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問題提起 作品集 [Mondaiteiki Sakuhinshū] #2
Confidential Confessions, Volume 2
Confidential Confessions is a shocking new manga series that deals with many of the hard-hitting issues that teens face today. Using emotionally moving storylines and multi-dimensional characters, each groundbreaking volume tackles such topics as teen prostitution, rape, HIV, stalkers, suicide, and sexual harassment. Enlightening without being preachy, Confidential Confessions is like a modern-day manga version of the After School Special.
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2001
78 people want to read
About the author
Reiko Momochi
39 books27 followersReiko-san is treasured by manga fans in Japan for her unflinchingly realistic portrayal of the myriad serious issues facing teens today.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 28, 2016
Confidential Confessions is one of those manga that stick with you; it visits rather dark, often uncomfortable, and always challenging situations. Told through a series of stand-alones, across a handful of masterfully-rendered volumes, the second in the series contains a singular story entitled ‘Tears’.
‘Tears’ revolves around the issue of sexual harassment, the abuse of power and then, heartbreakingly, the questioning of victim ‘plausibility’. This is not a light-hearted read and, like the rest of the series, bravely (and sensitively) tackles scenarios that are all too familiar news headlines across the world. This run is a clear example that manga is a serious genre and not ‘cartoons for kids’ as some still mistakenly label it.
The premise of the story itself is quite simple. Todo is a 37 year old Phys Ed teacher and a famously-successful Tennis coach; therefore he has a lot of physical contact with the various members of the all-female student body, especially the Tennis Team… Unfortunately it swiftly becomes apparent that that contact is sinister in nature. Narrated by Suzuki, Captain of the Tennis Squad, this comes from the PoV of a victim. If ever you’ve wondered why scenarios like this could go unreported, Momochi has captured the psychology of this perfectly. Suzuki often looks back at the various events, bandying back and forth in her mind as to whether or not she is exaggerating, only to write off each event with various excuses… As time goes by, however, as she witnesses and is subject to further abuse, the excuses have mounted beyond all credibility.
Well drawn and paced, if given a slightly cheesy (happy?) ending, it’s clear that vast reams of research have been put into these stories. When the girls finally discuss what is going on and attempt to mount a defence/report it, the challenged Todo escalates the level of manipulation. With their tennis aspirations jeopardised, the entire team pressure one another into remaining silent. Even those who felt that such a price for their dream was too high couldn’t handle the prospect of their parents knowing… Remain silent, don’t make a fuss, hope that it goes away quietly… Then, even when a complaint is lodged, the other teachers refuse to take the matter seriously and turn it upon its head… It’s a difficult read in that respect.
Although not part of the main story itself, two aspects really got to me in this. The first is the younger girl in the Tennis Squad, who bursts into hysterical tears. I’d like to think she’s just sensitive, but the possibility that she’s been traumatised by something More by Todo leaves me with a cold slimy feeling in my chest. It had been some years since I’d re-read this volume, but as soon as I picked it up, I remember her. She doesn’t play a big part, but she’s the most memorable – most haunting – for me. Her story doesn’t end with Tears, she has a future where she has to deal with that every day, and it’s a horrible recognition that there are a lot of real people out there in the same boat.
The second is born of total frustration: the molester on the train who, thinking himself above the law, attempts to BUY HIS WAY FREE of his crime. I’m not sure if it’s because he believes as he has money he can live by his own rules, or if he just doesn’t consider sexual harassment to be a major deal, or if it’s just that he tries to thrust that money upon Suzuki to ‘withdraw the complaint’ in front of the police… But I found him to be one of those side-characters who, again, haunt you… With the desperate desire to punch them. Repeatedly. In the face.
I like the Confidential Confessions series. It had a mixed reception and some bad press. I don’t think it’s being ‘shocking’ to sell at all, that’s a very shallow reading of the content. Momochi is always careful in what and how she portrays her stories, there’s a clear message throughout that leads – mostly – to a positive outcome. And while, yes, ‘cheesy’, they are mostly endings that would be wished for if real life was ‘fair’, the best-case scenarios. It also promotes understanding on some very topical issues. I have heard, whilst commuting ironically, how people who ‘stay silent’ are ‘as much to blame as the abuser’… Its opinions like that that show how badly we need more books like this.
All in, a manga must-read, but not for the poolside, bedtime or the faint of heart.
‘Tears’ revolves around the issue of sexual harassment, the abuse of power and then, heartbreakingly, the questioning of victim ‘plausibility’. This is not a light-hearted read and, like the rest of the series, bravely (and sensitively) tackles scenarios that are all too familiar news headlines across the world. This run is a clear example that manga is a serious genre and not ‘cartoons for kids’ as some still mistakenly label it.
The premise of the story itself is quite simple. Todo is a 37 year old Phys Ed teacher and a famously-successful Tennis coach; therefore he has a lot of physical contact with the various members of the all-female student body, especially the Tennis Team… Unfortunately it swiftly becomes apparent that that contact is sinister in nature. Narrated by Suzuki, Captain of the Tennis Squad, this comes from the PoV of a victim. If ever you’ve wondered why scenarios like this could go unreported, Momochi has captured the psychology of this perfectly. Suzuki often looks back at the various events, bandying back and forth in her mind as to whether or not she is exaggerating, only to write off each event with various excuses… As time goes by, however, as she witnesses and is subject to further abuse, the excuses have mounted beyond all credibility.
Well drawn and paced, if given a slightly cheesy (happy?) ending, it’s clear that vast reams of research have been put into these stories. When the girls finally discuss what is going on and attempt to mount a defence/report it, the challenged Todo escalates the level of manipulation. With their tennis aspirations jeopardised, the entire team pressure one another into remaining silent. Even those who felt that such a price for their dream was too high couldn’t handle the prospect of their parents knowing… Remain silent, don’t make a fuss, hope that it goes away quietly… Then, even when a complaint is lodged, the other teachers refuse to take the matter seriously and turn it upon its head… It’s a difficult read in that respect.
Although not part of the main story itself, two aspects really got to me in this. The first is the younger girl in the Tennis Squad, who bursts into hysterical tears. I’d like to think she’s just sensitive, but the possibility that she’s been traumatised by something More by Todo leaves me with a cold slimy feeling in my chest. It had been some years since I’d re-read this volume, but as soon as I picked it up, I remember her. She doesn’t play a big part, but she’s the most memorable – most haunting – for me. Her story doesn’t end with Tears, she has a future where she has to deal with that every day, and it’s a horrible recognition that there are a lot of real people out there in the same boat.
The second is born of total frustration: the molester on the train who, thinking himself above the law, attempts to BUY HIS WAY FREE of his crime. I’m not sure if it’s because he believes as he has money he can live by his own rules, or if he just doesn’t consider sexual harassment to be a major deal, or if it’s just that he tries to thrust that money upon Suzuki to ‘withdraw the complaint’ in front of the police… But I found him to be one of those side-characters who, again, haunt you… With the desperate desire to punch them. Repeatedly. In the face.
I like the Confidential Confessions series. It had a mixed reception and some bad press. I don’t think it’s being ‘shocking’ to sell at all, that’s a very shallow reading of the content. Momochi is always careful in what and how she portrays her stories, there’s a clear message throughout that leads – mostly – to a positive outcome. And while, yes, ‘cheesy’, they are mostly endings that would be wished for if real life was ‘fair’, the best-case scenarios. It also promotes understanding on some very topical issues. I have heard, whilst commuting ironically, how people who ‘stay silent’ are ‘as much to blame as the abuser’… Its opinions like that that show how badly we need more books like this.
All in, a manga must-read, but not for the poolside, bedtime or the faint of heart.
May 21, 2019
Unlike the other volumes of CONFIDENTIAL CONFESSIONS, Vol. 2 only contains one story. But rest assured, Reiko Momochi not a page is wasted in this longer-than-usual fair.
The story follows Suzuki, a young high school girl who's part of a very prestigious tennis team. Most of the team's success is attributed to their coach, Shigeru Todo. Todo is a very hands-on instructor, and frequently touches the tennis players inappropriately while coaching. Suzuki struggles with whether or not to report Todo for his creepy behavior, especially since the many of the other girls on the team aren't bothered it and there doesn't seem to be a sexual motivation for his conduct. In fact, outside of the touching, even she has to admit he's a talented coach. But even then, reporting his conduct isn't the end of the problem, as the school isn't inclined to believe teenage girls...
In a post #MeToo world, "Tears" probably doesn't feel as groundbreaking or controversial to new readers today as it was in 2001. Nonetheless, I highly recommend anyone who has ever wondered "why don't women just report?" to read this book. The mental and emotional weight of being abused, especially when it's not clear if the conduct is actual abuse, is strikingly depicted. Notably, even though most of the focus is on how women themselves keep perpetuating the problem of sexual abuse in workplaces, "Tears" doesn't demonize them for it.
The ending felt a little unrealistically positive given the nature of the topic, and I have to wonder if the publisher mandated a happy ending after the intense stories in Vol. 1. The author returns to sad and bittersweet endings in the subsequent books in the series, though.
The story follows Suzuki, a young high school girl who's part of a very prestigious tennis team. Most of the team's success is attributed to their coach, Shigeru Todo. Todo is a very hands-on instructor, and frequently touches the tennis players inappropriately while coaching. Suzuki struggles with whether or not to report Todo for his creepy behavior, especially since the many of the other girls on the team aren't bothered it and there doesn't seem to be a sexual motivation for his conduct. In fact, outside of the touching, even she has to admit he's a talented coach. But even then, reporting his conduct isn't the end of the problem, as the school isn't inclined to believe teenage girls...
In a post #MeToo world, "Tears" probably doesn't feel as groundbreaking or controversial to new readers today as it was in 2001. Nonetheless, I highly recommend anyone who has ever wondered "why don't women just report?" to read this book. The mental and emotional weight of being abused, especially when it's not clear if the conduct is actual abuse, is strikingly depicted. Notably, even though most of the focus is on how women themselves keep perpetuating the problem of sexual abuse in workplaces, "Tears" doesn't demonize them for it.
The ending felt a little unrealistically positive given the nature of the topic, and I have to wonder if the publisher mandated a happy ending after the intense stories in Vol. 1. The author returns to sad and bittersweet endings in the subsequent books in the series, though.
November 20, 2008
Reiko Momochi, Confidential Confessions, vol. 2 (Tokyopop, 2001)
It is with a mixture of horror, amusement, and offense that I note that of the hundreds of volumes of manga and graphic novels I have read from libraries all over the country, volume 2 of Confidential Confessions is the only one I have ever seen where librarians have been specifically instructed to shelve it with the adult books. Preacher? Teen. 100 Bullets? Teen. Deus Vitae? Teen. A book about a high-school girl being sexually harassed by her tennis coach, which (unlike the books mentioned previously) is obviously written with a high school audience in mind? Nope, we can't let the kiddies get their hands on that.
Shows progression from the first volume in that the characters are much better-developed and the situation (while still ultimately predictable and more than a little cheesy at the end) is more realistic than the stories in volume 1. Of course, this could have a good deal to do with the fact that this volume is one story, where the first volume split its length among two.
An excellent book. Gets the Goat Central recommendation for middle school and above, whatever your library has to say about it. ****
It is with a mixture of horror, amusement, and offense that I note that of the hundreds of volumes of manga and graphic novels I have read from libraries all over the country, volume 2 of Confidential Confessions is the only one I have ever seen where librarians have been specifically instructed to shelve it with the adult books. Preacher? Teen. 100 Bullets? Teen. Deus Vitae? Teen. A book about a high-school girl being sexually harassed by her tennis coach, which (unlike the books mentioned previously) is obviously written with a high school audience in mind? Nope, we can't let the kiddies get their hands on that.
Shows progression from the first volume in that the characters are much better-developed and the situation (while still ultimately predictable and more than a little cheesy at the end) is more realistic than the stories in volume 1. Of course, this could have a good deal to do with the fact that this volume is one story, where the first volume split its length among two.
An excellent book. Gets the Goat Central recommendation for middle school and above, whatever your library has to say about it. ****
March 16, 2023
“We shouldn’t give up and say ‘That’s just the way all guys are.’ If we did, wouldn’t that include our boyfriends? our fathers? our brothers? That’s wrong. There are also men out there who protect women. Men are not your enemy.”
The ending of this volume was so fulfilling. I wanted to stand up there with Suzuki.
The ending of this volume was so fulfilling. I wanted to stand up there with Suzuki.
March 5, 2024
Confidential Confessions volume 2 just has a single story, “Tears”. I imagine the depression/suicide stories hit a large crowd and I imagine that this second volume, which deals with sexual abuse, tackles another huge wave. Checking the date I found this was published in 2001. Incredibly relevant today as it was when it was needed probably…well, I don’t know years ago? Decades? There are movements now that I hope capture the attention of people contained in the “Tears” story.
We’re living in the times that have seen the USA Gymnastics Sex Abuse Scandal. Larry Nassar is largely the face of the scandal. Here it is coach Todo. While there will be sexual abuse that cannot be caught, validated, or substantiated, this volume goes to show that the environment can’t be sustained by one person and awareness goes a long way. In fact, this is probably one of the best examples of sexual harassment represented in media. What it deals with covers a lot of bases so I’m not going to try to expound on that further. RAFO.
This review is going to get a little personal because I am, in a skewed fashion, part of the audience for this one. No details - I have walked this walk and while it had nothing to do with the sports I played (I was a male athlete) I can definitely understand where this stuff comes from. Your own silence is the hardest to beat, ESPECIALLY when it feels like no one has your corner and EVEN FURTHER when it contradicts everyone’s interest. It’s as if you know you have a winning hand in poker and no one acknowledges it up to the point where they blatantly ignore the rules and would defend against it. It’s madness.
The endings to these volumes try to end positively, however it leaves one a little hollow. It’s too real. On the flip side, it’s inspiring. I will say this; Reiko Momochi does not pull any punches. The next volume deals with drug addiction and I imagine it’s going to go all the way. I’ve been borrowing these volumes from a friend, so I’m not sure if I can continue this series which is a shame. I might have to scourge some online…resources to get at em`. Hopefully we’re on to the next!
We’re living in the times that have seen the USA Gymnastics Sex Abuse Scandal. Larry Nassar is largely the face of the scandal. Here it is coach Todo. While there will be sexual abuse that cannot be caught, validated, or substantiated, this volume goes to show that the environment can’t be sustained by one person and awareness goes a long way. In fact, this is probably one of the best examples of sexual harassment represented in media. What it deals with covers a lot of bases so I’m not going to try to expound on that further. RAFO.
This review is going to get a little personal because I am, in a skewed fashion, part of the audience for this one. No details - I have walked this walk and while it had nothing to do with the sports I played (I was a male athlete) I can definitely understand where this stuff comes from. Your own silence is the hardest to beat, ESPECIALLY when it feels like no one has your corner and EVEN FURTHER when it contradicts everyone’s interest. It’s as if you know you have a winning hand in poker and no one acknowledges it up to the point where they blatantly ignore the rules and would defend against it. It’s madness.
The endings to these volumes try to end positively, however it leaves one a little hollow. It’s too real. On the flip side, it’s inspiring. I will say this; Reiko Momochi does not pull any punches. The next volume deals with drug addiction and I imagine it’s going to go all the way. I’ve been borrowing these volumes from a friend, so I’m not sure if I can continue this series which is a shame. I might have to scourge some online…resources to get at em`. Hopefully we’re on to the next!
August 26, 2023
This was hard to read & for good reason. It deals with sexual assault. What it means to speak up & the choices made by everyone involved. You hate to see the others who have been harassed choose to turn down going forward with action taken against the perpetrator. Yet you can see where they are coming from in the choice they feel they have to make. It’s wrong. All of it is wrong. You can clearly see that between the wrongs being done to these women & you can feel it’s wrong for how they act. Yet you can understand where they are coming from when making these choices. It’s all difficult. It’s a topic that’s hard to cover, not one that’s difficult to understand, but one that has a lot of issue with bringing to the surface.
This book does the topic well. It holds many examples of being a victim & the differences in opinions on how to handle the situation. It even shows the difficulty in deciding to move forward in speaking up to others about it. The motion of bring it to light to others being involved, to bringing it up to higher ups, to talking about it with others close to you. It shows it all in one small sized manga. This is only a one volume story yet it holds so much depth to the topic.
There’s not a clean cut ending, but again it leaves you with some hope at the end. If we learn anything from this book, it’s to speak up even when it’s hard to. Oh & to treat people correctly.
This book does the topic well. It holds many examples of being a victim & the differences in opinions on how to handle the situation. It even shows the difficulty in deciding to move forward in speaking up to others about it. The motion of bring it to light to others being involved, to bringing it up to higher ups, to talking about it with others close to you. It shows it all in one small sized manga. This is only a one volume story yet it holds so much depth to the topic.
There’s not a clean cut ending, but again it leaves you with some hope at the end. If we learn anything from this book, it’s to speak up even when it’s hard to. Oh & to treat people correctly.
February 16, 2022
I never forgot reading this manga series.
All of the Confidential Confessions books contain realistic, and quite dark short stories about the life of Japanese teenage girls, and the problems they are facing. Sensitive topics such as suicide, prostitution, drug abuse, and rape are written in an emotional, believable, heartbreaking, and humbling way.
I read these books as a teenager, and I believe they had a positive impact on me. These stories may shock you, but these are real-life events that affect many young women. These stories made me think about issues of struggling young women in a different way. They made me more empathetic and less judgemental of other people's choices in life.
Would like to re-read them one day.
All of the Confidential Confessions books contain realistic, and quite dark short stories about the life of Japanese teenage girls, and the problems they are facing. Sensitive topics such as suicide, prostitution, drug abuse, and rape are written in an emotional, believable, heartbreaking, and humbling way.
I read these books as a teenager, and I believe they had a positive impact on me. These stories may shock you, but these are real-life events that affect many young women. These stories made me think about issues of struggling young women in a different way. They made me more empathetic and less judgemental of other people's choices in life.
Would like to re-read them one day.
May 3, 2022
I want to give this more stars but I have some problems with it's portrayal of sexual assault. Though the book makes it clear that the actions of a perverted teacher are wrong, it almost disregards this by showing necessary nudity. You would think that in a manga about Sexual harassment there would not be panty shots, but you would be wrong.
There are many uncomfortable pictures of these highschool age girls that are very un-needed. Just because the subject matter is uncomfortable doesn't mean that it needs to be graphic.
On a different note, I do appreciate the strong message and moral. The resolution is very satisfying. I think there is definitely a need for more stories that help people understand that SA is not the victims fault.
There are many uncomfortable pictures of these highschool age girls that are very un-needed. Just because the subject matter is uncomfortable doesn't mean that it needs to be graphic.
On a different note, I do appreciate the strong message and moral. The resolution is very satisfying. I think there is definitely a need for more stories that help people understand that SA is not the victims fault.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2020
This manga puts light on sexual harassment that happens in an all-girls high school. The tennis teacher sexually harasses the girls taking advantage that he is older and has an authority. The main character can’t take up the harassment anymore and she speaks up. It shows the hesitation and nervousness she had when thinking wether to tell her parents because it was embarrassing to her. The environment around her is so pressuring. Her classmates don’t want her to speak up because the teacher is the one who can help them become a popular tennis team. But despite all that, she gets the courage and speaks up the truth of what he has been doing to her and the other girls.
There is also a very nice and deep message at the end.
There is also a very nice and deep message at the end.
November 13, 2023
This manga stands on its own; I hadn't read volume 1 in the series but it didn't matter. This provides a good insight to the plight of the victims of child abuse and why the perpetrators are able to get away with so long. It is especially relevant to coaches, but can easily be adapted to teachers, preachers, scout masters or others in positions of authority.
October 23, 2019
After finding this in a little free library and never having read a Manga before, I decided to give a try.
Obviously easy to read, I completed it in just over an hour. I am hardly the target audience for this book but I thought it was pretty effective at getting it's point across.
Obviously easy to read, I completed it in just over an hour. I am hardly the target audience for this book but I thought it was pretty effective at getting it's point across.
July 18, 2017
These stories are about very harsh realistic things but for some reason you just keep reading them to see how they are going to end up. Some could be happy some maybe not, they are worth the read.
September 7, 2013
when i was in middle school (or early high school?) i read this manga called innocent love. it was a melodrama following a girl who'd become a prostitute and caught AIDS and i cried my eyes out. i think if i read it now it'd probably be too heavy a touch for me but at the time i thought it was brilliant. i don't think i was really wrong either, any story that intentionally manages that kind of strong emotional reaction is doing it's job right
confidential confessions reminds me of innocent love. what got to me was that i could believe things would go exactly the way the story depicted them. i was angry and frustrated at the way the school administration responded to suzuki's complaint but i never felt like the author was exaggerating for pathos. scum like todo get away with sexual harassment because the culture around them encourages no accountability. i thought suzuki was incredibly brave and wonderful for speaking out the way she did and i'm really glad momochi ultimately decided to go for the happy ending. 3 stars
confidential confessions reminds me of innocent love. what got to me was that i could believe things would go exactly the way the story depicted them. i was angry and frustrated at the way the school administration responded to suzuki's complaint but i never felt like the author was exaggerating for pathos. scum like todo get away with sexual harassment because the culture around them encourages no accountability. i thought suzuki was incredibly brave and wonderful for speaking out the way she did and i'm really glad momochi ultimately decided to go for the happy ending. 3 stars
December 18, 2015
"The person on the receiving end is the one who decides if its offensive to her or not"
Throughout this manga, I just got to say that I was very furious at the other women in the story for thinking that it was okay to be sexually harassed just for their dream or just brushed it off since its already their last year in HS so why bother? My head just aches while reading on how people can just ignored it. Well, i was trying to understand them on how the society are going to look down on for 'making a big deal out of it' on these matters but its was just ugghhh. But I was contented on how things got resolved and overall message of the manga to take action. Confidential Confessions has once again stirred a lot of emotions on me right now.
I starting to love this series so much for these controversial eye-opening themes.
Throughout this manga, I just got to say that I was very furious at the other women in the story for thinking that it was okay to be sexually harassed just for their dream or just brushed it off since its already their last year in HS so why bother? My head just aches while reading on how people can just ignored it. Well, i was trying to understand them on how the society are going to look down on for 'making a big deal out of it' on these matters but its was just ugghhh. But I was contented on how things got resolved and overall message of the manga to take action. Confidential Confessions has once again stirred a lot of emotions on me right now.
I starting to love this series so much for these controversial eye-opening themes.
April 17, 2016
I'm just going to leave one big review for the whole series rather than writing them individually. It's been years since I read them. But I remember them quite well. This is one of my favorite series I've ever read. And warning a head of time, its a pretty dark one. So if you can't handle stories about drugs, prostitution, rape, suicide, etc.. then stay away. This series brings to light some of the struggles teens today face, and some adults. Not all the stories have a happy ending. But they do shed a little light on some of the problems today. They make you think and that's what I like about them. The books all contain two stories each. One longer story taking up 75% of the book and them a smaller quicker story.
June 24, 2012
This series brings up a lot of issues that a lot of women have to face. I do love that the series uses female characters as the main characters. It's helpful to know that there are solutions and that those women are not alone. Very upfront and in your face with issues that happen everyday. Very real and inspirational.
January 30, 2013
This was the best volume. I liked the reality of this story. It might seem like drama, but this kind of thing happens and the way Reiko Momochi tells the story is beautiful. It makes you believe in possibility and future.
July 31, 2010
This series deals with various controversial subjects that young women are dealing with in today's society. For the most part they are tackled well.
November 12, 2015
Read prior to joining Goodreads.
June 27, 2014
This book was a great read!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews