is a Japanese light novel series written by Ao Jūmonji and illustrated by lack. It is based on the song of the same name by the singer Eve included in his fifth studio album, Smile. It began publication under Media Factory's MF Bunko J imprint in September 2022. A manga adaptation illustrated by Yutoto began serialization in Media Factory's shōjo manga magazine Monthly Comic Gene in October 2023.
Plot Tobi Otogiri, a withdrawn second-year middle school student, spends his days searching for his missing older brother. Isolated from his classmates, Tobi's only constant companion is Baku, a mysterious talking backpack he received on the day his brother disappeared. Despite not being human, Baku provides Tobi with companionship and guidance as he navigates his bleak routine.
Tobi's solitary life changes when his classmate Ryuko Shiratama approaches him and reveals that she can also hear Baku. She also reveals she can see strange inhuman entities clinging to people around them, just as Tobi can. As unsettling incidents begin occurring at their school, the two realize these invisible beings may be responsible. Together with Baku, Tobi and Ryūko are drawn into a hidden world where human and inhuman forces intersect.
Media Light novel Written by Ao Jūmonji and illustrated by lack, How to Eat Life began publication under Media Factory's MF Bunko J light novel imprint on September 22, 2022. Eight volumes have been released as of May 25, 2026.
On February 7, 2025, Yen Press announced that they had licensed the novels for English publication beginning in July of that year.
Manga A manga adaptation illustrated by Yutoto began serialization in Media Factory's shōjo manga magazine Monthly Comic Gene on October 14, 2023. The manga's chapters have been compiled into four volumes as of September 2026.
Reception The series won the 2022 Next Light Novel Award in the bunkōbon category.
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