Ai wa Kane Nari (愛は金なり), also known as Love is Money, is a Japanese manga series by Panda (熊猫) that blends comedy, romance, and supernatural elements with a unique twist—financial servitude as a catalyst for love. The story follows Sora, a runaway demon boy who stumbles into the human world, only to be ensnared by Eriru, a brothel owner with angelic origins. What begins as a debt-driven arrangement evolves into a complex relationship filled with humor, tension, and unexpected tenderness.
This analysis explores the manga’s structure, key chapters, themes, and fan reception while providing insights into why Ai wa Kane Nari stands out in the BL (Boys’ Love) genre.
Plot Overview of Ai wa Kane Nari
Sora, a naive demon, flees to the human world to escape his past but quickly finds himself in over his head. After a disastrous job interview, he’s taken in by Eriru, the enigmatic owner of Paraiso, a high-end brothel catering to wealthy clients. Unbeknownst to Sora, Eriru is not human but an angel—a fact that becomes crucial when Sora’s demonic powers vanish after their first intimate encounter.
With no way home and no money, Sora is forced to work off his debt at Paraiso. However, Eriru’s accounting is… creative, ensuring Sora’s balance only grows. The manga humorously explores their dynamic—Sora’s frustration at his mounting debt clashes with Eriru’s teasing affection, blurring the lines between exploitation and genuine care.
Chapter Breakdown & Key Moments
Volume 1: The Setup (Chapters 1-6)
- Chapter 1: Sora’s escape to the human world and his fateful meeting with Eriru.
- Chapter 2: The “contract” is established—Sora must work at Paraiso, but his debt keeps increasing due to “service fees.”
- Chapter 3-4: Sora’s first encounters with clients, showcasing his awkwardness and Eriru’s possessive streak.
- Chapter 5-6: The revelation that Eriru is an angel and the supernatural consequences of their relationship.
Fan Reaction: Many readers praised the art style and comedic tone but noted the pacing felt rushed in the early chapters.
Volume 2: Emotional Depth & Conflict (Chapters 7-12)
- Chapter 7: Sora begins questioning his feelings—is he staying out of obligation or something more?
- Chapter 8-9: A rival character appears, testing Eriru’s possessiveness.
- Chapter 10-12: A deeper dive into Eriru’s past and why he runs a brothel, adding layers to his character.
Fan Reaction: Some readers wanted more backstory for both leads, feeling Eriru’s motivations were underdeveloped 3. Others enjoyed the slow-burn tension but criticized the open-ended conclusion.
Themes of Ai wa Kane Nari
1. Power Dynamics & Financial Control
The manga cleverly uses debt as a metaphor for emotional dependency. Sora’s inability to escape his financial ties mirrors his growing attachment to Eriru, raising questions about consent and agency in their relationship.
2. Supernatural Romance with a Twist
Unlike typical angel/demon romances, Ai wa Kane Nari subverts expectations by making the angel the dominant figure and the demon the vulnerable one. This reversal adds freshness to the genre.
3. Humor & Smut Balance
The series doesn’t take itself too seriously, with absurd situations (e.g., Sora’s debt increasing for ridiculous reasons) balancing out the steamy scenes. Fans appreciated the lighthearted tone but wished for more emotional depth.
Fan Reception: Praises & Criticisms
Positive Feedback
- “The art is gorgeous, and Sora’s expressions are hilarious.” – Many readers loved the expressive character designs and comedic timing 1.
- “Eriru’s possessiveness is hot, but I wish he showed more vulnerability.” – Some fans wanted a deeper emotional payoff 3.
- “The angel/demon twist was unexpected and fun.” – The supernatural element was a standout feature.
Common Criticisms
- “The ending felt abrupt.” – Several readers felt the story needed one more volume to resolve lingering questions.
- “Too much smut, not enough plot.” – While the intimate scenes were well-drawn, some wanted more world-building 1.
- “Sora’s naivety got repetitive.” – A few fans found his cluelessness overdone by the second volume.
Final Verdict: Who Should Read It?
Ai wa Kane Nari is best suited for:
✔ BL fans who enjoy supernatural themes.
✔ Readers who like possessive, dominant love interests.
✔ Those who prefer humor mixed with steamy scenes.
However, if you prefer deep emotional narratives or fully resolved endings, this might leave you wanting more.
Where to Read Ai wa Kane Nari & Sequel Status
The manga is complete with 2 volumes (12 chapters total). A sequel, Ai wa Kane Nari II, exists but has mixed reviews due to its even lighter plot focus 4.
Available on:
- MangaUpdates (for scanlation updates)
- Anime-Planet (for community ratings)
- Goodreads (for detailed reviews)
Conclusion: A Fun, Flawed Gem
Ai wa Kane Nari delivers an entertaining mix of comedy, smut, and supernatural intrigue, though its rushed ending and thin character backstories hold it back from greatness. If you’re looking for a light, steamy BL with a unique premise, it’s worth a read—just don’t expect a deeply emotional payoff.
Have you read Ai wa Kane Nari? Share your thoughts in the comments!
