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Evergreen #1

エバーグリーン 1

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まんが部部長・穂高と水泳部のエース・仁希、対照的な二人の恋の行方は?  “竹宮ゆゆこ”と“カスカベアキラ”の豪華タッグで贈る学園青春ストーリー第1巻!

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2015

3 people are currently reading
153 people want to read

About the author

Yuyuko Takemiya

90 books156 followers
Yuyuko Takemiya (竹宮 ゆゆこ Takemiya Yuyuko) is a Japanese writer of light novels. Takemiya debuted in September 2004 with her light novel series Watashitachi no Tamura-kun (Our Tamura-kun) which first appeared in the autumn 2004 issue of Dengeki hp Special, a special edition version of Dengeki hp. That same month, Takemiya worked on the scenario for the bishōjo game Noel by FlyingShine (also known for creating Cross Channel).

Following the completion of Watashitachi no Tamura-kun, Takemiya began her best-known series, Toradora!, which she declared to be complete in April 2010 after ten volumes and three spin-off books. The first book of her next series, Golden Time, was Dengeki Bunko's 2000th published light novel. Takemiya launched the manga series Evergreen with artist Akira Kasukabe on July 19, 2011 in ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Daioh Genesis quarterly magazine.

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5 stars
51 (21%)
4 stars
84 (35%)
3 stars
75 (31%)
2 stars
24 (10%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah .
967 reviews16 followers
July 11, 2015
I really laughed at this one. I like the initial setup. I like the hints at plot to come. The only thing I wish this first volume had explained better was why Hotaka hates his fater.
Profile Image for MC.
614 reviews68 followers
May 25, 2015
Evergreen is a story about two very different people. One is the manga club president at their high school in Japan, and the other is the school beauty. The club president, Yoshimatsu Hotaka, has suffered his whole life with a congenital heart defect. This has prevented him from participating in sports and caused upheavals in his personal life. The school beauty is Awaya Niki, for whom Hotaka holds a torch as he watches her from the club room window that overlooks the pool facilities.

Hotaka can't take part in physical activities due to his health problems. That is fine as obviously you don't want him to risk his life. The coach has a problem with this though. Not that he wants him to take phys ed classes, but that he thinks that Hotaka hiding is not healthy for him in other ways. So he wants Hotaka to take one swim class to pass his course.

Hotaka agrees, but then is horrified when Niki shows up and sees his skinny, sickly form, and even his scar from the surgery that occurred years before the story begins. When his crush goes out of her way to help him, he is shocked and feel so put-out, he treats her badly.

This leads to some really bad thoughts for our protagonist. Thankfully, some other issues and revelations intervene that may bring together these two. They may just have more in common than he thinks...

This was a sweet, but hard manga to read. I kept being afraid the author would have something bad happen to Hotaka. I mean, logically, I know that it isn't that genre, but I understand that in Toradora there is some sad tearjerker stuff before the good ending at the end.

Also hard to read is the Japanese cultural views towards honor, blame, status, and so on, with families. I might be jumping to conclusions, because such hurt when someone dies is not unheard of, but the way that Hotaka's mother and her family act towards the dead father and his family is reminiscent of how folks act sometimes on such health issues. Especially towards those unable to "contribute" to society.

Of course, this is changing, as the school authorities show in-story by being so nice. While there are some jerkass young people, most are typical high school bullies and cliquish bull-shit. The students seem to be, by and large, nice to Hotaka. So this isn't a huge part of the story, except for, if it is that behind this, with some of the older generation.

The characters around our two protagonists are hilarious in their interplay. I can really say that if a possible romance occurs, it will be wonderfully interesting as well.

The artwork was gorgeous. It wasn't the surreal, water-coloresque style of, say, Sailor Moon, but it was still wonderfully vivid and compelling. Kinda like that of Dragonar Academy, for instance.

Wonderful stuff with some good themes on kindness and understanding. I haven't explored all of the possible (if I'm not reading too much into things) themes, really.

Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Jessica.
383 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2016
I enjoyed this sweet manga. Hopefully it just keeps getting better
Profile Image for Tristan Smith.
1 review
December 10, 2016
Miss Takemiya has outdone herself again!!! Evergreen is a full-fledged masterpiece. The way Takemiya brings two people from different worlds together through shear coincidence and then builds on the idea that even though they are different they are somehow meant to be together is a perfect platform for a good romance. Plus with the drama that develops from their meeting and the added comic relief that only adds to the story Evergreen becomes a well rounded story in general.


The protagonist's, Hotaka, different way of thinking than from some of Takemiya's other works gives Evergreen a more dramatic vibe than compared to Toradora, which is a prefect example of a Rom-com. But don't get me wrong there is still plenty of humor in Evergreen, from the witty remarks, the well timed jabs, and the awkward situations it will keep you laughing from start to finish.

I have read several manga and watched hundreds of series of anime and I can easily say that Evergreen is one of my all time favorites.
Profile Image for Chayse Sundt.
332 reviews11 followers
June 21, 2019
Manga is defintley something I am starting to make more time to read. One of the best places I have been to check them out is my local library, naturally. So one day as I was browsing the shelf I noticed this manga sticking out and felt myself gravitating to it. Feeling a sense of nostalgia with the anime show Free, I grabbed the first volume and dove right in.

In this first volume we are introduced to character Yoshimatsu Hotaka, born with a heart disease, president of the manga club, and who is currently crushing on student Awaya Niki. After an incident at the school pool the two find themselves becoming the most unlikely of friends.

A story that begins as relatable and shows the relationship between two characters that perfectly encapsulates what new friendships are like as well as the feelings we may feel towards new crushes the author does a remarkable job in bringing this story to life.

I did find this first volume to begin slowly but I do feel that with more volumes there is potential for the story to open up into being a heartwarming story of friendship, this is a manga, although falling somewhat short for me, is one that could turn out to be a great summer read.
Profile Image for Jewels.
132 reviews23 followers
October 16, 2019
I saw this book being sold on Book Outlet, and the art had me. I finally found a copy at the library, and from the first volume alone I'm interested. The artwork is pleasing to the eye, and the story so far feels set up for something bigger. From what I was picking up on the down-low, I am worried about who's connected to who in the near future (it's probably my imagination, but I like guessing anyway).
There was a misprint a few pages out from Chapter Four. I'm not sure if it was just the batch the book was printed in or not, but at least someone else besides myself knows about the possibility.
My verdict: Great! I want to read the second volume before doing any recommendations, but so far the "slice of life" and "coming of age" are keywords for anyone looking for something specific (on that note, I am curious if we are going to see more into the limitations of the heart disease, because now that I think about it, I've only seen one example of that so far). I hope this review helps!
Profile Image for Moss.
18 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2018
This romantic comedy that comes from Yuyuko Takemiya of Toradora fame, and the art done by Akira Caskabe. This seems like any other romance manga with a bittersweet twist, as the protagonist has congenital heart disease with a lot of emotional baggage. However, there is a rather disturbing twist that's strongly hinted at in this first volume, and did some research on the series to make sure I was correct, but the protagonist and his love interest are actually half-siblings. I'm not hiding this review because I think that this information is important for readers to know, in case that kind of material is triggering to them.
Profile Image for Holly Letson.
3,849 reviews527 followers
March 8, 2018
This series begins as relatable. Heart problems have affected people in my family, so I can understand someone worrying about having them - but, I don't see a reason for that to keep someone from living their life to the fullest. Plus, not being instantly loved by the person you're crushing on is NOT the END of the world.

That aside, I enjoyed following along with the day-to-day life on the manga club.
5 reviews
December 22, 2017
It was a good book with potentially interesting characters and beautiful illustrations, but other than that, it just felt...empty. The premise just feels average. I hope for there to be much more to the story, but as it is right now, it felt kind of lackluster. Maybe the plot will offer something profound like the story suggests later, but honestly I don't want to stick around to find out.
Profile Image for David Doel.
2,462 reviews6 followers
November 22, 2021
This may be the silliest, most immature manga I've ever read. A boy develops a crush on a girl by seeing her on the swim team from his window overlooking the pool. He is terrified of her! This is third-grade stuff.

To make matters worse, the art is poor. The idol of his dreams has the awfullest hair I've ever seen! If you like big tits, you might not notice.

One down and three to go.
Profile Image for Mary.
25 reviews
November 29, 2023
This manga is reminiscent of the pervy, possibly supernatural high school romance manga and anime of the late 2000s and early 2010. It’s so horribly cliche, full of tropes we’ve seen a thousand times before, with an uninteresting story and unlikeable to boot.
Profile Image for Lulu Bennett.
185 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2019
I’m intrigued as to find out how Niki & Hotaka will come together & talk about their struggles.
Profile Image for Tabi.
519 reviews112 followers
January 22, 2023
I actually own this manga one of the first I've ever bought I just haven't gotten to the other 😭
Profile Image for Teresa.
Author 4 books90 followers
November 24, 2017
This review if for all four volumes.

I am beginning to like Seven Seas' North American branch more and more, as they tend to publish more mature manga and manga of a variety that you do not see as much with other NA publishers, like Viz. I first picked up Evergreen because it had attractive art, the story sounded unique (and in a sense, it is), and there are only four volumes, which makes it easy to collect, keep, and reread.

In this manga, Manga Club captain Hotaka was born with a congenital heart disease that prevents him from doing a lot of activities that other students normally do. The physical scar on his chest has left him to be somewhat insecure about his physical appearance. Everyday he admires swim-team member Awaya Niki, both beautiful and talented. His view from the club window can only do so much though.

When Hotaka has a private appointment to fulfill his PE requirements with the teacher, he swims in the pool and Niki saves him, noticing his scar in the process. Now that he is up close and personal with her, he decides to develop their friendship. Someone begins a rumor that Niki must only be acting like Hotaka's friend to get close to the class hunk (and womanizer), Soga. Eventually, Hotaka learns the truth, that Niki has been admiring his Manga Club stories for a long time, and she has been collecting every issue. Oddly enough, Hotaka's own personal story is similar to Niki's, so she feels that she can relate to him.

For some reason, Niki begins avoiding Hotaka, not wanting to communicate. Hotaka had high hopes and finds this reaction to be very strange. Perhaps they are both afraid to admit their feelings for each other.

When they do finally admit their feelings to each other and begin dating, Niki has a major revelation from her past about who Hotaka is, and it changes their relationship for the rest of their lives.

Overall this was an enjoyable read, but not something I am overly excited to recommend to random passersby. Fans of manga in general might enjoy this one, but the ending didn't settle well with me and the story was interesting, but also felt a bit wasted. I did give it a higher rating because it did have unique qualities to draw a reader in, and the art was nice. The potential of the story dropped in the last volume though. The twist was extremely interesting, but also a let-down as a reader. 
Profile Image for Doc.
1,959 reviews30 followers
December 3, 2015
Just add water and step into destiny. Okay that is a bit of an over exaggeration but this book which is rated Teen revolves around young Hotaka Yoshimatsu who has a congenital heart disease so he is not exactly the most physical specimen of a student. What he does have is the honor of being captain of the Manga club which is filled with some interesting characters of their own but our dear captain has eyes for one particular girl who swims in the pool outside his club room window named Niki Awaya.

One day the gym instructor decides Hotaka should at least get in the pool to pass and makes a deal that he can do it while everyone else was away so he would not have to show the scar upon his chest. However to his horror the swim club came early and in a panic (due to the girl of his dreams could see him) and he ended up being drawn even closer to her to his surprise even though he reactively slaps her hand away from him. However it seems there is more to Niki then Hotaka realizes and in due course as he slowly builds his courage up to interact with her now that he knows she is not just an angel on a different plane of existence from him.

Oh yeah and Hotaka also has horrible nightmares about a girl with a kitsune mask and lantern stabbing him in the chest with a knife. I am sure it is connected to his destiny but we'll just have to see if he can overcome the horror that awaits him in his sleep. :)

My personal favorite part of the book is when Hotaka gives Niki her towel back(after she gave it to him to hide his scar at the pool before.) He is completely taken off guard by her appearance and the scene was just plain fun as well as a stepping stone for the two of them to be even better friends. :)
Profile Image for Courtney.
27 reviews23 followers
June 5, 2015
Outside the miss printed (duplicate) page about half way through. This is really good.
Profile Image for Barbara.
118 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2015
3.5, rounded up. Pretty good start. Most of this volume is establishing characters and the plot. I'm interested to see where the various storylines are going.
Profile Image for Vi.
1,679 reviews8 followers
July 5, 2016
Cute, some fan service.
Profile Image for Chantal.
2,005 reviews88 followers
December 11, 2016
It was okay but the storyline was too fast and too slow and didn't keep my attention too well might try the next one but I will most likely get it from the library
Profile Image for Pam.
452 reviews
July 27, 2020
This was a great start to an anime about two lonely people who we hope will find a connection.
1 review
Read
March 16, 2018
cool
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