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花より男子 [Hana Yori Dango] #1
Boys Over Flowers: Hana Yori Dango, Vol. 1
When her only friend, Makiko, accidentally offends F4 leader Tsukasa, Tsukushi boldly defends her. Enraged, Tsukasa puts the dreaded red tag in Tsukushi's locker — a sign that she is now a target for the abuse of the F4 gang and the entire school. But when Tsukushi fights the gang with their own weapon, Tsukasa finds himself falling for her!
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 1992
241 people are currently reading
9756 people want to read
About the author
Yōko Kamio
295 books325 followersYōko Kamio (神尾葉子) is a popular Japanese manga artist and writer. She is most famous for Boys Over Flowers (花より男子, Hana Yori Dango?), for which she received the Shogakukan Manga Award in 1996. Her work has been translated and distributed in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Yōko Kamio readily admits that she had no intention of becoming a professional manga artist when she was young. Kamio originally went to secretarial school, but her love of drawing soon led her astray. She then eventually entered the professional mangaka field in 1989. In the following years, Kamio published Suki Suki Daisuki, Ano Hi ni Aitai, and Meri-san no Hijitsu in Margaret before she finally created Hana Yori Dango in 1992.
The Hana Yori Dango manga became established relatively quickly in Japan. Many people commended Kamio for her realistic portrayal of high school life and everyday violence through the Hana Yori Dango series. Although Kamio was initially surprised by the confessions of high school violence stated in fan letters, she realized that Tsukushi's fiery character served as a role model for much of Japan's youth and helped others cope with school violence.
Kamio watched as the success of Hana Yori Dango's 1992 début followed through with many more months on the best-sellers list. Voice CDs by SMAP and a live action movie about Hanadan charted the series success in the mid-1990s. By 1995, an animated series for Hana Yori Dango was already in progress and Kamio had also helped pick main leads for the anime show.
Hana Yori Dango ran in the Japanese Margaret magazine as well as the Korean Wink. The series has also been published in Japanese, Chinese, Cantonese, Thai, Korean, French, and English. The anime series has been broadcasted in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Italy, and has also been licensed and released in the United States. Additionally, it was also recreated in a Game Boy Color game (only released in Japan) during the summer of 2001. With its ever-increasing popularity, Hana Yori Dango was then made into a popular live action TV series in Taiwan titled Meteor Garden. The manga series finally ended in Margaret's August 2003 issue, and the 36th tankōbon which included the Akira special "Night of the Crescent Moon" was released in January 2004 as the manga's final volume.
While Yoko Kamio initially wanted Hanazawa Rui to be the main hero of Hana Yori Dango, due to the outstanding personality of Domyoji Tsukasa (and Domyoji also becoming more popular than Rui) she changed the hero role to Domyoji.
Despite Hana Yori Dango's success, Kamio had originally planned to end the series by Spring 2000. However, in February 2000, at a mangaka conference in Taipei, Taiwan Kamio announced that she would continue writing Hana Yori Dango. At one point, she got so wrapped up in the Hana Yori Dango storyline, that she confessed to having dreams about Doumyouji. Of course, she said that "Falling in love with a character that I created is just disgusting..."
Yōko Kamio readily admits that she had no intention of becoming a professional manga artist when she was young. Kamio originally went to secretarial school, but her love of drawing soon led her astray. She then eventually entered the professional mangaka field in 1989. In the following years, Kamio published Suki Suki Daisuki, Ano Hi ni Aitai, and Meri-san no Hijitsu in Margaret before she finally created Hana Yori Dango in 1992.
The Hana Yori Dango manga became established relatively quickly in Japan. Many people commended Kamio for her realistic portrayal of high school life and everyday violence through the Hana Yori Dango series. Although Kamio was initially surprised by the confessions of high school violence stated in fan letters, she realized that Tsukushi's fiery character served as a role model for much of Japan's youth and helped others cope with school violence.
Kamio watched as the success of Hana Yori Dango's 1992 début followed through with many more months on the best-sellers list. Voice CDs by SMAP and a live action movie about Hanadan charted the series success in the mid-1990s. By 1995, an animated series for Hana Yori Dango was already in progress and Kamio had also helped pick main leads for the anime show.
Hana Yori Dango ran in the Japanese Margaret magazine as well as the Korean Wink. The series has also been published in Japanese, Chinese, Cantonese, Thai, Korean, French, and English. The anime series has been broadcasted in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Italy, and has also been licensed and released in the United States. Additionally, it was also recreated in a Game Boy Color game (only released in Japan) during the summer of 2001. With its ever-increasing popularity, Hana Yori Dango was then made into a popular live action TV series in Taiwan titled Meteor Garden. The manga series finally ended in Margaret's August 2003 issue, and the 36th tankōbon which included the Akira special "Night of the Crescent Moon" was released in January 2004 as the manga's final volume.
While Yoko Kamio initially wanted Hanazawa Rui to be the main hero of Hana Yori Dango, due to the outstanding personality of Domyoji Tsukasa (and Domyoji also becoming more popular than Rui) she changed the hero role to Domyoji.
Despite Hana Yori Dango's success, Kamio had originally planned to end the series by Spring 2000. However, in February 2000, at a mangaka conference in Taipei, Taiwan Kamio announced that she would continue writing Hana Yori Dango. At one point, she got so wrapped up in the Hana Yori Dango storyline, that she confessed to having dreams about Doumyouji. Of course, she said that "Falling in love with a character that I created is just disgusting..."
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September 6, 2017
Original title: 花より男子 (Hana yori dango).
Genre: Shoujo, Comedy, Drama, Romance, School Life.
Volumes: 37.
Chapters: 244.
Status: completed.
*Read all chapters of this manga.
After a re-read for the whole manga, I can definitely say that this is one of my all time favorite manga! I even enjoyed re-reading it more than reading it for the first time, and I loved reading about these characters again and understood their insides and feelings a lot more.
Synopsis:
This manga is about "Makino Tsukushi" (Tsukushi = tough weed), coming from a poor family with very low income, yet she goes to a school for rich people "Eitoku". She suffers a lot as she is the only poor student at school, she doesn't have any friends and everyone treats her badly.
Makino's only wish was to remain invisible in Eitoku to avoid getting into trouble. But one day she stands for her classmate against the F4 (Flowers 4) gang. As a result, the whole school turns against her. And despite the harassment, Tsukushi refuses to give up and quite the war.
Domyouji (the F4 leader) discovers later that he fell in love with Tsukushi. But Tsukushi is in love with Rui, who in turn has romantic feelings for his childhood friend Shizuka.
This may sound cliche, but it is so entertaining and with this amount of volumes out, you really get sucked into the story and you become to care more and more for the characters, even the side ones.
Characters:
I LOVE "Tsukushi". She is so powerful, kind and hardworking. I also enjoyed reading about her friendship with "Yuki". I loved that Tsukushi standed for her friends even if she got in trouble.
I have to say that I didn't like "Domyouji" the first time I read the manga! But after the re-read, I kinda understand how he feels and I come to love him more and more.
I loved the whole F4 gang, their friendship is amazing even though they are so violent toward other people. Hanazawa Rui is kind and caring, Nishikado Soujiro and Mimasaki Akira are really helpful to Domyouji and care for him so much.
The Ending:
The only thing I didn't like about this manga is the ending. Not that it is that bad but because the author left it open, and I kinda hate open ends like this one. The ending in the anime/TV Series is more satisfying.
Drama Review:
Hana Yori dango, Season 1, 2: ★★★★★
Season 1: THAT END though!
Season 2: This season made me cry like a baby.
The drama is quite honest to the manga. When I first saw the trailer, I didn't think that I would love it. I kept telling myself that the actors seem unattractive to me. But after episode one, I discovered how HANDSOME the F4 are!!
The cast is amazing. They brought the manga to life. They made me love the characters more and more! It gave me ALL THE FEELS. :)
Tsukushi, the "Tough Weed"..
I loved Domyouji so much. He was hilarious. (And I love Matsumoto Jun, so of course I knew I would love Domyouji).
And WHY SO CUTE AND ADORABLE?
Hana Yori dango Final, the movie ★★★★★
This movie is about and the hardships they face together. I LOVED this movie. I was so nervous while watching it, but it was a happy end. And I knew that. :D But I couldn't help feeling nervous till the end.
I watched the ending 5 times till now. That shows you how much I loved it!
Genre: Shoujo, Comedy, Drama, Romance, School Life.
Volumes: 37.
Chapters: 244.
Status: completed.
*Read all chapters of this manga.
After a re-read for the whole manga, I can definitely say that this is one of my all time favorite manga! I even enjoyed re-reading it more than reading it for the first time, and I loved reading about these characters again and understood their insides and feelings a lot more.
Synopsis:
This manga is about "Makino Tsukushi" (Tsukushi = tough weed), coming from a poor family with very low income, yet she goes to a school for rich people "Eitoku". She suffers a lot as she is the only poor student at school, she doesn't have any friends and everyone treats her badly.
Makino's only wish was to remain invisible in Eitoku to avoid getting into trouble. But one day she stands for her classmate against the F4 (Flowers 4) gang. As a result, the whole school turns against her. And despite the harassment, Tsukushi refuses to give up and quite the war.
Domyouji (the F4 leader) discovers later that he fell in love with Tsukushi. But Tsukushi is in love with Rui, who in turn has romantic feelings for his childhood friend Shizuka.
This may sound cliche, but it is so entertaining and with this amount of volumes out, you really get sucked into the story and you become to care more and more for the characters, even the side ones.
Characters:
I LOVE "Tsukushi". She is so powerful, kind and hardworking. I also enjoyed reading about her friendship with "Yuki". I loved that Tsukushi standed for her friends even if she got in trouble.
I have to say that I didn't like "Domyouji" the first time I read the manga! But after the re-read, I kinda understand how he feels and I come to love him more and more.
I loved the whole F4 gang, their friendship is amazing even though they are so violent toward other people. Hanazawa Rui is kind and caring, Nishikado Soujiro and Mimasaki Akira are really helpful to Domyouji and care for him so much.
The Ending:
The only thing I didn't like about this manga is the ending. Not that it is that bad but because the author left it open, and I kinda hate open ends like this one. The ending in the anime/TV Series is more satisfying.
Drama Review:
Hana Yori dango, Season 1, 2: ★★★★★
Season 1: THAT END though!
Season 2: This season made me cry like a baby.
The drama is quite honest to the manga. When I first saw the trailer, I didn't think that I would love it. I kept telling myself that the actors seem unattractive to me. But after episode one, I discovered how HANDSOME the F4 are!!
The cast is amazing. They brought the manga to life. They made me love the characters more and more! It gave me ALL THE FEELS. :)
Tsukushi, the "Tough Weed"..
I loved Domyouji so much. He was hilarious. (And I love Matsumoto Jun, so of course I knew I would love Domyouji).
And WHY SO CUTE AND ADORABLE?
Hana Yori dango Final, the movie ★★★★★
This movie is about and the hardships they face together. I LOVED this movie. I was so nervous while watching it, but it was a happy end. And I knew that. :D But I couldn't help feeling nervous till the end.
I watched the ending 5 times till now. That shows you how much I loved it!
October 31, 2020
So I find that I am that one person with sense in about fifty who hated this book with a passion (ok I may be exaggerating a little). Disclaimer this is my opinion, and nothing more. So let's find out why I wanted burn my eyes after reading this.
1)The female lead is annoying, whiny, and incredibly stupid, which is perhaps the reason why nothing she does is right and she's hated so much by everyone.
2)The female lead is obsessed with a guy who doesn't like her back (and isn't even worth it) and for most of the story he is pretty cold to her. And this guy isn't even the one who ends up with her in the end. The one she ends up with is even worse surprisingly.
3)IT IS SO FRICKEN LONG!!! So of course this means that EVERYTHING is dragged on for quite a bit. To be fair if I liked the series I wouldn’t mind, but here it just means more stupidity to read through.
4)I don't understand why the author makes money such a big deal, and exagerates the whole 'high-class' and 'low-class' thing. (In my opinion the female lead seriously lacks class, but I don't think that it has anything to do with money). Like yes there exists wealth inequality, but like this was done in such an over the top and cliche way I don’t I know what the reader is supposed to get out of this. Like on one hand the FL (and author I guess) condemns the wealthy for being too powerful, but on the other hand its playing into the romantic fantasy of dating a super rich dude?
5)The female lead has no redeeming qualities to speak of. She's stubborn, but in a way that's stupid and pointless, she's average in looks, intelligence (which could be fine if I actually liked her, but I don’t), is said to be "kind" but actually is kind of a bitch, and her 'emotional strength' is really non-existent and is just her being stuborn,and she gets worked up over nothing. Also, she's extremely shallow and lacks common sense. It's just bad writing to go with the cliche of the traditional (and overdone) female shoujo character, that is average, somewhat ‘kind’, stupid to a fault, suposedly 'strong', and somehow has two or more people involved in a love triangle with her.
6)All of the situations are extremely exagerated to a point where its simply ridiculous and that alone takes away from whatever humour it had in the first place. For example, the bullying going on at her school (of course the female lead is bullied -__-). It is so unrealistic to have a girl tied to a moving vechicle. Or how rich these people are. It seems like the whole school is filled to the brim with multi-billionares, considering the number of mansions, private jets, cars, etc. these people have.
7)Ah, and now we move onto the humor. Just wait a minute and let me use my microscope to find it. Enough said.
8)F-4, which, may I remind you,stands for FLOWER 4. Honestly, it’s the stupidest name for a group of hot guys Ive ever read. Ok beyond that, they’re all just trash. Like they remind me of Jake Paul and team 10 shit. Idk what is there to romanticize, except the fact that they’re obscenely wealthy (again mixed messages from the author- don’t like the rich except when you’re dating them?)
9)No redeeming points are in this manga. No substantial and meaningful plot or characters, there's over-the-top drama, and not to mention the art is ugly.
10)I cried at the end. Not because it was emotional nor was I upset it was finished, but because I was so happy it was done and I could release my frustration over wasting my time by writing numerous bad reviews about it. It takes a lot to make me cry.
So a warning to any potential readers: Prepare for a manga with excessive amounts of stupidity and cheeseiness laced into every page.
1)The female lead is annoying, whiny, and incredibly stupid, which is perhaps the reason why nothing she does is right and she's hated so much by everyone.
2)The female lead is obsessed with a guy who doesn't like her back (and isn't even worth it) and for most of the story he is pretty cold to her. And this guy isn't even the one who ends up with her in the end. The one she ends up with is even worse surprisingly.
3)IT IS SO FRICKEN LONG!!! So of course this means that EVERYTHING is dragged on for quite a bit. To be fair if I liked the series I wouldn’t mind, but here it just means more stupidity to read through.
4)I don't understand why the author makes money such a big deal, and exagerates the whole 'high-class' and 'low-class' thing. (In my opinion the female lead seriously lacks class, but I don't think that it has anything to do with money). Like yes there exists wealth inequality, but like this was done in such an over the top and cliche way I don’t I know what the reader is supposed to get out of this. Like on one hand the FL (and author I guess) condemns the wealthy for being too powerful, but on the other hand its playing into the romantic fantasy of dating a super rich dude?
5)The female lead has no redeeming qualities to speak of. She's stubborn, but in a way that's stupid and pointless, she's average in looks, intelligence (which could be fine if I actually liked her, but I don’t), is said to be "kind" but actually is kind of a bitch, and her 'emotional strength' is really non-existent and is just her being stuborn,and she gets worked up over nothing. Also, she's extremely shallow and lacks common sense. It's just bad writing to go with the cliche of the traditional (and overdone) female shoujo character, that is average, somewhat ‘kind’, stupid to a fault, suposedly 'strong', and somehow has two or more people involved in a love triangle with her.
6)All of the situations are extremely exagerated to a point where its simply ridiculous and that alone takes away from whatever humour it had in the first place. For example, the bullying going on at her school (of course the female lead is bullied -__-). It is so unrealistic to have a girl tied to a moving vechicle. Or how rich these people are. It seems like the whole school is filled to the brim with multi-billionares, considering the number of mansions, private jets, cars, etc. these people have.
7)Ah, and now we move onto the humor. Just wait a minute and let me use my microscope to find it. Enough said.
8)F-4, which, may I remind you,stands for FLOWER 4. Honestly, it’s the stupidest name for a group of hot guys Ive ever read. Ok beyond that, they’re all just trash. Like they remind me of Jake Paul and team 10 shit. Idk what is there to romanticize, except the fact that they’re obscenely wealthy (again mixed messages from the author- don’t like the rich except when you’re dating them?)
9)No redeeming points are in this manga. No substantial and meaningful plot or characters, there's over-the-top drama, and not to mention the art is ugly.
10)I cried at the end. Not because it was emotional nor was I upset it was finished, but because I was so happy it was done and I could release my frustration over wasting my time by writing numerous bad reviews about it. It takes a lot to make me cry.
So a warning to any potential readers: Prepare for a manga with excessive amounts of stupidity and cheeseiness laced into every page.
October 15, 2008
*Spoiler alert* There were many things that I didn't like about this book. The main character decides to stand up to the "F4," a clique of popular boys. She is almost gang-raped by 3 of the 4 boys, until 1 of them steps in to save her. She then develops a crush on this boy, who then informs her that if she "was going to be such a pest about it" he "wouldn't have intervened." Nice! After he tells her this, she *still* likes him.
The author also interjects a lot into the story, and her interruptions are annoying. She describes herself as not-so-talented, and "old." Her lack of self-confidence really comes across in these blurbs, and what's the friggin' point of including so much personal info? This book was horrible.
The author also interjects a lot into the story, and her interruptions are annoying. She describes herself as not-so-talented, and "old." Her lack of self-confidence really comes across in these blurbs, and what's the friggin' point of including so much personal info? This book was horrible.
September 16, 2016
I have just realized that while I have huge problems with YA books and their cliches, I don't mind YA manga. It's only that I don't mind them, I actually enjoy them. It must be because of the art.
This is actually a reread. The first time I started reading Hana Yori Dango was in college, and I don't remember finishing it. So I'll just read it all over again until the end.
If you liked Watt's Paper Princess, there's a strong chance you'll like this, too. It's about a poor girl on a scholarship to a fancy school who's tormented by four gorgeous guys.
P.S. I think I have a problem with YA comics, too. I don't see myself reading any.
This is actually a reread. The first time I started reading Hana Yori Dango was in college, and I don't remember finishing it. So I'll just read it all over again until the end.
If you liked Watt's Paper Princess, there's a strong chance you'll like this, too. It's about a poor girl on a scholarship to a fancy school who's tormented by four gorgeous guys.
P.S. I think I have a problem with YA comics, too. I don't see myself reading any.
September 5, 2023
Cliché I found annoying in the whole manga:
1. Female MC is poor, hardworking, headstrong, selfless and sometimes silly.
2. Male MC is rich, despicable and full of himself. He is good at sports and can play a musical instrument.
3. Female MC’s family is in a financial crisis. She works part-time and strives to take care of her younger sibling.
4. Serious issues like bullying, violence and attempt to rape are treated lightly.
5. Male MC has a lot of fangirls, but eyes none.
6. Backstories to explain (unsuccessfully) male MC’s bad behaviour
7. Situations that show female MC’s benevolence (she's kind to a fault)
8. Both MCs hate each other at first sight, then fall in love later on.
9. Female MC is not exactly pretty, but so many guys fall for her because of her good nature. (I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, just pointing out the cliché)
10. There is this pretty and innocent looking girl who is evil.
11. Male MC’s family doesn’t want him dating a poor girl.
12. Female MC is threatened to stay out of male MC’s life.
13. People who hated the female MC or were indifferent to her in the beginning magically realise their mistake, become her friend and help her out when she is in trouble towards the end.
14. Extreme possessiveness and jealousy are misrepresented as love.
15. Male MC turns a new leaf and becomes a better person because of female MC.
The only redeeming quality in the manga was Tsukushi's never give up attitude. If she didn't have that, this manga would be way worse than Twilight. Hmmm, maybe Twilight is inspired by overused shoujo tropes.
Although I hated the series from the beginning, I thought of reading it till the end to see why its popular. Halfway through the story, there was this je ne sais quoi that kept me interested. I still wouldn't recommend it.
1. Female MC is poor, hardworking, headstrong, selfless and sometimes silly.
2. Male MC is rich, despicable and full of himself. He is good at sports and can play a musical instrument.
3. Female MC’s family is in a financial crisis. She works part-time and strives to take care of her younger sibling.
4. Serious issues like bullying, violence and attempt to rape are treated lightly.
5. Male MC has a lot of fangirls, but eyes none.
6. Backstories to explain (unsuccessfully) male MC’s bad behaviour
7. Situations that show female MC’s benevolence (she's kind to a fault)
8. Both MCs hate each other at first sight, then fall in love later on.
9. Female MC is not exactly pretty, but so many guys fall for her because of her good nature. (I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, just pointing out the cliché)
10. There is this pretty and innocent looking girl who is evil.
11. Male MC’s family doesn’t want him dating a poor girl.
12. Female MC is threatened to stay out of male MC’s life.
13. People who hated the female MC or were indifferent to her in the beginning magically realise their mistake, become her friend and help her out when she is in trouble towards the end.
14. Extreme possessiveness and jealousy are misrepresented as love.
15. Male MC turns a new leaf and becomes a better person because of female MC.
The only redeeming quality in the manga was Tsukushi's never give up attitude. If she didn't have that, this manga would be way worse than Twilight. Hmmm, maybe Twilight is inspired by overused shoujo tropes.
Although I hated the series from the beginning, I thought of reading it till the end to see why its popular. Halfway through the story, there was this je ne sais quoi that kept me interested. I still wouldn't recommend it.
September 10, 2023
A cute story into. I like the girl, Tsukushi, but what is up with her parents? Like they didn't go to a good school but if she doesn't, she'll bring shame to them? The heck is that?! And what is with this Flower boy. F4 group? I don't get them yet. Rui most of all. Strange guy. Domyouji is annoying! Yet this story is strangely addicting... Especially since I am not a huge fan of the artwork. Everyone has such swollen faces yet deep expressions. Good pace and intro.
2023- Hmm, I think I looked a bit deeper into the issues all these teens have. What is wrong with this school? Where is the staff?? Domyoji is is such an idiot. Not just getting words wrong (I've done that a few times myself, although not as often as this guy) but in who he could POSSIBLY think she likes him and that his behavior would make her happy... Aiya! Brings arrogance to a whole new level!
2023- Hmm, I think I looked a bit deeper into the issues all these teens have. What is wrong with this school? Where is the staff?? Domyoji is is such an idiot. Not just getting words wrong (I've done that a few times myself, although not as often as this guy) but in who he could POSSIBLY think she likes him and that his behavior would make her happy... Aiya! Brings arrogance to a whole new level!
August 26, 2018
I really enjoyed the Japanese live action version of Hana Yori Dango, and this was a great start to the manga!
Also Domyoji's pineapple hair is hysterical XD
Also Domyoji's pineapple hair is hysterical XD
Read
July 23, 2019DNF'd
This art style is atrocious and unfortunately art style is something that truly makes or breaks a manga for me! :(
This art style is atrocious and unfortunately art style is something that truly makes or breaks a manga for me! :(
April 30, 2017
Ya me sé esta historia de memoria, pero igual me sigue gustando. Los dibujos son feisimos pero espero que mejore a medida que vaya pasando los volúmenes.
April 13, 2020
I read this because I really liked the Korean adaptation of boys over flowers and I really wanted to continue with the hype of the series.
June 16, 2013
Okay, Let me get something straight.
First of all, I got addicted to anime and manga and all that big-eyed, purple-headed stuff when I was in seventh grade. So basically, I wasn't that level-headed as I am now. I mean, I was tweeeeelve when I first read this series. So of course I fell in love with Tsukushi and Domyouji's epic love story (as epic as it can ever be for a twelve-year old). Give me a break. Every twelve-year olds practically love cheesy funny and romantic stuff, right? Especially if it's an animated one.
So that was, like, 3 years ago. A lot of things have changed. Look how 3 years ago I was soooo smitten by all those Meg Cabot books that lined almost half of the bookshelves of our school library. Looking back, I have no idea what I have seen to love Meg Cabot's stories so much. I mean I can't even stand reading Princess Diaries (I stopped halfway when I was in 8th grade) without gagging on my shirt. SERIOUSLY. That's me reading in the present. In the past: I was in love with it. My future self convinced me and help me see the truth. Thankyouverymuch.
SO, logically, that's what happened to this book. My twelve-year old self clicked the 5-star review for me. Not my present 15-year old self. Why I love this Hana Yori Dango stuff sooo much I don't know. My pen name's even the lead character. Why? I don't know. I JUST LOVE IT. But the difference with Cabot's is that I'm still in love with HYD, Cabot not anymore. I've moved on to new adult genres which are still cheesy (so what? I love cheesy stuff) but mature enough to not be Cabot's since I can't even stand reading her books without blinding my eyes.
I Loooove HANA YORI DANGO. It might be cheesy and sooo clichy and whatsoever but obviously, my twelve-year old self is still lurking behind my veins. I didn't like the anime much. I mean, the manga's drawing's not that great but they didn't even give justice to the anime. They somehow made it worst. But I love the Japanese and Korean live dramas.
First of all, I got addicted to anime and manga and all that big-eyed, purple-headed stuff when I was in seventh grade. So basically, I wasn't that level-headed as I am now. I mean, I was tweeeeelve when I first read this series. So of course I fell in love with Tsukushi and Domyouji's epic love story (as epic as it can ever be for a twelve-year old). Give me a break. Every twelve-year olds practically love cheesy funny and romantic stuff, right? Especially if it's an animated one.
So that was, like, 3 years ago. A lot of things have changed. Look how 3 years ago I was soooo smitten by all those Meg Cabot books that lined almost half of the bookshelves of our school library. Looking back, I have no idea what I have seen to love Meg Cabot's stories so much. I mean I can't even stand reading Princess Diaries (I stopped halfway when I was in 8th grade) without gagging on my shirt. SERIOUSLY. That's me reading in the present. In the past: I was in love with it. My future self convinced me and help me see the truth. Thankyouverymuch.
SO, logically, that's what happened to this book. My twelve-year old self clicked the 5-star review for me. Not my present 15-year old self. Why I love this Hana Yori Dango stuff sooo much I don't know. My pen name's even the lead character. Why? I don't know. I JUST LOVE IT. But the difference with Cabot's is that I'm still in love with HYD, Cabot not anymore. I've moved on to new adult genres which are still cheesy (so what? I love cheesy stuff) but mature enough to not be Cabot's since I can't even stand reading her books without blinding my eyes.
I Loooove HANA YORI DANGO. It might be cheesy and sooo clichy and whatsoever but obviously, my twelve-year old self is still lurking behind my veins. I didn't like the anime much. I mean, the manga's drawing's not that great but they didn't even give justice to the anime. They somehow made it worst. But I love the Japanese and Korean live dramas.
November 7, 2014
Wow...where do I even begin? It has been a VERY long time since I have read a series no repulsive and disturbing as this one. This is supposedly a shojo series, but I fail to find ANY romance here. The main female protagonist, Tsukushi, while strong willed and determined, is constantly (at least in the first few volumes) cruelly bullied and abused by students of the high school and the F4 boys. The characters are all card board cutouts with little development, depth or personality. The story also suffers from of complete lack of logic from characters or events.
Starting off in poor characters are the parents. Although these are not the worst parents I have encountered in manga, they have to be one of the most selfish and ignorant. It seems all they care about is money and status. Literally, that is all they talk about. Oh, but every now and then they will fuss over their daughter, but only because she happens to hang out with some rich assholes, meaning that in their eyes there might be the possibility of their daughter marrying them. -_-
The amount of bullying and the extremes it goes is both hard to stomach and cruel. At one point, Tsukushi gets tied to the end of a car and dragged behind it; nearly raped, and beat up. Not to mention she is constantly verbally bullied. And this is all because she stood up against the most popular asshole in the school and therefore, everyone hates her. I don't care if these people are rich, selfish or spoiled, but I really doubt there is a school full of students who would literally all gang up against one girl and be all fucking psychotic jerks with no good moral conscience.
Remember how I mentioned lack of logic? Well there is plenty of that in this story such as the typical bitchy girl character drugging Tsukushi, forcing a man to take a suggestive picture with her and exposing it to everyone at the high school all in an attempt to catch Tsukasa’s (main love interest) attention. For whatever reason after this ordeal, Tsukushi many chapters later considers her to be her friend. WHY? Because the author deems it to be so, that’s why! Any normal person with any sense would stay the hell away from this crazy manipulative bitch, or I dunno, file a restraining order, report her to the police, ANYTHING than consider her a “friend.”
How in the hell does Tsukushi manage to get into this prestigious school with only good grades to go by without any scholarship? She does say her parents work very hard to pay for her schooling, but I call bullshit. You're telling me that some normal middle class family could somehow afford their daughter to attend this school where clearly all the students come from grossly wealthy known families? Not buying it.
The "romance" is by far the weakest and most sickening aspect. In volume 1, the guy who clearly will be her love interest (aka Tsukasa), pays some gang of guys to rape her all because she stood up to him. Are you fucking kidding me? How the fuck is this supposed to lead me in a) liking him as a character b) have me support their relationship later on? This is fucking DISTURBING. IN NO WAY IS THIS OKAY. And this is only the beginning, it gets WAY worse.
Later on, Tsukasa gets pissed off because he hears how she likes someone. So how does he react? Beats people up randomly (punching them in the face till they bleed and even pushes someone down the stairs) and even forces himself on her. Call it what you like, but chasing after someone, forcing yourself on them after they say no, is rape (in this case attempted rape). However, she then starts crying so he stops and tells her, "Stop crying, I won't do anything. Don’t cry." FUCK YOU, YOU SICK ASSHOLE. FUCK YOU. If this did not already make me disgusted by him, he acts as though nothing happened and she does not do anything about this (again, such as calling the police on his sorry ass, switch schools or report this to her parents).
Supposedly he does get “better” later on which is implied because of her influence (gag me with this fucking cliche. One person can’t change someone), but it still does not stop him from punching any guy who happens to like her, get near her or even when she is having an innocent get together with her elementary friends (which involves trashing the place and scaring everyone off and yelling at her). Oh and apparently he also had once beaten up a student so badly that he caused damage to his intestines. What. Does. The. Main. Character. See. In. This. Psycho? HE HAS NO REDEEMING QUALITIES!
Everything this guy does strongly suggests abuse. This relationship is not sexy, it is creepy and disturbing. Hiring people to rape someone is not okay. Forcing yourself on someone is not okay. Having parents being completely ignorant and only caring about their status and financial situation on the expense of their daughter is neither okay nor funny. Telling yourself it is "your fault" for "hurting" this sick asshole after all the shit he did is not okay. And forgoing a violent person’s actions because they happen to sometimes be “gentle” and have some good qualities is not okay.
The plot is nonsensical even for shojo standards, the characters are all terrible and one note, it is cliche after cliche, the humor is nonexistent and the “romance” is incredibly weak and disturbing.
FUCK THE SHITTY PARENTS, TSUKASA AND THIS POOR EXCUSE OF A "ROMANCE."
Starting off in poor characters are the parents. Although these are not the worst parents I have encountered in manga, they have to be one of the most selfish and ignorant. It seems all they care about is money and status. Literally, that is all they talk about. Oh, but every now and then they will fuss over their daughter, but only because she happens to hang out with some rich assholes, meaning that in their eyes there might be the possibility of their daughter marrying them. -_-
The amount of bullying and the extremes it goes is both hard to stomach and cruel. At one point, Tsukushi gets tied to the end of a car and dragged behind it; nearly raped, and beat up. Not to mention she is constantly verbally bullied. And this is all because she stood up against the most popular asshole in the school and therefore, everyone hates her. I don't care if these people are rich, selfish or spoiled, but I really doubt there is a school full of students who would literally all gang up against one girl and be all fucking psychotic jerks with no good moral conscience.
Remember how I mentioned lack of logic? Well there is plenty of that in this story such as the typical bitchy girl character drugging Tsukushi, forcing a man to take a suggestive picture with her and exposing it to everyone at the high school all in an attempt to catch Tsukasa’s (main love interest) attention. For whatever reason after this ordeal, Tsukushi many chapters later considers her to be her friend. WHY? Because the author deems it to be so, that’s why! Any normal person with any sense would stay the hell away from this crazy manipulative bitch, or I dunno, file a restraining order, report her to the police, ANYTHING than consider her a “friend.”
How in the hell does Tsukushi manage to get into this prestigious school with only good grades to go by without any scholarship? She does say her parents work very hard to pay for her schooling, but I call bullshit. You're telling me that some normal middle class family could somehow afford their daughter to attend this school where clearly all the students come from grossly wealthy known families? Not buying it.
The "romance" is by far the weakest and most sickening aspect. In volume 1, the guy who clearly will be her love interest (aka Tsukasa), pays some gang of guys to rape her all because she stood up to him. Are you fucking kidding me? How the fuck is this supposed to lead me in a) liking him as a character b) have me support their relationship later on? This is fucking DISTURBING. IN NO WAY IS THIS OKAY. And this is only the beginning, it gets WAY worse.
Later on, Tsukasa gets pissed off because he hears how she likes someone. So how does he react? Beats people up randomly (punching them in the face till they bleed and even pushes someone down the stairs) and even forces himself on her. Call it what you like, but chasing after someone, forcing yourself on them after they say no, is rape (in this case attempted rape). However, she then starts crying so he stops and tells her, "Stop crying, I won't do anything. Don’t cry." FUCK YOU, YOU SICK ASSHOLE. FUCK YOU. If this did not already make me disgusted by him, he acts as though nothing happened and she does not do anything about this (again, such as calling the police on his sorry ass, switch schools or report this to her parents).
Supposedly he does get “better” later on which is implied because of her influence (gag me with this fucking cliche. One person can’t change someone), but it still does not stop him from punching any guy who happens to like her, get near her or even when she is having an innocent get together with her elementary friends (which involves trashing the place and scaring everyone off and yelling at her). Oh and apparently he also had once beaten up a student so badly that he caused damage to his intestines. What. Does. The. Main. Character. See. In. This. Psycho? HE HAS NO REDEEMING QUALITIES!
Everything this guy does strongly suggests abuse. This relationship is not sexy, it is creepy and disturbing. Hiring people to rape someone is not okay. Forcing yourself on someone is not okay. Having parents being completely ignorant and only caring about their status and financial situation on the expense of their daughter is neither okay nor funny. Telling yourself it is "your fault" for "hurting" this sick asshole after all the shit he did is not okay. And forgoing a violent person’s actions because they happen to sometimes be “gentle” and have some good qualities is not okay.
The plot is nonsensical even for shojo standards, the characters are all terrible and one note, it is cliche after cliche, the humor is nonexistent and the “romance” is incredibly weak and disturbing.
FUCK THE SHITTY PARENTS, TSUKASA AND THIS POOR EXCUSE OF A "ROMANCE."
November 7, 2021
Por primera vez en mi vida voy a ignorar las red flags, BOF es mi gusto culposo ><
November 7, 2015
Cuma baca sampai vol.3 ""( _ _)
Aku suka karakter cewek yang kuat, tapi sayangnya tokoh ceweknya di sini bukan "kuat" tapi sekedar "brutal".
Sementara itu, dengan lemahnya dia ikut aja keseret arus anak-2 orang kaya itu, atau mungkin juga keseret "ketampanan" cowok yang dia suka?
Dan akibat keseret itu, dia menempatkan diri pada posisi yang mungkin maksud komiknya sih lucu-lucuan (aku gak ngerasa itu lucu >,<) tapi jika terjadi beneran itu 'horor-di-atas-segala-horor'~
Gak ada yang lebih mengerikan dari seorang cewek remaja yang 'terpukau' oleh dunia baru yang dia masuki, entah itu oleh kekayaan / ketampanan manusia-2 di dalamnya, dan terseret begitu saja tanpa bisa (atau mau) mengendalikan situasi maupun perlakuan para manusia itu terhadap dirinya.
Tenang~ (^ ^) aku gak bermaksud menganggap setiap komik harus menjadi Buku Panduan bagi Remaja Galau.
Kalau aja ini cerita komedi yang gak masuk akal, macam My Heavenly Hockey Club yang edan itu, di mana pembaca pun dapat langsung mengenali kemustahilan setiap karakternya, aku oke-oke aja~
Tapi komik ini...waktu baca vol.1-nya aku masih berharap adanya perkembangan karena menggunakan situasi yang (dianggap) nyata (walau banyak kemustahilan juga sih^ ^), tapi sampai vol.3 kondisinya malah makin 'memburuk' (＃＞＜) ...aku bener-2 gak sanggup ngelanjutin~
Aku suka karakter cewek yang kuat, tapi sayangnya tokoh ceweknya di sini bukan "kuat" tapi sekedar "brutal".
Sementara itu, dengan lemahnya dia ikut aja keseret arus anak-2 orang kaya itu, atau mungkin juga keseret "ketampanan" cowok yang dia suka?
Dan akibat keseret itu, dia menempatkan diri pada posisi yang mungkin maksud komiknya sih lucu-lucuan (aku gak ngerasa itu lucu >,<) tapi jika terjadi beneran itu 'horor-di-atas-segala-horor'~
Gak ada yang lebih mengerikan dari seorang cewek remaja yang 'terpukau' oleh dunia baru yang dia masuki, entah itu oleh kekayaan / ketampanan manusia-2 di dalamnya, dan terseret begitu saja tanpa bisa (atau mau) mengendalikan situasi maupun perlakuan para manusia itu terhadap dirinya.
Tenang~ (^ ^) aku gak bermaksud menganggap setiap komik harus menjadi Buku Panduan bagi Remaja Galau.
Kalau aja ini cerita komedi yang gak masuk akal, macam My Heavenly Hockey Club yang edan itu, di mana pembaca pun dapat langsung mengenali kemustahilan setiap karakternya, aku oke-oke aja~
Tapi komik ini...waktu baca vol.1-nya aku masih berharap adanya perkembangan karena menggunakan situasi yang (dianggap) nyata (walau banyak kemustahilan juga sih^ ^), tapi sampai vol.3 kondisinya malah makin 'memburuk' (＃＞＜) ...aku bener-2 gak sanggup ngelanjutin~
November 6, 2015
Matsumoto Jun, look what you have done to me!
I watched the first episode of the dorama months ago, when I was not familiar with Arashi (ergo, MatsuJun) I could not finish it. I hate it. Passionately. I swore I would never read the manga. Now, months later, here I am, doing the opposite. Why? Because I like MatsuJun. And he is pretty much known as "Doumyouji".
So OK, I do not completely hate it. But only because of the "bully" issue. Makino gets bullied over and over, but she is a fighter. In fact, she kicks Doumyouji's not-pretty face, which I thought was nice.
Not nice: Doumyouji himself. He is repulsive and coward. I mean, only because he feels threatened does he have the right to hire 3! guys to gang-rape Makino? And what about Hanazawa? Makino is so dumb to like him. Yes, he saved her from a rape, but what does he say when she thanks him? "May be I shouldn’t have. What is the big deal? It’s only your virginity, right?". Yeah, Makino, that guy is really sweet and misunderstood. ***eye-rolled**
I guess I have to read one more volume. Ughhh, only for you MatsuJun. Because really, I don't like the characters, nor the plot, nor the art.
1.5 stars (one for the bully theme; 0.5 for the rest)
I watched the first episode of the dorama months ago, when I was not familiar with Arashi (ergo, MatsuJun) I could not finish it. I hate it. Passionately. I swore I would never read the manga. Now, months later, here I am, doing the opposite. Why? Because I like MatsuJun. And he is pretty much known as "Doumyouji".
So OK, I do not completely hate it. But only because of the "bully" issue. Makino gets bullied over and over, but she is a fighter. In fact, she kicks Doumyouji's not-pretty face, which I thought was nice.
Not nice: Doumyouji himself. He is repulsive and coward. I mean, only because he feels threatened does he have the right to hire 3! guys to gang-rape Makino? And what about Hanazawa? Makino is so dumb to like him. Yes, he saved her from a rape, but what does he say when she thanks him? "May be I shouldn’t have. What is the big deal? It’s only your virginity, right?". Yeah, Makino, that guy is really sweet and misunderstood. ***eye-rolled**
I guess I have to read one more volume. Ughhh, only for you MatsuJun. Because really, I don't like the characters, nor the plot, nor the art.
1.5 stars (one for the bully theme; 0.5 for the rest)
April 18, 2021
The first volume wasn't the best but I'm really enjoying the second one! This series is really interesting and I enjoyed all the characters, especially the main character since she was very fierce and didn't allow people to throw her around.
bookstagram | goodreads
bookstagram | goodreads
February 8, 2022
This did not age well. My underdeveloped, abused adolescent brain loved it though
May 9, 2021
A classic.
February 13, 2022
The stakes are high and the brain cell count is low.
June 22, 2025
I love 80s and 90s manga more than anything, the art style is always so cute 😭😭 and the bonus story at the end was so sweet and kind of sad ;_;
May 3, 2013
There was something in the way all of the characters came together that I found irresistibly compelling about this series. It did remind me a lot of Ouran while I was reading it and maybe that is why I liked it so much. Tsukushi is an interesting protagonist, I loved when she started taking action and sticking up for herself.
While I wasn’t overly fond of the artwork style I was able to get past it because I my love for the storyline. This is an honest story with twists and turns, ups and downs, but then again that is real life.
I would really recommend watching the anime too!
While I wasn’t overly fond of the artwork style I was able to get past it because I my love for the storyline. This is an honest story with twists and turns, ups and downs, but then again that is real life.
I would really recommend watching the anime too!
March 8, 2019
I'm neverrrrr going be into graphic novels, manga, whateva. But I thought because I like the tv show so much, I could do this. But NO.
Things to know if you're new:
It's black and white.
It swipes backwards. Therefore,
It reads like Arabic, meaning right to left.
The Kindle edition doesn't have that tap to the next "scene" feature like comic books do. :( SAD.
Things to know if you're new:
It's black and white.
It swipes backwards. Therefore,
It reads like Arabic, meaning right to left.
The Kindle edition doesn't have that tap to the next "scene" feature like comic books do. :( SAD.
September 14, 2016
Endearing, slap-sticky, and a teeny bit tacky.
July 23, 2019
I’m reading “Boys over Flowers”. The mainstream is Shoujo, also the theme is romantic comedy. This manga’s protagonist is Tsukushi Makino who go to the Eitoku academy. There are a lot of rich people in that high school, but Tsukushi is kind a poor person. Her mother recommended to go there because she want Tsukushi to marry with rich man. There are super rich 4 people. The boys are called “F4” by other students. This mean is “Flower 4”. They say they are beautiful as flowers. One of F4 is Tsukasa Dōmyoji. He is so selfish and silly person. When Tsukushi met Dōmyoji at the first time, we can call the scene “Taming of the beast”. He is really evil for Tsukushi, but he will grow up step by step. So I hope he will be a mentor for Tsukushi.
The character’s emotional ups and downs are erratic. Particularly, Tsukushi is so humane. So I think it can explain some types of speed line. Also, This manga is really important to use perspective. It can show character’s situation what is happening to them. Domyoji is very selfish person. He always look down other people so warm’s eye view was also used a lot of time. Also, splash page come out a lot of times. Dōmyoji is always angry so maybe author wanted to show his emotion more over. I think sometimes spread page appear. It same part as splash page. Tsukushi’s hero’s journey is so exciting. I’m really enjoying reading.
The character’s emotional ups and downs are erratic. Particularly, Tsukushi is so humane. So I think it can explain some types of speed line. Also, This manga is really important to use perspective. It can show character’s situation what is happening to them. Domyoji is very selfish person. He always look down other people so warm’s eye view was also used a lot of time. Also, splash page come out a lot of times. Dōmyoji is always angry so maybe author wanted to show his emotion more over. I think sometimes spread page appear. It same part as splash page. Tsukushi’s hero’s journey is so exciting. I’m really enjoying reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2021
Le tengo mucho cariño a la historia y no me quería quedar sin leer el manga, lo disfruté mucho y me gustó saber aspectos nuevos de estos personajes.
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December 29, 2025buddy read with jenny 💘
March 26, 2019
Anyone else here after falling in love with Meteor Garden 2018? 🙋🏼♀️Now that I’ve read the entire manga, I can see why there have been SO many adaptations of this story over the years.
Basic plot: Tsukushi is an average Japanese teenager thrust into a high school attended by the rich and famous of Japan. However, nearly all of the students at the school are spoiled jerks, and the biggest jerks of the school are the most popular boys that rule it: F4. At first, Tsukushi and the four boys are instant enemies, but as the story progresses, the boys befriend her. All five teenagers change and mature along the way, because of their friendship. Oh yeah, and two of the F4 boys fall in love with her, so the big question of the story is which one Tsukushi is going to end up with.
Forgetting the story, the real gems here are the characters. Tsukushi is kind of the ultimate heroine. She stays true to who she is, constantly sticks up for herself and others, and changes the people around her for good. It’s no wonder that pretty much every rich guy falls in love with her. Also, unlike most stories, I feel like all of the side characters get their moment. Pretty much every character is fleshed out, and I think that’s what makes this story so refreshing. There’s also an underlying commentary on the dangers of bullying, materialism, and vanity.
I will say, I found the first dozen novels REALLY difficult to get through. The characters start off so unlikeable and the extreme bullying is actually disturbing. You’ll be rewarded after making it through the first few novels, though.
While I wasn’t 100% satisfied with how this ended, I definitely think it’s worth a read. Meteor Garden adapted this story so well, and I can see why it’s Yoko Kamio approved. There are some plot points that I actually think the show improved upon! Overall, whether or not you are a fan of any of the movies or shows, this is a very solid manga.
Side note: you should totally watch Meteor Garden 2018 just for this casting of F4 alone.
Basic plot: Tsukushi is an average Japanese teenager thrust into a high school attended by the rich and famous of Japan. However, nearly all of the students at the school are spoiled jerks, and the biggest jerks of the school are the most popular boys that rule it: F4. At first, Tsukushi and the four boys are instant enemies, but as the story progresses, the boys befriend her. All five teenagers change and mature along the way, because of their friendship. Oh yeah, and two of the F4 boys fall in love with her, so the big question of the story is which one Tsukushi is going to end up with.
Forgetting the story, the real gems here are the characters. Tsukushi is kind of the ultimate heroine. She stays true to who she is, constantly sticks up for herself and others, and changes the people around her for good. It’s no wonder that pretty much every rich guy falls in love with her. Also, unlike most stories, I feel like all of the side characters get their moment. Pretty much every character is fleshed out, and I think that’s what makes this story so refreshing. There’s also an underlying commentary on the dangers of bullying, materialism, and vanity.
I will say, I found the first dozen novels REALLY difficult to get through. The characters start off so unlikeable and the extreme bullying is actually disturbing. You’ll be rewarded after making it through the first few novels, though.
While I wasn’t 100% satisfied with how this ended, I definitely think it’s worth a read. Meteor Garden adapted this story so well, and I can see why it’s Yoko Kamio approved. There are some plot points that I actually think the show improved upon! Overall, whether or not you are a fan of any of the movies or shows, this is a very solid manga.
Side note: you should totally watch Meteor Garden 2018 just for this casting of F4 alone.
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March 13, 2015Currently reading volume 24...and then it kind of went sideways. Meh. Why does every guy have to fall for her? The side stories are getting repetitive and annoying. Still loving Tsukasa (when he's not hitting girls), but Makino is pretty annoying at times. At least they seem to be on the same page now, sort of. Hoping for forward movement in their relationship without all the extra.
1/22/5 -Starting volume 15. Please, get rid of obtuse Makino. I love Tsukasa, but he needs to control his tongue and that violent streak.
Currently reading volume 10. Honestly, I've liked every version of the drama I've seen so far, but this series isn't that great. I don't get the hype. Still, I have a ways to go so....
1/22/5 -
September 16, 2010
Boys over Flowers is a Manga and I read the book up to 33 and still waiting for book# 34. It is a Japanese story about a rich boy in Japan and a very poor girl. At first they hate each other so much, but later in the middle start liking each other. That the point the conflicts starts, the boys mother get to know and make the girls and her family suffer so much. The both lover each love each other no matter what. Also the boy has a team call F4 and everyone in Japan is crazy for them and all for of them is really rich. I’m waiting for the next book really badly and I just want to read it as quick as possible.
April 23, 2020
I only picked this up because I love the k-drama based off this manga series. But this was just bad. Everything works better in the tv show, which is a shame. I just really did not like this at all because of the over the top, petty drama. I don't know why it works in the TV show and not here but it just does.
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