憂鬱な朝 8

憂鬱な朝 / Yūutsu na asa #8

by Shoko Hidaka, 日高ショーコ

亡き先代の面影が残る鎌倉の地で、思い出す確執と擦れ違いの日々──暁人の渡英が迫る中、過去と向き合った桂木は「二年間は長すぎます」と本音を吐露してしまう。そんな真摯な桂木に、暁人は「一緒に英国へ行かないか?」と旅券を渡して…!?久世家を守り、未来を繋げるために、二人が歩んだ恋の軌跡、ついに感動の最終巻!!

Genres: Manga, Romance, Historical, Yaoi, Comics, LGBT, Boys Love

280 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2018

About the author

Shoko 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

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is actually over. It's one of those manga that have kept me company for a long while, and it was a pleasure to read it again (this time, I should note, without looking up any words but two). It's a wonderful piece of historical fiction. The ending is satisfying, although to be honest there is a certain "I'm going to finish this no matter what" feeling to the last chapter. However, this didn't lessen my enjoyment of it. I'm going to miss Akihito and Katsuragi, but then, I can easily meet them again.

[小さな N (.❛ ᴗ ❛.)⊃ [_|_] ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

~*See below for review in English*~

05.2020:

5 Sterne für die Serie als Ganzes.

Sechs Jahre hat es gedauert bis ich die Reihe wieder in die Hand genommen habe. Ich bin froh, dass ich mir die Zeit nehmen konnte und noch einmal mit Band 1 angefangen habe. Die Charaktere mit ihren unterschiedlichen Absichten, Verbindungen und Zielen zu verstehen ist nicht einfach gewesen und auch jetzt bin ich mir nicht sicher, ob ich wirklich alles begriffen habe. Aber im Gegensatz zu früher, weiß ich all dies nun mehr zu schätzen und konnte mich wesentlich besser darauf konzentrieren. Mir gefällt sehr gut, dass es hier um mehr geht als nur die romantische Beziehung von Katsuragi und Kuze. Auch die beiden als Individuum werden nicht außer Acht gelassen und da auch die Nebencharaktere wichtige Rollen spielen, wirkt die Geschichte und die Welt lebendig.
Ich konnte erst etwa um Band 6 wirklich etwas mit der Liebesbeziehung zwischen Kuze und Katsuragi anfangen und mitfiebern. Was ich aber nicht schlimm finde, da die Geschichte, wie schon erwähnt, mehr bietet als ihre romantische Beziehung, welche definitiv keine einfache ist.
Ich finde außerdem, dass die Serie ihrem Namen alle Ehre macht. Man spürt wirklich wie sich die Melancholie durch jeden Band bis zum Ende hindurch zieht. Die beiden wollen den jeweils anderen glücklich und im guten Stand sehen, können aber durch ihre unterschiedlichen Ränge, an die sie gebunden sind und durch die gesellschaftlichen Zwänge immer nur über Umwege und persönliche Opfer versuchen ihr Ziel zu erreichen. Es tat wirklich weh, ihnen dabei zuzusehen. Aber es war auch so gut.

Ich wünsche mir so sehr längere Serien, wie diese in Deutschland, in denen den Figuren und der Beziehung die Chance gegeben werden kann, sich zu entwickeln. Vielleicht nicht unbedingt immer mit so einem Thema wie diesem, das schon recht schwermetig und tragisch ist, aber Reihen, die doch eher an Erwachsene gerichtet sind

~*~*~*~

5 stars for the series as a whole.

After six years I picked this manga series up again. I'm glad I was able to take the time to start from the beginning.

The characters with their different agendas, affairs/alliances, and goals weren't easy to understand and I'm still not sure whether I understood everything. But unlike before I could now appreciate them more and even could concentrate better on what was going on. I really like how the story's focus isn't solely on Katsuragi and Kuze's romantic relationship. They matter as individuals as well and since secondary characters play such a huge role here the story and the world feel alive.
It took me until around Volume 6 to finally really get into their romantic relationship. I didn't mind that, though because the story had so much more to offer than the romance, which admittedly wasn't an easy one.
The series definitely lives up to its name because every volume is infused with melancholy. Both of them want to see the other one happy and in good standing but since they are bound to their different ranks and due to social constraints they can only try to reach their goals via detours and by personal sacrifices. It really hurt to watch this but at the same time, it was just so good.

I really wish for more longer manga series like this to be published in German. A series gives the characters and the relationships a better chance to prosper and develop properly. I don't mean series with such a melancholy or tragic theme, necessarily, but something for a mature audience.

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for the whole series which I liked a lot. The art is wonderful and the characters very interesting. If like me, you aren't very familiar with the time (I knew almost nothing about Meji Restoration and what that meant for Japan), you might need to read some information about it. It helped me to make things clerarer and get an idea of the bigger picture.
Akihito and Katsuragi journey was hard, but it was worth it in the end. There was a moment I couldn't see a way forward for them and I was very anxious because I didn't think it was possible for them to find common ground, but in the end they were able to. I was glad they went their separate ways to truly grow appart from each other and find out if they wanted to be to together for good. I know they went their separates ways with that in mind, but coming back after that time appart and deciding that, after all, they were right for each other and they wanted to bring Kuze's House to the next level together was good. That was something that had been bothering me since the beggining due to the age gap and the position of power Kitsuragi had over Akihito. I know by the end that wasn't the case, being Kitsuragi finally free of any obligation, but, being infatuated with someone since that early age, when you're cut from the world in a way, could trick you to think you want things that you truly don't want.
Another thing I liked, despite having present this is fiction and probably this wasn't exactly the case in real life, was that the conflict between the characters didn't came from internalised homophobia due to that religious guilt that sometimes plagues western stories, but from the strict rules that ruled their society, their class difference and old promises unfullfilled or betrayed. Which, still made me mad, but not at he same level. I found refreshing that nobody frowned upon their relationship because they were both men, but instead they did because that would put Kuze's House in a difficult position for the lack of heir that would ensure.
I liked this story a lot and I'll reread it in the future to try and enjoy it at a slower pace.

[khai · Rating 5 out of 5]

now where do I find another slow burn historical romance like akihito and katsuragi? I’m depressed.

[Elaine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

It's taken me an hour to process Volume 8 after finishing it and...wow! I'm so relieved that it ended as I'd hoped, and that it didn't disappoint. I'm also loving the full circle of the plot.

I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts into words, because there was SO MUCH to digest in this volume. Everything came to fruition, and there was a two year gap - gracefully, only one page! - and so much happened that I feel like is vitally important to the plot.

For one, we finally find out the truth of Katsuragi's heritage, and it's where I suspected it was going. But, in another way, there were so many O.M.G. moments that I was literally squeaking out loud in surprise, laughing out loud, and crying at the twists this volume gave us. It was just so...intense. And everything I hoped it could be.

I really think binge-reading them is best, because there is A LOT of political stuff, a lot of secrecy, and a lot of characters, so it's best read in order, in a short time period. I think that gives it its biggest bang, when you get to the final volume and it ends the way it does.

Although it's been strongly hinted that Katsuragi takes after Akihito's father in manners, because of how he was raised, I was still surprised at how his "wisdom" - especially of the sort he gave to Soichiro - ended up as nothing more than parroting the (bad) advice Akihito's father gave him when he was young.

The character development and growth is, perhaps, the most astounding part of this series. As I've said in previous reviews, Akihito goes from being regarded as a child, often a spoiled brat, by those on the outside, to becoming someone Katsuragi can trust to make wise and interesting decisions. As he says in this volume, though he doesn't always agree with the route Akihito wants to take, he's learned to accept it and support him, because he is exactly the deviation from the norm that is needed. He's refreshing and original, in his growth.

On the flip side, Katsuragi is learning who he is. I mis-judged his age before (not surprising, as I'm not great with numbers) and the fact he's only 29 is somehow so much more amazing and means the gap between them is only about 9 years? If Katsuragi was about 19/20 when Akihito arrived at the Kuze house, aged 10, then it's not as big an age gap as I'd imagined. And it only further proves how young Katsuragi was to begin with, and how much he'd achieved in that short time. To see him discover himself at 29, to realise that he's been going down the path paved for not and not marking his own way, was beautiful to see.

I was, honestly, so PROUD of Katsuragi for choosing to stay, instead of going with Akihito, because it showed how much he'd grown and learned what made him happy. He wanted to do more than serve people, though he didn't believe he could. And Akihito gave him that freedom to choose and follow his new dreams. Best of all, he did it without leaving the unwanted ultimatum of choosing his freedom OR Akihito. Akihito made it clear that he only wanted Katsuragi if he could be free and be himself. Which is stunningly mature of him, and lovely.

Things I can't talk about without ruining it - I literally giggled and kicked my feet in excitement, with an out-loud O.M.G. moment about Soichiro's engagement. The watches made my heart melt. I was relieved that the 2 years passed in only a two-page spread, because I couldn't bear it if it had been dragged out.

In the end, it had THE BEST ENDING EVER! (And, yes, that needs to be in caps) So many stories have this HUGE build-up and then the ending disappoints or feels lack-lustre. This is EXACTLY the ending I hoped for, when I first began reading Volume 1. And...then...the author gave us TWO BONUS STRIPS! I couldn't have asked for more.

But...if the author ever decides to revisit this series, I'll be first in line. Until then, I have the paperbacks and e-books of both (because...you know...reasons) and I'll be re-reading them ALL again. Frequently. Often. (Probably next week.)

For my favourite panel, I made a compilation of my 3 favourites from this volume:

[Konstantin R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

(fun fact, this is the 100th rating for this volume)

This series was my first insight into Yaoi manga. Though I read "Hirtoijime My Hero" first, I came across "Blue Morning" in a charming Asian store in London while at university. I am so happy that I read this series, and though, at times, I thought it was a bit inundated with filler and plot-explaining, the story underneath (of two men who come to trust and love each other) was touching and heart-warming. Here we have the last installment with the most pages, and I wasn't disappointed. The flashbacks used may seem a bit redundant, but if you don't remember what happened last time, they support the narrative well. I will not get into what actually occurred, plot-wise, for that would spoil the fun, yet I will say it was a positive and satisfying conclusion to this series!

[mghf · Rating 5 out of 5]

i don't want to part ways with them, don't wanna. the one panel in the last chapter where tomoyuki was bathed in sunlight near the window, goodness, he looks so beautiful, so mother, i almost teared up here and there. such a powerful drawing, it'll be tattooed inside my head.
i thought we're done hurting ourselves when we reached this volume but turned out the first two chapters made me miserable ajsgdbgdhdgdhdgdhd i forgot what i'm gonna say about this volume bc this felt so surreal though i'm never opposed the idea of tomoyuki being all honest and open about his true feelings. it was so good i ate it all every time. anw this is a very good read, the emotional turmoil was worth the ride. the ending is fulfilling even though i need more of them all lovey dovey and sharing more domestic gestures. i wish to see them again soon, i'm buying the physical manga of this i can't stand it, i need to hold them in my arms.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traduzione mediocre, uno dei finali più soddisfacenti di sempre. L'ho adorato.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally the ONLY thing I didn't like about this volume was that Katsuragi and Akihito aren't living together in the end. There are a few reasons for that, I suppose. For one, the need to still abide by certain societal customs, since they can never be truly open about their relationship. Perhaps even more importantly, if Katsuragi "returned" to the Kuze household, it would almost be a step back - he'd be joining Akihito's estate, rather than establishing his own, or (my preference) setting up a brand new one together.

Perhaps that's something that will happen another decade or two in the future, when the feudal system finally disbands, as they keep discussing, and they are free to live their lives as they will.

In the meantime, though, they are literally raising a child together, which is such an extraordinary ending to a beautiful story. I can't believe this series gave me everything I wanted. A deep, lasting, mutually respectful and balanced love with a future and a family that isn't dependent on loveless marriages and abiding by customs that would make neither of them happy. And it's done in such an immensely believable way - retaining historical context and accuracy while still managing to set up the most blissful life for the two of them.

Apparently this was intended to conclude in chapter 45, which does have a beautiful discussion of their future, and how they plan to be together forever...but I'm so grateful that Hidaka convinced her editor to include another, rather thick and deeply satisfying, final chapter. We get to see Akihito actually come home to Katsuragi, and the beginnings of that life together that they'd promised each other.

Every storytelling choice in this series is sublime. Katsuragi deciding not to go to England with Akihito, as much as it tears him apart, was the right move. He's needed where he is, running his spinning mill and setting up the life that makes him happy and gives him the independence he needs. I'm glad we finally got the reveal about his parentage, and the painful realization that Akihito's father really had cared about Katsuragi all along, although he was horrendous at ever showing it.

The pieces of all the other stories fell into such delightful places, too. I gasped at the reveal with Akihito's friend's arranged marriage. Katsuragi is truly the most extraordinary person, and one of the best characters I've ever encountered in fiction. Brilliant and ruthless but so kind, underneath it all - and despite how he was raised, and tossed aside by everyone who should have cared for him. Simply by being himself, he eventually won them all back...though few of them deserve him. Akihito is really the only one who ever has, and watching their love bloom was so wonderful.

This volume also made me laugh out loud a few times - Akihito is such a delight. Life with him would never be boring, and Katsuragi will have plenty of time to continue learning that.

This is a stunning series. Highly, highly recommend, from start to finish.

[sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series. ohhh this series. it is no longer problematic, akihito has been redeemed (unlike how i declared in the first volume's review), and katsuragi is, and has consistently been, BEST BOY.

the way this story unravelled... perfection. not only is this story about two stubborn, cunning, intelligent people in love, but also a story of survival and growth. two people who are bound together by social and power dynamics, history, and camaraderie, have to learn what it means for them to live for themselves, what their goals are for themselves, and what they ever hope to make of themselves regardless of their socioeconomic, romantic, and personal historical circumstances. beyond those struggles of discovering their goals, there is also a struggle between being dutiful to the old ways and adapting to change that shapes both the story and characters. as the story takes place when the world is coming out of the feudal era and into an industrial era, change is expected; it's scary but it's inevitable. in order to survive (literally, as noble houses are losing money by sticking to old systems of finance), each character, young and old, main and secondary, faces an event or question or issue that asks them: in order to survive, what are you willing to do?

in this last volume, i predicted the ultimate choices our two main characters were going to make, and i was right. i was rooting for them to choose themselves, to grow for themselves, but it did not register in my mind, even in the slightest bit, that those choices were going to hurt. and so, at 3:30am, i cried. i cried and cried and cried and i couldn't turn the page. i cursed myself for not foreseeing the PAIN that would ensue, just how much their choices to put themselves first would hurt. and hidaka's artwork made that pain so tangible. i just couldn't turn the page. eventually, after about 20mins of losing my mind, i did and we got to the ending and i just 🥺🥺🥺 MY HEART. OH MY GOD MY HEART 😭❤️ perfect, wholesome ending. just perfect. everything comes full circle. the art, so wispy and beautiful, brought happy tears to my eyes and a stupidly wide smile to my lips. hidaka broke me, then she put me right back up in the most tender of ways.

also, the pocket watches. i knew something was up with the pocket watches when i first saw the cover of this volume 😭❤️

this story is not what it seems. the characters are all multi-layered. the artwork is consistently beautiful. the plot and drama are satisfying. the conclusion is gentle and exactly what it needed to be. and above all, although i can't limit their love by describing it in words, akihito and katsuragi are inextricably, chaotically, wholly, made for each other.

[Skye26 (beereadsff) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ce tome la vaut plus un 4 parce que j'aurai aime un épilogue plus long mais je mets 5 pour recompenser le plaisir que cela a été de lire cette série.
Je l'ai lu en plusieurs années. Le tome 8 s'etant fait attendre en France. Au final je l'ai relu depuis le debut en début d'année pour le finir aujourd'hui.
Ma forte impression s'est confirmée.
Les premiers tomes posent lentement l'histoire. On découvre un Katsuragi autoritaire, un Akihito jeune, impressionable et fanboy de Katsuragi, mais aussi des relations familiales et politiques obscures qui cachent beaucoup de secrets. A l'adolescence, Akihito se rebelle, le cote fanboy laisse place à une adoration presque obsessionnelle et Katsuragi reste le maître intraitable et stoïque. Pourtant au fil des tomes, la relation entre mes 2 evolue, le masque de Katsuragi commence à s'effriter et Akihito devient plus adulte et pro actif. L'évolution des personnages est une des forces de ce manga. L'évolution est progressive et en adéquation avec l'histoire et leurs caractères. Et leur histoire d'amour s'intensifie au fil des tomes pour arriver à une relation d'égal à égal. Les fils brumeux de l'intrigue sur les origines familiales, les enjeux politiques et le contexte politico-social (la fin de la noblesse ) du Japon se resserent sans empiéter sur leur histoire d'amour. Les personnages secondaires sont utilisés à bon escient.
C'est une super série qui allie romance et intrigue. Il y a pile la dose de scènes explicites sans excès. Bref je recommande fortement.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see why this series is on the top lists of BL mangas. Though I personally feel like there could have been slight improvements in some areas (side character development, more info/background on secrets, and a few more panels in the final chapter), this series is a solid A yaoi series.

The mangaka dives well into the psychology of the 2 main characters. The plot is complex and an interesting dive into Japanese aristocratic society. The art is well drawn, as are the love scenes.

To really feel the separation, I think Shoko should have drawn a few more pages of when Katsuragi and Akihito were half a world apart. And I would have loved an emotional reunion, considering how beautiful the one was when Katsuragi finally visited the Kamakaru house.

I’ll be adding (at least part of) this series to my physical book collection!

[bow down to our ace king victor vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75!

this was a beautiful end (though i wish their reunion after the timeskip was shown). and oh man now theyre raising a kid together !! ;-; so reminiscent of how the story began T^T makes you realize how far each character has developed to the point they are now, especially akihito and katsuragi :,,)

overall, a nice read with a nice set of characters :) the side characs especially held the story (im glad the friends marriage went his way, katsuragi is so smart i love him)

though i do have some issues with it, i cant deny the story and character progression this series was able to make in an gentle, appropriate manner. it was lovely to experience.

“All I can think is…thank you for being born.”
“That is something…I should be saying to you.”

*crying*

[Marker · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 estrellas para toda la serie en general.

Este último volumen fue el cierre perfecto para mí, pues la Casa Kuze tiene futuro.

Los personajes a pesar de amarse tanto nunca se traicionaron a si mismos, siempre siguieron sus ideas y procedieron de acuerdo a lo que ellos consideraban correcto. Esa parte me gustó.

El que fue una historia que ocurrió en una era pasada también fue interesante y te das una idea de como era el mundo en aquella época y como de alguna manera tu vida está decidida desde el momento de nacer. (Que bueno que ya no pasa eso).

El dibujo fue muy prolijo y las escenas fueron bien detalladas y explícitas y podías sentir las emociones de los protagonistas.

[mysilicielka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bardzo podobał mi się finał tej serii. Wydaje mi się, że bohaterowie w końcu odnaleźli spokój i równowagę. Udało im się pogodzić zarówno własne cele, jak i wspólnie stworzyć relację, która wszystkim daje satysfakcję. Szkoda, że to już koniec i szkoda, że tak dobrze zbudowanej historii nie było cały czas, tylko głównie w ostatnich tomikach.

Polecam "Gorzki poranek" wielbicielom romansów, szczególnie w wersji MLM. Jeśli, tak samo jak mnie, w którymś momencie złapie was zwątpienie, to i tak dajcie szansę kolejnym częściom, bo warto.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Akihito heading off to London for two years, Katsuragi must decide if he wants to accept the invitation. And, with the viscountship of the Kuze House up in the air, Akihito, Katsuragi and the supporting characters make their political moves. Blue Morning has now come to a close, and it was a decent conclusion. I do miss the heat and intensity of the earlier volumes, but, it was a satisfying ending.

[Jade Cahoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't mind time skips. I use timeskips all the time in my own writing! What I DO mind is that we didn't get to see Katsuragi and Akihito reuniting after TWO. YEARS. Apart?? The last chapter was extremely rushed unfortunately. Altogether I'm happy it ended up as it did but probably needed another volume to flesh it out. I mean, one whole volume of this manga was a single dinner party! Then we get a TWO YEAR timeskip glossed over?? Ahhh.

[-moonprismpower- · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best volume and it’s the final!!! So many emotions after this final volume. I’m very satisfied with the ending. God, I think I fell in love with Akihito along with Katsuragi as the volumes went along!!!! Lol

Overall thoughts on the series:
4/5 stars! If you like politically driven series with some love on the side, then this is for you!!!!! Also, it was nice to read a bl that didn’t have lots of side characters(with their own storylines) to keep track of.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, cathartic ending to a series packed full with bittersweet romance and political machinations. I do want to reread it since I feel like I missed some of the implications due to taking so long to finish with such long gaps between volumes.

Overall, can absolutely recommend the entire series. The characters are all so vibrant and lovable even when they're being infuriating about their feelings about each other.

[Latoya Brower · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long series but worth read

This has an intense storyline, and sometimes you could almost get lost in the dialog, but getting to see it through to the end is well worth it. To see the relationship between Katsuragi and Kuze develop to what it ultimately became was extremely satisfying.

[Jayjay · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.85/5 ใช้เวลา 4 วันในการอ่าน 8 เล่มจบ สนุกมากก ตอนแรกลองกดซื้อแค่ 1 เล่ม ใน meb เอาไปเอามาเหมามาหมดทุกเล่ม คือเรืองนี้มีทุกอย่างที่ชอบจริงๆ slow burn, นายเอกอายุมากกว่าพระเอก พระเอกหมาน้อย และความคลั่งรักของทั้งสองคน เนื้อเรื่องก็เข้มข้นคืออ่านแล้วหยุดไม่ได้จริงๆ และนายเอกคือควีนมาก ฉลาดมาก ชอบคาร์แบบนี้จริงๆ แต่ตอนจบคือเหมือนรีบจบ ตัดจบ ฉึบ! อารมณ์คนอ่านยังค้างอยู่เลย แต่คงต้องมีรอบสองเร็วๆนี้

[Jordan MacKinnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was a beautiful ending! It truly tied everything perfectly! It gave a lovely ending to all the extra stories and secondary characters! This was truly a beautiful love story. It grew over time and had a lot of character growth! But I really enjoyed it ! The art was everything! What a wonderful story!!

[emrysmind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho finito questa serie oggi. Che dire? È stupenda.
Shoko Hidaka non delude mai. Uno Yaoi per niente scontato e con tematiche importanti quali il ceto sociale, l’omosessualità (ovviamente, e il rispetto.
Assolutamente una storia non scontata. Consigliata a tutti.

[Wiktor · Rating 5 out of 5]

To oficjalnie moja najulubieńsza mangowa seria ever

[scarlettraces · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Well that was... the most historically detailed BL I've read to date

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad that I waited until this story was finished. This was amazing in every aspect. The characters development, the antics, the romance. It was amazing.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

finally finished this series! so glad we finally got the happily ever after - at points during the series it seemed like we’d never get there! but we did and they’re happy :))

[Rebecca Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

[Alejandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yuutsu na Asa it's a gem

[kateřina · Rating 5 out of 5]

i just loved it until the end 🖤