If you’ve seen a mop-topped kid with giant 80s-style eyes popping up on your teen’s Pinterest board or TikTok feed, you’ve met Nakamura—and honestly, he’s probably more stressed out about his life than you are about your grocery bill. Go For It, Nakamura! is a sweet, retro-inspired "Boys’ Love" (BL) manga and anime that focuses on the agonizing, hilarious, and deeply relatable social anxiety of having a first crush.
TL;DR: Go For It, Nakamura! is a wholesome, "soft" BL (Boys’ Love) series that follows a shy high schooler trying to work up the courage to speak to his classmate. It’s a fantastic, age-appropriate entry point for teens interested in LGBTQ+ themes, focusing on emotional growth and comedy rather than explicit content. Screenwise recommends it for ages 12+ as a refreshing, lighthearted alternative to more intense teen dramas.
At its core, Go For It, Nakamura! (written and illustrated by Syundei) is a romantic comedy about Okuto Nakamura, a closeted high schooler who is head-over-heels for a cheerful boy in his class named Aiki Hirose. The catch? Nakamura hasn't actually spoken to him yet.
The story follows Nakamura’s various "missions" to befriend Hirose, which usually end in some kind of slapstick disaster or a paralyzing bout of social anxiety. It’s incredibly charming and looks like it was drawn in 1985, mimicking the classic art styles of legends like Rumiko Takahashi (the creator of Ranma 1/2).
With the 2025-2026 anime adaptation bringing this story to a much wider audience, it has become a staple for Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids who love the "retro-aesthetic" and stories that prioritize emotional sincerity over high-stakes drama.
If you’re browsing a bookstore with your kid and see a section labeled "BL" or "Yaoi," it’s natural to have questions. Boys’ Love is a genre of Japanese media that focuses on romantic relationships between male characters.
Historically, BL was written by women, for women, but in 2026, its audience is much more diverse. It ranges from "Soft BL" (wholesome, G or PG-rated stories like Nakamura) to more explicit "Yaoi" (intended for adults).
Go For It, Nakamura! sits firmly in the "Soft BL" category. There is no sexual content, no heavy trauma, and no "pulling punches" when it comes to the comedy. It’s just a kid who is really, really nervous about his crush. For many parents, this is a relief—it’s a way for kids to explore LGBTQ+ identity through a lens of joy and humor rather than tragedy.
- The Relatability of "The Cringe": Every teen feels like a weirdo. Nakamura’s internal monologues about how he’s "ruined everything" because he accidentally tripped near his crush are a universal experience.
- The 80s/90s Aesthetic: Retro is the current currency of cool. The vibrant colors, big hair, and old-school character designs make it feel "vintage" and "aesthetic," which is a huge draw on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
- Low-Stakes Comfort: In a world of "brain rot" content and high-stress social media, Go For It, Nakamura! is "comfy" media. It’s the anime equivalent of a warm blanket.
- Representation Matters: For LGBTQ+ youth, seeing a story where the main conflict is "how do I talk to this boy?" rather than "how do I survive a hostile world?" is incredibly validating and necessary.
If your kid has finished both volumes—Go For It, Nakamura! and the sequel Go For It More, Nakamura!—and is looking for more "wholesome vibes," here are a few Screenwise-approved picks:
Heartstopper (Graphic Novel/Netflix Show)
This is the Western cousin to Nakamura. It’s a British story about two boys falling in love at school. It’s incredibly sweet, deals with real issues like mental health and coming out, but maintains a hopeful, "sunshine" tone.
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You (Anime/Netflix)
While this is a boy-girl romance, it shares the same DNA of "socially awkward kid tries to make friends." The main character, Sawako, is often misunderstood as being "scary" (like the girl from The Ring), but she’s actually just the shyest person on earth. It’s a masterclass in slow-burn friendship.
Spy x Family (Anime/Crunchyroll)
If they like the comedy and the expressive art style of Nakamura, Spy x Family is a must. It’s about a spy who has to "build" a fake family to complete a mission, not realizing his wife is an assassin and his daughter is a telepath. It’s hilarious, wholesome, and widely popular across all middle school grades.
[Blue Period](https://screenwiseapp.com/media/blue-period-book (Anime/Netflix)
For the kid who loves the artistic side of manga, [Blue Period](https://screenwiseapp.com/media/blue-period-book follows a high schooler who discovers a passion for painting. It’s a great look at the "grind" of being a creative and features excellent non-binary representation.
When it comes to Go For It, Nakamura!, the "risks" are minimal, but there are a few things to keep in mind to help you navigate the conversation:
- The "BL" Label: Because "BL" is a broad genre, your kid might start searching for other titles in this category. Some are definitely not for kids. It’s worth having a conversation about how different manga are rated, just like movies. You can use our guide to manga ratings to help them distinguish between "Shonen-ai" (romantic) and "Yaoi" (explicit).
- Social Anxiety vs. Reality: Nakamura’s anxiety is played for laughs, but it’s a great opening to talk about how your kid feels in social situations. Are they "pulling a Nakamura" when they have to order food at a restaurant?
- LGBTQ+ Conversations: This book is a very gentle way to discuss identity. It doesn't treat being gay as a "problem" to be solved, but rather as a natural part of Nakamura's life.
You don't need to be an expert in Japanese honorifics to connect with your kid over this. Try these openers:
- "I saw that retro-looking manga you were reading. The art style reminds me of stuff I saw when I was younger—what’s the story actually about?"
- "Nakamura seems like he’s constantly having a panic attack. Is that how most people feel in high school now, or is he just extra?"
- "I heard this falls under 'Boys' Love.' Is that a genre you're seeing a lot of your friends read lately?"
Q: What age is "Go For It, Nakamura!" appropriate for?
Screenwise recommends this series for ages 12 and up. While the content is clean enough for younger readers, the themes of high school crushes and the specific humor of "second-hand embarrassment" resonate best with middle and high schoolers.
Q: Is "Go For It, Nakamura!" explicit?
No, it is not explicit. It is a "soft" BL story, meaning it focuses on hand-holding, blushing, and emotional connection. There is no sexual content or graphic violence.
Q: What does "BL" stand for in manga?
BL stands for "Boys' Love." It is a genre of Japanese media that explores romantic relationships between male characters, ranging from sweet, all-ages stories to adult-oriented content.
Q: Is there an anime version of Nakamura?
Yes! As of 2026, the anime adaptation has been released, bringing the retro 80s art style to life. It follows the plot of the manga closely and is generally considered very faithful and family-friendly for the teen demographic.
Go For It, Nakamura! is a win for intentional parents. It’s high-quality, artistically unique, and emotionally intelligent. It captures the "pure" side of the internet and fandom culture—the side that values kindness, relatability, and a good laugh at our own awkwardness.
If your kid is reading this, they’re likely looking for stories that feel "safe" and "sweet." In a digital world that can often feel loud and aggressive, Nakamura’s quiet, bumbling quest for a friend is a pretty great place for them to spend their time.
Check out our full guide on LGBTQ+ representation in media
Learn more about the latest anime trends for 2026