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アオのハコ [Ao no Hako] #5
La caja azul, vol. 5
Un manga de deporte y amor. Taiki se topa con Chinatsu por casualidad en la exhibición de fuegos artificiales. Juntos, llevan a una niña perdida con su madre y cuando Taiki vuelve con Hina, ¿con quién se encuentra? Además, ya va a comenzar la ronda final de los campeonatos nacionales. ¡¡Haryu compite contra su gran rival Hyodo!! Los días de los chicos comienzan a acelerarse. Habrá progresos tanto en el amor como en los entrenamientos.
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2022
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161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 7, 2024
Hina is the best girl, my fave ❤️. Please, can she not at least be a little happy?
July 8, 2023
Hina and Taiki’s non-group non-date at the festival is accidentally derailed by Chinatsu, who draws a bunch of wrong conclusions. As competitions erupt of a more sporting nature, do these kids even have the time to find love anyway?
The relatability of Blue Box to me as an old dude who was never on a sports team is debatable, but there is something about this story that nails the feeling of school in all its awkward glory. Honestly, this is like a version of Saved By The Bell that didn’t make me want to bounce my head off the wall.
There’s a realism to this or at least a grounded feeling that makes it feel less like the hyper-school-overdrive of any given harem story or even the majority of shojo. The school is not just a romance minefield, although lord knows it’s also that.
Poor Taiki has just about everything go wrong at the fireworks, as his time with Chinatsu is marred by the fact that he said he was going with a group and it ended up being just himself and Hina. And Hina gets shorted because the second Chinatsu is around, Taiki is literally elsewhere.
My opinion on Chinatsu has never been bad, per se, but it has been definitely that she’s not quite the equal of Hina. What I was rather impressed to find was that the story kind of gets that impression too, inasmuch as Chinatsu really doesn’t express herself super great or super often.
But she’s just the worst of a bad batch - and Taiki finds that adorable anyway - Taiki can’t confess to save his life, unless it’s to an empty room, and Hina constantly bottles her chances and works through her actions instead of just stepping up (it might be that Hina knows where she fits in Taiki’s mind right now too).
And so the dance continues, but with the looming prospect of nationals for three different sports in the background. This aspect is probably the lesser of the series, but only because of how good the other stuff is. It’s a perfect backdrop and the flirting chapter spinning out from that captures teenagers just right.
The other big addition is foregrounding Haryu’s girlfriend, Karen. Haryu is the badminton team’s big hope at nationals and Karen is in show biz and she clearly has the personality for it. She’s extra, but without being too much, and her and Taiki make for a great double act at Haryu’s match.
She’s friends with Chinatsu too and knows the details of her pal’s current living relationship, so not only does she get to needle Taiki, she helps him reframe the situation (or at least makes him sound like a dope for holding back).
Even better, Karen and Haryu have a really good backstory of their own that actually added a lot to my appreciation of the whole volume. It could easily be seen as a bit of a rebuke to the way all our leads are acting, since communication was all it took for the two of them.
And then there’s that last chapter.
Look, I am a simple man and I love me some basic imagery. The final shots of the volume are a brutal combination of moments where Hina literally falls short and Chinatsu literally misses her shot and boy did I find that super amusing. It’s obvious, perhaps not even intentional, but I enjoyed it anyway.
The way the art is cutting back and forth here between two situations that couldn’t be farther apart in tone, yet are both deadly serious for the people involved in them, is a lot of fun. Blue Box is not the most attractive manga ever, but it does look very good and has a style I really like, both in its art and its writing.
4.5 stars - is this the best thing that ever appeared in Shonen Jump? Probably not, but for me it just might be. This series is utterly charming and I’m close to enjoying it on the same level as I do Skip & Loafer, which is saying something.
The relatability of Blue Box to me as an old dude who was never on a sports team is debatable, but there is something about this story that nails the feeling of school in all its awkward glory. Honestly, this is like a version of Saved By The Bell that didn’t make me want to bounce my head off the wall.
There’s a realism to this or at least a grounded feeling that makes it feel less like the hyper-school-overdrive of any given harem story or even the majority of shojo. The school is not just a romance minefield, although lord knows it’s also that.
Poor Taiki has just about everything go wrong at the fireworks, as his time with Chinatsu is marred by the fact that he said he was going with a group and it ended up being just himself and Hina. And Hina gets shorted because the second Chinatsu is around, Taiki is literally elsewhere.
My opinion on Chinatsu has never been bad, per se, but it has been definitely that she’s not quite the equal of Hina. What I was rather impressed to find was that the story kind of gets that impression too, inasmuch as Chinatsu really doesn’t express herself super great or super often.
But she’s just the worst of a bad batch - and Taiki finds that adorable anyway - Taiki can’t confess to save his life, unless it’s to an empty room, and Hina constantly bottles her chances and works through her actions instead of just stepping up (it might be that Hina knows where she fits in Taiki’s mind right now too).
And so the dance continues, but with the looming prospect of nationals for three different sports in the background. This aspect is probably the lesser of the series, but only because of how good the other stuff is. It’s a perfect backdrop and the flirting chapter spinning out from that captures teenagers just right.
The other big addition is foregrounding Haryu’s girlfriend, Karen. Haryu is the badminton team’s big hope at nationals and Karen is in show biz and she clearly has the personality for it. She’s extra, but without being too much, and her and Taiki make for a great double act at Haryu’s match.
She’s friends with Chinatsu too and knows the details of her pal’s current living relationship, so not only does she get to needle Taiki, she helps him reframe the situation (or at least makes him sound like a dope for holding back).
Even better, Karen and Haryu have a really good backstory of their own that actually added a lot to my appreciation of the whole volume. It could easily be seen as a bit of a rebuke to the way all our leads are acting, since communication was all it took for the two of them.
And then there’s that last chapter.
Look, I am a simple man and I love me some basic imagery. The final shots of the volume are a brutal combination of moments where Hina literally falls short and Chinatsu literally misses her shot and boy did I find that super amusing. It’s obvious, perhaps not even intentional, but I enjoyed it anyway.
The way the art is cutting back and forth here between two situations that couldn’t be farther apart in tone, yet are both deadly serious for the people involved in them, is a lot of fun. Blue Box is not the most attractive manga ever, but it does look very good and has a style I really like, both in its art and its writing.
4.5 stars - is this the best thing that ever appeared in Shonen Jump? Probably not, but for me it just might be. This series is utterly charming and I’m close to enjoying it on the same level as I do Skip & Loafer, which is saying something.
September 9, 2025
the triangle that's developing between Taiki and Chinatsu and Hina could be heart wrenching..but we can probably guess cute Hina is going to get kicked to the sidelines at some point !?!
January 1, 2024
That cliffhanger was something...
July 16, 2022
Hina 🥺💕
July 29, 2023
The best girl always loses huh
October 3, 2024
Deberia considerarse crimen de odio dejar el tomo con ese cliffhanger 😔
Read
July 18, 2024side couple stole the show
Read
February 16, 2024I can't believe it ended like that???!!! Also since when is giving a high five flirty?
July 3, 2023
so much happens in this volume (which has the most incredible cover, by the way...the colors and composition are just perfection!)...taiki and chinatsu finish helping the little girl at the festival find her way back to her mom, while running into karen. she's haryu's girlfriend and chinatsu's old friend, which gives us a whole bunch of insights into there characters as well...I'm not totally sure how I feel about haryu and karen's relationship yet. they definitely push each other to be better, and their flashback of how they first got together was quite tender and sweet, but their interactions now are barely romantic at all.
chinatsu heads to nationals, as does hina and haryu for their respective sports. karen shows up to support haryu, who comes back from an initial loss to his rival and nearly wins it after reminiscing on their history and wanting to be 'cool' for her too. their interaction after the game is...cold? though he does embrace her briefly.
as chinatsu fights for her team in nationals, taiki thinks about her and even almost practices a full 'i love you' confession. shortly after though, hina and taiki take a walk to a park where she talks about getting third and then seemingly begins a confession of her own. I'm really interested to see where that goes and how taiki will react, because he definitely is about to have a heart-to-heart with chinatsu....
and now, we wait for the next volume :')
chinatsu heads to nationals, as does hina and haryu for their respective sports. karen shows up to support haryu, who comes back from an initial loss to his rival and nearly wins it after reminiscing on their history and wanting to be 'cool' for her too. their interaction after the game is...cold? though he does embrace her briefly.
as chinatsu fights for her team in nationals, taiki thinks about her and even almost practices a full 'i love you' confession. shortly after though, hina and taiki take a walk to a park where she talks about getting third and then seemingly begins a confession of her own. I'm really interested to see where that goes and how taiki will react, because he definitely is about to have a heart-to-heart with chinatsu....
and now, we wait for the next volume :')
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
Blue Box Volume 5 takes the story to new emotional heights. As Taiki continues to grow in badminton and navigate his feelings for Chinatsu, the stakes feel higher, and the emotional payoff is deeply rewarding. The balance between Taiki's passion for his sport and his quiet, tender moments with Chinatsu is executed beautifully. Every page feels like it’s building toward something meaningful.
This volume dives deeper into the complexities of Taiki's relationships—both personal and athletic. His journey to improve in badminton is filled with moments of self-doubt and triumph, making his progress feel earned and real. Chinatsu’s growth as a character also adds a refreshing layer to the story, and their chemistry continues to shine.
The pacing is steady and engaging, and by the end of the volume, I was already eagerly anticipating what’s next. Volume 5 is a perfect blend of heartfelt moments, personal growth, and the exciting tension of Taiki’s journey. It’s a must-read for fans of the series and anyone looking for a story that’s both inspiring and emotionally impactful!
This volume dives deeper into the complexities of Taiki's relationships—both personal and athletic. His journey to improve in badminton is filled with moments of self-doubt and triumph, making his progress feel earned and real. Chinatsu’s growth as a character also adds a refreshing layer to the story, and their chemistry continues to shine.
The pacing is steady and engaging, and by the end of the volume, I was already eagerly anticipating what’s next. Volume 5 is a perfect blend of heartfelt moments, personal growth, and the exciting tension of Taiki’s journey. It’s a must-read for fans of the series and anyone looking for a story that’s both inspiring and emotionally impactful!
November 8, 2024
After reading this volume, I know the struggles of each character and their passion for sports. Starting from Taiki's struggle in the previous volume, this time we look at Haryuu-senpai's. Really amazed by his relationship with Karen and her pov about her boyfriend. They both really were made for each other and are mutually clouded, the definition of moving forward together, ISgrowing together, a really healthy relationship. They are both role models.
Chinatsu's pov and her love for basketball are beyond doubt. Being a second grader at the end of a match with your seniors is definitely the moment you don't want to leave when you're finished.
On the other hand, i'm happy that she continues to talk about what she has experienced and is starting to take steps forward regarding her feelings. Whatever is best for Hina.
Chinatsu's pov and her love for basketball are beyond doubt. Being a second grader at the end of a match with your seniors is definitely the moment you don't want to leave when you're finished.
On the other hand, i'm happy that she continues to talk about what she has experienced and is starting to take steps forward regarding her feelings. Whatever is best for Hina.
August 10, 2023
This one focuses more on the sports side of things which I appreciate. Watching a bunch of people trying to achieve their individual goals is nice. I think the relationship side of things is interesting, if not short sighted a bit from most of these characters but they are young teens with hopes and dreams in their face verses being romantically involved. I think Karen being a new character introduced help give perspective as a whole and more of an adult outlook I enjoyed. The ending finally moves to something that may be a confession. Let's see next volume!
April 25, 2024
4.25/5
Blue Box continues to be a delight. The balance of sports and romance creates the perfect mix of high stakes sports with slower burn character development. As we spend more time with Taiki, Chinatsu, and Hina, it's great to see the natural character progression. Taiki's conflicting feelings feel very true to life to high school, especially as he tries to respect Chinatsu and their living situation.
Blue Box continues to be a delight. The balance of sports and romance creates the perfect mix of high stakes sports with slower burn character development. As we spend more time with Taiki, Chinatsu, and Hina, it's great to see the natural character progression. Taiki's conflicting feelings feel very true to life to high school, especially as he tries to respect Chinatsu and their living situation.
January 7, 2025
พี่จินัตสึ พี่ฮาริว โจโนะจังไปแข่งอินเตอร์ไฮแล้วในเล่มนี้ การแข่งขันดุเดือดมากในส่วนของพี่ฮาริวเพราะอยากโชว์เท่ให้แฟนสาวอย่างคุณคาเรนได้เห็นเป็นขวัญตา มีส่วนสปินออฟของคู่พี่ฮาริวด้วย น่ารักจนจุกอกเลย จากนั้นก็ตัดมาที่พี่จินัตสึที่กำลังเครียดกับการแข่งขันบวกกับได้รู้ข่าวว่ารุ่นพี่ปี 3 ในทีมกำลังจะถอ���ตัวไปเตรียมสอบเข้ามหาวิทยาลัยหลังจบอินเตอร์ไฮ และตอนท้ายเล่ม หลังคว้าที่ 3 ในการแข่งขันยิมนาสติกลีลาระดับอินเตอร์ไฮ โจโนะ ฮินะ ก็สภาพรักไทกิคุงซะแล้ว!!!!! โอ๊ย เดือดแท้หนอ
August 21, 2024
The summer festival is upon us and the two, Taiki and Chinatsu are navigating their feelings for one another, living together because Chinatsu's family is away, and being the best at their sports, badminton and basketball respectively.
I adore this series for the romance, the friendships, and the sports and will continue to read it and love it and share it with others.
I adore this series for the romance, the friendships, and the sports and will continue to read it and love it and share it with others.
April 24, 2022
Hoy salió el que creo es el último capítulo de este volumen (porque hasta ahora todos han tenido 10 xd) y me encanta que de a poquito Chinatsu cada vez más lanzá' y nos muestran que lo está aceptando afgoasgljdh
August 27, 2023
I so enjoyed that we got a little side character development in this one! Vol. 5 had a big sports focus, which I was a fan of. Also OOF we love a good cliffhanger ending!! As per usual, can't wait to read the next one!
June 21, 2025
Surprisingly, volume 5 gets really intense. The busy schedules of the badminton, basketball, and gymnastics clubs during Interhigh make the story even more exciting. We also get to see Haryu's love story unfold. And in the end-totally unexpected... ahh, the ending feels a bit unfinished!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2025
So Hina is telling Taiki that she likes him. The way the book is set up at the end is that Hina’s confession breaks Kano’s concentration and they lose the basketball game. I’m curious why Kano is pushing Taiki away if she has feelings for him. I like Hina but I want Taiki to get a shot with Kano.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2022
Chapters 35-43
July 16, 2023
Jilid ini "terselamatkan" berkat kisah cinta seniornya yang manis-manis sendu dewasa.
Suka!
Suka!
July 22, 2023
Love triangle drama at a fireworks festival with a Kengo/Karen relationship side story. I can't believe it ended on that kind of cliff hanger. 😭 Waiting for the next volume is going to be hard.
August 1, 2023
This series is so wholesome. One of the better recent Shonen/Shojo crossovers, I’m a sucker for a sports manga so it ticks all the boxes
September 14, 2023
Hina best girl :')
December 18, 2023
Read this series pretty much back to back so tbh can't really remember what happens in which volume already haha
September 12, 2024
forgot to review this!!! the obligatory summer festival volume and it is wholesome as hell with some drama and i still love haryu’s girlfriend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews