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太陽よりも眩しい星 [Taiyō Yori mo Mabushii Hoshi] #3
A Star Brighter than the Sun, Vol. 3
Sae has always been taller and stronger than the average girl. Koki used to be smaller and weaker than the average boy. But now that he’s in high school, he’s tall and super popular! Will their childhood friendship rekindle…and maybe develop into something more?
When Sae comes to a friend’s defense, Koki ends up defending Sae’s reputation…with his fists. In the infirmary, Sae meets Subaru, a charming girl who might be Koki’s secret crush. Meanwhile, some of Sae’s friends think she’s dating shy Yota. Appearances can be deceiving, especially when emotions are running high…
When Sae comes to a friend’s defense, Koki ends up defending Sae’s reputation…with his fists. In the infirmary, Sae meets Subaru, a charming girl who might be Koki’s secret crush. Meanwhile, some of Sae’s friends think she’s dating shy Yota. Appearances can be deceiving, especially when emotions are running high…
184 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2022
About the author
Kazune Kawahara
170 books295 followers• Birth Date: March 11th, 1972
• Blood Type: A
• Zodiac: Pisces
Kazune Kawahara (河原和音) made her manga debut at age 18 with Kare no Ichiban Sukina Hito (His Most Favorite Person). Also, while thinking of her manga, she often spaces out and brings grocery baskets home. Adores her nieces.
• Blood Type: A
• Zodiac: Pisces
Kazune Kawahara (河原和音) made her manga debut at age 18 with Kare no Ichiban Sukina Hito (His Most Favorite Person). Also, while thinking of her manga, she often spaces out and brings grocery baskets home. Adores her nieces.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 13, 2025
Another precious volume!!
I absolutely loved that last chapter and how focused it was on our leads! Seeing them have so much fun together and freely talk was wonderful! Plus, the way the play really touched Sae in wanting to be courageous had me internally cheering for her!
Also speaking of, the play was great, but Sae was AMAZING! I love how she protected her friend's privacy the way she did! And then to see Koki jump in like he did was incredible too!! These two are amazing!
I feel like this volume is sort of showing how we have an interloper, but I really really like that the character and don't think anything is going to come out of it. I just hope that they can remain friends for the whole series and that nothing happens to affect that later on.
Overall, another cute volume that made me happy!
I absolutely loved that last chapter and how focused it was on our leads! Seeing them have so much fun together and freely talk was wonderful! Plus, the way the play really touched Sae in wanting to be courageous had me internally cheering for her!
Also speaking of, the play was great, but Sae was AMAZING! I love how she protected her friend's privacy the way she did! And then to see Koki jump in like he did was incredible too!! These two are amazing!
I feel like this volume is sort of showing how we have an interloper, but I really really like that the character and don't think anything is going to come out of it. I just hope that they can remain friends for the whole series and that nothing happens to affect that later on.
Overall, another cute volume that made me happy!
November 1, 2025
This is an INCREDIBLY slooooooooow burn. Mostly due to the fact that if the MCs actually had a five minute honest conversation about how they felt, the story would be over.
Also, the shoved in secondary, doomed to lose because he came in well after the MC h already fell for the MC H trope is alive and well. Which is sad, as the secondary love interest is in all probability a better fit for the MC h. They actually TALK to one another and they seem to click. They have more chemistry then the obvious ship.
I'm still enjoying this series, will continue to read it and recommend it, just know what you are getting into. Non-communication and secondary non-loved love interest tropes. BUT, the female friends really are solid. I appreciate when they make an appearance. They are cute.
3, solid if slightly less than what I was hoping for, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this book to read and review.
Also, the shoved in secondary, doomed to lose because he came in well after the MC h already fell for the MC H trope is alive and well. Which is sad, as the secondary love interest is in all probability a better fit for the MC h. They actually TALK to one another and they seem to click. They have more chemistry then the obvious ship.
I'm still enjoying this series, will continue to read it and recommend it, just know what you are getting into. Non-communication and secondary non-loved love interest tropes. BUT, the female friends really are solid. I appreciate when they make an appearance. They are cute.
3, solid if slightly less than what I was hoping for, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
I greatly appreciated the very funny satellite dish joke in this volume, which is a direct and accurate jab at the general quality of high school drama costuming. That’s the sort of universal experience this manga could use more of.
Scant as they were, I also really loved the appearances of Sae’s besties, who make their usual interjections on the course of Sae’s love life. I swear I don’t need yuri content in everything, but I kind of wish the two of them would get together. They have great chemistry.
Certainly they have more than our leads, who spend yet another volume slowly, slowly, slowly inching forward when this could all be resolved by a single conversation. I have low tolerance for ‘talk and it’s over’ manga, but this offers nothing to fill the gap.
Actually, the problem here is that these two are written like old people trying to date. And I’m not sure if that’s just deliberately trying to stay within the lines of basic shojo tenets, or if it’s the mangaka just writing their age.
Their movie date is okay, it’s not like I hate the two of them together, but they’re about as well matched as an ocelot with mange and a catalytic converter. Why put these two together?
(As weird as I felt the Spider-Man knockoff movie was, I would love to know how those raptors factored in too…)
Then the cardinal sin of manga romance is committed and it’s hard not to imagine the better version of this as result - Yota, the rival, is infinitely more interesting than Koki, our ostensible male lead.
Like, when he talks about growing up in a small town and somebody’s outdoor washing machine being attacked by a bear (this series is oddly fixated on bears)? Give me that story! It’s better than anything Koki says or does ever.
Yota and Sae also have an actual vibe going on and Sae finds him easy to talk to, so that means she says actual dialogue rather than just bottling herself constantly with self doubt. This is the story I want to read.
I get that you love who you love, however, which means we’re therefore mired firmly in Dullsville (retro 50’s slang is cool again, right?). There are also the unfortunate interjections of Sae’s classmates, who feel like encouraging this budding pairing.
I’m absolutely on their side, but it regrettably doesn’t take Sae’s feelings into consideration. So you get to wait for those embers to die out while the wet rags go on a date.
Look, it’s fine in a bland way. I’m kind of annoyed that this is getting an anime because there are literally a dozen shojo that would make for a better choice (would that Hatsu*Haru came out during this renewed interest in shojo anime).
This is so by the book that it could have been written at the dawn of civilization on a cave wall. You’re getting the basic experience and little garnish to elevate the dish. The friends and Yuto’s backstory are solid, but neither is around enough.
3 stars - bog standard. Emphasis on the standard. And probably the bog too, since it’s mired in the past and feels it.
Scant as they were, I also really loved the appearances of Sae’s besties, who make their usual interjections on the course of Sae’s love life. I swear I don’t need yuri content in everything, but I kind of wish the two of them would get together. They have great chemistry.
Certainly they have more than our leads, who spend yet another volume slowly, slowly, slowly inching forward when this could all be resolved by a single conversation. I have low tolerance for ‘talk and it’s over’ manga, but this offers nothing to fill the gap.
Actually, the problem here is that these two are written like old people trying to date. And I’m not sure if that’s just deliberately trying to stay within the lines of basic shojo tenets, or if it’s the mangaka just writing their age.
Their movie date is okay, it’s not like I hate the two of them together, but they’re about as well matched as an ocelot with mange and a catalytic converter. Why put these two together?
(As weird as I felt the Spider-Man knockoff movie was, I would love to know how those raptors factored in too…)
Then the cardinal sin of manga romance is committed and it’s hard not to imagine the better version of this as result - Yota, the rival, is infinitely more interesting than Koki, our ostensible male lead.
Like, when he talks about growing up in a small town and somebody’s outdoor washing machine being attacked by a bear (this series is oddly fixated on bears)? Give me that story! It’s better than anything Koki says or does ever.
Yota and Sae also have an actual vibe going on and Sae finds him easy to talk to, so that means she says actual dialogue rather than just bottling herself constantly with self doubt. This is the story I want to read.
I get that you love who you love, however, which means we’re therefore mired firmly in Dullsville (retro 50’s slang is cool again, right?). There are also the unfortunate interjections of Sae’s classmates, who feel like encouraging this budding pairing.
I’m absolutely on their side, but it regrettably doesn’t take Sae’s feelings into consideration. So you get to wait for those embers to die out while the wet rags go on a date.
Look, it’s fine in a bland way. I’m kind of annoyed that this is getting an anime because there are literally a dozen shojo that would make for a better choice (would that Hatsu*Haru came out during this renewed interest in shojo anime).
This is so by the book that it could have been written at the dawn of civilization on a cave wall. You’re getting the basic experience and little garnish to elevate the dish. The friends and Yuto’s backstory are solid, but neither is around enough.
3 stars - bog standard. Emphasis on the standard. And probably the bog too, since it’s mired in the past and feels it.
October 23, 2025
HELP. THE SECOND LEAD LOVE INTEREST IS TOO COMPELLING. GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER KOKI BECAUSE THIS SHIP IS ABOUT TO SET SAIL.
Also Iwa thinking Koki has a thing for his cousin is so left field, lol, the fuck.
Recap: they're caught in the rain when she's helping Koki rehearse his lines. He mentions he wants her to see him as a man and not a child. They plan to go to the movies together. English festival goes well. Iwa protects her friend from a creep trying to take a pic under her dress. Koki overhears the seniors talk about that and gets into a fight. There we meet Koki's female cousin. English wrap party, Iwa talks with Ayukawa. Koki comes late and on the way home asks what they were talking about. He offers to make the movie date a group thing but Iwa says she just wants it to be the two of them. Lunch time, Iwa runs into Koki's cousin again. Overthinking Iwa. Shogi with Ayukawa and Koki walks in and puts himself close to Iwa. They finally go on their date, he says she's cute, they catch each other looking at the other at the movies, they get food and Koki's friends interrupt but he shoos them away. He also says "she's with me" when he sees two guys asking her for directions hehe. Iwa ends volume planning to confess during the next school festival.
Also Iwa thinking Koki has a thing for his cousin is so left field, lol, the fuck.
Recap: they're caught in the rain when she's helping Koki rehearse his lines. He mentions he wants her to see him as a man and not a child. They plan to go to the movies together. English festival goes well. Iwa protects her friend from a creep trying to take a pic under her dress. Koki overhears the seniors talk about that and gets into a fight. There we meet Koki's female cousin. English wrap party, Iwa talks with Ayukawa. Koki comes late and on the way home asks what they were talking about. He offers to make the movie date a group thing but Iwa says she just wants it to be the two of them. Lunch time, Iwa runs into Koki's cousin again. Overthinking Iwa. Shogi with Ayukawa and Koki walks in and puts himself close to Iwa. They finally go on their date, he says she's cute, they catch each other looking at the other at the movies, they get food and Koki's friends interrupt but he shoos them away. He also says "she's with me" when he sees two guys asking her for directions hehe. Iwa ends volume planning to confess during the next school festival.
August 4, 2025
I like that we are starting to see more of Koki's feelings towards Sae. I do really like the second male lead too though. Sae gets a little bit annoying with how she assumes Koki's feelings and who his crush is but I think she realizes that towards the end. Koki getting jealous at the end made me laugh.
I really like the friend group in this series and seeing how the class starts to know each other and work together as a group is really wholesome.
I really like the friend group in this series and seeing how the class starts to know each other and work together as a group is really wholesome.
September 6, 2025
I cannot wait for the moment that they both realize that the feelings are mutual. Sae thinks no one sees her as a girl but Ayukawa is definitely catching some feelings for her…
January 20, 2026
Another cute installment
Their relationship is slowly slowly moving along, I do think it was cute how the FMC encouraged the MMC to be more confident and s and she was able to support him during the play
just a lot of stunted communication still but hopefully things pick up soon!
Their relationship is slowly slowly moving along, I do think it was cute how the FMC encouraged the MMC to be more confident and s and she was able to support him during the play
just a lot of stunted communication still but hopefully things pick up soon!
November 13, 2025
This was a lovely volume, with a few genuinely unexpected moments tucked into otherwise familiar high-school tropes like the school play or going to the movies. It isn’t groundbreaking, and it certainly has its flaws, but it still manages to offer emotional warmth and character charm that kept me invested.
One aspect that pulled me out of the story was the continued commentary on girls’ bodies—whether they’re tall, or not super skinny. I understand that beauty standards exist everywhere (and that manga often reflects or exaggerates them), but after reading so many series, this pattern in Japanese media feels especially persistent. At this point, I would love to see manga that simply ignore these outdated standards altogether. This series clearly tries to do that by featuring a tall girl and a once-small boy who’s now tall and athletic… but somehow, it left me with the sense that these dynamics are being reinforced rather than subverted.
On the positive side, I really appreciate that both protagonists are outspoken in their own ways. Even if they can’t always tell each other what they truly want or need—because teenage communication is what it is—they do stand up for each other when it counts. They shut down negative comments from others, defend each other’s feelings, and show genuine care. That sincerity is refreshing.
What I enjoy most, though, is that their relationship is built on friendship—real friendship, not just sudden romantic attraction because they’re “that age.” I’m a sucker for friends-to-lovers stories, especially childhood friends, because they involve characters truly seeing one another. This volume continues to highlight that foundation beautifully.
The art is pretty, though not necessarily the strongest out there. Still, it supports the story well enough, and I’m hopeful that as the series continues, it will find more scenes that really stand out, even if we keep circling back to the same set of school events that manga never seems to escape.
Overall, Volume 3 may not be perfect, but it has heart—and for me, that counts for a lot.
One aspect that pulled me out of the story was the continued commentary on girls’ bodies—whether they’re tall, or not super skinny. I understand that beauty standards exist everywhere (and that manga often reflects or exaggerates them), but after reading so many series, this pattern in Japanese media feels especially persistent. At this point, I would love to see manga that simply ignore these outdated standards altogether. This series clearly tries to do that by featuring a tall girl and a once-small boy who’s now tall and athletic… but somehow, it left me with the sense that these dynamics are being reinforced rather than subverted.
On the positive side, I really appreciate that both protagonists are outspoken in their own ways. Even if they can’t always tell each other what they truly want or need—because teenage communication is what it is—they do stand up for each other when it counts. They shut down negative comments from others, defend each other’s feelings, and show genuine care. That sincerity is refreshing.
What I enjoy most, though, is that their relationship is built on friendship—real friendship, not just sudden romantic attraction because they’re “that age.” I’m a sucker for friends-to-lovers stories, especially childhood friends, because they involve characters truly seeing one another. This volume continues to highlight that foundation beautifully.
The art is pretty, though not necessarily the strongest out there. Still, it supports the story well enough, and I’m hopeful that as the series continues, it will find more scenes that really stand out, even if we keep circling back to the same set of school events that manga never seems to escape.
Overall, Volume 3 may not be perfect, but it has heart—and for me, that counts for a lot.
December 3, 2025
3,5
Beh, la distanza tra Sae e Koki si sta riducendo, i due passano del tempo insieme anche al di fuori del contesto scolastico, però manca sempre il discorsetto che dovrebbe aiutarli a comprendere i rispettivi sentimenti. Quelli di Sae sono piuttosto chiari (dopotutto la storia è narrata dal suo punto di vista), mentre quelli di Koki sono ancora un mistero - mistero fino a un certo punto, perché certi atteggiamenti del ragazzo parlano più di cento parole, però Sae è convinta di non essere alla sua altezza e quindi interpreta tutto dal punto di vista del rapporto di amicizia e non le passa nemmeno per l'anticamera del cervello che i suoi sentimenti possano essere ricambiati. Peraltro adesso si è pure convinta di aver trovato la ragazza di cui Koki dovrebbe essere infatuato, ovvero sua cugina Subaru...a me non ha dato la stessa impressione, ma magari mi sbaglio 🤔
Altro elemento a cui prestare attenzione è il legame che si sta venendo a creare tra Sae e Ayukawa, un compagno di classe un po' solitario, che si è trasferito da un paesino di campagna e che, un po' come accade alla nostra protagonista, si porta dietro delle insicurezze legate al suo aspetto fisico. Chissà se siamo davanti a un potenziale second male lead 🤔
Beh, la distanza tra Sae e Koki si sta riducendo, i due passano del tempo insieme anche al di fuori del contesto scolastico, però manca sempre il discorsetto che dovrebbe aiutarli a comprendere i rispettivi sentimenti. Quelli di Sae sono piuttosto chiari (dopotutto la storia è narrata dal suo punto di vista), mentre quelli di Koki sono ancora un mistero - mistero fino a un certo punto, perché certi atteggiamenti del ragazzo parlano più di cento parole, però Sae è convinta di non essere alla sua altezza e quindi interpreta tutto dal punto di vista del rapporto di amicizia e non le passa nemmeno per l'anticamera del cervello che i suoi sentimenti possano essere ricambiati. Peraltro adesso si è pure convinta di aver trovato la ragazza di cui Koki dovrebbe essere infatuato, ovvero sua cugina Subaru...a me non ha dato la stessa impressione, ma magari mi sbaglio 🤔
Altro elemento a cui prestare attenzione è il legame che si sta venendo a creare tra Sae e Ayukawa, un compagno di classe un po' solitario, che si è trasferito da un paesino di campagna e che, un po' come accade alla nostra protagonista, si porta dietro delle insicurezze legate al suo aspetto fisico. Chissà se siamo davanti a un potenziale second male lead 🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2025
This was so, so cute. I would definitely recommend this to fans of Kimi Ni Todoke, because I find that the main characters of each to be very alike. This volume took time to really show Koki's feelings towards Sae (although, of course, she still seems to be oblivious to them), as well as developing side characters and other potential love interests for each of the leads. I'm interested to see where this goes, I'm really loving it and can't wait for the next volume!
Thank you to Netgalley and Viz for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Viz for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2025
This series is so good!
The romance is that good, oh-so slow burn that makes you scream when they look at each other. It's sweet, easy, and so touchy-feely. This is what you want in a cutsey romance manga.
I do wish that Koki and Sae had personally developed more through the series. They seem to be the same throughout the episodes and volumes. A lot of things happen in high school, and I wish that there were more involvement of the two main characters with their surroundings. Though Ayukawa may just add the drama needed to spice up the series.
The romance is that good, oh-so slow burn that makes you scream when they look at each other. It's sweet, easy, and so touchy-feely. This is what you want in a cutsey romance manga.
I do wish that Koki and Sae had personally developed more through the series. They seem to be the same throughout the episodes and volumes. A lot of things happen in high school, and I wish that there were more involvement of the two main characters with their surroundings. Though Ayukawa may just add the drama needed to spice up the series.
October 17, 2025
Too cute! Sae and Koki always make me smile. The blushing and the cute little faces. All the mixed signals that the characters are too dense to understand but are huge neon signs for readers. This series and the green GL series warm up my cold, coal heart.
I want to see Sae and Koki on more adventures where they just spend time together. The movie outing was too cute. Ayukawa is getting more scenes here and I could see Sae and Ayukawa as a couple, but our girlie Sae likes Koki. In Sae's POV, Koki literally has little stars around him all the time, it is beyond adorable.
I want to see Sae and Koki on more adventures where they just spend time together. The movie outing was too cute. Ayukawa is getting more scenes here and I could see Sae and Ayukawa as a couple, but our girlie Sae likes Koki. In Sae's POV, Koki literally has little stars around him all the time, it is beyond adorable.
November 2, 2025
annoying that the first thing Iwa suspected upon meeting Koki's cousin was that he is in love with the cousin. maybe i have just been reading manga too long, but why is it always cousins?
besides that, it was a fun albeit cliche romp in the world of unrequited (well, if you have eyes you can tell it ain't unrequited, but i digress) highschool love.
I kinda am more interested in the second male lead though, i hope everything works out for him. I just like the wise and stoic on the surface with a heap of insecurity hidden beneath kinda thing.
besides that, it was a fun albeit cliche romp in the world of unrequited (well, if you have eyes you can tell it ain't unrequited, but i digress) highschool love.
I kinda am more interested in the second male lead though, i hope everything works out for him. I just like the wise and stoic on the surface with a heap of insecurity hidden beneath kinda thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
I am still absolutely loving this series. It has really good pacing, the interactions between our couple are very cute and sweet, and I'm definitely still excited for each additional volume. My one comment is we seem to not get a ton of character building for many of the other characters, but the few we do in addition to our couple are very intriguing and I've been liking them. This is a great shoujo read especially for early high schoolers.
October 17, 2026
I started volume one before I had to go to work…. I came home, ate dinner, spent time with my family, and decided to finish volume one before I went to bed because I only read the first chapter. That was a big mistake!!!!
If I take a nap tomorrow, I think it will compensate for my lack of sleep because I need to read until there is movement in the relationship! Why is this so good? The train scene! *chef’s kiss* so good! He got it bad!!!! Aaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!
If I take a nap tomorrow, I think it will compensate for my lack of sleep because I need to read until there is movement in the relationship! Why is this so good? The train scene! *chef’s kiss* so good! He got it bad!!!! Aaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!
September 7, 2025
Welp, I have second male lead syndrome here for sure. He is so interesting. I’m hopeful for our FL, but that never happens.
We did get sweet moments between them two but I want more of her friends. I like them so much. I’m stuck between 3 and 4 stars here but the joke about the costume was really funny, so 4.
We did get sweet moments between them two but I want more of her friends. I like them so much. I’m stuck between 3 and 4 stars here but the joke about the costume was really funny, so 4.
September 7, 2025
I'm still enjoying this, though Sae and Koki's obliviousness toward each other's true feelings gets more and more strained, the more time goes by. I don't take the idea of Ayukawa coming between them seriously at all. I do like how Kawahara shows that both boys are good souls, who each have their own way of interacting with Sae.
July 26, 2025
4 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Viz Media for the arc.
This one slowed down a bit for sure and a subtle taste of miscommunication and slow burn. I still think Yota likes Sae… he’s closing in and Koki is getting jealous.
Some scenes are wholesome and it reminds me of skip and loafer
Thank you NetGalley and Viz Media for the arc.
This one slowed down a bit for sure and a subtle taste of miscommunication and slow burn. I still think Yota likes Sae… he’s closing in and Koki is getting jealous.
Some scenes are wholesome and it reminds me of skip and loafer
September 20, 2025
Thanks to Viz and Edelweiss for the DRC!
Things are slowly but surely heating up for our main couple. Their feelings are so obvious, it's hilarious. The amount of times our ML stepped in when our FL was talking to another guy had me squealing.
Will they or won't they confess in the next volume?!
Things are slowly but surely heating up for our main couple. Their feelings are so obvious, it's hilarious. The amount of times our ML stepped in when our FL was talking to another guy had me squealing.
Will they or won't they confess in the next volume?!
October 26, 2025
Didn't like this one as much as the first two. The cousin angle is weird. Like, why would anyone be concerned about someone's cousin as a romantic interest? Just weird. Aside from that plot line I liked it.
June 12, 2023
看得好心急啊，明明是雙向暗戀為==
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2024
この二人は両方遠慮過ぎ。自分の欲しいものをちゃんと言えよ。ちゃんと手に握ってよ。
私の性格と真逆ね。
私の性格と真逆ね。
September 2, 2025
High 4 stars. I like how sweet and protective these two are. The friends the heroine is making are also interesting.
September 6, 2025
3.5
It's sweet, but nothing to beat High School Debut so far
It's sweet, but nothing to beat High School Debut so far
October 3, 2025
This is so adorably sweet and wholesome~
November 11, 2025
4.5 star rating.
The fun continues. The hints of romance make the story so exciting!
The fun continues. The hints of romance make the story so exciting!
January 25, 2026
I’m glad to see them being so honest either way each other and seeing Kameshiro’s weaknesses. I’ll be excited to see what happens once someone confesses!!!
February 3, 2026
This is a really entertaining series so far!
February 13, 2026
i always eat up childhood friends to lovers + mutual YEARNINGGG
pov by ariana grande
pov by ariana grande
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