Going strong, but misunderstandings continue.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Karuho Shiina
Translation/Adaptation: Ari Yasuda, HC Language Solutions, Inc.
What They Say
It’s been one year since Sawako and Kazehaya confessed their love to each other. With their last high school festival approaching, Sawako gives it her all to make it the best one ever. Meanwhile, Kazehaya seems to be overworking himself…
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
This volume primarily focuses on the third years last year and the school festival. An underlying storyline is what the third years want to do not only for their college selection, but also for a career. This overflows into thoughts of who will remain together after their high school days are done.
As far as relationships go, Kazehaya and Sawako have hit their first year anniversary. It seems all their misunderstandings of the past are cleared away, but another one is created when Sawako suggests that Kazehaya and her do not meet in the morning. She is doing this out of concern for Kazehaya’s health, but he thinks it’s because she wants to study harder for a different college than the one he is aiming for.
Yano and Ryu are doing well, but progress is slow. However, Yano makes a statement at the school festival parade that her career choice is to work at Ryu’s family ramen shop. Ayane, on the other hand, finds herself single, but her eyes are following Arai-sensei and her heart beats faster when they are close. She is studying harder to open up her future choices.
In Summary
It’s obvious why Kimi ni Todoke had both an anime and live action spin off. The gentle slice of life story appeals to a large audience, but it’s the main character Sawako and her relationship with Kazehaya that keeps readers invested.
Sawako is the person we all believe ourselves to be. Awkward and unsure, she does what we all wish we could do and that’s to move forward. Sawako also embraces what her classmates called her, Sadako, and becomes the best ghost she can possibly be. Her earnest and kind nature turns the name calling into being the class MVP at the school festival.
I like this manga beyond Sawako as well. The supporting characters and their relationships are just as good as the main couple. The art is also very gorgeous and emotions are always beautiful conveyed. If you haven’t started this series, and you’re a shojo fan, you should seriously consider investing in this one.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade: A
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: A
Age Rating: Teen
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: May 3rd, 2016
MSRP: $9.99
