With more than two decades of reading, I am still absolutely amazed at the high quality of Yuri manga we have gotten in the last few years – even more blown away that so much of it has been licensed in English and other languaues. Of the series I am currently obsessing over, Yuzaki Saakomi’s series about women, food, and queer life in modern Japan is definitely among my top picks for “new mangavolumes I await with baited breath.”
Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna, Volume 5 (作りたい女と食べたい女) begins as Nomoto-san and Kasuga-san continue to navigate the frustrating – and alienating – process of looking for a home to share. It’s hard enough for any couple, but along with the usual annoyances, they are finding that many landlords simply will not accept two unmarried or unrelated people. Thankfully, Yakko recommends a LGBTQIA- friendly agency and they are successful!
They move in and celebrate with their friends. And then, again, Nomoto comes up against the wall of discomfort talking to her peers about her situation. Both Nomoto and Kasuga have only been aware of their sexuality as such for a very short time, so it is unsurprising that there is internal discomfort to address long before they manage to be comfortable telling people they know, but do not know if they can trust. This is handled here a little more harshly than in the live-action series, which I hope to discuss shortly.
Not everything is hard in this volume, however. Nomoto and Kasuga start creating a work rota, and discuss the importance of consent in their relationship. Nagumo decides to see if she can get help for her condition – and the outlook is good. Nomoto and Kasuga go to a large home center and spend the day “playing house,” as my wife and I call it. ^_^ They allow themselves to build more intimacy between them, which is very sweet to see. I love the balance between real-world tension and the joy of found family. The fact that real issues are discussed means it feels firmly rooted in reality, but the story centers growth and love and kindness, as well as a little well-deserved righteous ranting against an unfair society.
You may remember as you read this volume that last year the manga went on hiatus, due to the creator’s illness. Early chapters here seem to have borne the main brunt in the form of some off-style art. but it was merely a reminder that the mangaka is human and as frail as the rest of us. Clearly some clean-up has occurred in post and it’s perfectly fine. A few chapters in, one can feel the renewed energy from the art. I am sure we all hope that Sakaomi-sensei remains healthy. Not just because this is a terrific story, but that, too.
Ratings:
Art – Due to the creator’s illness, I don’t think rating it is appropriate
Story – 10
Characters – 10
Service – 3, them snuggling in bed, is definitely “service”
LGBTQ+ – 10
Overall – 10
TsukuTabe is an outstanding story about found family, friendship and a deep, abiding love of food. She Loves To Cook, She Loves to Eat. Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3 is available now in English from Yen Press, and Volume 4 is on the way in May!
