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尖端出版漫畫
125 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2015
7 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Shoko Hidaka
47 books115 followersShoko Hidaka (native name: 日高ショーコ) is a Japanese mangaka unit.
The drawings are by Shoko Hidaka, and the stories are by Takie (タキエ) but the author name is always "Shoko Hidaka".
Dōjinshi Circle: speaker
The drawings are by Shoko Hidaka, and the stories are by Takie (タキエ) but the author name is always "Shoko Hidaka".
Dōjinshi Circle: speaker
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 6, 2019
Hach.
Now if DHL were so kind to actually deliver the parcel they're storing in Leipzig I could actually read on. I desperately need to read on.
I mean, she says she wants them to have a happy ending but at this point I'm not sure I know how that can happen. Then again, the whole nobility stuff is so confusing she could basically do anything....
And even if they get a happy ending - they still need to die peacefully before the war. This is why historical settings are the worst btw because there is always war waiting around the corner. And, well, death. Actually, I think it's that with historical settings it's much more difficult not to think about the fact that the death of the couple is going to happen at some point, and that makes them feel more bittersweet, at least to me.
Now if DHL were so kind to actually deliver the parcel they're storing in Leipzig I could actually read on. I desperately need to read on.
I mean, she says she wants them to have a happy ending but at this point I'm not sure I know how that can happen. Then again, the whole nobility stuff is so confusing she could basically do anything....
And even if they get a happy ending - they still need to die peacefully before the war. This is why historical settings are the worst btw because there is always war waiting around the corner. And, well, death. Actually, I think it's that with historical settings it's much more difficult not to think about the fact that the death of the couple is going to happen at some point, and that makes them feel more bittersweet, at least to me.
February 19, 2022
Por fin han empezado a hablar las cosas! Qué volúmen más bonito! Me encanta el cambio de Katsuragi.
La trama de politiqueo también empieza a desenredarse.
La trama de politiqueo también empieza a desenredarse.
April 8, 2017
I remember reading Blue Morning a few years ago when it was first translated in English and have been following the manga ever since.
Sensei has managed to depict the historical setting so well, that it inspired me to read more about what was actually Japan like at the time.
And of course- I fell desperately in love with Katsuragi the moment he appeared on the stage of action. I just seem to be unable to resist smart, calculating and at first glance entirely composed characters like him...
The other main player in this captivating political intrigue - Akihito grows so much throughout the series and is one of those characters that win my admiration and respect as the story develops.
I am very interested to see how those two will play their cards in this very tricky and unpredictable game they're playing and I hope they'll turn out to be the winners.
Sensei has managed to depict the historical setting so well, that it inspired me to read more about what was actually Japan like at the time.
And of course- I fell desperately in love with Katsuragi the moment he appeared on the stage of action. I just seem to be unable to resist smart, calculating and at first glance entirely composed characters like him...
The other main player in this captivating political intrigue - Akihito grows so much throughout the series and is one of those characters that win my admiration and respect as the story develops.
I am very interested to see how those two will play their cards in this very tricky and unpredictable game they're playing and I hope they'll turn out to be the winners.
December 28, 2023
KATSURAGI, HÉROE DE LA CLASE OBRERA.
Lo de la autora llamando "tostón" a su propio manga... No digas eso, reina, incluso cuando Katsuragi se pone en plan Derecho y ADE está genial!
Me encanta esta obra: su ambientación de época, sus protagonistas, su tratamiento de los personajes femeninos y sus comentarios sobre las mujeres y la sociedad sexista y, por supuesto, su dibujo... Es todo una maravilla. Creo que se va a convertir en mi manga BL favorito junto con "Pájaro que trina no vuela".
Lo de la autora llamando "tostón" a su propio manga... No digas eso, reina, incluso cuando Katsuragi se pone en plan Derecho y ADE está genial!
Me encanta esta obra: su ambientación de época, sus protagonistas, su tratamiento de los personajes femeninos y sus comentarios sobre las mujeres y la sociedad sexista y, por supuesto, su dibujo... Es todo una maravilla. Creo que se va a convertir en mi manga BL favorito junto con "Pájaro que trina no vuela".
November 28, 2023
Traduzione mediocre, ma sono talmente belli.
August 8, 2017
I can see why some people would like this series, but this is where I jump off. I'm having a hard time keeping the characters and intricate society rules of standing straight. For people who like historical fiction with complications of class, I can see why they would like this but as someone who was only in it for the chemistry, I'm just not getting enough of that to keep my interest.
August 14, 2019
Katsuragi has become uncertain, both of himself and his relation with Akihito. He thinks himself weak and useless because Akihito no longer blindly obeys him—so what purpose does he serve? While dressing the morning after, at Akihito’s hotel, he notices ragged garments in the closet and wonders why they are there. And why won’t Akihito get the haircut Katsuragi keeps telling him he needs?
Akihito meets with Ishizaki at a hot pot restaurant, which irks Ishizaki because it’s a hot day. Akihito says he is about to retire to Kamakura, under the pretense of his fake illness. Much has changed since the evening at the Moriyama’s, and thanks to the reporters Katsuragi arranged for, is common knowledge. For example that Ishizaki has become the Kuze house guardian. Madam Kayoko’s trip to France and her estrangement from her husband. Akihito’s “lung illness.” One reporter asked Akihito about the importance of producing an heir, but that won’t happen, not while he has Katsuragi. Ishizaki muses that things would be easier if Katsuragi were a woman.
Master Ishizaki informs Katsuragi that he has purchased a mill and wishes him to become the president and make a profit. He accepts the position. When he tries to drop off some papers with Amamiya, the new Kuze butler insists he deliver it to Akihito himself, and also deliver something from Katsuragi’s brother, Takayuki, who Akihito has entrusted with the financial affairs of the Kuze house. Katsuragi goes to the hotel and wakes Akihito, informing him the government railways have finally given their approval. Now Akihito can set up a railway in the old fief.
Ishizaki returns home from a late night out to find Katsuragi in his room. Katsuragi tells Ishizaki to not see the geisha he’s been seeing, and if he must continue the relationship, then he must allow Katsuragi to buy her out of bondage in his own name. Akihito meets with Katsuragi’s brother, who also remonstrates with him about his unruly hair. Akihito reiterates that he will be leaving for Kamakura, as planned. When Akihito says that he wishes Tomoyuki and Takayuki, as brothers, were closer, Takayuki responds with the comment that they are not related by blood, to which Akihito enigmatically replies, “Do you really think so?”
Katsuragi calls on Saionji and catches up with him. It seems his former lover knows him pretty well, including the fact that he loves Akihito. Saionji is happy himself, with his wife and new baby. Saionji gives Katsuragi some advice on what he should do. Later, Katsuragi goes to the mill. His employees are apprehensive about what their new boss will be like, fearful they will be blamed for past failures and be let go, but Katsuragi is not what they expected.
Even as Akihito makes plans to study abroad, he is concerned with Katsuragi, knowing he wishes to know about his origins, whether he voices his desire or not. Akihito and Amamiya visit Kiku’s old house, and Amamiya wonders what might have been, know that he knows about Akihito and Katsuragi. Akihito confides his plans for the future, once the railway is in place. Despite what Katsuragi may think, he does have the best interests of the Kuze house in mind, as well as his future with Katsuragi. Will he be able to persuade Katsuragi to come with him to Kamakura?
Each volume of this series is wonderful, I can’t get enough of these characters, even as I am left on the edge of my seat, wondering when they will finally be in sync with one another. The only way I will be happy is if they end up together at the end, nothing less will do. The artwork is superb, both men are very handsome, especially Katsuragi. She is very expressive in portraying their emotions in their faces. I can see the lust that glazes Katsuragi’s eyes, feel Akihito’s own wonder and joy as he gazes at the man he loves during their intimate moments. As to who will end up with the house of Kuze, I would not venture a guess. There is a whole lot going on, and the plot just keeps on getting deeper.
Can’t wait for the next one, one of the best yaoi manga ever!
Akihito meets with Ishizaki at a hot pot restaurant, which irks Ishizaki because it’s a hot day. Akihito says he is about to retire to Kamakura, under the pretense of his fake illness. Much has changed since the evening at the Moriyama’s, and thanks to the reporters Katsuragi arranged for, is common knowledge. For example that Ishizaki has become the Kuze house guardian. Madam Kayoko’s trip to France and her estrangement from her husband. Akihito’s “lung illness.” One reporter asked Akihito about the importance of producing an heir, but that won’t happen, not while he has Katsuragi. Ishizaki muses that things would be easier if Katsuragi were a woman.
Master Ishizaki informs Katsuragi that he has purchased a mill and wishes him to become the president and make a profit. He accepts the position. When he tries to drop off some papers with Amamiya, the new Kuze butler insists he deliver it to Akihito himself, and also deliver something from Katsuragi’s brother, Takayuki, who Akihito has entrusted with the financial affairs of the Kuze house. Katsuragi goes to the hotel and wakes Akihito, informing him the government railways have finally given their approval. Now Akihito can set up a railway in the old fief.
Ishizaki returns home from a late night out to find Katsuragi in his room. Katsuragi tells Ishizaki to not see the geisha he’s been seeing, and if he must continue the relationship, then he must allow Katsuragi to buy her out of bondage in his own name. Akihito meets with Katsuragi’s brother, who also remonstrates with him about his unruly hair. Akihito reiterates that he will be leaving for Kamakura, as planned. When Akihito says that he wishes Tomoyuki and Takayuki, as brothers, were closer, Takayuki responds with the comment that they are not related by blood, to which Akihito enigmatically replies, “Do you really think so?”
Katsuragi calls on Saionji and catches up with him. It seems his former lover knows him pretty well, including the fact that he loves Akihito. Saionji is happy himself, with his wife and new baby. Saionji gives Katsuragi some advice on what he should do. Later, Katsuragi goes to the mill. His employees are apprehensive about what their new boss will be like, fearful they will be blamed for past failures and be let go, but Katsuragi is not what they expected.
Even as Akihito makes plans to study abroad, he is concerned with Katsuragi, knowing he wishes to know about his origins, whether he voices his desire or not. Akihito and Amamiya visit Kiku’s old house, and Amamiya wonders what might have been, know that he knows about Akihito and Katsuragi. Akihito confides his plans for the future, once the railway is in place. Despite what Katsuragi may think, he does have the best interests of the Kuze house in mind, as well as his future with Katsuragi. Will he be able to persuade Katsuragi to come with him to Kamakura?
Each volume of this series is wonderful, I can’t get enough of these characters, even as I am left on the edge of my seat, wondering when they will finally be in sync with one another. The only way I will be happy is if they end up together at the end, nothing less will do. The artwork is superb, both men are very handsome, especially Katsuragi. She is very expressive in portraying their emotions in their faces. I can see the lust that glazes Katsuragi’s eyes, feel Akihito’s own wonder and joy as he gazes at the man he loves during their intimate moments. As to who will end up with the house of Kuze, I would not venture a guess. There is a whole lot going on, and the plot just keeps on getting deeper.
Can’t wait for the next one, one of the best yaoi manga ever!
June 21, 2024
u should see the change of my facial expressions while reading this vol especially towards the end. bc..... bc this volume is so intense, i'm not even sure what i'm about to say. been witnessing akihito and tomoyuki strategically beating each other's plans into submission for quite some time and to see..... to finally see akihito get the upper hand and EVEN seeing tomoyuki being very vulnerable and desperate in front of akihito is crazy to me. CRAZY. i'm punching the air when tomoyuki admitted that him in the moment of his weakness and let himself being honest about the emotions he's currently going through and the feelings he's unconsciously hoarding for so long, like ughhhhhhh I'VE BEEN PRAYING FOR THIS. so many things happened in this volume. i took so many breather bc whew, the atmosphere was so thick what a ride.
and perceiving the explicit differences between akihito and tomoyuki's attitude toward solitude & loneliness and comparing them all together? i almost got too excited i felt so giddy, i want to kermit sewer slide. love is indeed a twisted cursed, damn you gojo satoru. although i'm so relieved that this volume started to set a solid ground of them genuinely trying to love each other in a better way, MUTUALLY, i couldn't..... i couldn't say anything when i realized that it's the conclusion we're heading rn and then this hopeful wishes put me in fear of losing it again bc of the implication of something big would happen in the next volume. i knew it was too good to be true 😭
and perceiving the explicit differences between akihito and tomoyuki's attitude toward solitude & loneliness and comparing them all together? i almost got too excited i felt so giddy, i want to kermit sewer slide. love is indeed a twisted cursed, damn you gojo satoru. although i'm so relieved that this volume started to set a solid ground of them genuinely trying to love each other in a better way, MUTUALLY, i couldn't..... i couldn't say anything when i realized that it's the conclusion we're heading rn and then this hopeful wishes put me in fear of losing it again bc of the implication of something big would happen in the next volume. i knew it was too good to be true 😭
August 11, 2025
Estoy saturada de tanto politiqueo aristocrático: es redundante y me parece totalmente alargado.
No siento ninguna simpatía por ninguno de los protagonistas. Katsuragi es manipulador, inflexible, clasista y ambicioso. Me agota. El lío que tiene en la cabeza me satura tanto como sus tejemanejes para conseguir dinero y poder. A Akihito no me le he "creído" desde niño: ese enamoramiento instantáneo siendo menor de edad da vueltas en mi cabeza desde ese tomo 1. Y, aun siendo más flexible en cuanto a los estratos sociales, me resulta igual de testatudo además de absolutamente despreocupado de su cargo y responsabilidad; solo le preocupa su inmenso amor a Katsuragi. Agotador, aburrido.
Todos los tomos son iguales: páginas y páginas de ellos intrigando para beneficiar al otro sin decirse nada entre ellos y unas pocas páginas de ellos amándose muy desesperadamente pero igual de testarudos que siempre. Me duermo solo de pensar en que me quedan dos tomos más de este dolor.
Voy a terminar la saga porque tengo comprados los mangas. De no ser por eso, habría abandonado hace dos tomos.
No siento ninguna simpatía por ninguno de los protagonistas. Katsuragi es manipulador, inflexible, clasista y ambicioso. Me agota. El lío que tiene en la cabeza me satura tanto como sus tejemanejes para conseguir dinero y poder. A Akihito no me le he "creído" desde niño: ese enamoramiento instantáneo siendo menor de edad da vueltas en mi cabeza desde ese tomo 1. Y, aun siendo más flexible en cuanto a los estratos sociales, me resulta igual de testatudo además de absolutamente despreocupado de su cargo y responsabilidad; solo le preocupa su inmenso amor a Katsuragi. Agotador, aburrido.
Todos los tomos son iguales: páginas y páginas de ellos intrigando para beneficiar al otro sin decirse nada entre ellos y unas pocas páginas de ellos amándose muy desesperadamente pero igual de testarudos que siempre. Me duermo solo de pensar en que me quedan dos tomos más de este dolor.
Voy a terminar la saga porque tengo comprados los mangas. De no ser por eso, habría abandonado hace dos tomos.
April 22, 2023
To był tomik, którego wszyscy potrzebowali. Poprzednie części były bardzo poważne, wypełnione niepotrzebną gadaniną i wałkowaniem w kółko tego samego problemu. Tutaj nareszcie bohaterowie zdają sobie sprawę ze swoich uczuć i... dają się im porwać. To jeszcze nie jest etap całkowitego dogadania się i happy endu, ale widać, że już jesteśmy na dobrej drodze ku temu, hurra!
W scenariuszu autorka serwuje nam sporo znaczącego milczenia, dystansu, ale dostaniemy również tak wyczekiwane (przynajmniej przeze mnie) romantyzm i czułość. Napięcie pomiędzy bohaterami aż bije w oczy, kibicuję im z całego serca. Byłam bardzo zniechęcona po 5. tomie, ale cieszę się, że postanowiłam czytać dalej. Nie mogę się doczekać finału.
W scenariuszu autorka serwuje nam sporo znaczącego milczenia, dystansu, ale dostaniemy również tak wyczekiwane (przynajmniej przeze mnie) romantyzm i czułość. Napięcie pomiędzy bohaterami aż bije w oczy, kibicuję im z całego serca. Byłam bardzo zniechęcona po 5. tomie, ale cieszę się, że postanowiłam czytać dalej. Nie mogę się doczekać finału.
August 29, 2021
[rating = B+]
This is much better! The latest volume was all focused on this party scene, setting up background and whatnot, but was rather boring. This one, however, deals with the characters and their physical, not just mental, movements. Out of one problem and into another; if only these two could just talk it out. The tension is high and some things get resolved, but there is still room for progress! Very excited to continue the story. Will they get what they want; will they be together??
This is much better! The latest volume was all focused on this party scene, setting up background and whatnot, but was rather boring. This one, however, deals with the characters and their physical, not just mental, movements. Out of one problem and into another; if only these two could just talk it out. The tension is high and some things get resolved, but there is still room for progress! Very excited to continue the story. Will they get what they want; will they be together??
July 20, 2018
Such a complex plot and amazing detail about this turning point in Japanese history. I love the historical detail but I find it hard to follow with the political and financial situation at the time. This partial edition broke away from that a little and focused on the relationships ...which I liked. Lots to like about this whole series.
September 29, 2020
Este volumen se me hizo un poco lento y en partes me era complicado entender la información y el proceder de los personajes, entiendo que debido a la época en que se desarrolla la historia las cuestiones políticas y monarquicas pues son la base de todo, pero aún así se me hizo tardado el desarrollo de la historia.
Aunque no por eso deja de gustarme el manga.
Aunque no por eso deja de gustarme el manga.
December 17, 2017
There's a lot more talking but actually less content to the talking which just makes it a nuisance to read. Also is it just me or is Kofusa being withheld from readers on purpose? I'd sure like for her to have some page time ...
November 28, 2021
Depuis 2 tomes c'est vraiment fort niveau sentiment.
On ressent tout le tiraillement mais aussi la profondeur des sentiments. Il y a encore des secrets enfouis... Cest vraiment un super manga qui mériterait d'être plus connu
On ressent tout le tiraillement mais aussi la profondeur des sentiments. Il y a encore des secrets enfouis... Cest vraiment un super manga qui mériterait d'être plus connu
May 12, 2023
You know what I love !!! A good yell about our feelings !! Want to know what I love more than that … when don’t actually use the words I love yoh and find different ways to do so !!! Yep !! My favourite so far !!!
May 7, 2020
Catch me sobbing...
July 13, 2022
the way the author draws their gazes towards each other is quite amazing, the art style is so beautiful T^T
“When did he stop leaving marks on my wrist?” awh katsuragi ;-;
“When did he stop leaving marks on my wrist?” awh katsuragi ;-;
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2023
Jesus Christ! I am so frustrated with Katsuragi!!!! You love Akihito. Tell him!!!!! Listen to him!!! Please be nicer to him!!!!!
September 10, 2024
HOLY SHIT. This volume left the stakes very high, I am very excited to get volume 7 now!!!
April 8, 2021
This volume is just—
And Akihito finally cut his hair. I'm sad.
And Akihito finally cut his hair. I'm sad.
September 1, 2017
The shirt thing is weirdly gripping.
May 17, 2021
I admit I'm starting to get a little worn out - possibly these aren't meant to all be binged in a row? And the pacing is getting pretty slow; I don't mind that, though, when my primary complaints about less-than-perfect manga is that they speed to their resolutions too quickly, without focusing on the necessary emotional depth. In this volume, the focus is on Katsuragi - distressingly, about him losing his sense of meaning now that Akihito is strong enough to stand on his own, and all of Katsuragi's scheming gets blown out of the water.
Katsuragi has to learn, now, how to live as just a normal man. What is his purpose? What does he truly enjoy doing? What would he want from his life, if he was free to choose for himself? These are all questions he's struggling with, and I do hope he ultimately comes to some concrete conclusions about himself, separately from his love for Akihito.
That love has overtaken him now, becoming his new guiding force. I appreciate that Akihito isn't taking advantage of that; as he's become more confident and more certain of his own place in the world, he clings to Katsuragi less. This makes Katsuragi feel lost - cut adrift from someone who's treated him as an anchor point for years - but they're settling into a much more mature, balanced, mutually healthy love now.
Unfortunately, society still dictates certain things from them, and no matter how much Akihito fights to change their fate, it's too difficult for Katsuragi to envision a future where they can actually indulge in that happiness.
I like seeing more of Katsuragi as a businessman, and it'll be interesting to find out how angry his new boss will be when he finds out Akihito has never intended to let Katsuragi go.
Oh, and this hardly needs to be said at this point: but the art in this manga remains utterly beautiful. Detailed but with the action always clear and readable. Just a top-quality author and artist creating really thoughtful, well-developed, emotionally rending stories.
Katsuragi has to learn, now, how to live as just a normal man. What is his purpose? What does he truly enjoy doing? What would he want from his life, if he was free to choose for himself? These are all questions he's struggling with, and I do hope he ultimately comes to some concrete conclusions about himself, separately from his love for Akihito.
That love has overtaken him now, becoming his new guiding force. I appreciate that Akihito isn't taking advantage of that; as he's become more confident and more certain of his own place in the world, he clings to Katsuragi less. This makes Katsuragi feel lost - cut adrift from someone who's treated him as an anchor point for years - but they're settling into a much more mature, balanced, mutually healthy love now.
Unfortunately, society still dictates certain things from them, and no matter how much Akihito fights to change their fate, it's too difficult for Katsuragi to envision a future where they can actually indulge in that happiness.
I like seeing more of Katsuragi as a businessman, and it'll be interesting to find out how angry his new boss will be when he finds out Akihito has never intended to let Katsuragi go.
Oh, and this hardly needs to be said at this point: but the art in this manga remains utterly beautiful. Detailed but with the action always clear and readable. Just a top-quality author and artist creating really thoughtful, well-developed, emotionally rending stories.
July 3, 2022
Consists of chapter 26 - 33.
— 3.5 stars
Still don’t get why those two just can’t be together but I still love it - their dynamic, their love for each other, this series.
— 3.5 stars
Still don’t get why those two just can’t be together but I still love it - their dynamic, their love for each other, this series.
August 15, 2024
My, oh my! That is one stunning cover!
You could cut the tension with a knife, but you'd need a big ass knife, because that shit is like a mountain!
I absolutely love how well thought out the entire series is, because Vol. 5 was all about Katsuragi and Akihito's secret dealings, and now Vol 6 is about the consequences of everything that happened in the last volume. What happens here is a direct result of the chaos Katsuragi and Akihito caused in Vol. 5, but it also adds on a little more of Akihito trying to step up and take responsibility, to go his own way. Which leaves poor Katsuragi unbalanced and lost, feeling like he doesn't have a place or a purpose anymore.
One of my favourite things about this series is that every single one has a cluster of these little nuances that just make it 10x better. Like those panels where Katsuragi is scared, tentative and nervous while reaching for Akihito, or that little brush of fingers over Akihito's hair while he's sleeping. The delicacy of those panels, the utter sweetness of them, and the skill it takes to portray them blows my mind every time I see them. My favourites are when I see the stark differences between them, like how Akihito reaches for Katsuragi with certainty, grabbing his shirt or his wrist, and isn't afraid to follow his love for Katsuragi. Yet, in total contrast, Katsuragi hesitates and second-guesses a simple touch of fingers to the top of Akihito's head. I feel so proud of Akihito when he grabs what he wants with both hands (often, literally) while my heart breaks for Katsuragi, to be the uncertain one, the one lost and unsure, despite how clearly Akihito makes his feelings.
Then there's the fact that I leave EVERY Volume with a smile and a satisfied sigh. Happy that I got a little slice of joy, but knowing there's more trouble (and joy!) ahead. I'm going to be so sad when this series is over, but at least then I can re-read it again any time I like.
As always, I'm ending with my favourite panel. However, this was a really tough choice. I earmarked 4, as I was reading, but in the end, I went for these two. Because, ever since I first read this volume, I've had screenshots of these two panels saved. One of the things that dragged me into this series was the art, and I've been keeping screenshots of my favourite panels since I first read the books, from each volume, and these two have always been my favourite.
You could cut the tension with a knife, but you'd need a big ass knife, because that shit is like a mountain!
I absolutely love how well thought out the entire series is, because Vol. 5 was all about Katsuragi and Akihito's secret dealings, and now Vol 6 is about the consequences of everything that happened in the last volume. What happens here is a direct result of the chaos Katsuragi and Akihito caused in Vol. 5, but it also adds on a little more of Akihito trying to step up and take responsibility, to go his own way. Which leaves poor Katsuragi unbalanced and lost, feeling like he doesn't have a place or a purpose anymore.
One of my favourite things about this series is that every single one has a cluster of these little nuances that just make it 10x better. Like those panels where Katsuragi is scared, tentative and nervous while reaching for Akihito, or that little brush of fingers over Akihito's hair while he's sleeping. The delicacy of those panels, the utter sweetness of them, and the skill it takes to portray them blows my mind every time I see them. My favourites are when I see the stark differences between them, like how Akihito reaches for Katsuragi with certainty, grabbing his shirt or his wrist, and isn't afraid to follow his love for Katsuragi. Yet, in total contrast, Katsuragi hesitates and second-guesses a simple touch of fingers to the top of Akihito's head. I feel so proud of Akihito when he grabs what he wants with both hands (often, literally) while my heart breaks for Katsuragi, to be the uncertain one, the one lost and unsure, despite how clearly Akihito makes his feelings.
Then there's the fact that I leave EVERY Volume with a smile and a satisfied sigh. Happy that I got a little slice of joy, but knowing there's more trouble (and joy!) ahead. I'm going to be so sad when this series is over, but at least then I can re-read it again any time I like.
As always, I'm ending with my favourite panel. However, this was a really tough choice. I earmarked 4, as I was reading, but in the end, I went for these two. Because, ever since I first read this volume, I've had screenshots of these two panels saved. One of the things that dragged me into this series was the art, and I've been keeping screenshots of my favourite panels since I first read the books, from each volume, and these two have always been my favourite.
August 10, 2023
August 2022. BL manga series (8 volumes) about a young Lord and his butler/mentor who struggle with their desire for one another and the needs to better establish social, political, and financial strength in the changing landscape of Japan post-WWI when the feudal/samurai system is becoming outdated and financial power and the nouveau rich are becoming more relevant and powerful.
Absolutely loved this series. Would like to own it someday, in full, I’ll definitely reread. Highly recommend, it is ranked one of the top boys’ love (gay) manga out there and definitely has earned the title.
It’s also completed which is really nice, as opposed to a couple great series like Twittering Birds that are ongoing but taking years to get recent volumes released in English.
The social and political strategies and machinations are thankfully interesting but I wouldn’t have read 8 volumes of it without the romance at the core of it driving the narrative forward.
The challenges between the characters driven by a variety of traditional and modern values create different conflicts and friction throughout the story as we see characters change loyalties and even those on the same side approach situations with fundamentally different approaches and end goals.
It is explicit, but it’s the level of explicit of clearly knowing Adult Things are happening and people in bed, but not actually seeing the body parts that are key players in the act.
Many moments are charged and sensual in looks and touch without leading to explict moments, I think a couple volumes when they are most at odds have none at all but the whole series is marked explicit regardless.
Got all 8 volumes through Sac library using the Link+ system, I think they were from San Francisco library system originally.
“Blue Morning” volumes 1-8 by Shoko Hidaka.
Absolutely loved this series. Would like to own it someday, in full, I’ll definitely reread. Highly recommend, it is ranked one of the top boys’ love (gay) manga out there and definitely has earned the title.
It’s also completed which is really nice, as opposed to a couple great series like Twittering Birds that are ongoing but taking years to get recent volumes released in English.
The social and political strategies and machinations are thankfully interesting but I wouldn’t have read 8 volumes of it without the romance at the core of it driving the narrative forward.
The challenges between the characters driven by a variety of traditional and modern values create different conflicts and friction throughout the story as we see characters change loyalties and even those on the same side approach situations with fundamentally different approaches and end goals.
It is explicit, but it’s the level of explicit of clearly knowing Adult Things are happening and people in bed, but not actually seeing the body parts that are key players in the act.
Many moments are charged and sensual in looks and touch without leading to explict moments, I think a couple volumes when they are most at odds have none at all but the whole series is marked explicit regardless.
Got all 8 volumes through Sac library using the Link+ system, I think they were from San Francisco library system originally.
“Blue Morning” volumes 1-8 by Shoko Hidaka.
December 15, 2020
As Akihito isolates himself to recover and receive treatment for his respiratory illness, Katsuragi has time to think about his feelings toward Akihito and his growth within the estate. Another great volume.
June 12, 2018
first read September 11th 2016
July 3, 2024
They never talk!! I’m stressed out xD
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