Kono Gomi wo Nanto Yobu
What Do You Call This Trash?

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What Do You Call This Trash? (Kono Kuzu o Nanto Yobu?) is the kind of manga that initially feels like a guilty pleasure but quickly reveals its emotional depth and layered storytelling. It starts as a chaotic mix of questionable relationship dynamics and trashy drama but evolves into a journey about trauma and dependency.

The story centres on Yuuto, an ordinary, well-meaning guy who finds himself trapped in a toxic yet irresistible relationship with Akira, his brother Kai's ex-girlfriend. Akira is relentless and manipulative, using Yuuto’s emotional vulnerability to her advantage. On the surface, she’s the "crazy girl" archetype—a stalker, obsessive, and unapologetically messy. But as ... her backstory unfolds, the manga does the unthinkable: it makes you sympathise with her. Akira’s trauma and yearning for love add layers to her chaotic persona, turning her into a character you can't entirely condemn + she's kinda cute ngl.

Yuuto, the protagonist, acts as the moral centre of the story [Exluding Kai], but he’s far from perfect. His internal conflict—caught between guilt, attraction, and his inability to say no—makes him an interesting specimen. He’s the kind of character who frustrates you with his choices but keeps you invested because those choices feel painfully real.

Kai, Yuuto’s brother, is initially just a plot device—a ghost of Akira’s past and a source of tension in Yuuto’s present. However, as the story digs into Kai’s perspective, especially during his backstory arc, he emerges as a tragic and complex character. His relationship with Yuuto, filled with guilt, resentment, and unspoken care, is one of the most compelling dynamics in the manga. Chapters that focus on Kai hit especially hard, particularly when his vulnerability and brokenness are laid bare.

The plot thrives on its imperfections. The first few chapters might feel like an edgy soap opera, with Akira’s antics bordering on trashy melodrama. But as the layers peel back, it becomes clear that the chaos serves a purpose. The story delves into themes of emotional dependency, trauma, and the unhealthy ways people seek love and validation. By the time you reach chapter 28, you’re left reflecting on how the relationships—flawed as they are—speak to the deeply human need for connection, no matter how messy or toxic it gets.

The art style complements the story's tone. While not overly flashy, it excels at conveying raw emotion, particularly during moments of tension or vulnerability. Subtle details, like Akira’s shifting expressions or the visual framing during Yuuto’s introspective moments, add depth to the storytelling.

What sets What Do You Call This Trash? apart is its refusal to shy away from the ugly parts of its characters. There’s no perfect romance here—only broken people trying to piece themselves together. It’s uncomfortable, messy, and even trashy at times, but that’s what makes it so compelling.

However, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven, especially early on, and the initial chapters may push some readers away with their questionable dynamics. But for those who stick with it, the emotional payoff is well worth it.

Rating: 8/10
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but with a caveat: this is not a light read, nor is it for everyone. If you enjoy stories with complex, morally grey characters and aren’t afraid to sit with discomfort, What Do You Call This Trash? is worth your time.

The dumpster fire has been completed as of chapter 30. Conversely to (somewhat) widespread expectations, there's a surprising amount of wholesomeness in how the Mr. Mangaka approached the whole thing.

Is 'Kono Gomi...' a masterpiece? No, far from it really. I wouldn't call it something that would be even worth your time if the series were, let's say, 50+ chapters.

For a quick 2-hour read while commuting, though? It's a decent way to spend the time and a solid 6/10 if you're not too picky.

Key themes, as evidenced by the title, involve:

- Severe co-dependency issues
- Toxicity in relationships
... - Stalker behavior
- 'Being a hero' mumbo jumbo that...fits somewhat, I guess?

In all honesty, this manga is 'Just OK' in all departments. Art, characters, character development/progression, plot, resolution - everything doesn't stand out too much, but it's not too bad either.

6/10 -- some bonus points for the author not dragging this for 30+ chapters more with meaningless drama. The trade-off is that as it stands in its completion, 'Kono Gomi...' is sanitized, toothless, and...kinda dull in a way?

I'm gonna be short. This one is decently written, yet I still feel like it deserves a “Not Recommended” review. Why?
Because just being decently written doesn't automatically make it worth your time. We have a saying for works like this in my country, which roughly translates to: "Honest craftsmanship". It basically means it's a competent piece of work, no glaring issues, but nothing special either. You know, not great, not terrible. However, life is short, and there are countless other works of art out there that are far better than this. It’s simply not worth wasting your time on something so forgettable and unremarkable as ... this one. I mean, I read it yesterday evening, and I already struggle to remember what it was even about.

And not just that. It is also kind of empty. I mean, what's the takeaway here?
"Love is blind?"
Wow, what a revolutionary discovery…
"Don't stick in crazy", I guess?
Except, I disagree. One of the best foundations of a good relationship is compatible craziness.

Also, what even is "crazy"?
What you consider crazy, I might find completely normal, and vice versa. One person's trash is another person's treasure.
Another groundbreaking insight, right?

Now, this review of mine basically contains all the wisdom you can get out of the whole manga, and I even added a little extra.
"It’s not much", you say?
Exactly. But that's all this manga has to offer.

But to say a few good words about it, I'll give it this:
At least it's not your bog-standard romance story. Still, you can easily find far better romance manga out there, even ones with yandere-esque heroines.