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MANGA: Mukou no Hito
Mukou no Hito – Ueno Potato
Sano, who can’t seem to connect with anyone at all – not his family, not his coworkers – turns to SNS instead. One day, he decides to finally meet up with one of his mutual followers, “S.” His Internet friend turns out to be Narumi, a handsome young actor whose popularity recently shot through the roof! Although Narumi’s behavior seems to hint at something bubbling beneath the surface, Sano can’t shake off the feeling that he’s probably being toyed around with… An emotional, heart-piercing BL between a handsome actor and a salaryman who doesn’t do communication.
The Man on the Other Side is a story of two awkward loners awkwardly dancing around each other.
When Sano’s online friend turned out to be the famous actor Narumi, he didn’t know what to do with him, but he was also desperate to be his friend. Narumi, sensing a kindred soul in the very average salaryman, befriended him and soon found himself strongly attracted to Sano.
However, Sano is confused with Narumi’s hot/cold approach so how to convince him?
This is a dialogue-heavy manga, with big talky balloons alternating with thoughts of insecurity, confusion, and tentative hopes. The two have more realistic personalities that don’t fall neatly into the usual trope-y categories.
Sano is introverted but also blunt, occasionally hot-tempered and tongue-tied, then blurts out long dialogues. Narumi is cool and direct, sometimes flirty and then aloof but also needy.
He initiates a kiss and then drives a wedge between him and Sano. The two dorks wait for each other to call first until months pass with no communication, just stalking each other’s social media accounts.
The best part is Narumi’s interview on TV that lit a fire under Sano’s ass to finally do something because it’s about damn time!
The blurb called this “An emotional, heart-piercing BL.” I could see the emotions, but they didn’t pierce my heart. I didn’t squee, maybe because the execution is clumsy. Still, I’m rooting for the two dorks because they went about their romance so earnestly it was hella endearing!
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MANGA: Yukue Fumei
Yukue Fumei – Kanipan
“Now, both of us are murderers!”
Kaede, who works as an unassuming janitor, and Ryo, who leads a decadent life as a kept man, were once childhood friends. They share a secret neither of them dare reveal to anyone else. After eight years, they reunite. Kaede, having killed someone for Ryo, desperately runs away with him, caught up by their passionately desire for each another. As they flee, Ryo’s past sins begin to surface. Bound by a deep love for each other, but both stained by blood. Will their journey lead them to salvation, or will it be their downfall?
(Source: J-Publishing, translated)
Missing is about two estranged childhood friends-turned-lovers, Ryo and Kaede, on the run from the police and mostly from their guilty consciences after Kaede stabbed the woman who attacked Ryo.
Their time on the road is spent reconnecting and fucking, because Ryo is an insatiable horndog when it comes to Kaede. The plot alternates from flashbacks to the present day. Their past were days of intimate friendship and escaping abuse by an alcoholic father. Their present are hours of driving and desperate coupling to make up for lost time and ease hurts.
The scenes are full of pining and longing, especially with the boys separated for 8 years before that fateful day of their reunion and the murder. Ryo is the more confident but also the more clingy. Kaede is more tormented by guilt and insecurity, with self-sacrificing tendencies that could lead to rash decisions had Ryo not held on tight.
There’s an undercurrent of fear and a reckoning on the horizon. When it comes, it’s both painful and freeing, and it hits the boys hard. Equal parts smutty and angsty, this manga takes you on an emotional ride of love, lust, and atonement.
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MANGA: Omamori-kun
Omamori-kun – Tacocasi
A collection of stories about relationships in transition…
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“Yokoi’s Calligraphy Catastrophe”: If Yokoi were a doctor, he wouldn’t have to be so self-conscious… After another incident of his boss double-checking the contents of a note from Yokoi, he decides to do something about his poor penmanship. Perhaps calligraphy classes can rescue his chicken scratch writing… But what if the teacher makes his hands tremble even more!?“Licky’s Dogma”: For Shinobu, it was love at first sight. But Kiichi was too preoccupied with his dog Licky… Will Shinobu ever be able to live up to man’s best friend?
“Mr. Good Luck Charm”: Futoshi Ono has been held back a year. He frequently misses school and often has an injury, usually on his face. Everybody thinks he’s your typical delinquent who skips classes and gets into fights. But in reality, Futoshi is getting beat up… by spirits! Amulets and talismans only go so far. What Futoshi really needs is a good luck charm…!
Tacocasi is the mangaka of some of the most fluffiest, most squee-tastic, wholesomest of wholesome manga. I’m busting out the superlatives because Nidaime Jiguko Brothers and Ushimitsu Dokidoki Koshotentan were sooo good!
Mr. Good Luck Charm is a collection of stories, two of which are interrelated. More superlatives below:
Yokoi’s Calligraphy Catastrophe – The adorkable Yokoi wanted to improve his atrocious penmanship through a calligraphy class. He was extremely flustered to discover his teacher is the unbelieveably gorgeous, hella charming, infinitely patient Izumi, a touchy-feely fella in a genuinely kind way.
There’s no defense for this kind of attack!
The way they slow-burned toward each other was ridiculously cute!!! Stolen kisses, adorable blushes, a misunderstanding, one bold strike by Izumi, and it was death by squee for me…
Licky’s Dogma – Shinobu is so in love with his friend Kiichi that when Kiichi’s beloved dog dies, Shinobu proposes to be his dog just to be close to Kiichi. He’s hesitant to confess because it might ruin their friendship, but then suddenly he does!
A bit iffy premise, but Shinobu is the sunshinest Labrador retriever to ever shine! And boy, did the mangaka outdo themselves in drawing the fluffiest ball of energy. Kiichi’s rather dour and his misguided intentions put a damper on things, but he redeemed himself by doing what Shinobu asked for all along: let the sunshine in.
Mr. Good Luck Charm – Futoshi is vulnerable to the supernatural and is frequently attacked by bad spirits. One day, he discovered his schoolmate Mamoru had the ability to ward off ghosts, and the two started hanging out together until Mamoru suddenly confessed.
Mamoru has so much good vibes, he positively sparkles!
Futoshi is friends with Shinobu, his biggest cheerleader in his slow-burn bi-awakening. Futoshi is chill and mature, and Mamoru is all heart-eyes. The vibe is lower-key than the first two stories but so wonderfully pure and wholesome! Look at them on the cover! They warm my heart and cleanse my soul!!
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MANGA: Bocchan to Wakagashira-san
Bocchan to Wakagashira-san – Shimaji
High schooler Minorikawa Narumi becomes an orphan after losing his mother. One day, his grandfather who he never knew comes to offer incense and shares he’d like Narumi to take over the company he is managing. However the company he’s talking about ends up being a yakuza organization..!? Suddenly addressed as “Bocchan,” the once lonely Narumi begins to gradually open his heart up to the kind Wakagashira, Ioroi, who is in charge of his daily needs. In fact, as they spend every day close together, Narumi becomes obsessed with the “charm of an adult man,” that he awakens to for the first time in his life. Every day, he strives to appeal to Ioroi, but—!?
Content warning: There’s a 20-year age gap, and a 36-year-old man is paired with a 16-year-old boy.
Bo-chan and Wakagashira-san is about a recently orphaned high-schooler, Minorikawa, who finds himself living in his estranged grandfather’s home. His grandfather turns out to be the big boss of a yakuza clan. To his surprise, the members treated him warmly and considered him family, and he felt more at home.
Minorikawa was placed under the care of the clan’s Wakagashira, Ioroi, the second in command. Ioroi is dedicated to his job and would take a bullet for his young master. The man oozes cool with fab tattoos and sharp suits.
The high schooler began crushing hard on his bodyguard/caretaker, and with helpful tips from his school friend, tried very awkwardly to make Ioroi treat him as an adult.
Minorikawa is naive but earnest and hella persistent. In fairness to Ioroi, the man did his damnedest to resist. It’s amusing to see the scenes where he internally commands himself to “do nothing,” especially with the boy plastered to him in his futon and the grandfather, a.k.a. big boss, just a paper wall away (they live in a traditional Japanese house).
Because to make things more complicated for Ioroi, Minorikawa developed a habit of sleeping in Ioroi’s room every night. It started innocently enough when the boy was grieving, needed comfort and couldn’t sleep. But then puberty hit, and with Minorikawa crushing on him, well … the boy requested a helping hand (ordered really, since he’s the young master).
Soon, sleeping together was sleeping together.
The two MCs have fantastic stoic bodyguard/bratty boy dynamics. The most fun part is how Ioroi puts Minorikawa on a pedestal and treasures him while said boy wreaks havoc on his bodyguard’s self-control, all cute and blushy, asking to be sullied.
Despite Minorikawa being a pervy brat and a damsel in distress, this is an endearing and nuanced exploration of a boy’s coming-of-age and first love. I would love a sequel with an adult and still pervy Minorikawa and not-holding-back-anymore Ioroi, now the big boss (since Minorikawa is not yakuza material).
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MANGA: Koibito Keiyaku Chuu ni Tsuki
Koibito Keiyaku Chuu ni Tsuki – Matsuda Io
Yanaka is troubled by the frequent advances made by the women around him and one day, he ended up lying that he’s in a relationship with his friend and colleague, Moriyama.In exchange for pretending to be Yanaka’s lover, Moriyama has some conditions set out and they are…?
During A Lover Contract is a fake boyfriend salarymen romance between two long-time friends.
Yanaka is being pursued by a very determined woman, and to get her off his back, he declares he’s dating his co-worker Moriyama. Moriyama agreed with the scheme in exchange for something that was way out of the straight Yanaka’s comfort zone.
The manga is mostly from Yanaka’s POV. He’s a bit clueless, sweet, and always willing to lend a hand, which is what got him into trouble in the first place. The more time he spent with Moriyama, the more he’s pushed out of his comfort zone and found that he’s enjoying it.
The vibe is light-hearted. Had we had Moriyama’s POV, we’d be drowning neck-deep in angst and longing. Because you guessed it, our boy has unrequited feelings for his clueless friend.
My favorite part is how Yanaka finally returning his feelings impacted Moriyama, which made the shift to his POV so damn moving. The way the mangaka drew the confession scene was a devastating shot to the kokoro, devastating in the best way. Also the part where Moriyama had to take a moment, incredibly overwhelmed and half-believing it’s all a dream, I felt that too.
Overall, a poignant tale of indecent proposals, pure motives, and a dream come true.
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MANGA: Musubime wo Hodoitara
Musubime wo Hodoitara – Ichi Bom
While drunk at a pub he was forced to go to by a fellow seminar member, Nishina reunites with Hase Ryosuke, a tea ceremony practitioner who captivated him with his beautiful manners at tea ceremonies when he was a child.When he gets drunk and asks for love advice, Hase presses him, saying, “Well, why don’t you try it with me?” Behind his carefree facade, Ryosuke is tied to the traditional family business and his family, and Yuzuru faces him honestly despite being pushed around – the path of first love that is forged by the tea ceremony.
Source: MU
Once You Loosen the Knot opens with a tea ceremony, a drunken rambling, and a proposition.
University student Yuzuru and tea ceremony practitioner Ryosuke began exploring their connection after meeting in a pub. Yuzuru recalled admiring Ryosuke as a child while watching him perform a tea ceremony. Now both adults, Ryosuke confessed to being bisexual after a spectaularly drunk Yuzuru revealed his curiosity about falling in love.
As a tea ceremony master, Ryosuke cuts a poised, zen-like figure, especially in a kimono. This sedate image belies a surprisingly forward and passionate nature, especially when Yuzuru is involved.
Yuzuru is discovering the joys of his first time everything and occasionally lapses into moments of insecurity regarding his relationship with the more experienced Ryosuke.
The manga’s vibe is wholesome and angst-free, with Ryosuke and Yuzuru smoothing any wrinkles through open communication like sensible adults. It’s a healthy relationship that’s total goals. Admittedly, the execution was somewhat blah, but overall, it’s a sweet story about first love.
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MANGA: Otogibanashi wa Awa to Kie
Otogibanashi wa Awa to Kie – Jyanome
Oka, the manager of a ramen restaurant in Sapporo, has been in a friends-with-benefits relationship with his high school classmate, Akemi, ever since graduation. As much as they seem to have mutual feelings for one another, Oka is still hung up on the memory of his unrealized first love back in high school, while Akemi, shunned as the son of a yakuza family, has resolved to live his life in solitude.
But just as Oka is trying to convince himself to finally let Akemi go and end their relationship, someone connected to his fleeting first love appears…
Fairy Tales like Bubbles Burst starts with a moment forever frozen in memory.
Ramen shop manager Oka will forever remember that time in the library when he saw a boy crying. Now an adult, he looked back on it as his first love. Meanwhile, he’s enjoying the benefits of his best friend Akemi, which started on their high school graduation day.
It has always been casual with them until Oka meets the boy he thought he saw in the library who’s now a salaryman, openly gay and has just asked him for a date. It is what he has wanted all along, but why does he feel so conflicted?
Oka and Akemi’s relationship is both simple and complicated. Simple in that they’re fuck buddies, have been friends since childhood, and both have been single since high school. It’s complicated when Oka suddenly realizes his true feelings, and Akemi’s family background comes into the picture, putting a wrench between him and Oka.
Suguru, the salaryman, would have been easy to hate in his third-wheeling ways. But the man surprised me, not only by being a buttoned up salaryman by day and a vision of fabulousity at night, but he turned out to be the best wingman the lovelorn Oka could ever ask for! I love Surugu so much I want his manga. I wouldn’t mind a poly because last I heard, he has three boyfriends!
Childhood connections and little acts of kindness the doer has forgotten yet are very memorable to the receiver are frequently used in manga. The mangaka delivered particularly poignant moments that made my chest ache. The mutual pining and longing are so palpable that they hit me right in the kokoro. There’s also a heartwrenching separation and a happy reunion that made me smile!
The romance was developed so beautifully, the relationship between Akemi and Oka evolving while remaining constant. Also, they go at it like rabbits so this manga is hella smutty.
The artwork is stunning! The characters are lovingly drawn, and their expressions convey so much emotions. Which is just perfect because this is a manga you truly FEEL!!!
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MANGA: Koboreru Ambivalence
Koboreru Ambivalence – Hakata
Wataru, a 3rd year student, has to do the cleaning at school in order to get enough credits to graduate. His partner in cleaning is Yugo, a 1st year student who tends to be absent at school. Yugo’s arrogant attitude piques Wataru’s interest since he sees in Yugo his childhood friend and, as a result, Wataru feels it’s his duty to take care of him.But Yugo hides a secret…The long-awaited spin-off of Watarun from “Sankaku Twilight” is finally here.
We knew Wataru as the childhood friend/crush of Miki from Sankaku Twilight. He didn’t endear himself for playing with Miki’s feelings.
Spilling Ambivalence is Wataru’s turn. As a senior high schooler, he was assigned as a cleaning duty partner to a freshman, Yugo. He tried to befriend the younger boy, only to be rebuffed rudely. Both annoyed and intrigued, he kept trying to find a common ground with Yugo.
One day, Yugo caught a private moment between Ikkei and Miki on camera, and afraid his friend might be blackmailed, Wataru asked him to delete it. Yugo agreed to do so if Wataru would date him.
Yugo is foul-mouth with a hot temper, but the mangaka succeeded in making him endearing by making him cute and blushy. As the story progressed, Wataru discovered Yugo’s softer side and slowly he found himself falling.
Wataru is a bit too cool for school and a known troublemaker, but he handled Yugo’s vulnerabilities and insecurities in a surprisingly mature way. And the dates he planned were fun!
Admittedly, I don’t see them as a forever couple. As kindly as he treated Yugo, Wataru gives off strong bad boy/player vibes. He’s more of a first-boyfriend kind of boy, whom Yugo can gain experience and have precious high school memories to look back on.
While I’m not a fan of Wataru, this manga is a great sequel to Sankaku Twilight, showcasing his good side. The humor and romantic development are well-executed, and there are cameos from Ikkei and Miki.
Overall, a sweet story about fake boyfriends and real feelings.
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MANGA: Sankaku Twilight
Sankaku Twilight – Hakata
Pure-hearted sentimental love depicting the complex love triangle of an emotionless handsome half-Japanese boy and a dedicated Kansai dialect-speaking delinquent high school boy. A new story is born.
Miki, a delinquent who enjoys fights and is feared by those around him, ends up becoming a library committee member with Ikkei, who is his complete opposite. While they clash due to their contrasting personalities, Ikkei learns one day that Miki has a crush on his childhood friend and senior, “Watarun”. Despite the surprise, Ikkei supports Miki without prejudice and somehow becomes cherished.
Initially, Ikkei couldn’t stand Miki, but as time goes on, he starts to find him adorable…?
Triangle Twilight is a love triangle romance and a sweet story of first loves.
High schoolers Miki and Ikkei were on library duty. Ikkei is a popular half-Japanese, and Miki is a known delinquent. They initially got off the wrong foot, but when Ikkei saw Miki’s incredibly cute expression when looking at his senpai and childhood friend Wataru, he realized Miki was in love.
The two started getting along when Miki learned that Ikkei had kept his secret and that he was willing to lend an ear to his love woes. The longer they spent together, the more Ikkei fell for his new friend. But could he compete with Miki’s beloved senpai?
Miki is a sweet, loyal soul, like an adorable puppy who follows his senpai. When he smiles, he smiles with his whole being, lighting up the room. The only thing missing are little fangs. Ikkei is thunderstruck by that smile and would have been content to be Friend #2 if not for some encouragement.
I normally steer clear of love triangles but the way the plot unfolded, how the feels developed, and how the triangle was resolved, it was heartfelt, satisfying yet painless. Ikkei and Miki were two of the most lovable characters, and I was rooting hard for them.
Wataru is an interesting character and cause of conflict. He learned some lessons at the end and I’m looking forward to his manga.
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MANGA: Chuuken-kun
Chuuken-kun – Fuu Aikawa
Akira, a sensitive high school boy who struggles with socializing, admires Nao, an older cafe employee. He respects Nao as his mentor and follows him around like a faithful dog out of sheer hope of getting closer. As they spend their days eating, traveling, and chatting, Akira’s feelings gradually develop into romantic love, but…
This is an everyday love story which portrays step-by-step feelings of a loyal but clumsy school boy and a guy with maxed-out social skills.
(Source: GOT)
Faithful Dog is a slow-burn, dialogue-heavy slice-of-life romance between a high-schooler and a college student.
While on the train, Akira had an unfortunate experience, and only Nao was kind enough to help him. After that, Akira started hanging around the cafe Nao works in and following the older man whenever he could. He did so faithfully that Nao was reminded of Hachiko.
Nao is cheerful, friendly with a smile like sunshine, and Akira is amazed at how he spreads happiness. He inspires the high schooler to be a better person. The two enjoy each other’s company and hang out at every opportunity.
The plot chronicles the character development and the relationship between the MCs. First, Akira goes from admiration to something deeper. Nao starts seeing things from a different perspective after Akira’s confession.
The two MCs had lengthy conversations, discussing things matter-of-factly. The romance is low-key and, as the blurb advertised, very much rooted in the everyday. There were no grand gestures or unnecessary drama, just things falling into place because, being sensible people, they communicated properly.
Though, I think it’s a missed opportunity not to put size difference into play with Akira being much taller than Nao.
Overall, this is not a manga with lots of bells and whistles. Its charm is in its simple, straightforward quality, highlighting friendships, personal connections, and how their lines crossed and evolved.
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