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憂鬱な朝 / Yūutsu na asa #5
Blue Morning, Vol. 5
Still reeling from Katsuragi's confession, Akihito attends Marquise Moriyama's evening ball. There he comes face-to-face with his late father's half brother, Naotsugu. Though Katsuragi arranged the meeting with the intention of helping both Akihito and the Kuze family name, Akihito decides against giving the family over to Naotsugu, bringing Akihito to the unsettling realization that he may not fully trust Katsuragi. Meanwhile, Katsuragi meets with Marquise Moriyama and boldly demands recompense for all that he has done.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2014
12 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Shoko Hidaka
47 books117 followersShoko Hidaka (native name: 日高ショーコ) is a Japanese mangaka unit.
The drawings are by Shoko Hidaka, and the stories are by Takie (タキエ) but the author name is always "Shoko Hidaka".
Dōjinshi Circle: speaker
The drawings are by Shoko Hidaka, and the stories are by Takie (タキエ) but the author name is always "Shoko Hidaka".
Dōjinshi Circle: speaker
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 26, 2021
De verdad, vaya par! A veces dan ganas de darles una colleja. No paran de complicarse la vida con conspiraciones y estrategias cuando lo más fácil sería que se dijeran todo lo que piensan y luego, ya, conspiran y traman lo que quieran, pero juntos...
January 5, 2019
I feel so sorry for everybody involved in Kuze and Katsuragi's mess. If I were Ishizaki I'd just long to lock them up in a room together and throw away the key.
May 6, 2020
Too much political talk... still, these two *clenches chest*
January 3, 2022
Después de que al fin Katsuragi declarar sus sentimientos a don Akihito, ambos van a una fiesta organizada en la mansión de los Moriyama. Allí va a conocer a Naotsugu, el hermanastro exiliado de la familia por su padre. Katsuragi y Akihito planean presentarle como el nuevo vizconde de Kuze, pues Akihito se retiraría por motivos de salud. Todo iba bien hasta que Akihito ve que ese hombre no es digno para tal título, comienza a dudar en el plan y a desestabilizarlo. Todo mientras Katsuragi presiona al Marqués en beneficio de Akihito.
Esta historia es un manga yaoi donde se narra la relación entre dos hombres de época en el Japón de la restauración Meiji a principios del siglo XX. Este tomo destaca con respecto a los otros en dos aspectos que destacan mucho. El primero de ellos es la completa ausencia de escenas sexuales. Si en los otros tomos había alguna escena de cama totalmente explícita, en este no hay nada de eso. Si acaso encontramos algún que otro beso con discreción. La atracción romántica también queda un poco adormecida en esta trama, la cual se centra en otros aspectos (principalmente en la aceptación de la declaración).
El otro aspecto es el tiempo. En este tomo, todo transcurre en un solo día, de hecho, en la fiesta de los Moriyama. Durante la misma ocurren muchísimas cosas, sí, pero en un periodo de tiempo relativamente corto con respecto a los anteriores tomos. Ahí vamos a conocer a muchos personajes, nuevos y antiguos conocidos, por lo que es bastante fácil perderse con ellos. Para ello, tenemos en la primera página sus retratos, con sus nombres de una breve descripción de quiénes son. Y esto se agradece.
La trama de este tomo gira en torno a la conspiración y a los planes de Katsuragi y Akihito, siempre independientes y cada uno por su cuenta. Y esto es lo que falla, el ir cada uno por su cuenta hace que los planes no lleguen a buen fin, y es una de las cosas que se van a ir planteando y recapacitando pues los dos tienen el mismo objetivo. Además, aquí vamos viendo la gran complejidad del asunto y la cantidad de personas que están implicadas y entrelazadas, así como ver la nueva ley de la aristocracia y conocer los problemas y trifulcas que hay por ello.
Sobre los personajes, todos juegan un papel en esta historia, hasta el más secundario. Además, todos ellos están muy bien caracterizados y repletos de sentimientos, ya sean positivos o no, pero cargados de ellos. Me ha gustado especialmente la marquesa de Moriyama, a la que ya conocíamos, pero me ha parecido una persona muy tierna, dulce, con ambición, muy buena amiga y una fiel persona a quienes se lo merecen. Por último, ha habido un gran cambio en las personalidades de Katsuragi y Akihito, el primero parece romper parte de su muralla hermética y el segundo va madurando a pasos de gigante. Una historia que nadie debería dejar de conocer.
https://lagranbibliotecadedavid.blogs...
Esta historia es un manga yaoi donde se narra la relación entre dos hombres de época en el Japón de la restauración Meiji a principios del siglo XX. Este tomo destaca con respecto a los otros en dos aspectos que destacan mucho. El primero de ellos es la completa ausencia de escenas sexuales. Si en los otros tomos había alguna escena de cama totalmente explícita, en este no hay nada de eso. Si acaso encontramos algún que otro beso con discreción. La atracción romántica también queda un poco adormecida en esta trama, la cual se centra en otros aspectos (principalmente en la aceptación de la declaración).
El otro aspecto es el tiempo. En este tomo, todo transcurre en un solo día, de hecho, en la fiesta de los Moriyama. Durante la misma ocurren muchísimas cosas, sí, pero en un periodo de tiempo relativamente corto con respecto a los anteriores tomos. Ahí vamos a conocer a muchos personajes, nuevos y antiguos conocidos, por lo que es bastante fácil perderse con ellos. Para ello, tenemos en la primera página sus retratos, con sus nombres de una breve descripción de quiénes son. Y esto se agradece.
La trama de este tomo gira en torno a la conspiración y a los planes de Katsuragi y Akihito, siempre independientes y cada uno por su cuenta. Y esto es lo que falla, el ir cada uno por su cuenta hace que los planes no lleguen a buen fin, y es una de las cosas que se van a ir planteando y recapacitando pues los dos tienen el mismo objetivo. Además, aquí vamos viendo la gran complejidad del asunto y la cantidad de personas que están implicadas y entrelazadas, así como ver la nueva ley de la aristocracia y conocer los problemas y trifulcas que hay por ello.
Sobre los personajes, todos juegan un papel en esta historia, hasta el más secundario. Además, todos ellos están muy bien caracterizados y repletos de sentimientos, ya sean positivos o no, pero cargados de ellos. Me ha gustado especialmente la marquesa de Moriyama, a la que ya conocíamos, pero me ha parecido una persona muy tierna, dulce, con ambición, muy buena amiga y una fiel persona a quienes se lo merecen. Por último, ha habido un gran cambio en las personalidades de Katsuragi y Akihito, el primero parece romper parte de su muralla hermética y el segundo va madurando a pasos de gigante. Una historia que nadie debería dejar de conocer.
https://lagranbibliotecadedavid.blogs...
September 22, 2024
katsuragi is so precious
August 31, 2017
Banyak yang bilang buku ini punya plot yang berat. Dan memang betul.
Saya baca ini berasa lagi nerjemahin Altair: teks banyak dan panjang-panjang, cerita yang berfokus pada kondisi sosial dan ekonomi pada masa itu, ditambah lagi bahasa jepang ala bangsawan--ada dua jenis pula! Bahasa bangsawan-biasa dan bahasa bangsawan-hormat yang selalu pakai "gozaimasu" di akhir kalimat dan pakai imbuhan "o" atau "go" di depan tiap kata benda (contoh: go-jibun, o-kata, o-ie, dsb). Berkat berbagai kesulitan tingkat tinggi inilah rasa capeknya jadi berkali-kali lipat kalau baca versi scan, untung saya punya bukunya! /tetep pamer/
Kalau ada pembaca yang pengen buru-buru dapet plot romance-nya, mending nyerah aja deh. Plot romance Akihito dan Tomoyuki itu hanya bisa berjalan seiringan dengan plot problematika posisi keluarga Kuze di kelas masyarakat bangsawan. Jadi, kalau mau liat Akihito dan Tomoyuki mesra-mesraan, mesti sabaaaaaar ngikutin plot sosialnya.
Cerita ini berlatar belakang Taisho, yang lagi-lagi, selalu menarik minat saya karena Jepang pada masa itu kayak "dua dunia"; masih kuat akan budaya tradisional jepang, namun juga ada intervensi besar dari budaya barat. Jadi, kalau lagi ada adegan di jalan raya, kita bisa lihat ada tokoh berpakaian kimono dan jas/gaun bersebelah-sebelahan; ada kereta trem sekaligus kereta kuda; ada rumah berlantai tatami sekaligus rumah berlantai keramik.
Dari segi sosial, Jepang yang selama berabad-abad menganut sistem kasta yang mana samurai berada di tingkat teratas, di cerita Yuutsu na Asa ini mulai kesulitan karena perekonomian mulai dikuasai kaum zaibatsu (pedagang) yang notabene pada zaman bakufu dulu merupakan kasta terendah.
Jadiiii... para tokoh di cerita ini--termasuk Akihito dan Tomoyuki--memutar otak sekeras mungkin untuk mempertahankan gelar kebangsawanan mereka (karena keluarga yang dapat gelar bangsawan masih mendapat gaji dari pemerintah), namun juga mesti mulai memikirkan untuk berpindah haluan dengan berbisnis/berdagang karena mereka tahu bahwa sistem sosial jepang mulai berubah.
Masalah semakin rumit ketika dicampur dengan masalah garis keturunan yang gak jelas karena kebanyakan selir--kebiasaan dari zaman bakufu yang masih dibawa-bawa; dan inilah yang jadi problem yang diutak-atik sepanjang cerita di Yuutsu na Asa.
Salah satu daya tarik utama cerita ini (bagi saya) adalah perkembangan karakter Akihito. Berbanding terbalik dengan Tomoyuki Katsuragi yang sejak awal begitu-begitu aja (dan emang pengarangnya membuat karakteristik Tomoyuki yang "membenci perubahan", jadi sangat pas kalau perubahan karakternya sangaaaat lamban), Akihito ini perkembangannya signifikan. Saya suka banget. Yang di jilid awal dia cuma bocah 10 tahun yang cuma bisa nangis diem-diem kesepian di kamarnya, di jilid pertengahan dia mulai jadi pemuda yang penuh rasa ingin tahu dan sangat ekspresif (jadi inget dia dulu sering meledak-ledak di depan Tomoyuki), dan di dua jilid terakhir ini dia jadi sangat dewasa dan mampu menyampaikan pemikirannya kepada Tomoyuki dan orang-orang dewasa lainnya dengan kepala dingin dan cerdas (Iya, cerdas itu penting! Anggi suka tokoh cerdas!). Udah deh, pokoknya di jilid ini Tomoyuki (yang sejak jilid 1 selalu menang dalam adu argumen dan strategi dari Akihito) kalah telak dari Akihito! Tomoyuki jadi semacam dapat tamparan keras, dan untuk pertama kalinya dia menunjukkan sikap frustrasi dan memohon-mohon di depan Akihito! Fufufu! Keren, keren, Akihito!
Tapi, saya masih tetep geregetan ngeliatin mereka berdua yang berpikir "Demi kamu", mereka rela ngebuang posisi kepala keluarga Kuze beserta aset kekayaan, bahkan sampai jati diri mereka sendiri. Kalau mereka berdua sama-sama membuang posisi kepala keluarga, terus siapa yang bakal ada di posisi itu dong? Kadangan bodohnya gak ketulungan, ih (~=_=)~
Tapi di sisi lain, itu shikatanai juga sih. Sistem sosialnya masih memaksa mereka untuk mementingkan keberlangsungan gelar bangsawan keluarga mereka. Gak bisa tuh yang namanya kabur ke desa dan hidup bahagia dalam kesederhanaan berduaan aja.
Yang pasti, saya penasaran siapa yang nantinya bakal mewarisi posisi kepala keluarga Kuze--karena "ending" plot romance-nya juga pasti bakal tergantung sama siapa yang dapet posisi kepala keluarga!
Hmm... ini gak ada hubungannya sama cerita sih, tapi setelah baca Yuutsu na Asa, saya jadi penasaran pengen baca juga satu lagi karya Hidaka Shoko yang fenomenal itu: Hana wa Saku ka. Mungkin kalau ada waktu nanti boleh dimasukin daftar untuk dibaca. Mungkin Hana wa Saku ka plotnya gak seberat yang ini dan bisa dibaca lebih santai.
Saya baca ini berasa lagi nerjemahin Altair: teks banyak dan panjang-panjang, cerita yang berfokus pada kondisi sosial dan ekonomi pada masa itu, ditambah lagi bahasa jepang ala bangsawan--ada dua jenis pula! Bahasa bangsawan-biasa dan bahasa bangsawan-hormat yang selalu pakai "gozaimasu" di akhir kalimat dan pakai imbuhan "o" atau "go" di depan tiap kata benda (contoh: go-jibun, o-kata, o-ie, dsb). Berkat berbagai kesulitan tingkat tinggi inilah rasa capeknya jadi berkali-kali lipat kalau baca versi scan, untung saya punya bukunya! /tetep pamer/
Kalau ada pembaca yang pengen buru-buru dapet plot romance-nya, mending nyerah aja deh. Plot romance Akihito dan Tomoyuki itu hanya bisa berjalan seiringan dengan plot problematika posisi keluarga Kuze di kelas masyarakat bangsawan. Jadi, kalau mau liat Akihito dan Tomoyuki mesra-mesraan, mesti sabaaaaaar ngikutin plot sosialnya.
Cerita ini berlatar belakang Taisho, yang lagi-lagi, selalu menarik minat saya karena Jepang pada masa itu kayak "dua dunia"; masih kuat akan budaya tradisional jepang, namun juga ada intervensi besar dari budaya barat. Jadi, kalau lagi ada adegan di jalan raya, kita bisa lihat ada tokoh berpakaian kimono dan jas/gaun bersebelah-sebelahan; ada kereta trem sekaligus kereta kuda; ada rumah berlantai tatami sekaligus rumah berlantai keramik.
Dari segi sosial, Jepang yang selama berabad-abad menganut sistem kasta yang mana samurai berada di tingkat teratas, di cerita Yuutsu na Asa ini mulai kesulitan karena perekonomian mulai dikuasai kaum zaibatsu (pedagang) yang notabene pada zaman bakufu dulu merupakan kasta terendah.
Jadiiii... para tokoh di cerita ini--termasuk Akihito dan Tomoyuki--memutar otak sekeras mungkin untuk mempertahankan gelar kebangsawanan mereka (karena keluarga yang dapat gelar bangsawan masih mendapat gaji dari pemerintah), namun juga mesti mulai memikirkan untuk berpindah haluan dengan berbisnis/berdagang karena mereka tahu bahwa sistem sosial jepang mulai berubah.
Masalah semakin rumit ketika dicampur dengan masalah garis keturunan yang gak jelas karena kebanyakan selir--kebiasaan dari zaman bakufu yang masih dibawa-bawa; dan inilah yang jadi problem yang diutak-atik sepanjang cerita di Yuutsu na Asa.
Salah satu daya tarik utama cerita ini (bagi saya) adalah perkembangan karakter Akihito. Berbanding terbalik dengan Tomoyuki Katsuragi yang sejak awal begitu-begitu aja (dan emang pengarangnya membuat karakteristik Tomoyuki yang "membenci perubahan", jadi sangat pas kalau perubahan karakternya sangaaaat lamban), Akihito ini perkembangannya signifikan. Saya suka banget. Yang di jilid awal dia cuma bocah 10 tahun yang cuma bisa nangis diem-diem kesepian di kamarnya, di jilid pertengahan dia mulai jadi pemuda yang penuh rasa ingin tahu dan sangat ekspresif (jadi inget dia dulu sering meledak-ledak di depan Tomoyuki), dan di dua jilid terakhir ini dia jadi sangat dewasa dan mampu menyampaikan pemikirannya kepada Tomoyuki dan orang-orang dewasa lainnya dengan kepala dingin dan cerdas (Iya, cerdas itu penting! Anggi suka tokoh cerdas!). Udah deh, pokoknya di jilid ini Tomoyuki (yang sejak jilid 1 selalu menang dalam adu argumen dan strategi dari Akihito) kalah telak dari Akihito! Tomoyuki jadi semacam dapat tamparan keras, dan untuk pertama kalinya dia menunjukkan sikap frustrasi dan memohon-mohon di depan Akihito! Fufufu! Keren, keren, Akihito!
Tapi, saya masih tetep geregetan ngeliatin mereka berdua yang berpikir "Demi kamu", mereka rela ngebuang posisi kepala keluarga Kuze beserta aset kekayaan, bahkan sampai jati diri mereka sendiri. Kalau mereka berdua sama-sama membuang posisi kepala keluarga, terus siapa yang bakal ada di posisi itu dong? Kadangan bodohnya gak ketulungan, ih (~=_=)~
Tapi di sisi lain, itu shikatanai juga sih. Sistem sosialnya masih memaksa mereka untuk mementingkan keberlangsungan gelar bangsawan keluarga mereka. Gak bisa tuh yang namanya kabur ke desa dan hidup bahagia dalam kesederhanaan berduaan aja.
Yang pasti, saya penasaran siapa yang nantinya bakal mewarisi posisi kepala keluarga Kuze--karena "ending" plot romance-nya juga pasti bakal tergantung sama siapa yang dapet posisi kepala keluarga!
Hmm... ini gak ada hubungannya sama cerita sih, tapi setelah baca Yuutsu na Asa, saya jadi penasaran pengen baca juga satu lagi karya Hidaka Shoko yang fenomenal itu: Hana wa Saku ka. Mungkin kalau ada waktu nanti boleh dimasukin daftar untuk dibaca. Mungkin Hana wa Saku ka plotnya gak seberat yang ini dan bisa dibaca lebih santai.
October 14, 2014
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Volume 5 takes the political game deep as Akihito and Tomoyuki set plans in motion and maneuver through the imperial restoration landscape. The romance is put on hold since most of the volume takes place at a gala thrown by the snobby Marquise Moriyama. It's really the culmination of the first five volumes, with all the players coming into play and each maneuvering in unpredictable ways. Author/illustrator Hidaka notes at the finish of this volume that the end of the series is in sight.Story: The Moriyamas throw a gala ball - bringing together luminaries from across the political landscape. Into the mix will be thrown everyone from party crashing Ishizaki to Akihito's sick half uncle. Akihito is determined to throw away the Kuze title in order to claim Tomoyuki. But Tomoyuki is also playing a deep game and calling in very important favors in order to protect the Kuze name. Now that Akihito has put himself into the limelight, the nobles are determined to manipulate the young viscount for their own benefit.
This is definitely a volume that bears repeat readings to understand all the depths and nuances of the political game. To offset the lack of romance, Hidaka included some beautiful frontispieces for each chapter showing Akihito And Tomoyuki in compromising situations.
Blue Morning continues to impress - from the deep historical storyline, clean line drawings, to emotional romance. This is definitely one of my favorite series of all time.
Reviewed from an ARC.
July 7, 2019
Katsuragi has changed, and so have the plans he worked on so carefully. Thrown out the window by his unexpected feelings for Akihito. Katsuragi has always been in control, has always known what he wanted, and what he was willing to do in order to get it. But nothing is as cut and dried as he once believed it to be.
Akihito and Katsuragi are attending an evening ball at the Marquise Moriyama’s residence, despite Katsuragi’s misgivings. Akihito notices a great number of reporters hanging around outside the gate. As they arrive, he kisses Katsuragi and tells him he trusts him, to Katsuragi’s shock. Will this confession prove to be the former butler’s undoing? Once inside the Moriyama manor, Akihito insists again that Katsuragi walk beside him, not behind him. Yanking Katsuragi into an unused room of the manor, Akihito affirms his feelings, and tells him that just knowing Katsuragi loves him, he can get through anything. Katsuragi promises to tell him everything.
Also in attendance at the ball is Akihito’s father’s half-brother, Naotsugu. Katsuragi’s plan is to have Naotsugu take on the Kuze title. Having met him, though, Akihito is not so sure this is a good idea, and he fears he may have to go against Katsuragi’s wishes. Meanwhile, Katsuragi is intent on protecting Akihito, even if that means lying to him… or about him.
Meanwhile, Akihito’s friend Soichiro Ishizaki goes to his father and begs him not to abandon Akihito, even though it was at his father’s direction that they ever became friends. His father tells him if that’s the case to come with him to the Moriyama estate.
Katsuragi demands and receives a private audience with Marquise Moriyama, outlining his plans for Naotsugu’s success to the Kuze house, which will be temporary as the man only has a few years to live, after which he wants Moriyama to help with something that is unprecedented, so that Akihito can regain the Kuze title after Naotsugu’s death.
It’s obvious to me that these two men love each other greatly, but it’s also obvious that until they stop working behind each other’s backs and work together, nothing will be accomplished. That is the only way in which they will succeed and be able to walk together, side by side, as equals. The plot is only becoming more complicated, with the introduction of Akihito’s half-uncle, and the confirmation of the seeds Katsuragi has sown concerning Akihito’s “illness”. Some of Katsuragi’s plans are coming to fruition, including the divorce of the Marquise Moriyama by his wife, which is the reason why the reporters are hovering outside the manor. They are still keeping secrets from each other, though, and not being entirely honest. That has got to give. Ishizaki is really Akihito’s friend, and while he doesn’t approve of his relationship with Katsuragi, not because he is a man but because he doesn’t entirely trust him, he wants Akihito to be happy. And he feels Katsuragi may actually love Akihito.
So much intrigue, where will it end? Another brilliant volume, looking forward to the next one, although with a little apprehension.
Akihito and Katsuragi are attending an evening ball at the Marquise Moriyama’s residence, despite Katsuragi’s misgivings. Akihito notices a great number of reporters hanging around outside the gate. As they arrive, he kisses Katsuragi and tells him he trusts him, to Katsuragi’s shock. Will this confession prove to be the former butler’s undoing? Once inside the Moriyama manor, Akihito insists again that Katsuragi walk beside him, not behind him. Yanking Katsuragi into an unused room of the manor, Akihito affirms his feelings, and tells him that just knowing Katsuragi loves him, he can get through anything. Katsuragi promises to tell him everything.
Also in attendance at the ball is Akihito’s father’s half-brother, Naotsugu. Katsuragi’s plan is to have Naotsugu take on the Kuze title. Having met him, though, Akihito is not so sure this is a good idea, and he fears he may have to go against Katsuragi’s wishes. Meanwhile, Katsuragi is intent on protecting Akihito, even if that means lying to him… or about him.
Meanwhile, Akihito’s friend Soichiro Ishizaki goes to his father and begs him not to abandon Akihito, even though it was at his father’s direction that they ever became friends. His father tells him if that’s the case to come with him to the Moriyama estate.
Katsuragi demands and receives a private audience with Marquise Moriyama, outlining his plans for Naotsugu’s success to the Kuze house, which will be temporary as the man only has a few years to live, after which he wants Moriyama to help with something that is unprecedented, so that Akihito can regain the Kuze title after Naotsugu’s death.
It’s obvious to me that these two men love each other greatly, but it’s also obvious that until they stop working behind each other’s backs and work together, nothing will be accomplished. That is the only way in which they will succeed and be able to walk together, side by side, as equals. The plot is only becoming more complicated, with the introduction of Akihito’s half-uncle, and the confirmation of the seeds Katsuragi has sown concerning Akihito’s “illness”. Some of Katsuragi’s plans are coming to fruition, including the divorce of the Marquise Moriyama by his wife, which is the reason why the reporters are hovering outside the manor. They are still keeping secrets from each other, though, and not being entirely honest. That has got to give. Ishizaki is really Akihito’s friend, and while he doesn’t approve of his relationship with Katsuragi, not because he is a man but because he doesn’t entirely trust him, he wants Akihito to be happy. And he feels Katsuragi may actually love Akihito.
So much intrigue, where will it end? Another brilliant volume, looking forward to the next one, although with a little apprehension.
June 20, 2024
the political theme is getting even heavier. i'm struggling to keep it up and needed to reread some pages bc it was dialogues-heavy, especially about politics and business and noble family affair and the strategies two of the main characters planned in their mind, separately, mind you. and the pea council in my brain keeps focusing on how beautiful tomoyuki was. he was drawn so prettily, i literally feeling not very straight whenever i see him, the emotions i was currently experiencing shall not be named (i'm not airing my dirty laundry, it's between me and God), seriously, tomoyuki's so damn beautiful guys. tears in my eyes. i want him so bad. anyway i yapped i know, so let me go back in track and say something about this volume that i need to note (besides how beautiful tomoyuki is), which is:
1. i'm suuuuper impressed by akihito's growth. like, whew ......... his character has developed very significantly i was like...... he's indeed an intelligent and a determined guy issit? he's matured so naturally, so beautifully. and the fact that it was driven by the "merely feeling of love" he has for tomoyuki....... it's totally impressive in my eyes bc contrary to akihito's character growth, tomoyuki's own show almost nothing, his character development is even slower than sloth and i think that's one of a few main point the mangaka wanted to underlined.
2. tomoyuki is the most beau-(gun onto my forehead), still i can't be silenced regarding this important matter, praising tomoyuki's beautiful face. i think i can look at his panels and be content for the rest of my life (i'm so predictable).
1. i'm suuuuper impressed by akihito's growth. like, whew ......... his character has developed very significantly i was like...... he's indeed an intelligent and a determined guy issit? he's matured so naturally, so beautifully. and the fact that it was driven by the "merely feeling of love" he has for tomoyuki....... it's totally impressive in my eyes bc contrary to akihito's character growth, tomoyuki's own show almost nothing, his character development is even slower than sloth and i think that's one of a few main point the mangaka wanted to underlined.
2. tomoyuki is the most beau-(gun onto my forehead), still i can't be silenced regarding this important matter, praising tomoyuki's beautiful face. i think i can look at his panels and be content for the rest of my life (i'm so predictable).
May 2, 2019
Cinco estrellas. Para mí es imposible no darlas a este manga que, para mí, es el mejor, mí favorito independientemente de su género.
Vamos al lío.
Después de que Katsuragi le haya confesado sus sentimientos, Akihito va con él a la mansión de los Moriyama para llevar a cabo el plan de Katsuragi respecto a los deseos de Akihito de abandonar el título de vizconde a favor de otro de los hijos ilegítimos de su abuelo: Naotsugu. Pero, una vez habla con él, Akihito no las tiene todas consigo y, aunque dijo que confiaría en Katsuragi, ya no está tan seguro.
Tomo donde Hidaka nos muestra más los juegos políticos de la nobleza del Japón de principios del XX, toda la acción se sucede en la mansión Moriyama y el romance "físico" entre los chicos es inexistente (salvo algunas escenas impagables) pero, teniendo en cuenta que Blue Morning no es solo un romance, sino que es un bl que va más allá y que también nos habla de la jerarquía social y los juegos de poder entre los nobles, es lógico que los protagonistas no puedan mostrarse siempre "cariñosos". Además que esa falta de romance se compensa con el hecho de que Hidaka hace que el lector (y ella según el aftertalk del final del tomo) veamos la luz al final de túnel sobre cómo lograrán Akihito y Katsuragi entenderse y, al fin, poder estar juntos.
Vamos al lío.
Después de que Katsuragi le haya confesado sus sentimientos, Akihito va con él a la mansión de los Moriyama para llevar a cabo el plan de Katsuragi respecto a los deseos de Akihito de abandonar el título de vizconde a favor de otro de los hijos ilegítimos de su abuelo: Naotsugu. Pero, una vez habla con él, Akihito no las tiene todas consigo y, aunque dijo que confiaría en Katsuragi, ya no está tan seguro.
Tomo donde Hidaka nos muestra más los juegos políticos de la nobleza del Japón de principios del XX, toda la acción se sucede en la mansión Moriyama y el romance "físico" entre los chicos es inexistente (salvo algunas escenas impagables) pero, teniendo en cuenta que Blue Morning no es solo un romance, sino que es un bl que va más allá y que también nos habla de la jerarquía social y los juegos de poder entre los nobles, es lógico que los protagonistas no puedan mostrarse siempre "cariñosos". Además que esa falta de romance se compensa con el hecho de que Hidaka hace que el lector (y ella según el aftertalk del final del tomo) veamos la luz al final de túnel sobre cómo lograrán Akihito y Katsuragi entenderse y, al fin, poder estar juntos.
April 5, 2021
[ ★★★★,5 / 5 ]
Hnnngh—
Their interactions are now much more pleasing to look at, since it goes two ways and not only Akihito desperately clinging onto Tomoyuki. And I love how the close up panels frequently switch from one of their eyes to another. It shows how their gaze are different now. Back then, it only pictures "anger" and "confusion". Now, it held their mutual feelings that cannot be described in words. Their intimate scenes also full of feelings and chemistry. I can feel the love, longing, and desperation they felt for each other. And it was super great [chef's kiss].
Hnnngh—
Their interactions are now much more pleasing to look at, since it goes two ways and not only Akihito desperately clinging onto Tomoyuki. And I love how the close up panels frequently switch from one of their eyes to another. It shows how their gaze are different now. Back then, it only pictures "anger" and "confusion". Now, it held their mutual feelings that cannot be described in words. Their intimate scenes also full of feelings and chemistry. I can feel the love, longing, and desperation they felt for each other. And it was super great [chef's kiss].
December 27, 2023
This volume had a LOT going on. I found myself having to read and reread certain parts. I understand the author is trying to explain different narratives and kind of tie in a lot of different plans from key characters and explain the bigger picture of how all of it is panning out, but woo! It does get a bit confusing trying to follow and a lot of times the author bounces from one narrative and then cuts to another within the same time, so it can get a little confusing. I would recommend reading this in all one sitting because if you take breaks you will get confused. Still very good! Really love this series!!
August 8, 2021
Though I really like this series, this was sort of just a sum-up of all the strategizing that's been going on. There isn't as much "romance" in here, but you can't always have your cake and eat it too! The author promises that Vol 6 will be more focused on their relationship, romantically, as this one did focus on their trust and how they don't communicate very well. Though you don't need to really read this installment, it doesn't hurt to have the full collection and solidified story. Already got the last three volumes and can't wait to read them!
September 29, 2020
Volumen lleno de planes, conspiraciones, engaños, traiciones, de ver quién puede lograr lo que se propone moviendo todos los contactos y usando toda la información que posee.
Cómo todo se ve envuelto en asuntos políticos, en poder y en beneficio para los involucrados. Esa parte aunque fue un poco larga sirve para entender mejor la historia.
Cómo todo se ve envuelto en asuntos políticos, en poder y en beneficio para los involucrados. Esa parte aunque fue un poco larga sirve para entender mejor la historia.
July 12, 2022
2.7! This was an ok volume! Most content was filler-ish and went over politics that kinda flew over head (but also many stuff felt…repetitive?? idk but nothing was rlly surprising) but the last chapter somewhat made up for it! actually, i rlly liked many of the scenes with Akihito in it; his perspective and way of doing things has grown on me; i want to see what he does next.
April 5, 2023
To była bardzo monotonna lektura. Autorka co prawda starała się trochę urozmaicić akcję mieszaniem planów czasowych, ale niewiele to dało. W tych wszystkich intrygach można się nieźle pogubić, cały czas miałam wrażenie, że bohaterowie wałkują masło maślane. Sabotują siebie nawzajem, zamiast raz porozmawiać i ustalić wspólny plan działania. Czy jest sens to ciągnąć?
July 14, 2018
I'm loving this series and the artwork but I'm finding it difficult to follow the politics of it all ...especially in the context of Japan. I need to go back an refresh myself as to what is happening. This is like Downton Abbey in a Japanese context.
May 12, 2023
Wow!! This volume was fast paced !! And somehow we even got that four letter word to pop out. Every time I think we have wrapped out a plot point a twist appears and I’m left scrambling to figure it out !!! Onwards and forwards!!
October 7, 2019
Ile tu się dzieje!
September 25, 2021
3.5 stars.
March 25, 2026
Sympa mais un peu difficile à comprendre par moments. Ce tome se concentre davantage sur les problématiques familiales, ça tire un peu en longueur mais ça reste intéressant.
May 17, 2021
The politics and scheming and constantly shifting power dynamics are honestly a little bit too much for this volume, which takes place in a single night at a house party, which hasn't even concluded by the end of the volume. But. The writing is just so, so good that I never got bored - and was only a little bit overwhelmed by the dizzying feudal hierarchies.
I continue to adore Katsuragi and am so pleased to see Akihito rapidly becoming a man who can truly be worthy of his love. This story, so far, isn't taking any easy ways out, and I don't really know where the chips will fall once these two are done ruthlessly shaking the lives of everyone around them. But I'm excited to find out.
There's some interesting stuff in here, too, about Katsuragi's former lovers, and how he was helping them all along. He's earned so much loyalty by being both brilliant and - in his own way - kind. While he says everything he's done has been for his own self-interest, and for the Kuze family, he's shaped many other people's lives for the better along the way.
I like Akihito's realization that he can't do anything to force Katsuragi to stand by his side, as an equal. Something has to shift more substantially in order for that to ever happen, and he has to be the one to embrace that change.
I'm starting to get stressed out about how much Akihito will implode his life to be with Katsuragi, but I'll have faith in him - he has a keen mind and a kind heart, and he'll figure out a way to ensure their happiness.
I continue to adore Katsuragi and am so pleased to see Akihito rapidly becoming a man who can truly be worthy of his love. This story, so far, isn't taking any easy ways out, and I don't really know where the chips will fall once these two are done ruthlessly shaking the lives of everyone around them. But I'm excited to find out.
There's some interesting stuff in here, too, about Katsuragi's former lovers, and how he was helping them all along. He's earned so much loyalty by being both brilliant and - in his own way - kind. While he says everything he's done has been for his own self-interest, and for the Kuze family, he's shaped many other people's lives for the better along the way.
I like Akihito's realization that he can't do anything to force Katsuragi to stand by his side, as an equal. Something has to shift more substantially in order for that to ever happen, and he has to be the one to embrace that change.
I'm starting to get stressed out about how much Akihito will implode his life to be with Katsuragi, but I'll have faith in him - he has a keen mind and a kind heart, and he'll figure out a way to ensure their happiness.
August 10, 2023
August 2022. BL manga series (8 volumes) about a young Lord and his butler/mentor who struggle with their desire for one another and the needs to better establish social, political, and financial strength in the changing landscape of Japan post-WWI when the feudal/samurai system is becoming outdated and financial power and the nouveau rich are becoming more relevant and powerful.
Absolutely loved this series. Would like to own it someday, in full, I’ll definitely reread. Highly recommend, it is ranked one of the top boys’ love (gay) manga out there and definitely has earned the title.
It’s also completed which is really nice, as opposed to a couple great series like Twittering Birds that are ongoing but taking years to get recent volumes released in English.
The social and political strategies and machinations are thankfully interesting but I wouldn’t have read 8 volumes of it without the romance at the core of it driving the narrative forward.
The challenges between the characters driven by a variety of traditional and modern values create different conflicts and friction throughout the story as we see characters change loyalties and even those on the same side approach situations with fundamentally different approaches and end goals.
It is explicit, but it’s the level of explicit of clearly knowing Adult Things are happening and people in bed, but not actually seeing the body parts that are key players in the act.
Many moments are charged and sensual in looks and touch without leading to explict moments, I think a couple volumes when they are most at odds have none at all but the whole series is marked explicit regardless.
Got all 8 volumes through Sac library using the Link+ system, I think they were from San Francisco library system originally.
“Blue Morning” volumes 1-8 by Shoko Hidaka.
Absolutely loved this series. Would like to own it someday, in full, I’ll definitely reread. Highly recommend, it is ranked one of the top boys’ love (gay) manga out there and definitely has earned the title.
It’s also completed which is really nice, as opposed to a couple great series like Twittering Birds that are ongoing but taking years to get recent volumes released in English.
The social and political strategies and machinations are thankfully interesting but I wouldn’t have read 8 volumes of it without the romance at the core of it driving the narrative forward.
The challenges between the characters driven by a variety of traditional and modern values create different conflicts and friction throughout the story as we see characters change loyalties and even those on the same side approach situations with fundamentally different approaches and end goals.
It is explicit, but it’s the level of explicit of clearly knowing Adult Things are happening and people in bed, but not actually seeing the body parts that are key players in the act.
Many moments are charged and sensual in looks and touch without leading to explict moments, I think a couple volumes when they are most at odds have none at all but the whole series is marked explicit regardless.
Got all 8 volumes through Sac library using the Link+ system, I think they were from San Francisco library system originally.
“Blue Morning” volumes 1-8 by Shoko Hidaka.
August 15, 2024
...and...breathe.
Wow, that was a lot to digest. All the secret, sleight-of-hand, back-stabbing, underhanded machinations, were revealed.
Akihito and Katsuragi learned that, despite appearances in Volume 4, they really haven't the first clue how to communicate with each other and be honest. They might be playing chess, but they're each moving pieces on two different boards, with no knowledge of what the other board looks like.
I find it interesting how Akihito's uncle implies what we suspected all along - Katsuragi is not Kuze blood, after all. It makes it all so intriguing.
There's a lot of UST and political intrigue this time, because the series-wide Arc is finally coming to a head. All the pieces are in place, but the two players are unpredictable. There's no telling where this will go, now.
What I love is that, aside from the art, the UST, the characters, the chemistry etc, is that each Volume builds the storyline, feeding us information in various POV's. That way, such as in Katsuragi's POV, we don't necessarily get the "truth" but the truth as that person knows it to be. Which is an entirely different matter. The plot comes together with breadcrumbs, piece by piece, building to what I expect to be an explosive crescendo.
As always, I'm ending with my favourite panel:
This was a hard one to pick, but I went for this one because it says so much about Katsuragi, and his feelings for Akihito.
Wow, that was a lot to digest. All the secret, sleight-of-hand, back-stabbing, underhanded machinations, were revealed.
Akihito and Katsuragi learned that, despite appearances in Volume 4, they really haven't the first clue how to communicate with each other and be honest. They might be playing chess, but they're each moving pieces on two different boards, with no knowledge of what the other board looks like.
I find it interesting how Akihito's uncle implies what we suspected all along - Katsuragi is not Kuze blood, after all. It makes it all so intriguing.
There's a lot of UST and political intrigue this time, because the series-wide Arc is finally coming to a head. All the pieces are in place, but the two players are unpredictable. There's no telling where this will go, now.
What I love is that, aside from the art, the UST, the characters, the chemistry etc, is that each Volume builds the storyline, feeding us information in various POV's. That way, such as in Katsuragi's POV, we don't necessarily get the "truth" but the truth as that person knows it to be. Which is an entirely different matter. The plot comes together with breadcrumbs, piece by piece, building to what I expect to be an explosive crescendo.
As always, I'm ending with my favourite panel:
This was a hard one to pick, but I went for this one because it says so much about Katsuragi, and his feelings for Akihito.
February 8, 2014
"I trust you. I've always trusted you and followed you. Even today... nothing has changed. I trust you." -- Akihito
I was expecting MORE lovey-dovey scenes, some humor for this super serious manga or any love development in this volume after what happened in the last page of vol 4... *Sigh*...seems like I have to be patient for a little longer....
I only want a happy ending for both of them. And honestly, I don't care at all which one gonna be the head house, Akihito or Katsuragi... Both are so capable, smart, perfect and suitable for that position. Why don't they share the title together? They can be granted a noble rank and live happily ever after. Period. As if. Lol.
December 11, 2020
Now that Akihito is becoming more accustomed to the politics of running an entire estate, Katsuragi has no choice but to run along with it. As this volume was mostly story development, it was on the slower side, but the direction and development of both Akihito and Katsuragi is what’s drives the story forward. Not bad.
February 4, 2015
1st read : 8 Feb 2014
2nd read : Oct 2014
2nd read : Oct 2014
April 5, 2015
Lovely story. Beautiful artwork. Really wonderful graphic novel. Can't wait until the next one comes out.
March 24, 2016
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