Description
In contemporary Japan, Mitsumi Iwakura leaves rural Ishikawa to attend a selective high school in Tokyo. She has her future planned out, but city life and making friends are harder to prepare for. An awkward first day brings her together with laid-back classmate Sousuke Shima, whose easygoing manner hides uncertainties of his own.
The story follows their growing circle of friends as closely as its gradual romance. School events and small misunderstandings reveal worries about fitting in, appearance, family, and self-worth. The tone is warm and often funny, but insecurity and painful memories give it emotional weight. First impressions rarely tell the whole story, and even difficult classmates get room to grow.
Pros
- Flawed characters develop beyond their first impressions.
- Friendships receive as much care as the main romance.
- Expressive faces and airy artwork give small moments emotional impact.
Cons
- The gradual romance may feel slow if you want the central couple to drive the story.
Awards
Main characters
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Mitsumi Iwakura
岩倉 美津未
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Sousuke Shima
志摩 聡介
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Mika Egashira
江頭 ミカ
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Yuzuki Murashige
村重 結月
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Makoto Kurume
久留米 誠
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Nao
ナオ