#Kawahara Kazune

[oratokyosaigunda]

Toppuu to Beat and Taiyou Yori mo Mabushii Hoshi background for phone

[engshoujosei]

High School Debut

13 Volumes - Last release 2010; digital | 5 3-in-1 Omnibus - Complete; print.

Licensed by Viz Media.

When Haruna Nagashima was in junior high her life consisted of playing softball and reading comics. But now that she's going to high school, Haruna decides to put all of her energy towards getting a boyfriend and having the high school romance of a lifetime. To help in her quest, she enlists cute upperclassman Yoh Komiyama to coach her as she eschews her tomboy tendencies and turns herself into the kind of girl who can catch a guy. Yoh agrees, with one catch: Haruna had better not fall for him!

Related Series 

Enren Debut (Sequel oneshot, not licensed?)

Status in Country of Origin 

15 Volumes (Complete) 8 Bunkoban Volumes (Complete)

Tags:

Adapted to Live Action

Appearance Changes

Athletic Protagonist 

Couple Growth

Dense Female Lead

Determined Protagonist

Ex-girlfriend

First Time Dating 

Kuudere Male Lead

Optimist/s

Makeover/s

Popular Male Lead

Searching for Love

Strong Female Lead

Tomboy/s

Tsundere

[jariten]

Promotional bookmarks included in the first printing of Shueisha bunko editions.

Art by: Ikuemi Ryo, Ai Yazawa, Kazune Kawahara, Fumiko Tanikawa, Sakumi Yoshino

[hatsumishinogu]

Ore Monogatari!! Vol.14 (end)

[readtilyoudie]

High School Debut Vol 4

[lakecountylibrary]

What are your top 3 manga/light novels you would reccomend

Kate is the biggest manga fan on our reader's advisory team, so we asked her to field this one! Here are her top three recs, along with the publishers' summaries:

My Love Story by Kazune Kawahara (Teen)

Giant Takeo Goda's love life takes a surprising turn when he saves a girl named Yamato, but will she be drawn instead to Takeo's handsome best friend, Sunakawa?

Komi Can't Communicate by Tomohito Oda (Teen)

Socially anxious high school student Shoko Komi would love to make friends, but her shyness is interpreted as reserve, and the other students keep her at a distance. Only timid Tadano realizes the truth, and despite his own desire to blend in, he decides to help her achieve her goal of making 100 friends.

Maison Ikkoku by Rumiko Takahashi (Adult)

Yusaku Godai didn't get accepted into college on the first try, so he's studying to retake the entrance exams. But living in a dilapidated building full of eccentric and noisy tenants is making it hard for him to achieve his goals. And now that a beautiful woman has moved in to become the new resident manager, Godai is driven to distraction!

See more of Kate's recs

[psy-ay-ay]

[kaitouretort]

Mi bola de sugerencias de posibles licencias para Panini MX (#2)

(No es mi intención sólo hacer posts de estos, pero tengo unas cosas en el tintero de las que quiero hablar... ahora, si Tumblr sigue existiendo de aquí hasta que mis escritos queden como yo quiero, esa es otra historia 💀💀)

Sakamichi no Apollon, Kodama Yuki (9 vols + Bonus Track)

¡Ay, no sé! Yo siento que esta serie es muy especial.

Sakamichi no Apollon, o Kids on the Slope, es una historia de tipo josei, sobre la amistad de dos muchachos, que bien pueden ser almas gemelas (no necesariamente romántica, pero platónica) y que se hallaron a través de su amor por la música jazz… situada en los años 60, en épocas de cambio después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Japón, y las repercusiones históricas y culturales de la época en torno a los protagonistas. ¡Y el anime estuvo TAN bueno! Entonces, ¡¿cómo es posible que sólo Milky Way Ediciones haya licenciado esta serie al Español?! ¡Ni siquiera ha sido lanzada al inglés (por Viz o Seven Seas o quién sea) y han pasado ya como un poco más de diez años desde que se transmitió el anime!

 UGHHHH. De hecho, hasta me puse a buscar a qué alrededores están los volúmenes españoles y me di cuenta que 360 y algo de pesos (porque importaciones) por cada uno es :’))) (quizás si los hubiera comprado en mis últimas convenciones, alrededor de 2015 y 2017, la historia sería distinta).

Yo pienso y digo que, si Panini ha estado sacando serie de corte seinen (y no tanto) que son un tanto históricas… Sakamichi no Apollon también puede ser una buena opción al respecto… y Kodama dibuja a los protagonistas tan lindos y carismáticos… además, el anime no adaptó todo (de hecho, después del timeskip, parece que pisaron el acelerador por lo que recuerdo y me han platicado) y el volumen extra “Bonus Track” también llena algunos espacios al respecto de la vida de varios de los personajes.

¿Qué pierden? Aunque yo sé que puede ser hasta nicho y demás; no es una historia de romance per se entre los personajes, y es más una historia de romance hacia la música y la amistad.

Midnight Secretary, Ohmi Tomu (7 vols.)

Éste es puro capricho personal mío. Y eso es… poder terminarla :’). Mi “divertida” anécdota con esta serie es que compré dos volúmenes de esta serie en Español, por parte de Ivrea España, en tipo 2012 o 2013, pensando ingenuamente que podría comprar los siguientes volúmenes a futuro… pero entre darle prioridad a tipo Saint Young Men o dos antologías que terminé comprando luego, y el hecho de que dejé de ir a convenciones desde 2017… nunca lo logré (algo, algo también “consigue posibles reimpresiones de una serie que se publicó hace aprox 10-12 años”).

La cosa es que Midnight Secretary lo trae todo para una persona con gustos similares a los míos: es una serie de corte josei, conteniendo smut (y de verdad, siento que hacen falta de esos acá… sé que GAME Juego Prohibido está en pausa porque también alcanzó a Japón y así), y de género sobrenatural, como vampiros.

De lo que me acuerdo es que Midnight Secretary tenía algo de lore sobrernatural interesante, ¿también? Aunque también lo considero como tipo “placer culposo” por como Ohmi dibuja a su protagonista masculino y cómo la protagonista va cambiando su “apretada” (suena súper feo, pero) personalidad por este tipo que se obsesiona con su sangre.

Sé que probablemente hay mejores. Pero éste es sólo un capricho personal, lmao. (Ugh, acabo de leer el horrible tag line publicitario que Viz le puso hace años, ¿¿¿“Mad Men meets Vampire Diaries”???)

The Secret of Friendship, Kawahara Kazune x Yamakawa Aiji

Viz acaba de anunciar la licencia de esta hace unos meses en EUA y, afortunadamente, se trata de sólo un volumen. Suena interesante, parece concentrarse en el rollo de la amistad entre dos chicas y así. El arte me parece bonito también. Me gustaría leerlo, si soy honesta. Pero no sé si gastar más de 10 USD por él (y más cuando hay otros títulos de mi interés que sé de buena fe que no voy a poder comprar por acá porque no son tan mainstream y NO SÉ si otras editoriales puedan obtenerlas).

Todo bien :).

Sin embargo, parte de mí no quisiera que Kawahara sólo sea conocida por sus colaboraciones. Al igual que Ikuemi Ryo, es de esas autoras shoujo que empezaron jóvenes, llevan largo rato de trayectoria (45 años para Ikuemi; casi 33 para Kawahara) consiguieron éxito con un título de manga en particular, pero porque no tuvo anime (u, hoy en día, adaptación a live action como muchos otros shoujo…) nunca se exportó su trabajo hasta después (o casi nunca como con Ikuemi, que Cousin SÍ tuvo lanzamiento digital en inglés… ¿pero, el resto de su trabajo…?). Digo, sí, High School Debut fue licenciada en EUA por Viz. Y posteriormente Ore Monogatari (Kawahara estuvo a cargo del guión, Aruko en el dibujo) tuvo su adaptación a anime y el manga se distribuyó en todos lados (acá se publicó entre 2018 y 2019, ¿si mal no recuerdo?), pero no quita, ese es una colaboración. A mí me gustaría que publicaran material en solitario de Kawahara.

Volumen 1 de High School Debut en tankoubon y bunko

High School Debut tiene esa ligera ventaja de que ya se publicó en EUA y, en lo personal, la considero una cápsula del tiempo de la moda de inicio de los 2000s, porque el propósito de la historia es el de la protagonista que va a hacer su “debut de preparatoria” (el título lo indica bien tal cual, lol), una cosa que muchos chavos (supongo en todos lados) hacen para finamente considerarse “adolescentes” cuando empiezan su primer semestre de prepa y no están atados a sus “yo” infantiles que todavía alcanzaron cuando se graduaron de la secundaria (todavía más si van a una preparatoria dónde no les obligan a usar uniforme o son muy “laxos” al respecto, en su etapa de “rebeldía”), pero ella, Haruna, es malísima para la moda. Mi único detalle con esta serie es que, ¿a leguas sé que no es tanto para mí?, lol. Pero esa es la cosa, es una serie… ¿sana? para chavitas que apenas se adentran al manga… aunque no sé que tan atinado está eso porque estoy pensando como cuando yo estaba en secundaria o prepa… hace casi dos décadas ._. y hay mucho ahora que los chavillos ven o leen.

Volumen 1 de Sensei! en tankoubon y bunko

Está también Sensei!. ÉSTA es la serie que catapultó a Kawahara en los 90s, y es de sus más conocidas. TAMBIÉN me gustaría tenerla y leerla en Español de forma oficial, porque me gustó al leerla ¿La cosa? Yo sé que la serie trata un tema “problemático” que es el romance entre una chica de prepa y su profesor de historia, y el drama que ocurre en el intermedio. Y, la verdad es que Kawahara se inclina a un ángulo más “serio y realista” al respecto porque trata sobre lo obvio: el romance de una adolescente y un adulto que es su profesor… sobre el drama de lo que puede traer y como los perjudica, a comparación a otras series que son más “picantes” o kinky y dejan todo eso de lado. Eso sí, pienso que la serie está más alargada de lo que debería, lol (en mi opinión, éste es uno de los problemas más notorios de sus series propias). Pero no sé cómo otros piensen al respecto.

También está Aozora Yell (2008) y Suteki na Kareshi (2015) y son igual de lindas que High School Debut (he leído mas o menos hasta la mitad de SuteKare, casi nada de AoYeru). Pero, pues… si no es una, no es la otra… pues también está…

A Star Brighter than the Sun, de Kawahara Kazune (7+ vols)

Ésta es la serie más reciente que Kawahara está publicando en Betsuma desde el 2021. Es igual de linda que las otras, y trata sobre una chica de complexión un poquito más grande que el usual de sus compañeras de clase (es la más fuerte y es un poco “bulky”, ¿aunque no se nota mucho porque Kawahara no le da mucho eso de dibujar otras complexiones…?) y su crush hacia un chico que ha sido su amigo desde la infancia (quien era mucho más chiquito y escuálido que ella), pero que, saliendo de la secundaria, dio el estirón y tiene una personalidad muy “brillante”. Parece que el crush es mutuo, pero, pues es típico drama de shoujo estudiantil. Uno de los detalles que me gusta es que el diseño del chico también tiene este detalle que, yo sé que muchos les da por dibujar como ¿“colmillitos”?, sé que tiene un nombre más específico del japonés… pero parece que aquí él tiene un diente más salido que los otros. Y, la verdad, es una elección peculiar de diseño, pues es más una “imperfección” que no es reemplazable con los mismos “colmillitos” que uno ve en otras propiedades.

La ventaja de esta serie sobre las otras es que es mucho más nueva (High School Debut es del 2003, Sensei! de 1996, AoYeru del 2008, SuteKare del 2015). Y es quizás de esas que, ignorando lo “juvenil” que se puede sentir, uno está ahí leyendo para disfrutar del camino. Y las portadas están lindas y el nombre de la serie también :))

[mikeblocky]

Misaki Takamatsu speaks about her long-term serialization journey in Skip and Loafer (Translation)

Shuko Yokoi: Behind the Creation of Manga, Vol. 16 Shuko Yokoi - Manga Writer

Shuko Yokoi explores the beginnings of manga stories by speaking with their creators in her series "Behind the Creation of Manga." In its 16th installment, she sits down with Misaki Takamatsu, the author of Skip and Loafer.

Skip and Loafer: A quick synopsis

Mitsumi Iwakura, a bright and earnest girl from rural Ishikawa Prefecture, enters a prestigious high school in Tokyo as the top student in her class. While navigating her new environment, her straightforward and slightly quirky personality begins to influence her classmates in ways she doesn't realize. Among them is Shima, the "popular boy," with whom she slowly builds a meaningful connection. A heartwarming school-life comedy about the subtle power of sincerity.

A hybrid of Shojo and Seinen manga?

Yokoi: Reading Skip and Loafer feels so uplifting. It’s quite different from your earlier works, like Ameko Hime or The Boat of Canaries.

Takamatsu: That’s true. When I first started submitting stories, I mostly worked on short, standalone pieces. The Boat of Canaries, for instance, was heavier in tone, which suited the shorter format. But when I struggled to get approval for long-running concepts, I began thinking, if it’s going to be a longer series, why not make it something that encourages and uplifts readers? That shift also led me to adopt a lighter art style.

Chapter 1

Yokoi: Mitsumi’s expressions feel so vibrant and full of life.

Takamatsu: Thank you! I wanted her to feel cute but approachable, so I kept the lines simple and clean. During this time, I revisited shojo manga I loved as a student, like My Love Story!! by Aruko and Kazune Kawahara and My Little Monster by Robico. As a reader, I hadn’t noticed their subtle techniques, but revisiting them as a creator taught me a lot—how to leave certain lines out, how to balance coolness and cuteness in key panels.

Chapter 2

Yokoi: Skip and Loafer is serialized in the seinen magazine Afternoon, but it feels like it carries the soul of shojo manga in many ways.

Takamatsu: I think it’s had a huge influence on me. Since it’s a seinen magazine, I initially explored themes that felt more fitting—like professions, clubs, or other specialized topics—but they didn’t align with what I truly wanted to write. For example, if I focused too much on character drama in a shogi (Japanese chess) manga, readers might start wondering, “What happened to the shogi? Where is this story even going?” But with a romance-based shojo manga, those concerns seem to fade. It’s such a fascinating genre that allows for more flexibility.

Yokoi: There’s that saying about storytelling: “Meet expectations, but subvert them too.” Romance seems to naturally leave room for unexpected turns, without rigidly fixed outcomes.

Takamatsu: Exactly. Romance is a theme without a set goal or a definitive “correct” path. Readers can imagine and interpret as they go, which makes it easy to follow and invest in. That’s why I borrowed the classic themes and structures of shojo manga as the foundation for Skip and Loafer. From there, I could focus on the characters and create a story that felt uniquely mine.

It starts off like a typical rom-com—a “city boy” falling for a “simple, country girl”—but gradually, it’s clear that the story isn’t quite what you’d expect. Predictability isn’t fun, so I worked to subvert expectations little by little, surprising and delighting readers along the way.

Turning the "Prince" character into someone who feels human

Yokoi: You’ve mentioned before that Mitsumi and Shima’s dynamic was inspired by Mitsunari Ishida and Sakon Shima from Ryotaro Shiba’s novel Sekigahara. But, um… the connection seems a bit distant now, doesn’t it?

Takamatsu: (Laughs) Yes, the original inspiration has almost completely disappeared. But reading Shiba’s masterpiece taught me something vital: strong characters are everything. Mitsunari in Sekigahara is this intelligent, somewhat prickly figure who rubs people the wrong way, while Sakon, his loyal retainer, sees through his awkwardness and thinks, “He’s so bad at expressing himself, but that’s kind of endearing.” I loved the idea of a relationship that embraces someone’s flaws.

Chapter 1

Yokoi: It’s the kind of bond that goes beyond conventional labels like friendship or loyalty.

Takamatsu: Exactly. I wanted to explore that kind of relationship in a school setting. Of course, Sekigahara is steeped in war, which adds an intensity that wouldn’t suit a school-life comedy. So I gave Mitsumi some lovable quirks and made her more approachable to balance things out.

Yokoi: Mitsumi and Shima’s relationship feels refreshing—it’s not strictly romantic, yet it’s deeply compelling.

Takamatsu: That reflects my own high school experience. I had more fun with friends than anything else. I’d spend my allowance on manga instead of clothes, and I was so focused on art school that my mind was far from romance. Not everyone is caught up in love during their teenage years, and I wanted to depict that reality.

Yokoi: That balance of emotions feels universal. Are you the type to vividly remember your school days?

Takamatsu: I think so—memory might be one of my strengths. I remember the feelings, thoughts, and dynamics of those years very clearly. At first, I worried those details were too mundane to hold readers’ interest. But as I received feedback, I realized those “ordinary” parts were what readers connected with the most.

Yokoi: Many manga artists seem to have remarkable memories. It feels like a special gift.

Takamatsu: (Smiles) Maybe. But I also try to balance realism with gentleness. I don’t want the story to feel too raw or painful. Take Shima, for instance. At the beginning, he’s a "prince" type—a genuinely nice guy, but honestly, a bit too convenient. He’s the kind of character who inexplicably likes the protagonist and is always there to help her. At some point, though, I wanted readers to see, No, this guy is human too, with his own struggles.

The same goes for Mitsumi. I didn’t want her to be so good-natured that she came across as a saint. That would make her feel distant and less relatable. It’s about keeping the characters grounded while letting them shine.

Chapter 55

The bond between Mitsumi and Shima: A journey through time

Yokoi: Are there any particular scenes that left a strong impression on you?

Takamatsu: There are many, but one that stands out is the moment in Volume 7 when Mitsumi and Shima, after briefly dating, decide to go back to being friends. It’s a scene that could only exist because of the long journey they’ve shared. It’s something they could only say to each other because of the foundation they’ve built as friends over time.

I was worried readers might dislike Shima for that decision, but thankfully, that wasn’t the case. There are so many moments like that throughout the series—ones that only became possible because I was able to continue the story all the way through to Volume 11. Those are the kinds of scenes that make long-running storytelling so rewarding.

Chapter 46 - Warm Picnic

Yokoi: That’s one of the joys of a long-running series—the time to explore those shifts.

Takamatsu: Absolutely. The teenage years are such a transformative time—like a sponge, you absorb so much and evolve in ways unique to that period. I want to keep exploring how personalities and relationships shift during those formative years. If readers can feel that growth alongside the characters, connect with their journeys, and cheer them on, that would make me incredibly happy.

A story rooted in home and the heart

Yokoi: One character that becomes more and more moving as the story progresses is Mitsumi’s aunt, Nao. The scene where she cries alone in her hometown in Ishikawa changes meaning as the volumes go on.

Takamatsu: Thank you for saying that. As I worked on the series, I realized that the story isn’t about declaring, “City life is better” or “The countryside is the best.” Through Mitsumi, I wanted to depict the warmth and openness of rural life. At the same time, Nao’s journey as a transgender woman allowed me to show that the city offers a space where some people can truly thrive and express themselves. It’s about finding where you belong and honoring both sides of that balance.

Chapter 55

Yokoi: Mitsumi’s hometown is described as being “at the edge of Ishikawa Prefecture,” and Skip and Loafer has consistently included efforts to support the areas affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. The 10th volume even had a special edition dedicated to disaster relief.

Takamatsu: I’m so grateful for all the people who have actively supported the relief efforts, especially during times when I couldn’t do much myself. It’s been a year since the earthquake, but the region has also suffered from heavy rains, and some areas still don’t have fully restored sewer systems. There’s a lot more to be done, and I plan to continue supporting these efforts moving forward.

A friend in the form of a story

Yokoi: Your acceptance speech at the Kodansha Manga Awards has stayed with me. You said, “When life feels like a battle against regret and loss, I hope my work can stand by readers like a friend, reminding them that it’s not just about those things.”

Takamatsu: As we grow older, it’s inevitable that we face moments of profound loss—whether it’s the death of someone close or other significant challenges. In those moments, instead of focusing on what’s gone, I think it’s important to realize, I had so much fullness in my life before this. That perspective can help us remember that we’ve been supported, loved, and fulfilled in ways we might overlook during hard times. That’s the kind of feeling I want my stories to evoke. If Skip and Loafer inspires someone to reach out to a friend they haven’t spoken to in a while, or to summon the courage to connect with someone they care about, I’d be so happy. Human relationships often reward us most when we engage with them wholeheartedly, even if it takes some effort. It’s in those genuine, fearless moments of connection that we find something truly meaningful.

Chapter 19

Extra (not in the original)

Have you ever wondered who is Shima Sakon and Ishida Mitsunari that Takamatsu-sensei mentioned? Here's something about them!

Shima Sakon and Ishida Mitsunari are two fascinating figures from Japan’s Sengoku period (1467–1615), an era of political upheaval and near-constant military conflict. Mitsunari was a high-ranking samurai and one of the key strategists for Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a unifier of Japan. Known for his intellect and strict adherence to rules, Mitsunari was often described as cold, calculating, and socially inept—qualities that earned him respect from some but disdain from many. His inability to navigate interpersonal relationships and his unrelenting idealism made him a polarizing figure in the Toyotomi camp.

On the other hand, Shima Sakon was a samurai who eventually became Mitsunari’s right-hand man, joining him during the latter’s rise in the chaotic power struggle following Hideyoshi’s death. Sakon was known for his military prowess, tactical skill, and charisma, which contrasted sharply with Mitsunari’s intellectual but often distant demeanor. Sakon reportedly referred to himself as a “wandering ronin” before aligning with Mitsunari, but once he joined, he was unwavering in his loyalty.

What made their relationship stand out was its deeply personal undertone, rare for a lord-retainer dynamic of the time. Mitsunari was a man who struggled to gain allies due to his blunt nature and rigid personality, yet Sakon saw beyond these traits. He recognized Mitsunari’s intelligence and idealism, appreciating his flaws as part of his humanity. In return, Mitsunari trusted Sakon in ways he couldn’t trust many others. Their bond went beyond strategy or battlefield hierarchy—it was grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

Their connection becomes especially poignant in the context of the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), one of the most pivotal conflicts in Japanese history. Mitsunari led the Western Army against Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Eastern Army, and Sakon played a significant role as a commander. Despite their combined efforts, the Western Army was decisively defeated, and both Mitsunari and Sakon met tragic ends—Sakon was mortally wounded in battle, and Mitsunari was later executed. Their fates reflect the collapse of their ideals in the face of political reality, but their loyalty to each other remains an enduring legacy.

In Sekigahara, a historical novel by Ryotaro Shiba, their relationship is portrayed with nuance, focusing not just on their roles in the war but on their personal dynamic. Mitsunari is painted as a misunderstood figure, awkward but driven by a sense of justice, while Sakon serves as his grounded, pragmatic counterpart. It’s this understated connection—marked by loyalty, respect, and a recognition of each other’s imperfections—that resonates deeply.

This dynamic, as Takamatsu-sensei mentions, subtly influenced the relationship between Mitsumi and Shima in Skip and Loafer. Shima, much like Sakon, begins as an idealized figure—a “prince” type who seems perfect but reveals vulnerabilities as the story progresses. Mitsumi, on the other hand, mirrors Mitsunari in her straightforwardness, occasional obliviousness, and quiet strength. Their connection isn’t easily categorized—it’s not purely romantic, nor is it strictly platonic. Instead, it’s about two people growing together, balancing each other’s strengths and weaknesses in a way that feels natural and deeply human.

The parallels between the historical duo and Takamatsu-sensei’s characters highlight the timelessness of certain human relationships. Whether it’s two samurai navigating the chaos of war or two high school students finding their place in the world, the essence of connection—flawed, messy, and quietly profound—remains the same. It’s not about perfection or grand gestures but about understanding and complementing each other in ways that make the journey worthwhile.

Personal part of my thoughts

shima sakon and ishida mitsunari are these figures from japan’s sengoku period, and their story feels weirdly timeless. mitsunari was this brilliant strategist, but he was also terrible at winning people over. he had no filter, couldn’t sugarcoat things, and honestly came off as cold or arrogant most of the time. but the thing is, it wasn’t like he was trying to be difficult—he just didn’t know how to be anything other than himself, even if that made him unpopular.

then you’ve got shima sakon, his retainer, who wasn’t just loyal but actually understood mitsunari in a way that most people didn’t. sakon looked at him and thought, “yeah, this guy’s awkward and kind of terrible at communicating, but that’s what makes him human—and honestly, a little endearing.” sakon didn’t see mitsunari as this cold figure; he saw someone trying, even if he wasn’t great at it.

their relationship wasn’t just about duty or ranks—it felt personal. sakon stuck around not because he had to but because he respected mitsunari, flaws and all. and mitsunari, even if he wasn’t great at showing it, clearly leaned on sakon in ways that went beyond their roles. together, they balanced each other out—mitsunari’s sharp mind paired with sakon’s charisma and groundedness. they were stronger because they had each other.

what’s so compelling about their bond, especially as it’s portrayed in sekigahara, is how understated it is. it’s not about big, dramatic moments—it’s in the quiet, everyday loyalty that doesn’t need to be spoken. it’s messy and imperfect, but it feels so real, and that’s what makes it stick with you.

in skip and loafer, you can kind of see shadows of that dynamic. shima starts out as this “prince” figure, someone who seems perfect on the surface, but as the story goes on, you see the cracks, the insecurities he carries. and mitsumi, with her straightforward and awkward charm, reminds me a little of mitsunari. she tries so hard but doesn’t always realize how she’s affecting others. their relationship, like mitsunari and sakon’s, isn’t easily defined. it’s not just friendship, and it’s not exactly romance—it’s about two people quietly growing and balancing each other in unexpected ways.

and i think what makes relationships like these so memorable is how real they feel. they’re messy and don’t fit into neat boxes, but that’s the point. whether it’s a warlord and his retainer or two high schoolers figuring out life, it’s those small, imperfect moments of understanding that make you feel something. it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being human, together.

Original resources

Interview: Link

Chapters: 1, 2, 19, 46, 55, translated by Tsubame Club and other people! Please check them on MangaDex: Link and also support the original version on COMIC Days: Link

All translated and resourced by me! Thank you for reading this!

[officialshojobeat]

☆☆ NEW SERIES ANNOUNCEMENT ☆☆

A Star Brighter than the Sun by Kazune Kawahara

You don’t have to be a star to shine.

Sae has always been taller and stronger than the average girl. Koki used to be smaller and weaker than the average boy. But now that he’s in high school, he’s tall and super popular! Will their childhood friendship rekindle…and possibly develop into something more?

Sae and Koki have been friends since childhood. One fateful day at the end of middle school, she has a revelation: Koki is hot! Now they’re in high school, and Sae has another revelation: she has feelings for Koki! But Sae isn’t the only girl who does... The question is, who does Koki have feelings for?!

Coming in March

[oratokyosaigunda]

Bessatsu Margaret cover 2024年10月 issue

[engshoujosei]

My Love Story!!

13 volumes

Licensed by Viz Media

Gouda Takeo is a freshman in high school. Both estimates: Weight: 120kg, Height: 2 meters. He spends his days peacefully with his super-popular-with-girls, yet insensitive childhood friend, Sunagawa. One morning, on the train to school, Takeo saves a girl, Yamato, from being molested by a pervert. Could this be the beginning of spring for Takeo? Note: Won the award for Best Shōjo Manga at the 37th Kodansha Manga Awards and was nominated for the 6th Manga Taishō in 2013.

Was also nominated for the 18th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize "Reader Award" in 2014.

Won the 61st Shogakukan Manga Award for Shoujo.

Related Series 

Ore Koi!! (Side Story) Ore Ride!! (Side Story)

Anime Start/End Chapter

Starts at Vol 1, Chap 1 Ends at Vol 10, Chap 35

Status in Country of Origin

13 Volumes (Complete) 

Tags:

Adapted to Anime

Appearance Different from Personality

Award-Winning Work

Beautiful Female Lead

Best Friends

Bromance

Childhood Friend/s

Comedic Undertone

Dating Advice

Dense Male Lead

Energetic Protagonist

Family

Fast Romance

Female Lead Falls in Love First

First Love

Friendship

High School

Idiot Couple

Important Non-Romantic Relationship/s

Innocent Love

Kind Male Lead

Love at First Sight

Mismatched Couples

Multiple Couples

Non-BL with Two Male Leads

Popular Friend

Protagonist Strong from the Start

Student-Student Relationship

Unattractive Protagonist

Unrequited Love Stays Unrequited

[emotional-support-waterbottle]

Kawahara Kazune is maybe my favorite manga-ka of all time (this is relevant I swear). I'm reading 'A Wonderful Boyfriend' and there's this adorable scene in chapter 20 and I wanted to recreate it with these two.

supplies: pencil sketch, clip studio

[hatsumishinogu]

Taiyo yori mo Mabushii Hoshi Vol.10

[readtilyoudie]

MY LOVE STORY!! VOLUME 1

[jariten]

Manga I've read that were licensed in english in 2022-2023

Meant to do this roundup forever but I some pleasant surprises the last 2 years when I saw these titles I enjoyed in Japanese be licensed/re-released in English and wanted to do a very short roundup. I unfortunately can't attest to the quality of the print editions or the translations as I haven't been able to justify a double purchase just yet but still recommend these as fun and interesting reads. (Also using the JPN covers since the pub websites and store listings have kind of bad image quality lately....)

Ramen Wolf and Curry Tiger by Emboss [Seven Seas, trans. Nan Rymer] (Furry and human cast, gay but not because of any overt romance)

Thermae Romae: The Complete Omnibus by Mari Yamazaki [Yen Press, trans. Stephen Paul] (Time slip comedy connecting ancient roman and Japanese bath culture, semi-recent anime adaption on Netflix, sequel manga series currently on Jump+)

One More Step, Come Stand by My Side by Toryumon Takeda [Yen Press, trans. Jason Moses] (One shot collection, impressive art, wide span of themes and settings, most of the stories were originally self published)

The Secret of Friendship by Kazune Kawahara & Aiji Yamakawa [Seven Seas, trans. Hana Allen] (High School setting, exploration of friendship and romance and how it might conflict, little gay if im being honest)

Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom by Nao Iwamoto [Seven Seas, trans. Alan Cheng & Rowena Chen] (The sweeping tale of rivaling kingdoms, adapted into an acclaimed anime movie in 2023, imo we need more Nao Iwamoto translated she's kinda brilliant)