a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

Ao Haru Ride

Story and Art by Io Sakisaka

Shoujo, Romance, High-School Setting, Drama

Volume 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 [END]

Summary:

Futaba Yoshioka thought all boys were loud and obnoxious until she met Kou Tanaka in junior high. But as soon as she realized she really liked him, he had already moved away because of family issues. Now, in high school, Kou has reappeared, but is he still the same boy she fell in love with?

#ao haru ride #japanese manga #shoujo #romance #drama #high school setting

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

I’d Rather Have a Cat than a Harem!

Reincarnated into the World of an Otome Game as a Cat-loving Villainess Volume 1-2 (Complete)

by Kosuzu Kobato

Story ★★★

Summary

Cats Are Better Than Harems! I’ve been reincarnated into the world of an otome game, and… What? My mom did, too? Even my dad and my older brother? Meet Amy, the daughter of the Earl of Northland. Her entire family has been reincarnated as the aristocratic Northland family. In an attempt to amicably remove herself as a candidate for the Third Prince’s fiancée (which would certainly cement her position as the game’s villainess), Amy has taken drastic measures—eating tons of food and just enjoying life (at her mother’s suggestion). With this reincarnation, Amy has been given a precious second chance at life, and this time, nothing—not even an otome game—is going to stop her from fulfilling her dream… Amy wants a cat!

Review

This was a rather cute light novel, the series is mostly a fluff series... a lot of cute, wholesome moments, with nice and cute characters and cute animals. (I mean is that the cutest fluffy cat you have ever seen on the covers?) The first volume is mostly Amy (10 years old) realizing that she was reincarnated into an otome game along with her family (contrived? Yes, but just go with it as it really doesn't play a huge role). Her father is an Earl, so that makes her high ranking enough to be considered a future bride candidate for the third prince (Edward, 13yo). Amy recollects that he looks like a prince in an otome game that she used to play, and if the clichés prove true, she was most likely the game's villianess.

Her mother tells Amy not to worry too much, that there was no otome game rules controlling them, and that they can pursue whatever they want in their new lives. But if she wanted to avoid the 'prince' route, she should fatten up a little to become less appealing to the prince, as the fashion was for slim, tall figures (damn, she is 10!! LOL). Of course as is also typical of this genre, this doesn't really deter the prince, as she is still quite cute and adorable even after a little fattening up... even more so as she is so fixated on cats (and animals in general) and not marrying him that of course he finds refreshing!

Amy has always wanted pets, especially a cat, but severe allergies in her past life prevented her from having one. Amy's love of cats and animals in general is seen as cute and endearing to all those she meets and gives the impression of a kind and sweet girl who would make a wonderful partner for any noble gentlemen and she starts to gains the attention of several potential future suitors and make a few friends.

Honestly she is almost too cute, it might turn some off her character, but if you don't mind high-amounts of sugar sweetness and lots and lots of pet play and talk you might like this.

Volume 02

Summary

Juggling Cats and Romance Amy Northland has been making the most of her time at school as a fourteen-year-old noblewoman. But as her school year plays out, she suddenly finds that her relationships with her friends—and with Edward—are changing little by little. As she juggles living with her cat Tigger and helping local veterinarians heal sick and wounded animals, Amy becomes even more determined to be true to herself, no matter the cost. But all bets are off when all the otome game characters finally come together at the triennial tournament!

Skips ahead in the story a few years and Amy life of pets and friends continues. Amy continues to charm everyone, grow her healing magic, and of course more and more cute animals... and perhaps starts to feel the fluttering of love.

Both volumes are also available in audiobook, didn't listen to them, but might be nice alternative to the novels. I have listened to the So I'm a Spider, So What? audiobooks and enjoyed them a lot, looking forward to the next volume (where the anime cut off)! I really love that LN are getting audiobooks, it is much easier to listen to an audiobook, then finding the time to read a LN casually. I just don't have as much time to sit and read so many of them, I really have to want to read them (ie the story is worth it) to keep up with a LN series these days.

update: listened to the first volume and it was so cute!! the voice actor was great, really made this story a much more enjoyable experience.

#I’d Rather Have a Cat than a Harem! #Fantasy World #Slice of Life #Reincarnation #Friendship #Romance

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

The Wallflower / Yamatonadeshiko Shichihenge

by Tomoko Hayakawa

Manga Volume 21 / 36

Shoujo, Comedy,  Romance

Story  ★★★★☆   ||   ★★★☆☆   Art

Summary

SAVE SUNAKO! The rumor is spreading that Kyohei and Sunako are an item, and many jealous women are out for blood. Their target? An unsuspecting Sunako, who now can't even go to the store without endangering herself. Kyohei is oblivious until his friends convince him to protect Sunako. But what if Kyohei's chivalry only makes life even more miserable for her? This volume of The Wallflower includes special extras after the story!

Review

Chapter 83 - Special Bonus Manga - Come Back, Machiko

Machiko is back from the USA, Yuki is both excited to see his girlfriend again and worried she might have changed, or worse have a macho US boyfriend.

Chapter 84 - The Legend of Kyohei Begins Anew

Rumors start to spread about Kyohei having a girlfriend, since Kyohei won't deal with it the problem starts to get out of hand and girls start to believe that they are Kyohei's girlfriend and start crossing boundary lines... The boys think he should just say he is dating Sunako, but that has other consequences...

Chapter 85 - I’d Do Anything For You

Since everyone thinks Sunako is Kyohei's girlfriend, she starts to get harassed and bullied. The other girls at school start to challenge Sunako trying to understand what Kyohei sees in her. Sunako, not really understanding what is going on starts to win everyone over, at least temporarily.

Chapter 86 - Love is a One-Way Street

Sunako is suffering from all the jealously from being Kyohei's girlfriend, and the boy think Kyohei could at least protect her - Sunako doesn't want his help... but some wanabes notice the attention that Kyohei is getting and want to take him down a peg by stealing his girlfriend away from him.

Chapter 87 - Sunako and the Mirror

Kyohei's behavior in the last chapter has him thinking about love... and Sunako angry and lashing out at him. Ranmaru tries to convince Sunako that she actually is pretty by using a 'mirror'

This volume gives us a lot of Kyohei x Sunako teases and comedy... I always like the stories that involve Noi and the school as a setting, and all the girls going over board crazy is just silly crazy fun... and the boys... I just love them more and more as the story continues... they mean well, lol

#the wallflower #yamato nadeshiko shichi henge #japanese manga #shoujo #comedy #romance

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

Maiden of the Needle

by Zeroki, Illustrated by Miho Takeoka

Light Novel Volume 01

Shoujo, Fantasy, Reincarnation, Romance, Age-gap, Marriage of Convenience

Story ★★★☆☆ || ★★★☆☆ Art

Summary

Yui Nuir was reincarnated into a noble family of tailors in another world, retaining her memories of her previous life in Japan. Her miserable childhood had just one source of comfort: the fairies she befriended by mending their clothes with her magic. Unfortunately, Yui’s relative lack of skill in blessweaving—the art of enchanting fabric through needlework—ultimately results in her being disowned by her family. But when she’s taken in by a nobleman named Rodin Calostira, the first person to recognize her innate talents, her luck begins to turn around...

Review

This had a pretty cover and was dealing with sewing and I like fashion / clothing / crafting stories. This is another isekai-reincarnation story. A young girl dies and is reincarnated into a magical world, but unfortunately for her her new family is even crueler than her previous one. For the first 15-years Yui is basically neglected and abused, thought to be 'worthless' to her family as she seemed not to possess the magical ability to enchant fabric. It is only her otherworld memories that allow her to survive such abuse, that and the magical fairies that only she seems able to see.

When Yui turns 15 her father sells her to another family and her life takes a turn for the better. She literally goes from hell to paradise, where the people are kind and she feels safe and valued for the first time... she also starts to explore her magical powers... powers she hide from her cruel family... powers that haven't been seen for generations. Her amazing skills instantly make her a target and makes it necessary for her to be protected, so her new master calls his friend, the former King, to ask him to protect her... by marrying her, a marriage of convenience.

I glossed over a lot, but this is the general premise... The book starts off quite depressing, but once she leaves home it becomes more light-hearted and humorous, or typical for the genre. Yui is a normal Japanese girl, but being in this harsh environment for so long has not only emaciated her body, but left her mentally defeated. Yui doesn't lose her kindness, and once she leaves her family home starts to come out of her shell and display some personality. I do like how because of the neglect, her speech and ability to communicate is affected, she isn't as used to this world's language and getting used to speaking and being treated normally takes some getting used to.

Yui is a protagonist that is kind, humble, very special, and is liked / loved by all the 'good' people who met her. This feels like an OP power fantasy from a female perspective. The romance setup is done as a marriage of convenience and has as a large age-gap, the ex-King has a grown son who is the current King, and has been married twice before (both were unhappy marriages). So, basically both are kind, lonely, and understanding and this marriage will eventually turn into true love. The age-gap might bother some, but so far it is being handled as respectfully as possible, no force, and she is aware and okay with the situation. He doesn't expect 'relations' and will even allow her to live her life independently, this marriage is to lend his name and power to protect her from those who might harm her, namely her family.

So far, other than keeping her mentally stable in youth and having some sewing / fashion knowledge it hasn't played much of a role, although that might change as she does meet another reincarnated soul at the first book (seems to be a thing in this world). I do like the magical world so far, the fairies seem to be manifestations of magical power that has some will of their own, the situation between the use and abuse of the fairies is also an interesting story line. So many fairies are dying, thus magic or the connection to it is also dying, because of people abusing them and making contracts with magical beast that seem to be a two-edge sword. So there does seem to be a larger story developing along side the OP power fantasy and romance.

#Maiden of the Needle #japanese manga #shoujo #isekai reincarnation #romance #magical world

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

This was was alight, the anime did a better job with the adaption, but it also had more time to cover the manga :) I liked the cast, most got their character right, the only one I felt missed the mark was 'Anna,' and her unique sense of gentle oblivious confidence, here she just seemed shy/timid.

Rainbow Days (2018)

Rainbow Days centers on a group of four male high school students who are close friends: Natsuki, Tomoya, Keiichi, and Tsuyoshi. The four boys have no club activities, and they hurry through their studies so they can spend their days having fun. Their main topic of interest: love. Natsuki has an unrequited crush on Anna, a girl from another class, and his friends keep meddling in their relationship.

#Rainbow Days #Japanese Manga Movies #High School Shoujo Romance

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)

by Shiina Karuho

Volume 01 - 30 [COMPLETE]

Shoujo, Romance, Coming of Age, Drama

Story  ★★★★☆  ||  ★★★☆☆  Art

Summary

Sawako Kuronuma is the perfect heroine…for a horror movie. With striking similarities to a haunting movie character–jet-black hair, sinister smile and silent demeanor–she’s mistakenly called Sadako by those around her. But behind her scary façade is a very misunderstood teenager. Too shy to fit in, all she wants to do is make some friends. But when the most popular boy in class befriends her, she’s sure to make more than just that–she’s about to make some enemies too!

[01][02][03][04][05][06][07][08.1][08.2][09][10] [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][END]

#kimi ni todoke #Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You) #japanese manga #shoujo #romance #coming of age #high school setting #drama #first love

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

The Apothecary Diaries ( Kusuriya no Hitorigoto )

Story by Natsu Hyuuga, Character Design by Touco Shino

Art by Nekokurage

Manga Covers Volume 1-11

Story  ★★★★☆  ||  ★★★★☆  Art

Manga Website: https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/biggangan/introduction/kusuriya/

English Manga Website: https://squareenixmangaandbooks.square-enix-games.com/en-us/series/the-apothecary-diaries

#the apothecary diaries #kusuriya no hitorigoto #japanese manga #historical setting #chinese royal court #mystery #detective #romance

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

The Apothecary Diaries ( Kusuriya no Hitorigoto )

Story by Natsu Hyuuga

Illustrations by Touco Shino

Light Novel Covers Volume 1-13

I did a little searching and found all the covers of the LN, and this series spawned 2 manga series! I just wanted to see how many volumes were in these series as I eagerly await for them to be released in English. ^_^

Web Novel: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9636x/

LN Books: https://herobunko.com/books/hero14/

J-Novel: https://j-novel.club/series/the-apothecary-diaries

#the apothecary diaries #kusuriya no hitorigoto #hamefura light novel #historical setting #chinese royal court #mystery #detective #romance

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

The Apothecary Diaries ( Kusuriya no Hitorigoto )

Story by Natsu Hyuuga, Character Design by Touco Shino

Art by Minoji Kurata

Manga Covers Volume 01 - 16

Manga Website: https://sundaygx.com/work/1092/

#The Apothecary Diaries #japanese manga

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

GAME: Between the Suits

by Mai Nishikata

Manga Volume 01

Josei, Mature, Relationship

Story  ★★★☆☆   ||   ★★★☆☆   Art

Summary

At twenty-seven, Sayo is married to her career -- she's the kind of woman who will even answer work calls while having sex! When her firm hires charming playboy Ryoichi, Sayo tries to resist his advances, but not for long. Soon they're plunging into a purely physical relationship, agreeing that they'll only play this love game until they find true romance. Sayo will let Ryoichi into her bed, but will she let him into her heart...?

Review

Sayo is married to her job, she is driven to excel and prioritizes her job over her relationships, which is the big reason they all fail in the end. When a new hire and playboy, Ryoichi starts to make moves on her, she doesn't take him seriously, but eventually she agrees to a physical relationship. Ryoishi is a flirt and wants Sayo to fall in love with him, but she knows it is all a game and that he can not be trusted, but he is also very good at making her feel weak.

Ryoishi challenges her at every turn, constantly laying on the charm and catering to her needs. Is it a game? Can Ryoishi be trusted? Is this just another toxic relationship in the making or the start of something more? Sayo is struggling to maintain her boundaries so she doesn't get hurt.

Sayo is starting to want more in her life, she does want a relationship and love, but she is still unable to commit to anyone over her job. Can she work out a work-life balance? Is she capable of actually relaxing? Is Ryoishi the one she needs, or is he just playing games? These are the questions hanging over their relationship. Unlike a traditional shoujo, our main couple isn't necessarily destined to be together, the author wants to explore these two character types and who knows if they will be able to actually be a 'real' couple in the end and what their real motivations are. I'm not sure if I should be 'rooting' for them or not.

There are a lot sexy scenes and plenty of sex, but nothing too graphic or ecchi. This series seems to be more psychological in dealing with these two and learning more about what they are thinking and where the author will take them, so far I wouldn't call it a romance - yet.

#GAME: Between the Suits #japanese manga #josei #mature #friends with benefits

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

Dahlia in Bloom - Crafting a Fresh Start With Magical Tools

by Hisaya Amagishi, Illustrator: Kei

Light Novel Volume 01

Isekai Reincarnation, Slice of Life,  Romance, Magical World

Story  ★★★★☆   ||   ★★★☆☆   Art

Summary

After dying of overwork in Japan, Dahlia is reborn into a world filled with magic. Raised by a master of magical toolmaking, she develops a passion for the craft and becomes engaged to her father’s apprentice. Before her father can see her wed, however, he suddenly passes away. As if this weren’t enough, on the day before their wedding, her fiancé announces that he’s in love—but not with her! Dahlia finally realizes she needs to live for herself. She vows to be her own woman from now on and devote herself to her craft, even if it’s not quite the quiet life she was hoping for! From a chance encounter with a knight to starting her own company, there are challenges aplenty on the horizon. But this young craftswoman is no longer a shrinking violet—she’s Dahlia, and she’s ready to bloom.

Review

I really enjoyed this first volume, I know it is 'technically' another isekai, but so far her past lives really don't play much of a role in the story (beyond a few invention ideas) that I think this could have worked without it. Basically, Dahlia dies and is reborn / reincarnated in a new fantasy world. She grows up with her Magical Tool crafting father and vows to follow in his footsteps. Her father arranges a suitable fiancé for her, another magical tool maker, so that she will have someone to look after her when he is gone. Dahlia likes him well enough and tries to live by the standards of this new world, but before their marriage her father dies, then her fiancé abandons her, and Dahlia must put her life back together. She decides to dedicate herself to her craft.

The ordeal with the fiancé was quite the insult, the young man truly lost his mind and treated Dahlia horribly at every step of their separation. I do like how Dahlia handles it though, and it was interesting how the author handles all of the ramifications of their separation, it does make me wonder if he will show up again later in the story though. Dahlia starts to take on more responsibility as she starts to take charge of her life on her own terms.

Dahlia decides to dress like a man (safer) to go on a materials gathering mission in the forest and comes across a wandering and injured young man. Obviously in need of help, Dahlia lends a hand and a ride. The two hit it off right away as he also shares a love of magical tools, or more specifically magical swords and weapons. They part without Dahlia telling him her name or that she is a girl.

I know this starts out kinda cliché, but the misunderstanding is cleared up rather early on, and their chemistry is as cute and it is instant, one of the highlights of the novel is their interactions. Volf has been going though his own personal problems and finding people he can be friends has been difficult, so once he meets Dahlia he is determined to find 'him' again and continue the friendship. These two hurt souls are content being friends and building that relationship, it is what each needs - but I'm sure this will eventually develop into something more, but it will take some time for them to be ready to open their hearts to the possibility.

The secondary characters so far have been likable, it seems that her father made a point to be a real friend to a lot of different people and many of them are happy to pay it back by helping his daughter get back on her feet after her fiancés horrible treatment. Honestly, Dahlia fortunes start to rise as her business grows and her inventions start to take off. I also love the fact that Dahlia is an adult, 22-23yo I believe, she is smart and realistic.

It is interesting to see how magical tools are made and what types are available, a lot of them seem like variations on modern tech, making you wonder if there are more reincarnated people in the world. The world hasn't really been fleshed out yet, so far a typical magical world with mana and monsters. There is a clear distinction between nobles (who have mana) and power, and commoners who are the merchants and craftsmen. As Volf is a lesser noble, connected to an important family, there could be difficulties later coming from his family, but so far the story has been rather slice of life and no real setup for a larger story plot. Be prepared for lots of descriptions of food, these two love to eat (and I guess the author does too).

I like Dahlia, I like Volf, and I really like their budding relationship. Dahlia's friends are solid and likable, and it is a good setup that makes me wonder where this story will go in future volumes. I know there is a spin-off already with one of her friends Lucia (actually read that one first and figured out these were connected, the toe-shoe socks were just too similar in concept).

So far there are 8 LN volumes, so I hope it stays interesting!

#Dahlia in Bloom #japanese light novel #isekai reincarnation #historical setting #slice of life #romance #magical world

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

My Dress-Up Darling

Story by Shinichi Fukuda

Manga Volume 2

Shoujo, Romance, High School Setting, Follow You Passions

Story   ★★★★☆   ||   ★★★★☆   Art

Summary

Though training to become an artisan who makes hina doll heads, Wakana Gojo is instead making cosplay costumes for Marin Kitagawa, one of the most popular girls in class. As if this turn of events wasn't shocking enough, Wakana discovers that his first cosplay creation is due in...two weeks?! But with a reward like Marin's smile hopefully waiting at the end of it all, Wakana dives right in. Will the results of two short weeks of hard work be enough to satisfy Marin's high expectations?!

Review

Gojo is trying to juggle school, the business, and making Marin's cosplay. his grandpa is okay, but staying with relatives and Gojo is alone and struggling to do it all by himself.

When Marin find out, she feels guilty for unintentionally adding to Gojo's stress, even though Gojo's good nature is really what put the pressure on himself. He needs to learn ask for help and not take on so much all by himself. He does finish the dress and Marin's dream of becoming Shizuku-tan.

The two decide to go ahead and go to the cosplay event and it is a great success, well until the heat of the day starts to affect Marin. They learn an important lesson about fabric choices. The overheated Marin-Gojo scene is too funny. Poor Gojo.

On the way home, Gojo is lamenting that the project is over, he thinks Marin and his 'temp' friendship will be no more. Marin let's him know that she has lots of cosplays she wants to do, and Gojo is relieved that to continue making her cosplays, he had fun doing it, plus I'm sure he would miss having Marin around :)

Sleepy Gojo admits he thought Marin looked really pretty, which frazzles Marin. Grandpa coms home and meets Marin and learns about their project. Marin realizes that she wuv's Gojo.

#My Dress-Up Darling #japanese manga #shounen #romance #high school setting #coming of age #fashion

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

In the Clear Moonlit Dusk

Story by Mika Yamamori

Manga Volume 4

Shoujo, Romance, High School Setting, Young Adult

Story   ★★★★☆   ||   ★★★☆☆   Art

Summary

Yoi and Ichimura-sempai's experimental dating relationship continues in full swing. Although hesitant at first, Yoi is flustered as she notices her feelings for him develop over time. Meanwhile, it seems Yoi holds a special place in Ichimura-sempai's heart as well, as he gets jealous over a new “prince” working at her part-time job. The end of their trial period approaches, but the relationship hits an unexpected rough patch! With the summer festival nearly here and no word from Ichimura-sempai, Yoi must decide on her next move.

Review

Emotions are riding high for both Yoi and Kohaku, their 'trial' dating isn't really working for either of them, Yoi is still too hesitant and scarred to push forward and trust in Kohaku and his intentions. Koharu is trying to be patient, but he wants more and he is also stating to become insecure that he will lose her and not be able to gain her trust.

Their trial period is almost over and Kohaku has made his feeling pretty clear, so it is up to Yoi to figure out what she wants to do, stay safe and alone or take a chance on having a real relationship. She clearly likes him a lot, he does affect her, but his intensity makes her shy and embarrassed.

Can Yoi finally find the courage to tell Kokaku how she feels and agree to be Kokaku's girlfriend? I think the readers are ready for them to be a real couple!

#In the Clear Moonlit Dusk #japanese manga #shoujo #romance #high school setting

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

No Matter How I Look at It, It's You Guys' Fault I'm Not Popular!

Story by Nico Tanigawa

Manga Volume 4

Comedy, Slice of Life, High School Setting, Coming of Age

Story   ★★★★☆   ||   ★★★☆☆   Art

Summary

As the second term of high school winds down, Tomoko Kuroki's life continues to be full of awesome...nothing. But ever the optimist, she pins her hopes on the possibilities that winter break will bring. Unfortunately, there's a cold breeze blowing in more ways than one, and Tomoko's in for a disappointment. Is she doomed to spend her theoretically monumental first year as an HSG without any friends at all?!

Review

Okay, I think I’m starting to like Tomoko a bit more, she is still very CRINGE, but she is also so clueless and pathetic that I can’t help but wish for a little good luck to come her way.  I’m mixed on her brother, I get his perspective, and it isn’t his responsibility to help her, but little man she is drowning and you could offer her a hand now and then (I know he does try), I know she is embarrassing, but you are family, you are stuck with her for life, maybe try and helping her and she might ‘get a clue’ and mature a bit, I don’t know... girl needs HELP and an honest REAL conversation!

#No Matter How I Look at It It's You Guys' Fault I'm Not Popular! #japanese manga #comedy #slice of life #high school setting #coming of age

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

Spy x Family

Story by Tatsuya Endo

Manga Volume 6

Shonen, School Setting, Action, Adventure, Found Family

Story   ★★★★☆   ||   ★★★☆☆   Art

Summary

Twilight and Nightfall enter an underground tennis tournament, hoping for an opportunity to obtain an intelligence document that threatens to bring the world to the brink of war! But will their mission be compromised by Nightfall’s secret crush on Twilight?!

Review

I have to say, I didn't want to like Fiona, but she won me over, she is just too funny I can't help but root for her when she is on the page, lol

I love this entire 'confrontation with Yor. She is so determined, and Yor seems to sense the competitiveness

Poor Loid, as smart as he is about literally EVERYTHING, is clueless about ALL the women in his life, lol

I really love this little Becky and Anya shopping trip, I really love Becky and Anya's friendship, I love getting the occasional friendship chapters, Damian and his friends too - too cute!

Finally the confrontation with Donovan Desmond himself, finally we get some progress on the long con STRIX plot... it isn't much, but it is a start. Love Loid and Damian's conversation too.

#Spy x Family #japanese manga #comedy #drama #historical setting #action #shounen

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

Chihayafuru

by Yuki Suetsugu

Volume 30

Story  ★★★★☆  ||  ★★★★☆   Art

Summary

Chihaya and the rest of the Mizusawa High Karuta Club earn their spot at the national tournament for the third time, guided to their destiny by the poems to which they prayed. Waiting for them are the indominable Fujisaki team, Fujioka East's team as led by Arata, as well as Hokuou, partners along Mizusawa's own journey. How will Mizusawa, the previous year's victors, fare against them?! Meanwhile, Taichi goes to a TV recording and witnesses the superhuman abilities of Master Suou as analyzed by science. Just as he searches for his own ideal form of karuta, an unexpected individual appears...! A third and final high school summer. A path blazed together with you in days past.

#Chihayafuru #japanese manga #manga sports #romance #drama #coming of age

[a-few-of-my-favorite-mangas]

Hatsu*Haru

Story & Art by Shizuki Fujisawa

Manga Volume 10

Shoujo, Romance, Drama, High-School Setting

Story  ★★★★★   ||   ★★★★☆   Art  

Summary

Thanks to Riko’s heroic instinct, she took first prize in the Hottest Guy Contest and won a trip to a hot-spring resort. Kai has been eagerly awaiting their romantic getaway, but unfortunately for him, the dream trip for two has suddenly become a group affair. With Shimura and Misaki tagging along, alone time has dwindled to a thing of mere imagination. Odds take a turn in the boys’ favor, though, when Shimura insists on sleeping in Misaki’s room…The hope for intimacy may not be lost, after all!

Review

This was a another cute volume. The first half is centered around Riko and Kai. They finally go on their over night spa trip, with Misaki and Shimura in tow, Riku just couldn’t go without a little buffer. In the end Riku and Kai grow closer and Kai is able to relive Riku of any misgivings she might have had. Kai teaches the guys to make Valentine’s Day chocolates. The last half centers around Misaki and Shimura and I think it was this conversation between them that solidified this as one of my favorites. How Shimura sees herself and her growing distance from her peers as they age is very relatable.

I really wanted to highlight the conversation Shimaru has about how she felt she lacked emotions, or at least how she felt she was different from all of her peers as they where growing up.  She didn’t mature at the same rate, she didn’t and  started to notice a distance grow between herself and all the other girls.  This is so relatable to me as this is how I also felt at that age.  It was like everyone was growing up and suddenly started caring about a lot of things that I didn’t know about, didn’t understand why it was suddenly important, and couldn’t relate too and even though I would try and ‘understand’ it I just didn’t get it, and over time my ‘faking it’ was noticed by others and distancing started to happen with some I was friends with in elementary school - I was now the weird one.

Unlike Shimaru, I did want to ‘fit it’ and tried hard too for a few years, before I realized that my faking it was giving people a misimpression of me - I later learned to call this ‘mirroring’ where people think I was like them or others I hung around with because I was just pretending to like what they did to fit in. I didn’t like that once I figured it out and had to resign myself to just be okay being me, even if it make it less likely I would fit it. So I just concentrated on making friends with those who could accept me as I was, even if they too considered me the ‘weird’ or ‘unique’ one in the group, it made my day to day less stressful. It was hard getting rejected over and over and always starting every year as if I was starting at a new school, worrying if I would have at least one friendly face in homeroom so there was someone to each lunch with.

Like Shimura, it wasn’t really my looks or dress that separated me, but my ‘being’ how I interacted with others and was lacking in heightened or typical emotions on what everyone else got excited over and many couldn’t deal with my oddness. I didn’t care about idols, or boy bands, or finding a boyfriend, or sports, or make-up, or fashion, or just socializing in general, etc… a lot of the typical ‘rights of passage’ that many people are just drawn to naturally and become passionate about. 

It amuses me now that people denigrate the trope ‘not like other girls’ when that is how I used to describe myself, as I felt how hard it was to fit in with ‘normal’ girls/people… but I saw it as all negative, I wanted to be ‘normal,’ to be able to fit in and not feel like a fake, for it to be natural for me as it seemed to be for them, but I couldn’t. It wasn’t a choice or something that I could learn nor did I stand out as ‘cool’ or ‘better than’ or make me more popular with boys at all; but instead lonely and often the odd one out. Even painful when interacting with certain groups who didn’t like me and made it known. Luckily, most of the time I was just invisible or left alone, I would never consider the slight abuses and bullying (although painful at the time) to rise to the level of harassments or non-stop bullying I see others suffer though. I usually had at least a couple of kind people (oddly usually religious kids, though I wasn’t raised with religion) I could rely on, so I am grateful for that.

Anyway, I really loved this volume and this passage particularly. I was never as happy go lucky and confident as Shimaru, wish I could have been more oblivious and confident, but it is what it is. I feel like Ms. Fujisawa must have been like me to have understood this aspect of not fitting in so well, or at least was friends with someone who was. It is rare to see it written about, so that makes it stand out that much more to me.

#hatsu*haru #japanese manga #shoujo #drama #romance #high school setting