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23:45 #1
23:45
New Tokyoite and college freshman Iku is living the otaku dream-except for the fact that he can now see ghosts. One day, he bumps into Mimori, a super friendly spirit that haunts a local bridge, and reluctantly lets the lonely specter into his home. But every night at 23:45, Mimori is drawn back to the bridge and forced to replay his downfall. Will Mimori be stuck in this loop forever, or can Iku find a way to save him from an eternity of unending tragedy?
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First published June 15, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
February 22, 2025
This was a cute little story, well drawn, and aiming to tell a nice message.
Unfortunately, it lacked a bit of depth, spending a lot of time focusing on menial details, rather than the deep drivers.
While I'm happy for my feelings that it was on the much sweeter end of bittersweet, everything tied a bit too neatly to leave a proper emotional impact, that would have been needed for it to stand out and be remembered.
The romance itself was a bit lackluster and convenient, with nothing aside from similar trauma connecting the two MMCs or making one feel that, aside for the very peculiar circumstances they met in, there are solid grounds to think of them forever together. Which is a bit sad.
The author had a good idea and a good style, hopefully with time she'll get a bit more daring, and her stories will have the success they deserve.
TW: while the subject is treated very surface-level and with no permanent consequences, (presumed) attempted suicide is a theme present in the story in more than one instance.
Sex is only hinted at, and I wouldn't think an age warning is necessary at all. Just some kissing and "naked shoulders".
Pre-read
A boy and a ghost? 🤔 Curious about how this will go. I hope it won't be too bittersweet.
I LOVE the cover. So beautiful.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, it lacked a bit of depth, spending a lot of time focusing on menial details, rather than the deep drivers.
While I'm happy for my feelings that it was on the much sweeter end of bittersweet, everything tied a bit too neatly to leave a proper emotional impact, that would have been needed for it to stand out and be remembered.
The romance itself was a bit lackluster and convenient, with nothing aside from similar trauma connecting the two MMCs or making one feel that, aside for the very peculiar circumstances they met in, there are solid grounds to think of them forever together. Which is a bit sad.
The author had a good idea and a good style, hopefully with time she'll get a bit more daring, and her stories will have the success they deserve.
TW: while the subject is treated very surface-level and with no permanent consequences, (presumed) attempted suicide is a theme present in the story in more than one instance.
Sex is only hinted at, and I wouldn't think an age warning is necessary at all. Just some kissing and "naked shoulders".
Pre-read
A boy and a ghost? 🤔 Curious about how this will go. I hope it won't be too bittersweet.
I LOVE the cover. So beautiful.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2025
A paranormal MM romance. Nice atmosphere but would have liked to see more character work.
I enjoyed 23:45 Re; more for the translation, energy, and character depth it brought to the same 2 characters with different perspective.
I enjoyed 23:45 Re; more for the translation, energy, and character depth it brought to the same 2 characters with different perspective.
July 17, 2016
This one I actually liked quite a bit. I think I liked it even better because I read it right after "Mein geliebter Geliebter", but even that aside it's a good manga. If you have read stories with a similar setting the ending isn't much of a surprise, but I liked the way the story was told and the overall mood. And despite the fantasy element, the manga felt more rooted in reality than "Mein geliebter Geliebter".
For what it's worth, I really appreciate Tokyopop's effort when it comes to BL. Egmont is catching up while Carlsen quite honestly doesn't even pretend to try anymore, but Tokyopop really are doing a lot for the genre and manga as such.
For what it's worth, I really appreciate Tokyopop's effort when it comes to BL. Egmont is catching up while Carlsen quite honestly doesn't even pretend to try anymore, but Tokyopop really are doing a lot for the genre and manga as such.
March 5, 2025
23:45 is a sweet MM standalone manga with an interesting premise; our nerdy, lonely MC moves to Tokyo and can see a (cute) ghost - a ghost who more or less ends up moving in with him. I enjoyed the juxtaposition between Iku and Mimori's personalities, and I enjoyed their scenes together, watching their bond grow. I will say, though, that I definitely got more friend vibes than romance between the two, which is unfortunate, because I feel like with this could have been rectified with a longer text. Regardless, this was still a quick, enjoyable read, and the plot twist surrounding Mimori's death - as well as the full-circle ending - was extremely well done.
Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of 23:45 by Ohana in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced by any third parties.
Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of 23:45 by Ohana in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced by any third parties.
February 18, 2025
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
I love fluffy ghosty stories, and 23:45 was a super cute one.
A simple art style and a predictable storyline, but still very sweet and heart-warming.
Would’ve loved to see more of the romance or more of why Iku sees ghosts, but it was still a fun read.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
“Better be careful, iku. Your building’s old enough to be haunted.”
“Uh…says the ghost.”
I love fluffy ghosty stories, and 23:45 was a super cute one.
A simple art style and a predictable storyline, but still very sweet and heart-warming.
Would’ve loved to see more of the romance or more of why Iku sees ghosts, but it was still a fun read.
I won’t ever let you die again.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
February 9, 2025
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I recall when this book was released in German and I almost picked it up but ultimately gave it a pass. My main reasons were that standalone manga rarely live up to my expectations due to their length and something felt off about the cover. Now with an upcoming English release, I thought it's time to give it a try. My original reasons for not picking it up were partially debunked: I might not be a huge fan of the cover but the art inside is beautiful. There was something very soft with how the gradients were added and it was all around very aesthetically pleasing.
For a standalone, it definitely wasn't poorly done. I liked the general premise of this plot - somewhat socially awkward loner can see a ghost who more or less becomes his room mate. It's quit fun, although the solution of the main issue was quite easy to guess as it seems to be one of the most common ways out for these kinds of stories. It was nonetheless well nuanced in terms of background and issues both main characters face. However, it does suffer from being a standalone [ignoring the sequel which was tacked on later] - the pacing feels a little off and it sometimes read as a fan translation. I don't actually believe that this is a translation issue but rather an issue with how the original is delivered. There's a certain sense of scenes jumping around that can feel confusing.
I was also not entirely on board with the romance. On one hand it was cute and there was definitely a bond growing between the two main characters. But for the short time we see them, it felt more like friendship than romance. There is also an intimate scene comparatively early on which was not graphic at all but still felt very out of place; it didn't seem driven by lust and the romance didn't feel like it had developed far enough for this to happen which made it seem a little random. Despite having a good guess of what the conclusion might be, it wasn't a bad one and yet I felt it was lacking.
Although this may seem like a largely critical review, I do think it's perfectly readable and not a bad manga to pick up for fans of the genre.
March 25, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
This was a soft, bittersweet love story that confused me as often as it moved me. For the atmosphere alone, it's definitely worth a read, but I'm also very glad there's a sequel, as their relationship at the end was more hopeful than certain.
This was a soft, bittersweet love story that confused me as often as it moved me. For the atmosphere alone, it's definitely worth a read, but I'm also very glad there's a sequel, as their relationship at the end was more hopeful than certain.
March 5, 2025
I don't care if you don't like BL, this is sweet and lovely and you should read it.
March 12, 2025
“With death, there’s no tomorrow”
I really enjoyed 3/4 of this manga. But that ending! I hate unsatisfying endings.
I really enjoyed 3/4 of this manga. But that ending! I hate unsatisfying endings.
March 9, 2025
★ ★ ★ ✬
Length: 196p
Source: ARC - NetGalley, Kodansha Comics, Vertical Comics
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Iku is new to Tokyo but extremely happy with his otaku (someone obsessed with a hobby) life. Until he starts seeing ghosts and a specific one catches his attention—Mimori, a young man standing on a pedestrian bridge until he shows up at Iku’s apartment one night and kind of “moves in.”
Like most manga, we get tossed into a story and it shoots off like lightning. You can IMMEDIATELY feel the pull between Iku and Mimori. I’ll admit Mimori’s situation seemed a bit ridiculous but I LOVED how it ended on that cliffy!
With this being volume one I’m giving it another chance. I ADORE the artistry and as long as the story begins to flesh out, I’ll be happy!
♡ yaoi manga
♥ ghost roommate
♡ otaku life
♥ ya romance
♡ memory loss (kinda)
{I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}
Length: 196p
Source: ARC - NetGalley, Kodansha Comics, Vertical Comics
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Iku is new to Tokyo but extremely happy with his otaku (someone obsessed with a hobby) life. Until he starts seeing ghosts and a specific one catches his attention—Mimori, a young man standing on a pedestrian bridge until he shows up at Iku’s apartment one night and kind of “moves in.”
Like most manga, we get tossed into a story and it shoots off like lightning. You can IMMEDIATELY feel the pull between Iku and Mimori. I’ll admit Mimori’s situation seemed a bit ridiculous but I LOVED how it ended on that cliffy!
With this being volume one I’m giving it another chance. I ADORE the artistry and as long as the story begins to flesh out, I’ll be happy!
♡ yaoi manga
♥ ghost roommate
♡ otaku life
♥ ya romance
♡ memory loss (kinda)
{I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}
March 9, 2025
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!
i'm not sure what i expected, but i thought it was going to be a much more angsty love story between a ghost and human, and while it was angsty, i don't think it hit the way it should have. i liked the chemistry between Mimori and Iku, a classic grumpy x sunshine though. that whole bit on Iku not wanting him to regain his memories and move on was on point, and the handholding!!
still, the plot twist that (spoiler!!) Mimori is alive and in a coma as a little obvious.
i really liked the ending where Mimori picked up his manga and rang his doorbell to return it!! a very nice parallel to how he met Iku as a ghost. might have screamed a bit at that.
still, i like this. it's a quick read that's entertaining and fast paced.
i'm not sure what i expected, but i thought it was going to be a much more angsty love story between a ghost and human, and while it was angsty, i don't think it hit the way it should have. i liked the chemistry between Mimori and Iku, a classic grumpy x sunshine though. that whole bit on Iku not wanting him to regain his memories and move on was on point, and the handholding!!
still, the plot twist that (spoiler!!) Mimori is alive and in a coma as a little obvious.
i really liked the ending where Mimori picked up his manga and rang his doorbell to return it!! a very nice parallel to how he met Iku as a ghost. might have screamed a bit at that.
still, i like this. it's a quick read that's entertaining and fast paced.
May 8, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and Kodansha for the e-ARC of 23:45.
I really enjoyed the concept of 23:45 and felt that it was very unique. It also was able to balance comedy and more heavy topics pretty well throughout the volume. For a standalone volume it was able to wrap everything up well all in all - the only drawback for me is that the romance felt a bit rushed: but again for one short volume it was probably paced as well as it was able to be. I do wish this could have been a slightly longer volume to allow for more time for the romance to develop, or for it to even be split into two volumes.
Overall, I would recommend 23:45 as I did enjoy it and it is a very unique concept. I am looking forward to seeing other work from Ohana.
I really enjoyed the concept of 23:45 and felt that it was very unique. It also was able to balance comedy and more heavy topics pretty well throughout the volume. For a standalone volume it was able to wrap everything up well all in all - the only drawback for me is that the romance felt a bit rushed: but again for one short volume it was probably paced as well as it was able to be. I do wish this could have been a slightly longer volume to allow for more time for the romance to develop, or for it to even be split into two volumes.
Overall, I would recommend 23:45 as I did enjoy it and it is a very unique concept. I am looking forward to seeing other work from Ohana.
February 23, 2025
This was a really sweet short manga. The ending, I hope the happy one that was implied was everything. It was a story about forgiveness and acceptance. I didn't find a creepy that he fell in love with a spirt it made sense as they both were there supporting one another's growth. Even though I could always use more of a story I enjoy, this one didn't feel incomplete to me. All the plots brought were wrapped up nicely in the final chapter. I thought the twist with the ghost was nice and I didn't expect it. Thank you NetGalley for the the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 16, 2025
**Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
What to expect:
📍Paranormal
📍Ghost MC
📍College students
📍Friends to lovers
📍Past trauma
📍Amnesia
I really enjoyed this one! The translation was smooth and easy to follow, and the art was beautiful—expressive and full of emotion. The story itself was heartwarming with plenty of funny and endearing moments that made me smile.
I loved both characters and really felt for their struggles. Their dynamic was sweet, and I enjoyed watching them grow closer. The plot was fresh and interesting, not something I’ve seen before, and I definitely didn’t expect the way things turned out. That plot twist got me!
It was a quick read, but so enjoyable. My only (small) complaint is that the ending was bittersweet—not a full happy-ever-after, but more like a potential happy-ever-after. I really hope there’s a continuation where they get the proper ending they deserve!
If you’re looking for something short, sweet, and a little different, I’d definitely recommend this. Just be prepared—it’s not all fluff, but it’s worth it!
What to expect:
📍Paranormal
📍Ghost MC
📍College students
📍Friends to lovers
📍Past trauma
📍Amnesia
I really enjoyed this one! The translation was smooth and easy to follow, and the art was beautiful—expressive and full of emotion. The story itself was heartwarming with plenty of funny and endearing moments that made me smile.
I loved both characters and really felt for their struggles. Their dynamic was sweet, and I enjoyed watching them grow closer. The plot was fresh and interesting, not something I’ve seen before, and I definitely didn’t expect the way things turned out. That plot twist got me!
It was a quick read, but so enjoyable. My only (small) complaint is that the ending was bittersweet—not a full happy-ever-after, but more like a potential happy-ever-after. I really hope there’s a continuation where they get the proper ending they deserve!
If you’re looking for something short, sweet, and a little different, I’d definitely recommend this. Just be prepared—it’s not all fluff, but it’s worth it!
March 11, 2025
2.5 ☆
It's not bad, but it's not good either. However, it had a lot of potential.
I liked it enough to look forward to the sequel. Which I hope is much better.
I didn't understand half of it. I don't know if it's the storytelling or me.
It's okay, but it could be better.
⭑ Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read "23:45".
It's not bad, but it's not good either. However, it had a lot of potential.
I liked it enough to look forward to the sequel. Which I hope is much better.
I didn't understand half of it. I don't know if it's the storytelling or me.
It's okay, but it could be better.
⭑ Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read "23:45".
March 6, 2025
A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this manga!
I fell in love with the artwork—the illustrations are simply stunning. The story itself is bittersweet, filled with emotions that tug at your heart. It made me tear up at times, but it also showed me how, in the end, soulmates always find their way to each other, no matter what. A truly beautiful and touching read.
I fell in love with the artwork—the illustrations are simply stunning. The story itself is bittersweet, filled with emotions that tug at your heart. It made me tear up at times, but it also showed me how, in the end, soulmates always find their way to each other, no matter what. A truly beautiful and touching read.
September 14, 2017
Flat and bland, felt nothing. Oh, and the confusing dialogues.
February 14, 2025
*I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
1.5 stars
Not very flavorful.
The entire thing was just okay. The illustrations weren't very detailed. The story lacked flow. The romance was insta-love. Characters were just there. Nothing groundbreaking. Not a must-read. Just a time-filler.
1.5 stars
Not very flavorful.
The entire thing was just okay. The illustrations weren't very detailed. The story lacked flow. The romance was insta-love. Characters were just there. Nothing groundbreaking. Not a must-read. Just a time-filler.
October 2, 2016
I really enjoyed 23:45. It doesn't have a lot of surprises story wise but the art is beautiful, the main characters have chemistry with each other and it's fluffy as hell.
February 11, 2025
It’s a cute standalone but fell flat in many areas. I enjoyed the reflective nature of the plot but otherwise wasn’t hooked.
It’s very fast paced, albeit a little wordy at times, and with that comes a lack of overall character and relationship development as well as world building. It just fell flat, unfortunately.
My review may sound overly critical but I do think this was an enjoyable read. It’s quick and has some cute moments and I think a fan of the BL genre would enjoy reading. A bonus comes from the art style, it suited the story very well.
2.5 stars. Thank you to Kodansha Comics, Vertical Comics, and NetGalley for the ARC!
It’s very fast paced, albeit a little wordy at times, and with that comes a lack of overall character and relationship development as well as world building. It just fell flat, unfortunately.
My review may sound overly critical but I do think this was an enjoyable read. It’s quick and has some cute moments and I think a fan of the BL genre would enjoy reading. A bonus comes from the art style, it suited the story very well.
2.5 stars. Thank you to Kodansha Comics, Vertical Comics, and NetGalley for the ARC!
February 22, 2025
This was the literal cutest thing ever.
The characters felt so fleshed out, so real, and their story was everything.
The depth to their emotions, their thoughts and everything that they went though 😭
And the romance was so cute, I love how they got to know each other, and their interests and really started opening up to each other, it was so cute <3
The only issue I had was with a few of the scenes were slightly confusing to me, but that might just be because I don’t read much manga.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for something that is as good as Heartstopper <3
Thank you to Netgalley for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.
The characters felt so fleshed out, so real, and their story was everything.
The depth to their emotions, their thoughts and everything that they went though 😭
And the romance was so cute, I love how they got to know each other, and their interests and really started opening up to each other, it was so cute <3
The only issue I had was with a few of the scenes were slightly confusing to me, but that might just be because I don’t read much manga.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for something that is as good as Heartstopper <3
Thank you to Netgalley for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.
February 18, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Iku moves to Tokyo when he starts seeing ghosts. He becomes close with a ghost named Mimori. I liked the concept of this manga and I loved the art, but I felt like the pacing was kinda off. I also had a hard time getting invested in any of the characters.
Iku moves to Tokyo when he starts seeing ghosts. He becomes close with a ghost named Mimori. I liked the concept of this manga and I loved the art, but I felt like the pacing was kinda off. I also had a hard time getting invested in any of the characters.
March 2, 2025
Iku stumbles upon a ghost, Mimori, who only he can see. As he has nowhere else to go and doesn't remember anything prior his death, Iku lets him stay at his place. While they spend day and night together, trying to find out what happened to him, feelings blossom between them …
~
The story is quite fast-paced, a bit too quick sometimes, and yet, at the same time, felt like a slow read. In a good way, though? I'm not sure how to explain.
It's overall a nice concept with loveable characters. Although the romance was almost insta-love, which isn't my favorite trope, I did feel the chemistry between them.
It has a tender writing style, with some nice quotes that make the death theme more poetic rather than dark. I loved that vibe while reading.
It did lack a bit of depth, which I, on one hand, find unfortunate, cause instead of having a side-story with Iku's mom, that time could've been used to give more moments between Iku and Mimori. On the other hand, it makes it quite realistic, showing that we all have side-stories in our lives, and there's never enough time to spend 100% time on one plot. Even if we wanted.
Maybe it was never intended to be a deep love. This manga's love story certainly isn't anything new, but the "fleeting moment" vibe did touch me in a soft way.
~
Thank you for Kodansha and Netgalley for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
-02.03.25
~
The story is quite fast-paced, a bit too quick sometimes, and yet, at the same time, felt like a slow read. In a good way, though? I'm not sure how to explain.
It's overall a nice concept with loveable characters. Although the romance was almost insta-love, which isn't my favorite trope, I did feel the chemistry between them.
It has a tender writing style, with some nice quotes that make the death theme more poetic rather than dark. I loved that vibe while reading.
It did lack a bit of depth, which I, on one hand, find unfortunate, cause instead of having a side-story with Iku's mom, that time could've been used to give more moments between Iku and Mimori. On the other hand, it makes it quite realistic, showing that we all have side-stories in our lives, and there's never enough time to spend 100% time on one plot. Even if we wanted.
Maybe it was never intended to be a deep love. This manga's love story certainly isn't anything new, but the "fleeting moment" vibe did touch me in a soft way.
~
Thank you for Kodansha and Netgalley for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
-02.03.25
March 13, 2025
Thank you to Kodansha Comics for the e-arc of this manga. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Iku and Mimori growing closer and trying to figure out what happened to Mimori (that made him a little ghost-like). If you’re looking for a melancholic but hopeful story of two lonely people finding each other at
the right time, look no further. The ending made me definitely excited for the next volume. 4.25 🌟
the right time, look no further. The ending made me definitely excited for the next volume. 4.25 🌟
March 14, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this.
I liked the supernatural element to it.
There’s also a m/m romance.
I can’t wait to see what comes next!
I liked the supernatural element to it.
There’s also a m/m romance.
I can’t wait to see what comes next!
March 6, 2017
I rarely rate manga again in this site unless its really good. And this is one of them.
April 1, 2025
I enjoyed this and it was a fun read but I didn’t find the story flowed very well. I enjoyed the character dynamics but I found the story choppy. The illustration are amazing!
March 7, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley, Kodansha Comics, Vertical Comics for the ARC.
This is a really cute story that falls pretty flat, unfortunately. Iku realizes he can see ghosts after bumping into Mimori, a spirit that haunts a local bridge. Mimori follows Iku home one day and is reluctantly invited to stay. However, at 23:45 every night, Mimori disappears from the apartment and ends up back at the bridge reliving his end. Iku decides to try to break this loop, and the story progresses from there.
I think it's an interesting concept, but somehow nothing, from the plot to the characters to the relationship between the characters, feels fully fleshed out. The characters are cute but flat and the relationship doesn't have any real depth to it. I did enjoy reading this, but I wanted a whole lot more out of it. Worth a read if you're looking for something quick, cute, and not too deep.
This is a really cute story that falls pretty flat, unfortunately. Iku realizes he can see ghosts after bumping into Mimori, a spirit that haunts a local bridge. Mimori follows Iku home one day and is reluctantly invited to stay. However, at 23:45 every night, Mimori disappears from the apartment and ends up back at the bridge reliving his end. Iku decides to try to break this loop, and the story progresses from there.
I think it's an interesting concept, but somehow nothing, from the plot to the characters to the relationship between the characters, feels fully fleshed out. The characters are cute but flat and the relationship doesn't have any real depth to it. I did enjoy reading this, but I wanted a whole lot more out of it. Worth a read if you're looking for something quick, cute, and not too deep.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews