Title

Ponkotsu Ponko

Also known as: ぽんこつポン子, Useless Ponko

by Keita Yatera

Score from AniList: 80/100finished10 volumes79 chapters

Comedy Sci-Fi Slice of Life More like Ponkotsu Ponko

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The near future, in a quiet seaside town. Yoshioka, who had recently lost his wife, just wants to spend the rest of his days in peace. However, Yoshioka's children, worried about their father's health, sent a housekeeping robot to help him. Yoshioka's quiet life is about to change. (Source: Manba, translated) Note: Nominated for the Tsugimanga 2020 Award in the Manga Category.

Chapters available: 79
Type: Manga

Hoard Verdict

The StoryHoard editorial verdict

★ 3.5/5

A widower in a quiet seaside town is sent a clumsy housekeeping robot by his worried children, in a gentle, funny slice of life about grief, routine and unexpected companionship.

Pros

Gentle, comforting tone
Clumsy robot adds easy warmth and humour
Quiet exploration of grief and routine

Cons

Very leisurely pace for some readers
Daily-life gags repeat the same pattern

Read this if you liked:Barakamon Yotsuba&!

Read the full take

A man who recently lost his wife wants nothing more than to spend his remaining days in peace in a quiet seaside town. His worried children send a housekeeping robot to help him, and his peace is about to change. The premise is a soft sci-fi slice of life.The strongest element is the tone. The story is gentle and comforting, and the robot's clumsiness provides easy, warm humour. The quiet treatment of grief gives the comedy a thoughtful undercurrent.The weakness is pacing. The story is leisurely, and some daily-life gags repeat the same pattern. Readers who want momentum will find it slow.If you enjoy warm, low-key stories about an older man and a helpful machine, it is a pleasant pick. It is calm and kind. Expect quiet seaside days, a clumsy helper and a story about finding companionship again.