3". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
39. 理想のヒモ生活 （４） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
40. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 4". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
41. 理想のヒモ生活 （５） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
42. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 5". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
43. 理想のヒモ生活 （６） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
44. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 6". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
45. 理想のヒモ生活 （７） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
46. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 7". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
47. 理想のヒモ生活 （８） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
48. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 8". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
49. 理想のヒモ生活 （９） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
50. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 9". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
51. 理想のヒモ生活 （１０） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
52. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 10". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
53. 理想のヒモ生活 （１１） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
54. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 11". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
55. 理想のヒモ生活 （１2） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
56. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 12". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
57. 理想のヒモ生活 （13） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
58. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 13". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
59. 理想のヒモ生活 （14） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
60. "The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 14". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
61. 理想のヒモ生活 （15） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
62. 理想のヒモ生活 （16） (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
63. Martin, Theron (May 4, 2019). "Review: The Ideal Sponger Life GN 1". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
64. 『理想のヒモ生活』がシリーズ累計270万部を突破. LN News (in Japanese). October 7, 2021. Retrieved September 3, 2022.

External links

• Official website at Shōsetsuka ni Narō (in Japanese)
• Light novel official website (in Japanese)
• Manga official website (in Japanese)
• The Ideal Sponger Life (light novel) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia