Archive for the Yuri Manga Category


Kininatteru Hito Ga Otoko Janakatta, Volume 3 (気にγͺγ£γ¦γ‚‹δΊΊγŒη”·γ˜γ‚ƒγͺγ‹γ£γŸ)

March 23rd, 2025

On a bright neon green background, drawn in black and white, guitar picks flying around as in a high wind, two girls look at us. One, in t-shirt and jeans, holds a guitar, the other in blouse and skirt, their hair and clothes flying wildly.

Up until this volume, there has been almost no conflict of any kind in Arai Sumiko’s school and music Yuri series. In Kininatteru Hito Ga Otoko Janakatta, Volume 3, (気にγͺγ£γ¦γ‚‹δΊΊγŒη”·γ˜γ‚ƒγͺγ‹γ£γŸ), we are now meant to take this story seriously enough that there are several situations that pass for conflict.

But first! A music festival. Aya, Mitsuki, Narita, Jo and Kanna all got to Fuji Rock, and have camping/festival fun and trauma. If you have ever done a massively large camping/event all of this will be so familiar to you that you, like I, smiled – and grimaced – with renewed memories. It rains. I remember that.

The music festival is the catalyst for everything else in this volume. Mitsuki, enamored of the acts on stage fantasizes about joining them. Aya is of course egging her on, as she too loves to see Mitsuki on stage. This precipitates several crises. I will avoid spoilers here, as this is the plot, but the crises are, simply, Mitsuki shedding her “school” persona for her truer self which then reverbs into a crisis for Aya who is 10000% Mitsuki’s fan and friend and also disproportionately jealous about Mitsuki in a way that causes her to create distance between then in order to preserve their “friend”ship over the “relation”ship they were building.  This all builds up to a very funny scene, in which Narita narrates “Narita Geographic.” I laughed out loud at that.

The other crisis is…the prom. Narita comes across the school principal crying at a movie that culminates in a romantic prom scene. In one of those moments where the series chooses to 86 reality for plot sake, Narita encourages the idea of prom at their school and the principal, says, “Great, you handle it.” Thus, a prom will happen. There will be yet another conflict, exacerbated by all the previous conflicts. If you are concerned at the outcome, I suggest you follow Arai-sensei on one of her several socials. The spoiler is worth it. I amend that to, the spoilers are always worth it. ^_^

I have mentioned several times that my wife and I do not like the same things much of the time. Even when we like a thing, it is often for different reasons. In the case of The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t A Guy At All, she reads Volume 1, then Volume 2, then starts again and is impatiently waiting for Volume 3. I, on the other hand, am impatiently waiting for Kininatteru Hito Ga Otoko Janakatta, Volume 4. YES, I know what happens. I want the whole book anyway.  We must both wait as Volume 2 in English and Volume 3 in Japanese are recent releases, but we can foot tap if we want. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 9
Characters – 9
Service – 3  Mitsuki being cool is still this series’ service
Yuri – 7

Overall – 9

As I pointed out upon returning from New York City, knowing that mid-town Kinokuniya is fully decked out in green advertising for this series is nice, but actually *seeing* how much expensive retail space this series is taking up, is something else. Like, a whole order up of “holy crow.” Kino, Kadokawa and Yen are advertising this series in a way I have never, ever, seen for a Yuri story. As the series in question is lovely and sweet and charming and fun, it feels extra wonderful. No “yay for Yuri, but ugh, what a shitty series.” We can offer this our full-throated, full-hearted support…and we can get merch! By buying a copy of this volume at Kino, I now have an adorable standee and a rubber bracelet “signed” by Mitsuki, as well as a wonderful volume of a delightful Yuri manga. ^_^





Sheep Princess in Wolf’s Clothing, Volume 5

March 21st, 2025

The cover of 'Sheep Princess in Wolf's Clothing' volume 5. Aki is holding Momo, they are both in wedding dresses. by Luce, Staff Writer

I’m Luce, lover of cute things and books with happy endings! Currently tackling my tsundoku problem, I’m trying to balance the book dragon and book worm parts of my soul. I love reading… I just love buying books too, and that takes far less time!

In the four previous volumes, we got to know Aki, a Wolfa butler, and Momo, a Sheepa princess. Through various trials, they’ve gotten together, but Momo had just realised that Aki never actually said that she loves her!

Sheep Princess in Wolf’s Clothing, Volume 5 puts us straight back into that revelation – should Momo ask her? But what if she says that she doesn’t love her? Meanwhile, Aki talks to Princess Kunya on this topic. After resolving their issues, the queen spots them kissing! How will she react – can they even continue their relationship, when Momo is still getting marriage proposals?

I really liked Princess Kunya pointing out that different species have different ways of expressing love and affection to each other, and what is incredibly intimate to one group may not mean as much to others. It’s quite clear to us that Aki is obsessed, but without saying the words, it leaves Momo concerned that Aki is just following orders. It’s a good message! You might think you’re saying something loud and clear, but is that message getting through?

I laughed quite a lot when it’s shown that gay runs in the family – I shouldn’t be surprised in this manga, which has one singular male character with lines, who only vaguely appears in the last two volumes. It was nice to see the comparison between the reality for most people in their situation, and the fantasy of Aki and Momo. Royals don’t always get what they want with relationships, and if they do, they tend to have to give up a lot to get it. We see that in real life – although on the other hand, particularly in history, they often do get what they want, even if the other party isn’t interested. In fiction, arranged marriage is either a) horror and to be avoided or b) the start to a romance. It was nice to see the third, probably most realistic option for most people in arranged marriages – rather than love, you hope to get on with them. It was a remarkably pragmatic take, considering the utter fantastical nature of the series in general.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Yuri fantasy romance without a wedding! I will admit it felt like a fitting end to this nice little series, wrapping it up neatly and leaving us to imagine the rest of their future together, along with a brief glance at the other pairs established (and establishing) along the way. The mangaka states that they might post extra bits on Twitter (obligatory reminder to move over to Bluesky!), though I haven’t gone searching, and I wouldn’t be able to read them regardless.

Oh, and as I guessed, the service quotient went up.

Ratings:

Story: 6
Art: 8 (fluffy as always! The clothing is done really nicely, too)
Service: 7
Yuri: 9, it’s almost a yuritopia

Overall: 7

I’m a little sad this is ending, but it’s not a deep enough story to have gone on for much longer. Recommended for those looking for a fluffy Yuri that doesn’t ignore the fact that sex exists, but also doesn’t ignore reality completely. Tolerating animal ears is a must.





Wicked Spot, Volume 1 / γ‚¦γ‚£γ‚­γƒƒγƒ‰γ‚Ήγƒγƒƒγƒˆ

March 20th, 2025

On a vivid yellow background, a woman with wild pink hair in hot pink and black, sits cross-legged, manicured long nails visible on her hand, smiling broadly with fangs showing and an intense look in her green eyes as looks a us.Sal Jiang’s newest manga, Wicked Spot, Volume 1 (γ‚¦γ‚£γ‚­γƒƒγƒ‰γ‚Ήγƒγƒƒγƒˆ) is a classic case of a story beginning in one place and ending way far away from there in many different ways. I love it. ^_^

This begins with a bunch of witch hunters up in the mountains, in a dark, terrifying cave, streaming about their hunt for the unknown. When the unknown pops up to say hi, they pass out from fear, leaving witch Sadako, who has grown up up hidden away from humanity, alone with a cell phone. Fascinated by humans as Sada is, she finally leaves her people and walks into town, using her powers to grab clothes, food, drink, and followers online. Now, she is an influencer.

Hana, a woman with unusual strength and trauma about being called a “witch” as a form of rejection, is 100% a fan of Sadako’s, until she announcas to the world that she is, in actual fact, a witch. Hana goes from super fan to anti in seconds. Sadako tracks her down to see what the deal is.

And then they are both kidnapped by the “Sabbat,” a council of witches and dumped in the one place on this planet witches aren’t uncommon. They have no idea where they are, but, my friends, I was married only a little bit away from that very statue. In fact, our dinner afterwards, was in the same plaza.  So when they awake in Salem, Massachusetts, right in front of the Bewitched statue featuring Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens, I smiled. It also makes me smile that this is not the first time the series Bewitched has appeared here on Okazu as a reference!

Ratings:

Art – 8 sometimes beautiful, other times messy
Characters – 8 Yes, this kind of off the wall, please
Story – 9 Awesome so far
Service – Cute clothes are about it
Yuri – Could go any way right now, but I trust

Overall – 8

What will become of Sadako and Hanako? I don’t know and can’t guess and I’m excited about that! Go! Go! Sal Jiang! Write a story that completely does stuff I can’t predict. I love it.





Honey Latte Girl

March 17th, 2025

A woman with light brown hair, pulled into a ponytail wearing a grey blouse smiles gently off camera. The English words "Honey Latte Girl" in large yellow neon-light font .Sometimes you just need an adorable coffee shop story and, in Honey Latte Girl, an English translation of Inui Ayu and Inu Ha Sakana’s doujinshi from YURI HUB on Bookwalker JP, that’s exactly what you get.  

Our protagonist is a barista who watches over her customers with care. One customer, in particular – a woman who seems stressed and very tight in her routine. This customer orders the exact same thing every day. One day, the customer comes in, looking very out of sorts, so the barista suggest something new and soothing.

Of course, this story goes exactly where one might expect – they begin talking, the customer starts to open up and try new things, they fall in love, the end. ^_^ It’s short and perfect, no bitterness left on the palate. And some days, that’s all you really want – something slight too sweet. ^_^

YURI HUB imprint is run by a bunch of folks associated with the ANCHOR rainbow port tokyo cafe and Yuri Times. The translation is fine and it’s nice to see them bringing Yuri doujinshi to the English-speaking audience!

Ratings:

Art – 7 Inui Ayu’s style is cute, a bit soppy and YMMV
Story – 8 Perfect for jangly days as a sweet treat
Characters – We barely meet them, but nice
Yuri – 9
Service – 0

Overall – 8

Everything was perfect, except…while the *words* honey latte sound very nice, the idea of the drink sounds not so good. ^_^





This Monster Wants To Eat Me, Volume 3

March 14th, 2025

Two girls in white sailor-stye Japanese school uniforms with black piping. One, with long hair embraces the other while smiling broadly. The girl being embraces seems pensive as they stand before a colorful sunset sky.By Volume 3 of This Monster Wants To Eat Me, we understand the tensions between Hinako, a young woman who lost everything before she knew she had anything, and a Japanese mermaid so dedicated to protecting her in order to one day eat her, that she opposes Hinako’s only friend, Miko.

This volume is an ordeal for Miko, whose true nature and her friendship with Hinako is put to the test. Miko’s reaction is to sacrifice something important, to assuage Shiori’s doubt….and ensure Shiori must become more responsible for Hinako’s well-being.

Then the story becomes an ordeal for Hinako, who is taken by Shiori to the beach…where the dark loss of her family haunts Hinako even more uncomfortably than usual.

Shiroi smiles all the time, and says she wants Hinako to maybe find some happiness, but is this the way to do it? It’s hard to understand Shiori’s motivation at this point. We will, eventually, but right now, we’re more like Miko, wondering what the agenda is here.

Sae Naekawa’s story is always just on the edge of discomfort. We don’t know what feels wrong, or why, but we are made uncomfortable by Hinako’s discomfort. Even though we can see that she is well-protected, there is always something dark under the surface, waiting. Caleb Cook’s translation of Shiori, especially, is exceptional. Nothing she says is “wrong”, per se, but it’s not quite right, either. The house style for Yen’s translation of sound effects means that Bianca Pistillo’ work is good, but not given room to be oustanding. Nonetheless, I want you to really *look* at the first page and see that the same sound effect fills the trees and the oceans and follows the girls as they walk in a brilliantly subtle atmospheric moment.

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 8 Still ominous and compelling
Characters – 8 The more we know, the less we know
Service – Blood. Violence. Monsters. Secrets. More Monsters.
Yuri – Miko is possessive, Shiori is infatuating and infatuated

Overall – 8

I continue to love this series, and look forward to every volume, whether in Japanese or English. But I very much thank Yen Press for this review copy!