Takemiya Jin has been a Yuri demon, putting out a couple of strong volumes a year, working for multiple publishers and generally churning out Yuri that is not only pleasant to read, but also inclusive of lesbian culture and experience. It’s a hell of a benchmark to keep hitting over and over. So, when I say that Seesaw Game (シーソーゲーム) is not her best book, I don’t mean it’s bad at all, I just mean after a couple of years of a crushing work schedule and an intense multi-volume Yuri series, it’s more relaxing than brilliant.

“Sakasama Onigokko” follows Momo, who still has dreams of her childhood first love, so when, miraculously, Mio transfers into school, Momo can’t believe she doesn’t remember her. To make matters worse, Mio beats her at *everything.*

Hana and Mustuki are best friends. Hana is unusually short and Mutsuki is exceptionally tall. When Mutsuki joins the basketball team, she suggests Hana join too, as manager. But while Hana enjoys watching Mutsuki, she finds herself feeling…something…as her friend gains fame and notoriety.  When Mutsuki admits that she likes Hana, Hana realizes that that was what she felt too. They still have some stuff to work out, first.

I absolutely love “Hatsunatsu Souhi,” a story of reuniting with a dead lover on Obon, and the beginning of a new relationship. The final chapters of this volume follow Hatsunatsu protagonists Misaki and Sa-chan afterwards, as they take a few steps forward together without the ghosts of the past holding them back.

Every story in See-saw Game is pleasant, well-executed and fun. I thought “Hatsunatsu” was quite touching, as well.

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 8
Character – 8
Yuri – 8
Service – 2

Overall – 8

Nothing really world shaking, but it absolutely doesn’t have to be to be a good Yuri read. And Takemiya-sensei is always a good read. ^_^