Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You: Soulmate, Vol. 1

君に届け 番外編 運命の人 [Kimi ni Todoke Bangai-hen: Unmei no Hito] #1

by Karuho Shiina

In college, Kurumi thinks she’s found her soulmate in Sawako, her rival-turned-best-friend from high school. But Kurumi can’t help wondering if maybe there’s someone else out there for her, despite her troubling track record with dating. When the opportunity to attend a mixer crops up, Kurumi drags Sawako along, setting in motion a dangerous love story…

Genres: Manga, Romance, Slice Of Life, Shojo, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Manga Romance

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2019

About the author

See also 椎名 軽穂
Karuho Shiina was born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan. Though Kimi ni Todoke is only her second series following many one-shot stories, it has already racked up accolades from various "Best Manga of the Year" lists. Winner of the 2008 Kodansha Manga Award for the shojo category, Kimi ni Todoke also placed fifth in the first-ever Manga Taisho (Cartoon Grand Prize) contest in 2008.

Reviews

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/Lpy4YluhkXM

Updated Review 10/7/24: Absolutely loved rereading this volume! Kurumi's rawness in how she views herself and what she says is so compelling!

Original Review 4/12/24: It was SO wonderful to be back with these characters once again and see sweet Sawako! 🥹🥹🥹

I was in fact surprised how much I loved this! While I was hopeful I would love it, it wasn't until almost the end of the original series that I finally started to sort of like Kurumi, which is why I was a little nervous about how I would feel about this volume. I shouldn't have even worried because even though Kurumi is her typical self, I really loved following her as the heroine!

Kurumi has a very different and distinct voice compared to Sawako, which I expected, but I was surprised to quickly find that she has a lot of her own insecurities. I was taken aback to see the REAL Kurumi and how she questioned everything when it came to Eiji. For being THE Kurumi and being so cute and having guys ask her out often in high school, I fully expected her to show more confidence in her actions, but that wasn't the case.

Speaking of Eiji, he's an interesting guy! I love how genuine he is, whether that be what he's telling Kurumi or him beating up some creepy guy, he is a very sincere and honest person. He also has AMAZING compatibility with Kurumi and honestly enjoyed seeing him pursue her in a healthy way that showed he was very interested in her.

I really think the highlight of this volume (and series!) is being able to get to know Kurumi as a character who's not just the "bully" of the heroine. There are so many layers to her character!

Honestly, I never expected I would be cheering for her now in her own love story, but I am eagerly, delightfully, and excitedly doing so! Can't wait for the next volume!!

(As a bonus note, I will warn that the ending with the creepy guy was pretty intense! For all the butterflies I felt reading this volume, I felt afraid for Kurumi and let out a long pent-up breath when I realized she was okay!)

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a spin-off of a prior series, but I don't feel like I needed to know that series in order to understand and follow this book.

I liked the artwork and the storyline was somewhat typical college-age romance with a MC h who built up her walls to protect herself and the MC H who was all like, 'hey, this back door was open, so I thought it was ok to come in. Wow, nice walls! I'm going to scale them, awesome view from up here!'

That scene where she realized he was UP there WITH her, that the walls weren't a problem for him and she was ok with that, made my heart melt a little. Just a scootch.

Now I want to read the next volume AND the one this is a spin-off from. Definitely recommended.

4, this took me by pleasant surprise, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this book to read and review.

[Jessica (Odd and Bookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free for promotional purposes.

This manga is a sequel to another series. I have not read the previous series, but that did not hinder my reading experience. I was able to understand the storyline just fine and piece together what had happened previously.

The storyline is fairly simple (basically the main character is in search of a boyfriend), but I didn’t mind. Less is more in this case.

As for the characters, I really liked the love interest, Eiji. He was so sweet and protective towards the main character.

The best part of this book was definitely the art style. It was so dreamy and romantic; it worked perfectly for the story.

Overall, this was a solid start to the series! I’m intrigued to see what happens next.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a spinoff of a series I really liked but it's just not as good 😔

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story a lot as is, but admittedly, I can’t help but imagine at how easily this could’ve been an lgtbq+ story.

Kurumi begins her story by saying, “I sometimes wonder if Sawako-chan is my soulmate.” She goes on to explain that they spend a lot of time together, that she feels safe with her, & that overall, she’s really grateful for their friendship. Given the prior context of the original story, these feelings that Kurumi is decribing is written off as purely platonic.

However, I do feel like it easily could’ve been developed as something romantic, especially since Kurumi explicitly states, “I’m really glad Sawako-chan’s a girl. Because of that, we were able to become friends.” This seems to imply that if Sawako hadn’t been a girl, Kurumi might’ve had a crush on her—that they wouldn’t be friends? Hmm… there’s a lot to unpack there for sure 🤔💭

So, on one hand, I DO feel like it was a missed opportunity. This story could’ve explored a bit more of Kurumi’s sexuality, but on another hand… I also love the fact that this story explores & showcases more of Kurumi & Sawako’s friendship—that even though it’s not romantic by any means, they are soulmates in every other sense of the word. I also love the original story as is, Sawako & Kazehaya’s relationship (💘💘💘).

In conclusion, despite what I said, that didn’t take away from my reading experience. I enjoyed it a lot. It was just something that came to mind while reading.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't thought about Karuho Shiina's works in a long time, and then all of a sudden, here's a new one that's spun off of both of her previous English-translated releases, Kimi ni Todoke and Crazy for You. In all honesty, I like both of those works better than this one, which takes Kurumi/Ume from the former and sets her up with Akahoshi from the latter, and there's a bit too much of instalove for it to really work. Kurumi is unhealthily dependent on Sawako (at least she knows it) and Akahoshi is very bad at listening when she tells him no, and frankly he would come off a lot worse if Shiina wasn't smart enough to put in a stalker to contrast him with. But despite these issues, there's a comfort food level of shoujo lunacy to this, rooted in earlier days of the genre. I'd definitely recommend familiarity with both previous titles (released by Viz, Crazy for You as a digital-only title), but if you have that, this is a pleasant enough way to spend some time.

[mary stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute! I love the way this author writes, and I have such a soft spot for Kurumi and mean girl characters like her :,)

[Sabina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word I forgot to put this that I read it!! I read it back at the end of march when one of my friend's got it as a gift for my birthday before it released since she works at Barnes & Noble!!🤭 I read it in one sitting. I love that we get to see Kurumi's university life and that she will get a relationship as well. As much as I loveeee Sawako and Kazehaya, I really ended up loving Kurumi as well so i am so happy to get an additional series with her as the lead!! Cannot wait to read the next volume!!

[a · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure I would like this because I didn't really like Kurumi in the original series but this was an interesting read. This series is already proving to be quite different from Sawako's books and while I'm still not sure that I really like Kurumi, I am intrigued by her story. I'm also not sure how I feel about her love interest...only time will tell!

[kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this way more than I thought I was going to. I like the original series, but ultimately decided against collecting it after finishing it. But I think I’m going to need to collect this spinoff series. I’m impressed.

[Kaity ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I wish this was focused on Sawako and Kazehaya during their college days, I enjoyed this. I didn’t like Kurumi as a character in the show, but she has redeeming qualities about her and deserves happiness. I do feel like her friendship with Sawako is a smidge toxic due to her inner thoughts but I think her character will become a better person as the story goes on. She is already self-reflecting which is a good sign. I bought all three volumes so I hope it gets a bit better!

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comfortably nostalgic shoujo, but a bit of a shallow start to the story. Would give vol 2 a crack though! The art style is so reminiscent of mid 00s romantic dramas.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ehehehe 👹👹👹👹

[DonutKnow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone wants someone who will take them as they are ❤️

[DafneValkiria · Rating 3 out of 5]

[todos]
ni fu ni fa la historia per se, pero su estilo de dibujo y ciertos personajes me pueden

[Aguacero e Maio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disfruté mucho leer esta historia de personajes secundarios tomando su lugar como protagonistas.
Te quiero mucho Kurumi, qué lindo es reencontrarnos ahora como adultas.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series since forever, and the adjustment to bring focus to Ume Kurumizawa as the lead in college went by very smoothly. I feel like I'm still figuring out Eiji, but I like him a lot.

[Kitana Passmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute vibes only!
A Relatable Heroine- Sawako's struggles with social anxiety and miscommunication are endearing and relatable.
Sweet and Wholesome Romance- The seeds of romance are planted in a gentle and realistic way. The focus is on friendship blossoming into something more, making the development heartwarming and believable.
Beautifully Drawn Artwork- The art style is charming and expressive and is such a throwback to earlier Shojo Mangas.
Lighthearted and Uplifting Tone- Despite Sawako's initial struggles, the overall tone is lighthearted and optimistic. You'll find yourself smiling and cheering for the characters as they navigate the challenges of high school life.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

Slow Burn Romance- If you're looking for a fast-paced romance, this might not be the story for you.
The focus is on character development and the gradual building of relationships.
Classic Shojo Tropes- The story utilizes some classic shojo tropes, but it does so in a refreshing and heartwarming way.

[miranda nikole 🧮 · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 Goodreads Challenge - Manga #7/25

[The Magical Quill · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Manga Review: Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You Soulmate Vol. 1 by Karuho Shiina✨

Karuho Shiina takes us on a journey through college life and love for Sawako and Kurumi. 🩷

Kurumi believes she might’ve found her soulmate in Sawako, believing if not for Sawako, she would be no better than a no-good stalker. However, when an opportunity for a mixer with friends presents itself, Kurumi persuades Sawako to come along, unknowingly starting her new and confusing love story. ❤️

I felt that Shiina captures the emotional depth of friendship and romance, reminding us that soulmates come in many forms. Shiina does a great job of making the reader feel just as confused and anxious as Kurumi as she goes on a journey of healing and exploring new love. 💕

✨What I loved:
-The exploration of romantic and platonic love.
-The ability to convey complex emotions in a way that connects the reader to the characters.
-The emotional growth and tension throughout the story.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or just discovering it, this volume is a must-read. 📖

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5⭐️

[TheReadingAngel · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

Sawako and Kurumi are attending college together and spend all their time with one another. They’ve come a long way from their rivalry and Kurumi has finally found a best friend in Sawako. Kurumi feels as if Sawako is her soulmate, so what will happen when she is convinced to attend a mixer?

It is an absolute pleasure to be back in this world and back with these characters that I fell in love with so so so long ago. I love that we’re getting Kurumi’s love story. She is a captivating character, and I relate to her more than Sawako.

Karuho Shiina is a master of this genre. The dialogue and the pacing are perfect. The art is like being welcomed home after a long journey. I am already so in love with this series.

I cannot wait to keep reading this series. Volume one is already such an excellent dive back into the Kimi ni Todoke realm.

[Nicole of RMR · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Full series review)

I absolutely loved Soulmate! I am so happy that Karuho Shiina decided to give readers a spinoff story for Ume Kurumizawa. She was one of my favorite characters from the original series who was just so interesting and lovable—she definitely deserved her own happy ending.

Not only do we see characters from Crazy for You and the original Kimi ni Todoke, but they all come together in a way that really makes sense. I think this was such a fun and sensible move by Shiina. I was also ecstatic to get to see another work showcasing Shiina's beautiful art style and lovely depiction of a unique romance.

This romance is very different from Sawako and Kazehaya's love story, but still felt so meaningful and exciting. Lovers of Kimi ni Todoke and those who really liked Kurumi in the original series won't want to miss out on this short spinoff! :)

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously, this is a spinoff of a well-known character from the original series.

I think what I have found most fascinating thing about this is that I did not think the pacing was too fast for this romance.

Firstly, since I've known Kurumi for so long, this did not bother me and I could let it pass, as I'm more excited for her to deal with new feelings from a crush other than the ones she had for Kazehaya.

Secondly, I enjoyed that the author portrayed a new kind of romance, a sort of realistic one where people feel attracted to each other in some way and want to give it a go on a first date, but it's the catching feelings after the other person wooes you that makes it confusing.

Also, I enjoy Eiji a lot as a love interest. I think he suits Kurumi very well and I'm glad he sees her just as she is, flawed and lovely.

[Nisa Misha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spin off story of kimi ni todoke focusing on kurumi’s (sawako love rival’s) in her college era and her love story!
She thought that sawako is her soulmate until she met with sawako’s cousin, Eiji in a mixer that saved her and sawako from creepy clingy guy.
I love how eiji does not like kurumi for the looks, and he tries to understand her deep inside (he really does) and kurumi might not accept it at first but he climbed the wall that she has been putting just like sawako did!
I also love how kurumi friendship with sawako in this story that she is very overprotective and protect sawako at all cost, feels like she is her number one fans 🤣.
I just love her personality in this story and enjoy her so called first date with eiji!

[Tania · Rating 2 out of 5]

Se nota el cambio de tono entre esta historia y la de Sawako. El asunto es que no sé si me agrada o no. La trama sigue a Kurumi, quien ahora se la vive pegada a Sawako y no interactúa con nadie porque teme abrirse a los demás, puesto que aún le pesa lo que le hizo a Sawako y a sus amigas en el primer año y debido a su personalidad arisca y sarcástica.

Estoy reacia a que me guste esta historia porque ya sé el desenlace y me parece muy instalove: Kurumi se va a quedar con el primo de Sawako. Si ya considera a Sawako su alma gemela, que sea el primo solo lo vuelve opción segura, lógica, obviamente Keiji será tan bueno persona como Sawako.

[Liza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I'm just old but I really did not like this. I read most of the original back in high school-early college and I finished it recently. I know I didn't like the later volumes and I guess it kind of carried over here.

I really wish it did more with the soulmate thing. It felt more like a one-off note that wasn't explored really. I also remember being neutral on Kurumi but in this I just did not care aboit her and Eiji. It just paced and felt weird. I probably won't be reading the other volumes of this.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s interesting seeing Kurumi as the main character. Even though she comes across as super confident, she’s actually really insecure. I love seeing how her relationship with Sawako has grown too.

I really like Eiji so far. I love how we can see the resemblance between him and Sawako too. He’s no Kazehaya, but he seems like a green flag too. I like that he’s seeing Kurumi’s faults and still staying by her side. He looked so cool when he rescued her from that stalker.

The stalker situation was actually really scary.

[Dori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this manga!! The illustrations were amazing and super detailed (as always), and I love how Ume gradually experiences a character development (and perhaps gaining a sense of closure from her past too?) after being able to interact and go on these 'dates' with Eiji. When I first watched the anime, I wasn't too fond of Ume but after rewatching it and reading this manga, I've come to love and appreciate her flawed, but relatable character! I also like how she starts viewing Sawako as her 'soulmate', rather than her rival, depicting the growth in their relationship. I think this manga was a pretty cute and fast read- would reccomend! :)

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I would've liked this more had I known Eiji was a character from the author's other series. I love cross overs, but you gotta know they're crossovers.

Eiji does not come across as a good guy. He's weirdly pushy and doesn't listen to Kurumi when she tells him to not call her Ume, which is rude, not cute. He calls her Ume nearly ever sentence and it was uncomfortable to read.

I would've preferred a sequel focusing on probably any other character from the main manga rather than Kurumi. It's only two more volumes so I'm going to finish it, but I don't anticipate liking it.

[Bradley · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 60%

I didn't care about Kurumi in the main series but since I enjoyed Kimi Ni Todoke so much I thought I'd give it a shot.

I like how Sawako just has a cousin pop up out of nowhere, if he had appeared or was even mentioned in the main series I might have cared about him.

Kurumi is just annoying still, I don't get why she got a spin off. I would've much preferred it if it was Yano, Kento, or even Pin.

For how much I enjoyed the first series, this was such a dud.