#sand chronicles

[konvoluted]

My Shojo Beats

[animenostalgia]

Some extremely sad news to share - Mangaka Hinako Ashihara, best known in the US for her shoujo work like Sand Chronicles and Forbidden Dance (originally Angel's Kiss in Japan), has died from suspected suicide. Her latest series in Japan, Sexy Tanaka-san, has recently gotten a live-action drama series. But behind the scenes, the production has been riddled with problems. Ashihara had expressed in a now-deleted blog post the scripts where not what she was promised out of the adaptation, which she later apologized for, saying she hadn't meant to sound like she was attacking the staff of the TV show.

People speculate that all these issues most likely lead to feelings of despair, though we don't know the full details and possibly never will. Whatever happened, it is a true tragedy and Ashihara will be deeply missed.

[lesbian-kyoru]

i love all your fruits basket fanfics!!

what do you recommend watching after?

i feel like nothing could ever compare 🥺

nana was my favorite anime before furuba

thank you so much that’s so sweet!! and it’s funny you mention nana, because that’s been my big hyperfixation of 2024 lmao. i hope you’re okay with recs for manga as well as anime since i tend to read more than i watch. my biggest recs if you enjoyed furuba would probably be:

chihayafuru: a sports manga about three childhood friends and the ways their lives intersect. very complicated, engaging characters and an equal focus on platonic and romantic love (mostly lmao). the anime is 3 seasons and incomplete, but i HIGHLY recommend it as well as the manga! the emphasis on the interpersonal and coming of age themes is what draws me to it, similar to furuba

sand chronicles: after her mother’s death, a young girl navigates grief, love, and growing up. from that summary i feel like the parallels to furuba are very apparent, but i was so touched by the depiction of grief and mental health in this story, and i really cared about all the characters. the MC is one of my favorite female MCs in all of shoujo now! i don’t believe it has an anime but the manga is so worthwhile

skip and loafer: basically high school slice of life but with some of the most devastating, careful character writing you’ve ever seen! i love the emphasis again on platonic love and romantic love in this series, along with its very nuanced portrayals of queerness/aromanticism & reckoning with what romantic attraction even feels like. the anime is only 1 season but the manga is a must read, it’s like a warm cup of soup

boys over flowers (anime/manga): this is a controversial pick but if you love stuff that is insane and camp, BOF is a must-watch. poor girl goes to a rich school and all the rich guys get obsessed with her but also bully her. imagine if all the goofier tropes & potential cliches in furuba weren’t subverted……then you would have BOF. but like it’s FUN. i do unironically love the female MC because she is a bitch but she’s MY bitch. the boys are horrible but i love them as well

(added because I thought of it after posting) heaven official’s blessing: feels silly to rec since tgcf is literally so popular BUT i need to make the case for how hualian, the main ship, are sooooo yaoi kyoru! just trust me!! the animated series has two seasons and then the novels are truly a delight. if you’re looking for that same romantic high that reading kyoru’s story for the first time gives, you absolutely need to experience hualian. impeccable mixture of centuries of yearning + the simplicity of enjoying each other’s company

i hope these recs are helpful! and as a general starting point a lot of 90s-2000s shoujos may scratch that furuba itch for you as well!

[lauraagrace]

Yesterday I sadly had to give Sand Chronicles back to my library as I had put off returning this manga for over a month now! 😅🙈

I know I already said it but thank you to everyone who voted for this shoujo in my event because it was so impactful, emotional, and powerful! 🥹

YouTube Video Review: https://youtu.be/pQREVpbRfpY

[yukiendlessky]

Thank you, Ashihara Hinako.

2024.01.29

[luvingshidou]

HIII UHM BIG FAN OF YOU'RE BLOG

SO I THINK YOU WILL LIKE SHOW CALLED BLUE EYED SAMURAI ON NETFILX ITS 16+ BUT LIKE LOVE IT and i think you wil too

(watch it you would not regret it)

THX THANKK FOR THE RECOMMENDATION ANONNNN (I'll try to watch it as soon as possible)

BUT YALL PLS WATCH LOVELY COMPLEX IT MY FAV SHOUJO ANIME PLSSSS AS FOR MANGA READ SAND CHRONICLES (I have read it awhile but it SO GOOOD)

[eruhamster]

The mangaka who wrote Sand Chronicles committed suicide and all people are talking about is the drama she had going with the TV adaption of one of her recent works. I think Sand Chronicles was like... Probably my most formative piece of media from 13-15. It was a simple shojo but I felt seen and I reread it multiple times as I grew up until I felt I had grown up and the main character and I had grown apart like childhood friends do.

I'm so sad. All people are talking about is the drama when we don't know why she did it, at least not that I've seen. And her wikipedia page is nothing but a summary and then just saying how she committed suicide. To so many people, this is all they've heard of her, and will be all they'll hear of her. Meanwhile, she got the worst times of my life.

Rest in peace, Hinako Ashihara.

If you are interested at all in shojo, go back and read Sand Chronicles and other work of hers. She is more than just how her life ended.

[saotome-michi]

What sad news. Sand Chronicles was one of the first manga series I read as a kid, and I enjoyed what I read of Sexy Tanaka-san. Rest in peace Ashihara-sensei, you'll be missed.

[untilyouremember]

Sand Chronicles

Available digitally

[cinemaronin]

Sand Chronicles (2008)

砂時計 Sand Chronicles (2008)  directed by Shinsuke Sato cinematography by Taro Kawazu

[bitterblackberry]

sand chronicles

hi i started reading sand chronicles. i’m not even close to done but yeah hi. uh heavy themes of divorce and suicide (and that second one isn’t handled super well). i really like it so far!!!

[theotakufiles]

Sand Chronicles Manga

Sand Chronicles is a heart-wrenching coming-of-age drama that follows the life of Ann Uekusa, a young girl who moves to a small coastal town after her mother's remarriage. Set against the backdrop of beautiful beaches and shifting tides, this series delves into Ann's tumultuous journey as she navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and family.

As Ann adjusts to her new surroundings, she forms an unlikely group of friends in which they all lean on each other for support during their adolescent years. Together, they experience the joys and challenges that teenage life brings, from crushes and first kisses to secrets and betrayals. Each character in this tightly knit circle adds depth to the story with their unique personalities and personal struggles.

Sand Chronicles explores themes of loss and resilience as it chronicles Ann's growth from an innocent young girl to a resilient woman. Through flashbacks seamlessly intertwined with present-day events, readers witness her heartbreaking encounters with tragedy and how these experiences shape her perspective on life. As she faces various obstacles along the way – including strained familial relationships, unrequited love, and unexpected consequences – Ann must confront her own vulnerability while searching for self-acceptance.

With its nuanced portrayal of complex emotions and realistic depictions of human relationships, Sand Chronicles captivates readers through its raw authenticity. This breathtaking series takes them on a poignant journey filled with laughter and tears as they witness Anne's evolution from an insecure teenager to a mature adult who finds strength amidst adversity.

Sand Chronicles is not just a story about growing up; it is also about finding solace in one's memories while understanding that moving forward is essential for healing old wounds. Through beautifully illustrated panels that capture both serene coastlines and emotional turmoil alike, this manga series captures the essence of youthfulness while reminding us all of the power of enduring friendships through both sunny days at the beach or stormy nights filled with tears – truly making it a must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven narratives.

Support the talented manga author of 'Sand Chronicles' by purchasing their incredible manga at gekimanga.com. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of this heartwarming series, filled with beautifully illustrated pages and a compelling storyline that will leave you wanting more. Don't miss out on the chance to support this amazing artist and experience the magic of 'Sand Chronicles.' Get your copy today at gekimanga.com!

[engshoujosei]

Sand Chronicles 

10 volumes

Licensed by Viz Media

After her parents divorce, Anna Uekusa and her mother move from Tokyo to rural Shimane. Used to the anonymity of city living, An can't get used to the almost overbearing kindness of the people in her mother's hometown. But when personal tragedy strikes, An discovers how much she needs that kindness. Note: Won the 50th Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo manga in 2005 and was adapted into a movie in 2008.

Status in Country of Origin

10 Volumes (Complete)

Tags:

Adapted to Live Action

Award-Winning Work

Burnout

Coming of Age

Dead Family Member/s

Depression

Divorced Parent/s

Engagement

Failed Relationship/s

Family

First Love

Friends Become Lovers

Insecurity

Lifestyle Change

Love Triangle/s

Moving Away

Multiple Couples

Office Worker/s

Popular Female Lead

Realistic Relationship

Strict Parent/s

Suicide/s

[lauraagrace]

👏ROUND TWO IS OFFICIALLY LIVE!! 👏

The top 16 most voted manga from round one have moved on and YOU can vote now for which shoujo should move onto the third and final round! 🙌

SO excited to see what I'll be reading next month! 🤩🤩🤩

[viking-raider]

The Frosting Captain

Summary-> Sy tackles a surprise for your daughter, Ada. Taking himself out of him comfort zone and elbows deep into frosting.

Pairing-> Austin "Sy" Syverson/Reader

Word Count-> 1.5k

Warnings-> PG: FLUFF, Cotton Candy Fluff, Light Teasing, Soft!Sy, SAHD!Sy, Nurse!Reader,

Inspiration-> This Instagram Video (This gent makes me think of Sy every time I see him, and his confections look so darn tasty!)

Author’s Note-> This is a work of Fiction! Part of my Syverson Family Chronicles! (You can't tell me Sy probably won't turn into Marshall, when he retires and becomes a stay at home dad!)

Ao3 Link-> HERE

Divider by->  @FIREFLY-GRAPHICS!

-> If you would like to get notifications for my writing! Just follow my Tag List blog, @VIKING-RAIDER-TAGLIST as well as my @VIKING-RAIDER-LIBRARY and turn on the notifications for it! It’s that easy!’ Ao3-> DRAGON_DWELLER

You entered the kitchen, returning home from a long day of work, to discover the last thing you expected of your husband of fifteen years. The tall and muscular, retired Army Captain, turned stay-at-home-dad, was bent over your chaotic center island, sporting nothing underneath your sunflower-print apron, beside his flour dusted, dark-wash jeans. The island and kitchen was littered with nearly every mixing bowl, baking sheet and pan you owned, along with rubber spatulas, wooden spoons, measuring spoons, and all the ingredients you needed to bake a cake.

Your face twisted in a stupefied expression of confusion. Sy wasn’t a baker. The man could cook, yes. He could grill a mean piece of meat. But the delicate nature of making cake to Syverson was like pulling the pin on a grenade. Something he’d rather not do, under any situation. So, finding him meticulously layering and filling a cake made you want to make sure you hadn’t walked into the wrong home.

“Austin?” You croaked, blinking at him.

Sy started, a glob of Peanut Butter buttercream dripping over the side as his hand slipped with the icing knife. “Hey, Sugar!” He replied, giving you a sheepish grin, scraping the buttercream off the side and back into the bowl. “How was your day?” He asked, stepping over to kiss you.

“It was all right.” You replied, nodding and kissing him back. “What have you been doing all day?” You inquired, cocking a brow around the kitchen.

“Oh.” Sy chuckled, a soft pink appearing over his bearded cheeks. “Well, um…” He cleared his throat, wiping his palms on the apron. “I overheard Ada on the way to school this morning, that she wanted a butterfly cake for her birthday. So,...” He twisted his upper body towards his hard work.

Your heart melted, grinning at your Bear. “So, you’re making her a butterfly cake.”

“Yeah.” He nodded, looking back to you, a little abashed. “Not sure how it’s going.”

“Well, let’s have a look.” You said, moving around him.

“I’m going for this.” Sy explained, picking up his flour-y, buttercream covered phone, to show you the vision he had. “I have her favorite flavors. Peanut Butter buttercream, with a chocolate drizzle between.”

“Mmm, sounds tasty.” You hummed, looking at the beautiful and simple enough looking cake, he was attempting. “How far are you?”

“I have one wing done, it’s in the fridge.” He answered, jerking his head in the appliance’s direction. “I just have the last wing and the body to do, then decorating.”

You took a cheeky taste of the buttercream. “Oh god.” You moaned, licking your lips.

“It’s awful, isn’t it?” Sy asked, looking at you, worried. “I knew my ratios were off.” He growled at himself, snapping up the bowl.

“Austin.” You gasped, grabbing for the bowl before he could harm the buttercream inside. “Your ratios are perfect.” You assured him, wedging yourself between him and the counter, stopping him completely. “You made it yourself, from scratch?”

“Yeah.” He nodded, looking down at it.

You cupped his face in your hands. “It’s really good, babe. Don’t you dare toss it. I will not forgive you.” You giggled, kissing him softly.

Sy sighed into the kiss, pressing his forehead against yours. “Thanks, Sugar.”

“Ma!” Ada’s voice called out.

“Christ, she can’t--”

You understood, flying out of the kitchen, stopping your youngest from getting anywhere near the kitchen and her surprise. “Hey, munchkin!” You greeted her, whisking her up into a big hug and twirling her away from the kitchen. “I missed your sweet face today!” You told her, smiling as you heard her giggle.

“I missed you today, Mama.” Ada chuckled, locking her arms around your waist and gazed up at you. “Can you help me with my math? Daddy is being a sneaky bean in the kitchen.”

“He is being a sneaky bean in there. He won’t even tell me what he’s doing. But I’m sure he’ll tell us soon enough, Cricket.” You hummed, stroking her soft curls out of her face. “Til then, let’s go do your homework.” You said, before guiding her towards her room, looking over your shoulder towards the kitchen, seeing Sy pop around the corner, holding up his phone and nodded; understanding.

Finishing Ada’s homework, you checked on your sons, Myles and Colt, finding Myles absorbed in playing Call of Duty and Colt with his nose buried in his latest book. You spent time with them, ensuring their homework was finished and they all stayed out of the kitchen, leaving their father’s secret mission undiscovered.

“Mama, I’m hungry.” Colt whined, coming to stand in Myles’s bedroom door, leveling a look at you as you sat beside Myles, playing Plate Up with him.

“All right, bud.” You replied, eyes still glued to your oldest’s tv as you rushed to serve customers as Myles ran the kitchen. “I’ll order some pizza. How’s that sound? You just come and help your brother keep our Cafe, Sip and Dip, running, while I do that.”

“Can I get extra sausage!” Myles asked, his blue eyes big with hopeful persuasion.

“Yeah, I’ll put it on your half. What do you want on your half, Colt?” You nodded, handing your controller over to him. 

“Just pepperoni, Mama.” He shrugged, sliding into your vacated slot on Myles’s bed.

Nodding, you slipped out into the hall, heading to ask what Ada wanted on her half of a pizza, when your phone chimed with ‘Simple Man’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd, informing you of a text notification.

Sy: I’m finished.

You: Not a moment too soon either! I’ll come down and look in a moment.

You pocketed your phone and popped your head into Ada’s room. “Hey, Cricket. I’m ordering pizza for dinner tonight. What do you want on your half of the pizza?”

“Extra pepperoni!” She declared, looking up from her tablet.

“On the order.” You smiled, then headed to see how Sy’s cake turned out for her. “All right, Bear, let's see!” You called, entering the kitchen and discovering him in the act of cleaning things up.

“Now, before you see it.” Sy warned, loading the dishwasher. “Just remember I did almost all of this by hand, from scratch.”

“I will.” You nodded, grinning at your husband, knowing, no matter how it turned out, Sy had put his heart and soul into this cake for your daughter. And that was the most important ingredient of all. “I’m sure it looks beautiful, Sy. And having had some of the buttercream you made, from scratch,” You said, seeing how covered in flour, batter and frosting his poor phone was, from looking at recipes and photo references. “It’ll taste amazing.”

Sy nodded, his unruly curls falling against his forehead as he moved towards the refrigerator, where he had it stored. “She’s going to hate it.” He gulped, his hand grasping the handle.

“Good lord, man.” You giggled, shaking your head with a smirk, putting your hand over his. “How many deployments? Three kids, that are your spitting image, in every way possible! And you’re frightened by a piece of cake.” You teased him, almost cackling with amusement. “The pin has been pulled on the grenade, Captain Frosting.” You said, pulling open the refrigerator door for him. “The only thing left to do is eat it!”

Inside was a cute and pastel butterfly cake.

An eight-inch round for the body, with the peanut butter buttercream and a chocolate ganache between three layers, for Ada’s obsession with Reese's cups. The wings were made from a twelve-inch round cake that Sy had divided and used each half for one of the wings on either side. All three pieces were carefully, but roughly, covered in pink, white and blue fondant. A valiant effort from a pair of hands hardened with callouses. Sy had done a little piping bag work with a green frosting, creating wobbling little lines along the tops of the cakes, down their sides and bottoms. He had even attempted to make a couple fondant flowers with the fondant he had left, dotting them in a couple places, before deciding he wasn’t very good at them and didn’t make anymore. Finally, for the butterfly’s antennae, he used two strawberry Pocky sticks.

“Well?” Sy rasped behind you, his eyes on the side of your face, studying it for every hint of reaction.

A smile crossed your face and you turned to face him, slipping your arms inside the apron he still had on, feeling the warm, but tense, skin of his sides as you did. “It’s gorgeous, Sy.” You assured him, pressing a gentle kiss to the side of his neck. “She’ll absolutely love it.” You hummed, nuzzling the side of his face.

“You know how I know?”

“How?” He cooed, closing his arms around you.

“Her Daddy made it all for her.” You murmured, kissing the corner of his mouth. “And it is lovely, Austin.” You reaffirmed, brushing your fingers through the back of his hair.

Sy bent his head, his lips brushing your ear. “I left some of the buttercream and ganache, for later.” He purred hotly.

“You naughty baker.” You moaned, licking your lips and letting your mind wander, as Sy’s hands found the slope of your bum.

“Mama! When’s the pizza gonna be here!” Myles shouted from the top of the stairs.

“Right, I’m supposed to be ordering pizza for dinner.”

“What a terrible way to ruin dessert.” Sy laughed, kissing you deeply.

[misterpseudonym]

if any other book series deserves to have the fandom that pjo has it’s the blackthorn key i swear to god tumblr would eat this shit up