A common criticism of this series is that the main character doesn’t get much character development. Interestingly, the protagonist, Kazuya, is actually a reflection of the author’s personality.
Or at least that’s what Reiji Miyajima said in an interview recently shared at the K Manga launch party. Reiji sensei was asked if he imitates the characters from the movie.
Reiji sensei replied, “Like Kazuya, there are things I can’t handle no matter how hard you try, like dealing with pain. I say what I want from Kazuya. So readers tell me stories that are funny and thought-provoking, and that helps me emotionally.
Speaking about Chizuru Mizuhara, Reiji said, “Chizuru, on the other hand, is attractive by nature. She’s also a hard worker but she’s a no-nonsense girl. He didn’t give up though. I believe that the world is cruel at times, and my stoicism reflects that.
Mizuhara praising Reiji sensei is not surprising at all. Several times on Twitter, the author has expressed his love for the character, even going as far as dating him, or admitting that Mizuhara is his girlfriend (although Reiji sensei married).
What inspired the author to write Rent a Girlfriend?
Reiji Miyajima said that he wanted to write a rom-com, and the subject of renting a girlfriend seemed to be suitable for a rom-com, but no one turned (this idea into) a manga.
Reiji then read an article about how Chinese parents pressure their sons to bring a girlfriend home for Chinese New Year. So they hired a girlfriend to explain it to their parents.
According to the author, it sounds beautiful, but he found it interesting. “Their desire to reassure their parents seems sincere, but I’m sure they also want to prove themselves. These mixed feelings are what make up Kazuya.
