#Yaichi Origuchi

[pierppasolini]

My Brother’s Husband — by Gengoroh Tagame

[i-read-shitty-comics]

Favorite Reads of 2022

The only criteria I have for this list is that I need to have read it this year. Audio dramas sadly don’t count, but they are ok for the honorable mentions.

The reason I even mention them at all is because I can’t speak Japanese, so therefore I had to read along with some translations. Also if they would be on the list more than half of this would be Nitro+Chiral stuff and as much as I love their stories, I’d like to have at least a little variety.

Speaking of Nitro+Chiral, btw:

10: DRAMAtical Murder re:connect

Content Warnings:

Body Horror, Cannibalism, Emotional Abuse, Explicit Sex, Explicit Violence, Incest … kind of?, Kidnapping, Mature Themes, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Self-Harm

Average Rating: 7.85/10 (VNStat)

Synopsis: 

Fandisk of the original game that expands a bit more on every ending, with some extra content.

(Synopsis by ✨yours truly✨)

My Rating: 8/10

My Opinion:

Not much to say. I love DRAMAtical Murder, so I love re:connect. If the game wouldn’t be 80% smashing it would definitely be way higher though. Like, I don’t mind sex scenes, but do they have to be the main draw in the good endings?

9: Dekoboko Sugar Days

Content Warnings:

Explicit Sex

Average Rating: 7.52/10

Synopsis: 

When they were little kids, Yuujirou Matsukaze rescued the poor Rui Hanamine from an unlucky incident. It was love at first sight for Yuujirou, and from that moment on, he knew that he had to protect Rui at all costs.

Now in high school, Rui stands tall at 186 cm and is strongly attached to Yuujirou, who is conscious of his height of only 165 cm. Despite knowing each other for so long, Rui remains oblivious to Yuujirou's feelings, and Yuujirou cannot bring himself to express his emotions. But as they grow more aware of what they feel deep inside, the harder it gets to contain their sweet sentiments for each other.

My Rating: 8/10

My Opinion:

Very cute little romcom I read whenever I need to bring a smile to my face. This is really all I have to say. It is just very cute and funny and adorable and the two main characters are absolute idiots and I love that.

8: Sweet Home

Content Warnings:

Bullying, Mature Themes, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Suicide, Violence, Domestic Abuse

Average Rating: 8.27/10

Synopsis: 

Cha Hyun is a reclusive high school student who spends his days holed up in his room playing video games. But when he loses his entire family in a tragic car accident, he is forced to leave his home and carefree lifestyle behind and move into a new apartment all by himself. However, his pesky neighbors and lack of money soon become the least of his worries as people around him suddenly begin turning into horrifying monsters, plunging the world into apocalyptic chaos.

The situation takes a turn for the worse when Hyun realizes that he himself is slowly turning into a monster, while a mysterious voice in his head grows louder and louder. With his time running out, Hyun must work together with his fellow tenants to uncover the cause of the outbreak and find a way to survive in this hopeless new world, all the while fighting to retain his humanity.

My Rating: 9/10

My Opinion:

Incredibly gripping. It was really hard to put it down and I loved following the main character on his journey to discover his humanity and regain his will to live.

7: My Brother’s Husband

Content Warnings:

none

Average Rating: 8.17/10

Synopsis: 

Yaichi Origuchi's uneventful day is interrupted by a big, burly foreigner who shows up at his front door and begins to hug him. The man introduces himself as Mike Flanagan, and Yaichi quickly discovers that Mike is the widower of Ryouji, his younger twin brother. Since Ryouji left for Canada a decade ago, Yaichi heard nothing about him other than he married a foreigner and passed away the month before.

While Yaichi is apprehensive about the whole situation, his young daughter Kana is absolutely thrilled at the idea of having a gay Canadian uncle. Kana's lack of understanding of Japanese societal views on homosexuality cause Yaichi to reflect on his own preconceived notions. And as Mike continues to stay with the family, Yaichi gradually learns more about his brother-in-law, and he recalls his own past with Ryouji.

My Rating: 9/10

My Opinion:

Another very cute read and you can see that casual homophobia in Japanese society is a topic the author is extremely passionate about. Now subtlety is not in this manga and I understand why. However, it is a bit annoying that the message is so strongly shoved in your face but that does not cancel out how cute and sweet it is to see the familial bonds develop and the main character to become a better and more tolerant person.

6: Magi

Content Warnings:

Sexual Abuse Played as a Joke

Average Rating: 8.28/10

Synopsis: 

Fourteen years ago, mysterious buildings called "Dungeons" started to rise in various places around the world. Within these dungeons, powerful beings called djinns rule over. When a person successfully conquers the dungeon, the djinn offers their immense strength in the form of Metal Vessels, recognizing him or her as a worthy king candidate. Adventurers from many empires and kingdoms venture into the dungeons in search of their bountiful treasures and the power of djinns. However, to travel through them is not an easy task, and only Magi—legendary magicians who choose kings and develop countries—can guide people through.

After being trapped in a room for most of his life, a young Magi named Aladdin finally sets out on a journey to explore the world along with his friend, a djinn named Ugo, who he can summon from his flute. Through a series of fateful encounters, Aladdin meets new various friends and allies, and together they begin an adventure that will change the fate of the world.

My Rating: 8/10

My Opinion:

Magi still slays just as much as I remembered. Not much to say except that I absolutely adore politics, economics and especially philosophizing in Fantasy. Combine that with a fun cast of characters and a setting that isn’t based on medieval europe (thank fucking god) and you have me squealing in my seat while I read.

Also my favorite arcs are the Kou Empire arc, the Balbadd arc and the second Balbadd arc in that order.

5: Sweet Pool

Content Warnings:

Cannibalism, Child Abuse, Cults, Emotional Abuse, Explicit Sex, Mental Illness, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Mentions of Homophobia

Average Rating: 7.78/10 (VNStat)

Synopsis: 

After yet another long stay in the hospital, Sakiyama Youji hoped that things would finally get back to normal. But shortly after returning to school, his world begins to change — and no one seems to notice.

Bizarre symptoms plague his body, and vivid hallucinations of blood and flesh stalk his every waking moment. At the same time, two fellow students — the stoic Tetsuo and the notorious troublemaker Zenya — begin to take an intense and inexplicable interest in him.

What are Tetsuo and Zenya after? Are his hallucinations really nothing more? Everyone seems to know more than they’re letting on — but by trying to put the pieces together, Youji may be sowing the seeds of his doom.

(vndb)

My Rating: 8/10

My Opinion:

This story really grew on me the more I thought about it. This is definitely not for everyone. In fact, I would barely ever recommend this to someone. However, it is my favorite game to talk about because the premise is so bonkers. Just summarizing the plot will get some funny reactions out of people, which is what I’m living for.

But once you get past the extremely out there premise you get a really well executed slow paced horror and is tragically beautiful. When I listened to the audio drama of the characters just going to karaoke and hang out and have a good time, I was so happy for them that I almost cried,

I never would have expected a story about a dude shitting meat to touch me in this way, yet here I am, close to tears and kind of disturbed because what the fuck did I just read?

4: Our Dining Table

Content Warnings:

none

Average Rating: 8.19/10

Synopsis: 

Yutaka Hozumi has always been bad at eating in the company of others, with people complaining that his presence makes mealtimes boring and food taste bad. While eating lunch alone one day, he is suddenly approached by a hungry little boy to whom he hands over the onigiri from his meal. When the boy's older brother shows up, Yutaka is introduced to Tane and Minoru Ueda—a pair of siblings with a significant age gap.

When Yutaka meets the brothers again, they ask to learn how to make his special rice balls; little Tane insists that they were the best he had ever eaten. Succumbing to Tane's adorable pleas and his own fear of the intimidating Minoru, Yutaka agrees to become their cooking teacher.

As lessons morph into meals, Yutaka and the siblings grow closer—but Tane and Minoru's close bond draws out uncomfortable memories for Yutaka, and there are feelings lurking beneath the surface of these group meals that were not initially apparent.

My Rating: 10/10

My Opinion:

This is just so wholesome and cute. To be fair this is mainly so high because I’m an absolute sucker for cute and wholesome things but that doesn’t make this any less heartwarming. As someone who loves to cook for other people I also love that, in this story,  food is used as a way for people to connect and bond over and form relationships that will last a lifetime.

Honorable Mentions:

Biting the Tiger (8/10)

DRAMAtical Murder Drama CD Vol. 1 Koujaku (8/10)

DRAMAtical Murder Drama CD Vol. 2 Clear (9/10)

DRAMAtical Murder Drama CD Vol. 4 Noiz (8/10)

Mom, I’m Gay (8/10)

My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness (8/10)

No.6 (8/10)

Sweet Pool Drama CD Everblue (7/10)

3: Alice in Borderland

Content Warnings:

Mature Themes, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Content, Violence

Average Rating: 8.40/10

Synopsis: 

Feeling unsettled about the future, high school student Ryouhei Arisu often escapes the reality of life. After hanging out at a bar, Arisu and his best friends, Daikichi Karube and Chouta Segawa, wait for the first train to arrive in the morning. Suddenly, a colorful array of fireworks set off in the sky, and an enormous blinding firework renders them unconscious.

The trio finds themselves back at the bar covered in dust, discovering that the city has become a barren wasteland. But instead of being worried, Arisu feels alive for the very first time in his life and relishes the freedom of this lifeless city. However, his bliss is cut short when the group rashly enters a festival venue. Seeing its delicacies and lively ambiance, they think the place is a dream; unbeknownst to them, it will be the setting for their first deadly game.

Together with his friends, Arisu slowly enters the mysterious area known as the Borderland—an unknown country where every game puts their lives at stake, and a single misstep can lead to their demise.

My Rating: 9/10

My Opinion:

The only reason this isn’t a perfect 10/10 is because I am not a big fan of the romance, which had way too little build up and no chemistry, imo. This manga is just amazing, it is so intelligently written and I couldn’t put it down no matter how tired I was at times. First thing I did in the morning was reading this, first thing I did when I got home from work was reading this, last thing I did before going to bed was reading this, even though I was way too tired, forgot what I read and had to re-read it the next day.

It is just really good and I highly recommend it to anyone who can stomach the gore.

2: DRAMAtical Murder

Content Warnings:

Cannibalism, Emotional Abuse, Explicit Sex, Explicit Violence, Kidnapping, Mature Themes, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Self-Harm

Average Rating: 7.92/10 (VNStat)

Synopsis: 

"I will destroy you."

Midorijima. Situated to the south of Japan, this beautiful island was once a place where people lived in harmony with nature. Then the Toue Corporation took over, driving off most of the island's residents and forcing those who would not leave to live in the shadow of Platinum Jail, a walled-off megaresort where the wealthy wallow in luxury.

Aoba is a young man living with his grandmother in the Old Residential District, the last refuge of Midorijima's people. While his peers join gangs and fight for dominance of the streets or immerse themselves in the virtual reality game Rhyme, Aoba works part-time at a junk shop and hopes only that his peaceful life will last.

But strange things are happening on Midorijima, and Aoba will soon have to fight... or lose everything that he holds dear.

(vndb)

My Rating: 9/10

My Opinion:

Ok, listen: I love this game a lot, as you probably could have guessed from it being on number two. However, there are very few words that describe how much I have loved every second (that doesn’t have Mink) of this game.

I laughed and smiled so much during this game and despite knowing everything that will happen I still dreaded the bad endings and empathized with every single character and the situation they were in.

I almost cried, twice and still laugh about the memes that were made almost ten years ago.

If there is only one title you are willing to check out, please let it be this one (number one a few too many content warnings to recommend, imo). I know 18+ gay romances aren’t something everyone is interested in but, trust me, you won’t regret it.

Also, if you say anything against my boi Clear I will find out where you live.

1: Slow Damage

Content Warnings:

Attempted Suicide, Child Abuse, Child Trafficing, Drug Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Explicit Sex, Explicit Violence, Gambling, Human Trafficing, Mature Themes, Mental Illness, Pedophilia (nothing is shown but it is mentioned a few times), Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Self-Harm, Suicide, Mentions of Homophobia, also warning for strobe lights

Average Rating: 8.92/10 (VNStat)

Synopsis:

The year is 20XX, and the declining nation of Japan has built the ultimate casino resort: Shinkoumi. This "special administrative region," once known as Tokyo Waterfront City, is functionally its own separate country under the complete control of a private managing organization known as the Takasatogumi.

With the economy in turmoil, the masses flock to Shinkoumi with the hope of getting rich quick, or at the very least, venting the stress of their overworked, underpaid lives. With no restriction on who can enter, crime has flourished, and entire districts have decayed.

Our protagonist, Towa, lives a life of indolence on the third floor of a small neighborhood clinic. For you see, he has a hobby: painting human desire. Specifically, the moment before those suppressed urges break free from their constraints. And to do so, naturally, he must experience it himself firsthand.

In the art world, he is known as "euphoria".

It can be dangerous to grant people's darkest desires – someti mes, even deadly. But in the spirit of avant-garde, Towa is willing to die for his art…

(vndb)

My Rating: 10/10

My Opinion:

I can not put into words how much I love this story. The first three routes are solid 8/10s, really good but not the best I have ever read. As soon as the true route started ,however, I was hooked and got extremely emotional. The romance is so beautiful and I love all of the characters so much.

Now, don’t take this game lightly, every single content warning this game has is more than deserved. It is incredibly fucked up and disturbing, I do not recommend it if you have an even slightly faint heart. However, if you are able to read it, please do. This story is absolutely incredible and I love it so very much.

I could start crying thinking about the fact that the only extra content for the game has not been translated, yet and that it will take a while for me to follow the characters further in their lives.

[lambdalibrary]

My Brother's Husband | Otōto no Otto

Content Warnings

Homophobia

Links

A link to Penguin Random House where you can buy the volumes. You can also find read them on manga sites, but the fan translators stopped when the volumes were officially translated in order to help promote the work. That's only for English however. Sites I've checked have the full work translated in Spanish and Portuguese if you are fluent.

Tagame's website where you can see his other work. This link is NSFW

Tagame's Twitter. This link is also NSFW.

Something I'd like to say while linking to these sites and before I talk about the manga itself is how different My Brother's Husband is from Tagame's other work. My Brother's Husband is a light hearted slice of life manga, and Tagame's other works are very explicit. I've seen other people explain this difference before they recommend people check out Tagame's other work in a way that I would say feels very judgemental, if not homophobic, even if the people saying it are LGBT themselves.

While I obviously think its good to warn people that his other work is NSFW and therefore may not be what they're looking for, its important not to end up putting his NSFW stuff down in the process. In fact, I think its important that his other work is so explicit. Sexuality after all, is about sexuality. LGBT erotica and pornography is just as important to LGBT history and culture as anything else. Plus, it's not like My Brother's Husband doesn't have a few panels of barely covered men anyways.

Summary

My Brother's Husband is a slice of life manga about Origuchi Yaichi who has to deal with both his homophobia and the death of his brother Ryoji and what family means as Ryoji's husband Mike Flanagan comes to visit.

Thoughts

Definitely check this out if you're a fan of manga especially slice of life manga or you're just looking for something short and sweet. It's just really cute and I mean sometimes that's all you need. That's not to say there's not substance here because there is, its just explored through a more lighthearted genre.

Like there's the idea of culture and tradition that's explored. It's important not only that Mike is gay but that he's also white. That Ryoji went to Canada to be himself and died there versus in Japan. While this is a large part of the manga, I don't feel qualified enough on the LGBT culture of Japan to go into detail on it myself though, especially when comparing countries based on their LGBT rights records can contribute to pinkwashing.

The only real negative thing I can say is that My Brother's Husband might be a bit too...educational focused? Like I as a gay person don't need a chapter to inform me why other LGBT people might stay in the closet, but a cishet person might. But that's not even a negative thing, that's even part of the reason it exists to help educate people about gay issues in Japan. But it never educates from...for lack of a better term, a cishet gaze? Obviously partially because the author himself is gay but even though the narrator is not it just never slips into treating Mike as a purely educational tool. He's his own character, just like everyone else in the manga.

[tm87]

[maluron]

a wild Origuchi Yaichi: *appears on my dash* my sleep deprived brain: ooh, nice Aldana fanart! my brain catching up: wAit

...you know what, I'm going to head for the bookstore and ask them to order some Tagame hardcore bara for me just because

[pierppasolini]

My Brother’s Husband — by Gengoroh Tagame

[i-read-shitty-comics]

My Brother's Husband

Average Rating: 8.17

Synopsis:

Yaichi Origuchi's uneventful day is interrupted by a big, burly foreigner who shows up at his front door and begins to hug him. The man introduces himself as Mike Flanagan, and Yaichi quicky discovers that Mike is the widower of Ryouji, his younger twin brother. Since Ryouji left for Canada a decade ago, Yaichi heard nothing about him other than he married a foreigner and passed away the month before.

While Yaichi is apprehensive about the whole situation, his younger daughter Kana is absolutely thrilled at the idea of having a gay Canadian uncle. Kana's lack of understanding of Japanese societal views on homosexuality cause Yaichi to reflect on his own preconceived notions. And as Mike continues to stay with the family, Yaichi gradually learns more about his brother-in-law, and he recalls his own past with Ryouji.

My Rating: 9

My Opinion:

Even if the themes and the homophobia of the mc are very on the nose at the beginning it does get better after just a few chapters and isn't super overbaring, even if subtlety isn't this series' strong suit but that's ok because the adorableness makes up for it. The realtionship Mike has with his niece is so cute. Every scene they are in together is one of the cutest things I have ever seen in my entire life. I read this in one day, so you can probably guess how much I loved the story. I could unironically read a 20 volume long series just about those characters living their adorable boring everyday life and I wouldn't mind it at all.

Recommended to:

People who like Slice of Life. Bonus points if you want something cute but can handle a bit of angst.