Takane & Hana, Vol. 3

高嶺と花 [Takane to Hana] #3

by Yuki Shiwasu

Hana’s scores on her latest tests are dismal, and everyone around her, including her teacher, blames her new love life! Hana adamantly denies that to be the cause and vows to study hard to do better on her finals. But when Takane storms in to tutor her, will his help actually prove to be more of a distraction?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Shojo, Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction, Graphic Novels

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2015

About the author

Name (in native language) : 師走ゆき

Associated Names:
СИВАСУ Юки
师走ゆき

Reviews

[Dilushani Jayalath · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the cover. The little detail on the tomatoes made me laugh. Hikune makes an appearance once again.

On the other hand, at least they are addressing the issue of the age-gap but doing nothing about it. So I am not sure how I am supposed to feel about it.

[Thamy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a while since the last time I finished the third volume of a manga! That certainly means something.

This time we have the characters going to a resort with all included. Because it's a bunch of kids, kind of like a school trip, Takane is feeling out of place. To aggravate things, he and Okamoto seem to be at odds.

So, yes. To be honest, because I have love triangles, I was fearing we'd finally get to this plot of Takane vs Okamoto. The volume doesn't go deep in it but it's something already. I'm glad it's been cute and fun at least. I really like how the author plays with all these lovely characters, but I feel this volume was a bit too much of the same we'd usually see in shoujo manga.

Still, I think I'm fully in love with Takane! Before the trip plot, we have a chapter he is sick and also another he passionately tutors Hana, after her grades fall a little. He's really something! And Hana, of course, is one of the best shoujo characters I've met. I'm starting to get itchy about the time they'll finally have to face all the problems a romantic relationship will bring them.

Before getting this manga series, I was feeling a little nostalgic about titles from the late 90's, early 2000's. It was like shoujos were never as cute-exciting like HanaKimi or Hanadan. Well, this one drinks from the same water. To be honest, I'm even more nostalgic now—reading it is like I went back in time.

Not the best volume out, but still keeping it up. So... where can I adopt a Hana?

Honest review based on an ARC provided by Edelweiss. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, Hana's childhood friend, Okamoto, is the one who made me like this volume so much. I want more of him!

[Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out more manga and graphic novel reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...

As this is a multi-volume series my opinion is also influenced by the previous volumes... And there may be references to the plot of those volumes... SO READ WITH CARE! Here is my review of volume one and volume two...

Hana is pressed into a marriage meeting with Takane, a scion of a business empire, impersonating her sister to save her father's job! Ready to put that fiasco behind her Hana is shocked that Takane actually seems interested in her! She is exasperated by his immaturity but intrigued despite herself at the fun she has as they try to outwit one another...

I didn't know what to expect going into Takane and Hana vol. 3 but I sure was EXCITED!! These two have totally won my heart... they have some HUGE trials to surmount before they can be together officially but its a JOURNEY I want to take with them as they find their way... And in this volume we go lighter and incorporate the friends!! YES!! I have been waiting for this moment! Hana's friends have been on the edges and we've met them but not really done much together... that is all about to change and best of all... it make Takane feel things!!

Hana likes Takane but she also realize she's a high school student and has a long way to go before she's ready to date let alone fall in love... And yet isn't she already falling?! That is the delectable balance that is being ridden right now... because Takane is also perfectly aware of these facts but can't help himself because she's the one that keeps him on his toes. We see him get vulnerable without any walls and its gorgeous! It makes you salivate to see more of that man while also making you appreciate his prickily exterior as you anticipate Hana having to give the good fight!

What really wowed me in this volume was how the friends threatened what these two have without any overboard drama... and while also showcasing what makes both characters so relatable! (Yes, sorry I'm gushing without telling you any of the details... You'll have to read it then if you want to know more!) I particularly love Souma Okamoto who took this opportunity to step up and take some actions in regards to his affections. While this childhood friend trope is used quite often I find it particularly intriguing with the natural barriers in Takane and Hana's relationship! How will Yuki Shiwasu surprise us now?!

Okay... its time to rave about the ARTTTTTTT! At first the art seemed just typical manga art, nothing special... but then I noticed the expressions and framing Shiwasu used!! Takane and Hana's expressions in particular are dynamite... then in this volume I started to notice the comedy frames... they are so freakin' adorable!! They really add another layer to the story that makes it particularly addicting... And the character designs for the friends are quite good and more importantly memorable!! Really you can't go wrong with the story or the art in Takane and Hana vol. 3!

I'm so, so happy to squeeeee and fangirl all over these two... Friends are an integral part of our lives so if the friends don't work then a relationship is already on rocky ground... we explore that in a fun and dynamic way in Takane and Hana vol. 3!! We're just getting started with this line of conflict and I'm super excited to see where Yuki Shiwasu takes us... I know we're in good hands... if only volume 4 would COME OUT ALREADY!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tension
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art

BOTTOM LINE: The Friends add ALL THE TENSION to Takane and Hana's relationship!!


Thanks to Edelweiss and VIZ Media for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. This has not influenced my opinion.

______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my manga and graphic novel reviews in a special feature called Saturday Morning Cartoons...

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

This title continues a downward slide as it plays out on two different layers.

On the surface, the willful, 16-year-old Belle stand-in continues to bicker with her bristly Beast with lessening intensity as they coast through shojo cliches like the introduction of rivals, TLC for a cold, a summer vacation trip to the beach, and a night at a festival with yukata and fireworks. They are well on the way to their "there's something there that wasn't there before" moment.

Underneath that (as in the Disney movie) the creepiness lurks, as the rich, 26 year-old-suitor who can fire the girl's father with a word is given permission by the terrified and obsequious parents to sleep over in her room and take her on a three day sleepover trip to a fancy resort. So the couple is well on the way to their #metoo moment also.

The energy of the first volume left me conflicted about whether this could work out in the end, but that energy is mostly gone, as is my patience.

[Victoria ✮⋆˙ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in march but forgot to add it oops

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has really continued to brighten my day and truly thankful I started reading it!

Takane & Hana continues to be so much fun to read with plenty of laugh out loud moments! It's hard to pinpoint what exactly I enjoy about each volume, but lots of different things happen in this one with tutoring, sickness, a "school trip," and few other exciting developments! I appreciate how the mangaka is taking their relationship slow, but goodness if I didn't call it last volume!

I absolutely LOVE Okamoto! I really really enjoyed seeing some shared conversations between him and Hana as well as that whole "match" that takes place with someone else! He is such a great character! While I know he won't be the ultimate "winner" of this story, I will gladly take as much page time as we can get with him! <3

Again, I continue to really enjoy this story and looking forward to reading more! (I will also totally confess that I'm shipping Mizuki and Nicola together! The things he says to her are so cute and her reaction even cuter!)

[Emmy Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the antics that happened with this volume. Takane helping Hana study was super cute. Then Hana taking care of Takane when he gets a cold was cute too. However the rest was rather annoying since it involved a character I don't like. Other than that I would say this volume is good and entertaining. I hope the next volume is just as enjoyable and is even better.

[**Sognatrice di libri** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takane & Hana insieme sono uno spasso non si può non adorarli.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still loving how cute the story is. And Takane looked so handsome with glasses on.

[Knigoqdec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Минахме през задължителния летен период - настинките, морето и фоейерверките. Нещата си вървят по законите на шоджото, не, че очаквам това да се промени. Баба ми би казала "оно така си требе" и аз подкрепям това мнение.
Развитие на героя тип "куул бро", приятеля от детинство. Интересно само, че никой от тези второстепенни герои все още не се бърка във връзката на главните - липсата на триъгълници към момента е всъщност най-озадачаващото нещо в цялата работа... или какво, аз не ги виждам? Съмнявам се...

Разбрах, че до края на годината се предвижда серията да свърши окончателно, така че имам леката надежда, че ще мога и да ги притежавам някога, далеч-далеч в бъдеще (доста трудно става с тези поръчки и чаканици по месеци, за да си имаш мангата на хартия, сАлза).
Разбрах и че били направили всъщност дорама, обаче актьорът в главна роля хич не ми е симпатичен, дори и другите да изглеждат ОК. Може и да играе добре, човекът, но нямам намерение да проверя, Такане ми е на сърце xD.

[Once upon a Dream · Rating 2 out of 5]

Penso che non continuerò la serie. La trama è molto piatta e ripetitiva..

[Juwita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kadang aku suka lupa mengenai age gaps mereka 😳

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and fun as always

[Elley Murray · Rating 2 out of 5]

This volume had some classics situations from anime and manga, including one of the couple getting sick and the other (rather incompetently) taking care of them and a trip to the beach. The chapter with Takane tutoring Hana made me like him better, but then he's such a giant butt during the beach storyline that I ended up this volume rather disliking Takane. He's more of a child than his 10 years younger girlfriend is, and I don't find much to admire in him… I'm probably done with this series, as I don't really see the point in reading about a hero that I really dislike. :/

[Ren (A Bookish Balance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 stars

Review of volumes 1-5.

Takane and Hana follows a 16-year-old girl named Hana Nonomura who attends an arranged marriage meeting to Takane Saibara, 26-year-old heir of a successful business group, in her adult older sister’s place. After a very unsuccessful meeting, Takane continues to want to see Hana, much to her dismay. Thus begins their unlikely relationship.

Starting with the positives, Takane and Hana’s strength really lies with its main characters. Hana is not your average shoujo protagonist in that she’s feisty, can be smart when she puts in the effort, and she doesn’t put up with anyone’s nonsense. Takane has an incredibly overinflated ego, and has trouble getting closer to others. Together they make for a very amusing dynamic, with both characters often reluctant to express the dearer sentiments they have towards each other. Their interest in each other, while often hard to define, is also really believable and the sweet moments the two sometimes share and the way in which their relationship slowly begins to change make them relatively easy to root for. As well, while I’m not a fan of age gap romances, I think this is an instance where it’s well handled in the sense that the characters are very aware of the age gap and it isn’t ever something that is brushed aside. I like that the characters often talk about it and their awareness gives me the impression that there are boundaries they won’t be crossing.

I also love how this series has gone about with its rivals. Okamon is extremely likeable, he’s incredibly sweet and kind to Hana and he gives the impression that he’s a character who really cares for others. Once he realizes Hana isn’t playing around with Takane he tries his best to look out for her. So far, from what I think is respect for Hana, he hasn’t pushed his own feelings onto Hana and I admire his character for this. I also really liked Shiwasu’s take on Hana’s rival. The two communicated really well and I appreciated that they cared about Takane more than they cared about a rivalry.

The art is another strong point of the series. The character designs are cute and with enough variation that I don’t ever confuse two different characters. Shiwasu uses her art effectively with her story, in that facial expressions are well placed, and chibis heighten comedic moments. While it’s not my favourite art, I definitely enjoy looking at it.

Now for the negatives. I’ve gone back and forth over my decision as to whether or not I wanted to see this series through to the end, but I’ve ultimately decided to stop after five volumes. While Takane and Hana undeniably has its charms and cute moments it really rubs me the wrong way how Hana is always expecting the worst from Takane. While I’m sure this is an aspect that will change over time, and while Takane’s past transgressions are what led her to this mindset, its still not something I enjoy reading and would rather see a romance in which the main characters are kinder to each other.

Also, while I do feel somewhat invested in Takane and Hana’s relationship, I’m apathetic towards Hana’s and Takane’s respective friends (with the exception of Okamon). I find that when the focus of the story shifts to side characters I often lose interest. They just aren’t as well fleshed out as our main protagonists and feel very flat in comparison.

At this point I don’t think this series has quite hit its stride, it doesn’t quite feel like slice-of-life in that it tries to have story arcs, but overall it doesn’t feel cohesive enough that I’d say there’s really a story going on either. Obviously I can’t say whether this improves over time, but it is an aspect I didn’t particularly enjoy.

Lastly, and this is a pretty big deal breaker for me when it comes to romantic comedies, I found that the jokes didn’t work for me. They’re cute enough to get a smile out of me, but it bothers me that I find the extra/bonus 4-koma funnier than the jokes that appear in the actual story. This is a matter of preference, and I have heard from others that this series is hilarious, so could very much just be me. Given the popularity of this series I do think its worthwhile to check it out to see if it does work for you, it just didn’t for me personally.

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[frau.meln · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aufmachung


Gefühlt hat dieser Manga unfassbar viel Text. Geschrieben ist es gut und gespickt mit Stichelein und Sarkasmus. Die Wortgefechte, die die Protagonisten austragen sind wirklich unterhaltsam.
Der Zeichenstil könnte wirklich toll sein, wenn er denn mehr detaillierte Zeichnungen erhielte. Leider sind die Chibis der Mangaka nicht so meins, aber das ist bestimmt Geschmackssache.

Protagonisten

Takane ist ein arroganter Schnösel. Und obwohl er beruflich ein hohes Tier und sehr erwachsen ist, so kann man das privat von ihm nicht behaupten. Für ihn zählt nur eins: Hauptsache Luxus.
Hana ist Oberschülerin und rotzfrech. Außerdem kann sie kontern, Hola die Waldfee.


Fazit

Mit jedem weiteren Band kommt eine Brise Tiefgang hinzu. Darüber bin ich wirklich froh, allerdings fehlt mir immer das gewisse etwas. Tatsächlich fühlt es sich so an, als würde viel neues hinzukommen und gleichzeitig irgendwie überhaupt nichts geschehen. Das schlimmste ist, dass dieses Omiai der beiden so auf der Stelle tritt und die Nuancen der Veränderung unfassbar winzig sind.

[haven ⋄ f (hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how it's possible, but I found this one to be the most hilarious one yet!

These two are the most comedic I've read about in a long time. I was actually laughing so hard I was crying because of it... It was great. The story in this one is actually really sweet and funny. (I still am in denial about the age difference. Remember; he's 21 and she's 18-19ish. It makes it better) The ending is to die for!!!! So sweet of him to do that!

Basically, this is a sweet but hilarious manga about a couple who met by an arranged marriage meeting.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love how in this volume we start seeing the ways Takane puts effort into finding things which will make Hana happy. At the same time, seeing how Hana takes care of Takane is sweet. They still act super childish just about all the time, but these glimpses allow us a chance to see how they will be as a couple. I'm so delighted with this series and can't wait to read the next one!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[booksgivelife_to_us · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, I'm literally in love with Takane to Hana😍
They're incredible and adorable. I've laughed so much that I swear I couldn't breathe😂

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

as much as I like Takane's bitch ass I think Hana would be a better match with Okamon. Okamon is a cutie.

[Brandi (Brandi Janee's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 stars**

[Sarah Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, to start off everyone knows my dislike for the obnoxious age gap. But I shall move past that (a little bit) for this review!

This volume was actually much more enjoyable than the first two. I'm not sure if I'm getting used to the fact that there is a huge age gap or if the characters in this volume were just a bit more enjoyable.

There's a new potential romance for Hana, and even though I know this manga is Takane and Hana I can still hope and pray that Hana ends up with someone else right? The fact that this character was the sole reason I enjoyed this volume more than the last two makes me question everything.

This manga volume also followed the standard manga/anime scenes in almost ALL manga and anime. There was a go to the beach scene, where Hana was like, "Takane, now I can pretend you're my age." conversation. With Takane then hanging out with a bunch of children.. Along with a, 'one character gets sick and the other takes care of them scene', in this instance it was Hana taking care of Takane because Takane is an adult in a child's body. (He just feels so damn immature! Sorry not sorry.) It felt very cut and dry and I didn't feel like it brought anything new to the table.

What I can give the author/artist props for is the fact that the characters do bring up the age gap of Takane and Hana, thus not ignoring it out right. And technically it's not illegal, but it will still feel a bit off to me. And though the Japanese entertainment industry is known for having some questionable content and tropes, this one is just not something I can easily get behind.

I don't think I'll be continuing on with the series. I feel like if I'm not invested into the story and characters after three volumes and if reading it still gives me the creeps, it's time to move onto something different.

[Olive · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Une bonne suite !

si j'ai l'occasion, je lirai le reste de la série :)

[Rereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am giving this one four stars for the stellar comedy and Takane's character as a whole (more on that later), but I need to air a serious grievance I have with this series but with this particular volume. Hana is easily one of the most infuriating "dense at love" characters I have ever witnessed. She is constantly questioning why Takane does/says things, and has to be told by her friends why he does/says even though SHE IS THE ONE SPENDING TIME WITH HIM. I'm sorry, but how are her two friends, who granted have spent some time with him, more knowledgeable about his motives/actions/statements than the person spending the MOST time with him?! I understand she has probably never been in love up to this point, but considering she knows how she should be treated and is aware that his "romantic" gestures are not the norm, how is she still so oblivious to his true intentions? Not to mention the multiple times when Hana thinks, "Is he...?" "Does this mean...?" and yes I get that romance manga heroines are going to have these thoughts, but after the tenth time she does this I wanted to shake her and yell, "NO S#@&, SHERLOCK!!!" Because of course she was right every single time, which also comes across as lazy writing in my book. Let the characters' actions and reactions speak for themselves, don't spell it out for the audience. I knwo I shouldn't be getting this worked up over this, but having read romance manga that do this concept better (and with less irritation felt) I can't ignore it. Oh, and the audience is formally introduced to the "childhood love interest" in this volume, which I will now rant about:

The problem with Okamon (the childhood love interest) is that he is everything that annoys me about this trope. He's not that interesting, he (as of right now) doesn't have a particular reason why he loves Hana, he just does, and while his reasons for disliking Takane are valid, it is only on this trip that he decides to vocalize his feelings. I don't know about the rest of the world, but if my childhood friend whom I have been secretly in love with was falling for a prideful, selfish, arranged marriage candidate ten years older than her, I would have said something MUCH sooner. Instead, he waits til now to say something and basically sulks. Awesome. Hana is of course completely oblivious to his feelings, which just makes this more infuriating. If you want to read a romance manga series with this trope handle waaay better, read Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts. It's amazing, totally check it out.

Shameless promotion aside, I want to talk about what I liked about this volume. Takane's character really shines in this volume, highlighting his workaholic side and how it comes back to bite him. I love the fact that readers get to see him work hard, not just told. With characters like Takane, often they are wealthy without trying or readers never see them actually work, but Shiwasu shows how hard he works. I really appreciate that and it makes me like his character even more. I love seeing him tutor Hana, even when he's working so hard. It's great to see such a prideful character feel responsible for someone's problems and be so willing to fix it. But my favorite scene was when Takane tells Okamon not to ruin the trip for Hana, even though he hates Takane. It really shows how mature and caring he is, wanting to ensure Hana's satisfaction even though it will be difficult. I also want to note that the comedy was really on par this volume. I was worried since last volume didn't do as well, but this volume was truly enjoyable and funny.

This was a good volume, despite my gripes. I don't know whether any of my issues will be resolved in later volumes, but I still do really enjoy this series. Looking forward to what the next volume has in store!

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am still unsure how I feel about this series. There's nothing inappropriate happening here, but I still am not sure how okay it is for a 16 year old to practically be in a relationship with a 20-something year old. That said, I'm clearly going to keep reading it, because why not.

[Ekene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without a doubt Takane is the PETTIEST-well I should say one of the most, since there are 2 others who come to mind-manga characters I read. I can't with him. But that is what makes the dynamic with strong-willed Hana that much entertaining to read

[SpaceBubble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leur relation évolue et Takane devient plus doux et se dévoile un peu. J’ai qu’une hâte c’est acheter la suite !