だがしかし [Dagashi Kashi]

In the pages of Dagashi Kashi, a manga series from Shogakukan that ran from 2014 to 2018 across 11 issues, the everyday world of a small-town candy shop becomes the stage for a lively, nostalgic celebration of Japanese dagashi (cheap, retro snacks). The story centers on the son of a shopkeeper, whose quiet life is upended by the arrival of a wealthy, eccentric girl obsessed with dagashi trivia, turning each visit into a playful, educational competition about sweets. Best known for the work of writer and artist Kotoyama, this series matters for its ability to blend slice-of-life comedy with deep, affectionate dives into snack culture, making the mundane fascinating. Its concise run leaves a sweet, memorable taste for readers who enjoy character-driven humor with a unique, food-centric lens.