is a manga series by Hidekaz Himaruya. The series chronicles the story of Seiji Chiga, a young man from Japan studying to become an artist on the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and his interactions with his new friends, during the 1960s (the Shōwa period in Japan). Chibisan Date is the second manga by Himaruya to be published, the first being Hetalia: Axis Powers, and four tankōbon have been published by Gentosha Comics, the first on November 24, 2009, the second on February 24, 2012, and the third on December 24, 2012 and the fourth on June 24, 2013. In addition, it had been serialized in Comic Birz since the April 2009 issue. The series went on a year-long unannounced hiatus, with no new chapters serialized after the August 2010 issue. The series relaunched on October 28, 2011, in the first issue of Comic Spica. The series ended in the April 2013 issue of Comic Spica. Plot Chibisan Date focuses on Seiji Chiga, a young artist studying under Mr. Suehiro, a potter, on the island of Nantucket during the 1960s. A pessimist who doubts his abilities constantly, Seiji puts pressure on himself to place better in an art competition, and as a result suffers a creative block. Passing his time with his new friends - including a young girl known only as "Chibi-san", two teenage girls from Boston, and the son of a local fisherman - Seiji faces each day overcoming some small obstacle to reach a brighter outlook on life. Characters Full name . The primary protagonist, he is a worrier and pessimist, though a very talented artist who likes to draw. He is also a bit eccentric. Seji's mentor and also a potter, having immigrated to the United States from Kagoshima Prefecture. He takes care of Seiji and is a calm, hardworking man. The title character of the series. A mysterious and mischievous young girl whose backstory and significance to the story remains unknown. She loves to draw. Full name Margaret Baker, Nicknamed "Meg". She is the younger of the Baker sisters. She is childish and cute, though more of a tomboy than Candy. Full name Candy Baker. The elder of the two Baker sisters. She is reserved and somewhat snobby, but also quite cowardly and emotional. Full name Reinhard Fischer. Seiji's best friend, who is described as understanding and caring. Though the two are total opposites in personality,