Volume 1

* Japanese
* English

This is the first volume of the manga series, *Bocchi the Rock!* was released in the Japanese version on February 27, 2019, and in the English version on October 17, 2023. This volume contains 13 chapters.

## Description

### Japanese (translated)

The long-awaited first volume of *Kirara MAX*'s popular 4-koma series on bands is finally here! Hitori Gotoh, also known as "Bocchi-chan," is a lonely girl who loves to play the guitar. She spent her days at home playing alone and lonely, but by chance, she joined "Kessoku Band" led by Nijika Ijichi. Gotoh is not used to performing in front of people, but will she be able to become a great band member—?! The hottest music manga for boys and girls all over the country!! Even if you're introverted, rock it out!!!

### English (Yen Press)

Bocchi finally takes the stage in English, and she’s brought her best friend—crippling anxiety! Hitori Goto just wants to make friends, but the thought of approaching a stranger on her own makes her so nervous that she’s spent the entirety of middle school teaching herself how to shred on the guitar—to moderately successful (albeit anonymous) YouTube fame—in the hopes of seeming cool enough for someone else to reach out to her instead. After bringing her guitar to school provokes zero interest, Hitori’s just about ready to shrivel up and die...which is when Nijika Ijichi comes across her moping in a playground and begs her to fill in for her band’s flakey guitarist for their first-ever live performance! It’s like her wish came true—but does this most antisocial of introverts have what it takes to perform in front of real people?!

## Plot

### One-shot

Hitori is the first year of a middle high school student.

Two years later, her father can borrow the guitar and play. Hitori attends Shuka High School, but she could not make a single friend, get any band members, or perform at the culture festival.

### Chapter 1

A month later since high school started and still does not have any friends, Hitori is being hikikomori (shut-in) and performing the song and writing. She is uploading a cover of a popular song and reacting to comments on the internet. But she wants to form a band and tried to find other people in middle school. She requested a death metal song. It means, she forgets a flashback. The people thinks about the light music club is popular, a band anime is otaku-ish and people are joining bands. On the next day, she wears her uniform as a pink jersey shirt and carries her guitar and bag, as a result, she makes depressed.

On a swing, Hitori is so afraid to talk to her, that makes she doesn't want to go to school. The drummer Nijika shouts "Guitar!" in public and she forgets the introduction herself. She is in her second year at Shimokitazawa High School. Nijika calls Hitori by her first name and Nijika forces Hitori will be playing the guitar and decent. Nijika is supporting Hitori, our other guitarist quitted and playing at a live house.

Hitori had filled up the halls of the Budokan and Nijika was shocked. Nijika's older sister is the manager and is called "Shimokitazawa Starry". Nijika talks about the people at Shimokitazawa are so stylish. Nijika asks Hitori if she is a band. Hitori already covered the songs and uploaded them on the internet. Hitori identifies that the handle name "guitarhero" was hers. Hitori is blushing her handle name and Nijika is waiting for her videos.

The bass player, Ryo needs to practice at the studio.

### Chapter 2

Hitori is excited about the live house. Nijika is forced to get out of Hitori for the performance is going to start. Hitori talks Nijika to go home for today, it is revealed that Nijika is located at her house.

In Recollection Mode, Hitori goes to the live house for the first time and says "I'm home!" Seika is in charge of the lighting and the sound engineer. Hitori said the indoors are gloomy people and will be a group of gloomy people. Nijika will be going to practice at the studio with the setlist and the sheet music. The three members had an instrumental band, but Hitori is good at playing the guitar. Hitori is shocked when she is a "guitarhero". Nijika's reaction to Hitori is an amazing guitarist. Hitori explains when playing a band is essential to be in sync with each other, she is lower than a water flea. She becomes Plankton Gotoh as a comedian.

At the end of Recollection Mode, Hitori sobbing herself at the end of the series, Nijika hasn't rehearsed before. Ryo just pom her bass, and Nijika said the events are "Rock". Hitori can't handle the audience's stares, so Ryo uses a Ripe Mango card box to play.

Nijika asks Hitori to have any nicknames, during middle school Hitori just called her things like "Umm" and "Hey". Ryo is calling Hitori's nickname "Bocchi(-chan)" and Hitori seems happy about the nickname. Ryo named the band "Kessoku Band" and Nijika is so lame after the band name. Nijika talked Bocchi can always aim to improve our skills.

Bocchi is not shined, before the next concert, she is able to greet her classmates. A welcoming party and a review meeting for Kessoku Band.

### Chapter 3

Bocchi is wondering about the girl, she will be going to the live house in 5 minutes. Nijika is awaiting Bocchi.

Ryo is using a die and rolls to "School". Bocchi took two hours to go to the live house. It is revealed by Nijika, Ryo doesn't have any friends, the same as Bocchi. Nijika rolls to "Music", she likes melodic hardcore and Japanese punk rock songs. Ryo likes techno songs and songs from the hit charts of Saudi Arabia, and Nijika is lying to her. Nijika tells Bocchi trying not to go off into your own world. Nijika is not good at singing. Nijika finds a vocalist but written in forbidden words of the lyrics.

Nijika rolls to "Quota", Bocchi tells her, a quota is a booking live when the band doesn't have enough tickets, then will cover the loss. Nijika needs ten thousand yen until she gets some fans. Bocchi has a lot of imaginary friends.

Nijika begins a part-time job to earn enough money, but Bocchi is afraid of a job, Nijika thinks about a demon. Nijika uses a piggy bank to get a job, but Bocchi refuses it. Nijika is working like drinking and cleaning. She will be in charge of managing the band's expenses. Ryo actually wastes a lot of money.

Bocchi is leaving the live house and reacts to "odds winning the lottery."

### Chapter 4

In Bocchi's house, she takes a bath and will catch a cold for 20 minutes. It is impossible to upload a video with her guitar solo in the freezing cold. The next day she is a fever and hates her strong body. Bocchi receives a message and she replies to Nijika.

At the entrance of the live house, Nijika's older sister, Seika says the live house is not open yet. Seika heard Bocchi is a new employee. She is calling Bocchi's nickname "Mango Mask". Nijika goes to the live house and she calls her big sister for Seika, but Seika always calls her manager instead of big sister. Bocchi is resting under the table while working. Nijika is finished cleaning, but Bocchi will have to sing. Seika did not think Bocchi was good during their performance. Seika hits Nijika again and Bocchi.

Seika gives a drink ticket or pays 500 yen to customers. The live house is treated as a café. There are three customers, but Bocchi closed up. A customer orders a cola. Another customer orders a ginger ale. Bocchi is always hiding.

Everyone is free, the concert will be started. The audience comes to watch and pays 2,000 yen. Another customer orders an orange juice. Bocchi looks barely face. A customer smiles for better memories. Bocchi takes one thousand steps forwards.

Bocchi is leaving the living house and dashes into her house. The next day, she is a high fever again.

At the end of the chapter, the first 4-panel page, Bocchi brings an ice plastic bag and put it into the bathtub and she's cold.

On the second 4-panel page, Bocchi's little sister, Futari says her sister is lucky and gets three days off of school. Bocchi hates going to school and her little sister says she is such a pain.

### Chapter 5

Bocchi is another depressing on Monday, but she is hiding in her house. No one of her classmates talked about Bocchi, but she forgets to talk about it.

Bocchi is unable to talk, she cannot eat in the bathroom. Bocchi thinks that person Kita is a band, but Bocchi is still not talking. Kita's classmate asks for a basketball match next week again. Bocchi identifies Kita as cute and popular and plays the guitar.

Kita heard that noise, and Bocchi is shocked, she asks Kita to look at a guitarist and vocalist she's beatboxing and she leaves Kita.

Kita is watching Bocchi's playing the guitar and is captivating. Bocchi sobbed while playing the guitar. Bocchi is amazing and good when she's playing the guitar. Kita is bright, but Bocchi can't see it. Kita can't join the band, and Bocchi is gloomy herself, but the other members are cheerful. Kita can't play the guitar at all times. Kita joined her old band by lying. Kita will become her teacher of Bocchi, Kita should apologize from her old band. Bocchi messaging Nijika to play some electronic dance music with Ryo.

When after school, Bocchi's part-time job is at Shimokitazawa. Kita met her old band. Bocchi follows Kita where to go to the live house. Kita thinks will go home. Nijika sees Kita with her guitar. Nijika talks Kita to run away guitarist and is shocked.

### Chapter 6

Kita wears a maid café and is good at serving customers. Nijika talks about Ryo usually works at reception, but her eyes are lifeless. Bocchi loses the middle of her identity.

Kita falls in love at first sight with Ryo. The other members of Kessoku Band were worried when Kita can't play her guitar. Seika is helping out with the live house today. Kita embarrassed her outfit. Ryo needs to sleep now. Bocchi named a new song "Elegy of the Worker Who Was Immediately More Useless Than the New Employee" (その日入った新人より使えないダメバイトのエレジー, *Sono Hi Haitta Shinjin Yori Tsukaenai Dame Baito no Erejī*).

Bocchi teaches Kita about the drinks. Bocchi filled the boiling water of her glass, but it was overflowing. Bocchi injured her hand, she wanted to convey world peace. Ryo used to play in another band. Kita still not joining any clubs. If Kita joined Kessoku Band, she wanted to become the senpai's daughter.

After work, Bocchi has to wait for Kita because she cannot join Kessoku Band and already ran away. Kita might not be able to play, but she works much harder. Ryo has another guitarist, the quota will be split into four.

Kita and other members seem happy to join Kessoku Band. Bocchi finally returns to Kita. Kita still can't play her guitar while practicing. Ryo reveals Kita's guitar is a bass with four strings and Kita's dead.

### Chapter 7

Kita quits her guitar in ten minutes, as a result of her guitar in F cord is so hard. Kita borrowed Ryo's guitar, and she is doing the vocals to Bocchi, so Bocchi said is fine.

Nijika discussed a promotional photo. Nijika could take a picture outside. Nijika selling Kessoku Band merchandise for 500 yen. Ryo only ate weeds for lunch, as a result, she is an upset stomach. Nijika does not bring her instruments but swapping instruments for today.

Kessoku Band goes outside to take a picture and looks are a wake. Kita selfie a picture of herself to upload an SNS account. Bocchi collapsed on her floor to death. Bocchi turns into Tsuchinoko Bocchi (ツチノコぼっち) after her dream. Nijika tells Bocchi to make an Insta account. Kessoku Band except for Bocchi has its own social media accounts, Bocchi only uses a video site. Ryo thinks a basically jump in our promo picture. Nijika sees Bocchi's panties after taking a picture and Bocchi asks Nijika to delete the picture for being worthless. After retaking a picture, Nijika makes a song, concert, demo CDs, and the first release mini album in the summer, these titles aren't decided yet.

In Bocchi's home, she printed into a poster wall but too many.

At the end of the chapter, the first 4-panel page, Ryo is hungry when she only ate dandelion today. She thinks about tsuchinoko is Bocchi-chan.

On the second 4-panel page, Nijika reacted to the releated band anime series and asks about the jump in the anime openings and *moe*. Ryo heard about they are in *Kirara* anime. Kita talks about there being oddly and only females. During the reaction, they are a part of slice of life genre.

### Chapter 8

Seika receives a salary for Bocchi. Bocchi receives a new song: "Goodbye My 10,000 Yen" (さよなら万札, *Sayonara Mansatsu*). Bocchi is hiding in a trash can and collapsed on the floor. Bocchi tries to contact Ushi Ushi Finance (ウシウシファイナンス, *Ushi Ushi Fainansu*) and surprised herself, Ryo's guitar gives to Bocchi. Nijika and Kita are reacting to Bocchi's videos. Bocchi can take easy for writing lyrics.

One week later, Bocchi still not writing a single line and seeing curse lyrics. She describes the Guitarist Gotoh that can't communicate, the Drummer Ijichi who is energetic, the Bass Yamada who only ate grass, and the Guitar and Vocal Kita that has cheerful, kind, and cute. She becomes a cheerful character and starts rapping with her mother. Bocchi snapshots Kita when people going to Shibuya today. She already finished her lyrics and she feels a little sick.

Bocchi goes to Ryo's house and she becomes awkward. Ryo can read Bocchi's lyrics notebook and Bocchi says the wrong page because it's an autograph. Bocchi seems happy to write the lyrics. In the past, Ryo joined a previous band, became desperate, and quit. Nijika only invited Ryo. Ryo does not want to die and seems would be funny, while Kita sings. Ryo is out of her money, so Bocchi can pay instead.

After the rain stops, Ryo apologizes to Bocchi to pay herself next month. Bocchi has the energy to write good lyrics.

### Chapter 9

When summer is coming, Bocchi wishes for the rainy season instead and makes grumbling. She coughs with her blood and rolls on the floor because a concert is coming. Kita asks Nijika has a plan for a concert during the summer holidays. Bocchi already finished her lyrics again and looks gloomy. Bocchi and Ryo are two close of our friends. Nijika asked her big sister to perform at a concert the next month, but her big sister rejected the performance. Nijika misunderstood her big sister for being mistaken as a kid. Nijika and other members of Kessoku Band cannot perform as her big sister said.

She was worried for Bocchi and Kita. Kessoku Band will pre-record their parts. Bocchi needs to practice properly, Kessoku Band will start drinking and smoking. A warning to manga readers that at least 20 years old in Japan. Bocchi used wig hair and become depressed. She already starts working in the past four months. Nijika doesn't need to worry about Bocchi and has been changing. Bocchi has a secret for her dream.

The next day of the audition, Kessoku Band performs "That Band" (あのバンド, *Ano Bando*) and "Guitar, Loneliness and Blue Planet" (ギターと孤独と蒼い惑星, *Gitā to Kodoku to Aoihoshi*). During the audition, Bocchi thinks that was changed and cannot fail it. Nijika cheering Bocchi. Kessoku Band passed the audition and Bocchi vomited herself. Bocchi still cannot show her true abilities and Seika stares at Bocchi.

STARRY's staff member had already planned for Kessoku Band to perform it. She's calling a "siscon" to the manager and Seika will fire her. The quota only needed to sell 15 tickets, but there are only five tickets. Bocchi counts her finger as her mother, her father, her sister, and her dog, but there is only one left, and makes her so happy.

### Chapter 10

Ten days until the concert, Bocchi has three tickets left. In-home, Bocchi's mother is excited about a concert, and Futari evilly laughs at her big sister has zero friends. A strange girl collapsed on the floor because she was drunk. She gives water to Bocchi. She always drinks alcohol to make her crazy. Bocchi freezes her body.

She saw a guitar from Bocchi, but she cannot play it. She plays bass and got it from a guitar case and says "cool". Bocchi shouldn't force her to drink alcohol. Bocchi will start drinking alcohol when she's 20. Bocchi's mother stopped telling her to go to Hello Work. A drunk girl trying to take off her shirt. Both will hold a street performance. She will get one member from her band and audiences will be coming. She is making a sign before its performances.

Both have a performance on the street. Bocchi is afraid to look up, because of the audience laughing at her. Her eyes are pretty, but still playing. After the performances, the audience is cheering and smiled. A drunk girl always closed her eyes. Two fans of Kessoku Band to buy tickets. Both have to stop their performances.

Bocchi selling the last ticket to her. A drunk girl is usually around in Shinjuku and will be met again. She doesn't have any money and Bocchi will give her money instead.

At that time, Nijika is lying to Bocchi. Kita will greet her from a strange girl and will practice tomorrow.

### Chapter 11

Nijika and Kita are almost going to Bocchi's house. Kita wishes Ryo would come. That house looks like a ryokan. Bocchi has to start a party when Nijika and Kita go inside her house. Kita bought movies to watch her.

Nijika needs to design a shirt for a concert. Bocchi will have fun and get some drinks. Nijika didn't know where Bocchi has added decorations for the party and Kita don't see any guitars or something, but only saw a mysterious paper and a pile of salt. Futari and her dog came here and her dog was named "Jimihen" (ジミヘン).

Nijika decided a T-shirt design will be selling it to merchandise. Kita has an idea for making a T-shirt design and it's from a sports festival. Bocchi has an imagination for the sports festival. She wants to quit school after being summer holidays. Ryo was sent three T-shirt designs that will be curry, sushi, and plain text as "Which one should I have for dinner?" (晩飯どっちがいいかな？, *Banmeshi docchi ga ii kana?*).

Bocchi finished her T-shirt design with a zipper, chain, torn, and mysterious font. Her mother buys her clothes she only wears a jersey. Bocchi wears a school uniform outfit, and Nijika says it's cute. Nijika helps Bocchi to fix her hair, but it's okay. Bocchi turns into salt and dies. Nijika and Kita are out of energy. Meanwhile, Bocchi sent Ryo her message to make a good performance.

Several days later, Nijika finally make her T-shirt design for Kessoku Band. The design with a cable tie that is usually for the band name's meaning and the katakana letter ン (n) has been replaced by a cable tie. Two days until the concert. Bocchi makes the worst aspect of things.

### Chapter 12

Today is a rainy day, a staff member from STARRY, PA-san arrived at the live house, and looks like a haunted house when Seika puts teru teru bōzu at the top. Seika and PA-san are talking to the girls from Kessoku Band. PA-san needs a handkerchief for Seika and she is annoying to PA-san.

One of Kita's friends, Kana-chan (かなちゃん) is unable to come here, her parents told Kana because it's dangerous. Bocchi has messed up again. A drunk girl, a famous person from two chapters earlier, is arrived at the live house and Seika knows her as kōhai in the university. Two fans of Kessoku Band from two chapters earlier have also arrived.

Bocchi wearing a Ripe Mango card box (see chapter 2) to hide, but Nijika tries to take off her Ripe Mango card box. Kita watches for many audiences. Kita and Nijika are talking to audiences like a script or scenario.

Kessoku Band will start to perform a song. During the performance, Bocchi thinks about the band. Two girls haven't come, because it's sold out. Two fans of Kessoku Band are still watching. Bocchi will try to play harder than the other members. Kessoku Band finished the song and the audience are cheering. Bocchi likes Nijika. Kita announces the last song.

### Chapter 13

Kessoku Band with Seika and Hiroi have to celebrate after the performance. Hiroi didn't introduce to everyone until now. In the past, Hiroi blew alcohol on audiences while drunk. Seika talks Nijika to pay quota. Kita will get Avocado Cream Cheese and is time to upload a picture called "kitakita0421" from Insta. Bocchi has to drool in her mouth. Seika and Kita did not understand what to say about the menu. Bocchi will get french fries, and Ryo will also get shutō seafood.

Bocchi has imagination about her wife and will not a smart and become a NEET. She trying to stop for become depressed. Ryo calls Kita's first name as "Ikuyo" and Kita embarrasses everyone. Hiroi and Bocchi didn't know about Ikuyo. Kita hates her first name and always call by her last name, but it actually translates to "Came" (きた, *Kita*) and "Let's go" (行くよ, *Ikuyo*).

Seika is tired of bands and is currently a manager of the live house. Bocchi needs to go to the bathroom and Nijika is cooling-off. There is only one week left for the summer holidays, but Bocchi needs to extend it for the summer holidays. Nijika recognizes Bocchi as "guitarhero" and Bocchi becomes Octo Bocchi. Nijika is dreaming of her life when she was a kid. She becomes popular with her dream and losing to our confidence.

Ryo longing to play music. Kita also longs to do things and Bocchi has decided to become popular, selling and quitting the school. Bocchi finally says of the series. A star appeared in our wishes.

## Allusions of cover page

* Chapter 2 - "Rewrite" by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
* Chapter 3 - "Jousha Hissui no Kotowari, Okotowari" by KANA-BOON
* Chapter 5 - "oddloop" by Frederic
* Chapter 6 - "Ito" by CreepHyp
* Chapter 7 - "Sugar Song to Bitter Step" by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN
* Chapter 9 - "Atsumare! Party People" by yabai T-shirts yasan
* Chapter 10 - "Ladybird girl" by the pillows
* Chapter 11 - "Shin Takarajima" by Sakanaction
* Chapter 12 - "SYNCHRONISICA" by POLKADOT STINGRAY
* Chapter 13 - "Wakamono no Subete" by Fujifabric

## Characters

List of characters in order of appearance:

* Hitori and Futari's father (one-shot, chapter )
* Hitori Gotoh
* Nijika Ijichi
* Ryo Yamada
* Seika Ijichi (chapters , 4, 6, 8-9, 12-13)
* PA-san (chapters 2, 9, 12)
* Michiyo Gotoh (chapters 4, 8, , , )
* Futari Gotoh (chapters 4, , , 11)
* Ikuyo Kita (chapters 5-13)
* Jimihen (chapters , 11)
* Kikuri Hiroi (chapters 10, 12-13)
* Kessoku Band Fan 1 (chapters 10, 12)
* Kessoku Band Fan 2 (chapters 10, 12)
* Kana-chan (chapter )
* Kana's parents (chapter )
* Nijika's parents (chapter )

## Gallery

### Chapter covers

Chapter 1 coverChapter 2 coverChapter 3 coverChapter 4 coverChapter 5 coverChapter 6 coverChapter 7 coverChapter 8 coverChapter 9 coverChapter 10 coverChapter 11 coverChapter 12 coverChapter 13 cover
### Miscellaneous

Clean coverCharacter illustration feat. Hitori Gotoh
## Trivia

* In chapter 7, page 65, the members of Kessoku Band are jumping as the Kirara Jump and similar to the first season of the *K-ON!* anime opening.
* In chapter 12, page 106, fans resemble *Gundam*, while Bocchi hides the audience with a Ripe Mango card box.

## References

1. ↑ Translated from Houbunsha.
2. ↑ https://yenpress.com/titles/9781975378004-bocchi-the-rock-vol-1