After the Rain, Vol. 1

恋は雨上がりのように [Koi wa Ameagari no Yō ni] #1 & 2

by Jun Mayuzuki

17-year-old high school student Akira Tachibana is a girl who barely expresses herself. She harbors a secret crush on Masami Kondō, a 45-year-old manager of the restaurant she works at part-time.

Akira Tachibana is a soft-spoken high school student who used to be a part of the track and field club but, due to an injury, she is no longer able to run as fast as she once could. Working part-time at a family restaurant as a recourse, she finds herself inexplicably falling in love with her manager, a divorced 45-year-old man with a young son.

Despite the age gap, Akira wholeheartedly embraces his mannerisms and kind nature, which is seen as spinelessness by the other employees, and little by little, the two begin to understand each other. Although unable to explain why exactly she is attracted to him, Akira believes that a concrete reason is not needed to truly love someone. On a rainy day, she decides to finally tell her manager about how she feels... but just how will he react?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Comics, Fiction, Seinen, Slice Of Life, Contemporary

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2015

About the author

See also: 眉月じゅん

Reviews

[SHOMPA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow..... I didn’t expect it to be that good! It has a suitable balance of comedy and drama. Even though the romantic aspect seemed one-sided, I really appreciate how it deals with themes like age gaps so maturely. One person can change your life completely - your future, thoughts, perspective, and enthusiasm. If you catch feelings for them, there's no turning back, no matter how it ends. Right person, wrong time is definitely a thing.

Normally, I’m not a fan of slow-paced stories, but here it works perfectly. The slower pace gives the narration a reflective feel, making each moment really impactful. It is definitely worth reading. Now I'm eagerly looking forward to watching the anime.

✧𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞.

[Rereader · Rating 2 out of 5]

*deep breath* Ohhhhh boy, I am probably going to piss off a FUCK TON of people with this review, but I have to be honest: I didn't like this volume and I definitely will not be continuing with this series.

To start off, I bought this volume because the anime adaptation was really popular and I had seen a review that piqued my interest. Then the first volume went on sale and I said, "Fuck it, no better time then now to try it."

And then I read it. And now I want my money back.

Look, I don't think this is a terrible series. I can totally understand why it could be so popular: beautiful artwork, a simple story with a strong central conflict, great paneling and use of shadows to convey emotion, and so on. Also, to make it clear now, I have nothing against the taboo potential relationship between Boss and Tachibana because it is made clear several times that it's a doomed relationship and that it's inappropriate. I just don't give a flying fuck about Tachibana's love for him or a potential relationship between the two.

Romance is one of my favorite genres when it comes to manga because, depending on the story, the characters are fun, the romance (when done right) can be sweet or heartwarming or charming, and the artwork really captures the feelings characters are expressing (usually). The problem with this series is that, as stated earlier, I don't give a fuck about Tachibana and Boss's potential relationship, and to elaborate, because I don't give a fuck about THEM. Tachibana's honestly pretty boring; she's reserved most of the time, when she's isn't reserved she's unusually bright and energetic, and her obsession with her boss kind of took over anything that could have made her interesting. Boss (sorry, I don't remember his name and I can't be bothered to look it up) is just straight-up boring. He's a wimpy, milquetoast, overly apologetic guy who's dialogue DROVE ME UP THE FUCKING WALL BECAUSE IT WAS SO DAMN GENERIC. He literally talks like that overly polite person who seems to only know how to make small talk and generic nice platitudes. I don't think Mayuzuki had to cave my skull in getting this "he's a wimpy, nice person" point across, but I can't fathom continuing the series if THAT'S what I have to deal with.

My dislike for the characters was not just reserved for those two, though. I honestly didn't like a single character in this manga. They were either obnoxious and annoying (like Yui and Tachibana's school friends), trying to get with Tachibana (like Kase and Yoshizawa), or forgettable (like the other chef and the older waitress). Speaking of Kase, his whole section was the main reason why this volume got bumped down to two stars. Why was it necessary to have such a creepy, rude guy hit on Tachibana and is currently blackmailing her into dating him? Seriously, what does that add to the story? More drama? The fact that Tachibana's in love with a man 28 years older than her isn't dramatic enough? Mayuzuki needed to add in a creepy, slightly older guy who fantasizes about getting her drunk and sleeping with her to add...I don't fucking know, tension? Stakes? Whatever the reason was, it was gross and unnecessary and solidified my dislike for this series.

Aside from the gross section with Kase, this manga was just BORING. I know that doesn't adequately explain it, but the fact of the matter is that while I was reading this, I barely felt anything. I may have chuckled once and admired the artwork during Tachibana's flashback scene, but the rest of the time I didn't feel anything. Not to mention, it's not like this is a small volume, this tome's 320 pages (I think) and that's a LOT of pages to read and be FUCKING BORED reading.

I'm sure more people are going to enjoy this and considering the relative popularity of the anime, I have no doubt many people do. For me, it was a disappointing, boring read with either unlikable or unmemorable characters, admittedly beautiful artwork, and a romance that you couldn't pay me to get invested in. Pick this up if you want to, but I wouldn't recommend it.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man I am just eating up these Romance Slice of Life stories. Keep giving me more. Any recommendations list below!

Anyway, this is the story about Akira Tachibana. Who is that you might ask? Well once she was a all star track runner but eventually got hurt badly and couldn't run anymore. This leads to her taking it easy and working at a diner after school. In doing that she begins to form feelings for Masami Kondou, who is a 45 year old manager at the diner. How old is Akira...well...she's 17.

Now I know, I know, this sounds gross. Why would you read about a 45 year old dating a 17 year old, right? But somehow, this story turns out to be actually really sweet.

I guess it helps Masami Kondou isn't a pervy, creepy, dirty 45 year old with a crush on Akira. In fact it is Akira who really likes him. And she's the one who confesses it even, which is a nice change of pace. The fact they make Akira have different taste than others is a nice twist too. I also love the fact when everyone goes to her, she has this almost resting bitchface but in fact she's mostly super shy and cute. Reminds me of the prototype for Komi can't communicate series.

There is one weird storyline of a older boy who finds out Akira likes her manager and basically blackmails her. It's weird, overly creepy at points, and I don't love it. Luckily it isn't in a lot of this but I hope doesn't go too much further.

So far, this is a charming story, funny when it needs to be, and drawn wonderfully. I'll be grabbing the next volume. A 4 out of 5.

[Mei ☽︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free via NetGalley, but I am leaving my honest review. Many thanks to the publishers, Kodansha Comics and Vertical Comics for the opportunity!

After the Rain follows the story of a 17-year-old high school girl who doesn't relate to her classmates and has a crush on her 45-year old boss, the manager of a local restaurant. I like the art style and feel that it fits the slice of life vibes this story was going for, but I did have problems with the setup that this first volume establishes that ultimately made this a 2.5 star star-read.

I enjoy reading age gaps as a trope in romance, but I felt that this one was too big from the get-go. I knew the gap going in, but I was hoping there would be a buildup to the attraction from both sides. Instead, right at the start, we learn that the FMC, Tachibana has had a crush on Kondou, her boss, and over the book, we follow her as she goes to school, interacts with classmates, and also goes to work. She reminisces what she likes as her "type" to fellow classmates and interacts with her co-workers, where type is also brought up there. Even if FMC is seemingly more mature than her classmates, we never really get to see what made MMC special to her specifically that it kind of dampened the experience for me, as I really wanted to know more about her thoughts too. I did appreciate the history that we get of her with running, etc. and interactions with friends though.

Because yes, ultimately the MMC IS likeable in the sense that he has a kind personality, and even though he's very self-detrimental, and others can see him as pathetic, I really appreciated his POV because he immediately realizes that it's awkward too, yet wants to not hurt Tachibana, while also we see that he's a bit self-conscious whenever she looks at him because he misunderstands her expressions and thinks that she looks at him in disgust when in fact it's the opposite.

That could absolutely be a fun dynamic, but things got a bit stunted here because on TOP of this, the other major thing that I didn't like about this setup is that FMC had TWO other guys interested in her immediately: Yoshizawa, a fellow classmate who's got a puppy personality and tries his best to get to know FMC, and Kase, another co-worker who didn't really do much until the second half when he realizes FMC's crush on Kondou, to which he (major spoilers, CW)forced her to go on a date with him and also imagined a scene where she was drunk/passed out and they had sex -- which was also painted in color.. It matched the kind of trope that Kase represents, but it felt out of place especially when it's the only scene painted in color.

So overall, while the art and slice of life vibes was nice, and that it did set up the main characters, I didn't like the pacing and didn't like that all three of her love interests were introduced right away on top of her also confessing her crush to her boss.

[court ౨ৎ librarycutie · Rating 3 out of 5]

yesssss! i really wanted to read a manga that wasn’t a contemporary based in junior high or wasn’t too cutesy but was still interesting. i picked this up on a whim, and liked the fact that there was an age gap in the romantic interests and i’m hooked. i need volume two nooow! tachibana is a chill character and her bangs are so cute, i love how this someone makes her blush when she’s seen to just brush everything off, and it’s so cute honestly.

[Sarah🥀⛓️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Have a lot of different emotions running through me right now lol

This book was just ‘okay’ in my opinion. It was a nice slice of life, with lots of potential but it just fell flat. This manga looks gorgeous, but barely has any substance to it. I was deeply disappointed in this, as I had heard so many great things about this series. With that said, I had found a really great deal the one day & purchased 4 of the books outright (what am I supposed to do with all of these now lol).
It doesn’t help that the main character is a robot, with no depth. There were a few scenes where she blossomed, & then it disappeared again in the blink of an eye! She becomes creepily obsessed with her boss at her job (I’m waiting for her to build a shrine, or murder the poor guy).
There’s a massive age gap which I was looking past (45 & 17 yrs), but the whole relationship seemed forced? Nothing seems natural, & within the 1st volume they’ve already inserted 2 other love interests- Kase the college player, & the guy from her highschool that already has a crush on her.
The whole thing is just strange in my opinion lol

Most of the book felt relatively empty, with a few comical moments. I’m really trying to understand all of the hype with this one. Personally I wouldn’t recommend buying this one!
Wellllll, I guess I’ll checkout the next one as I’ve already purchased it.. Hopefully it gets better!

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for the whole series:
This one surprised me. Mostly, because there's somewhat of a romance with a huge age gap. But this story is so much more than that and (I feel that is my duty to clarify that) the romance is more of a one-sided thing from the younger part, it felt more like a sort of platonic crush (for me, anyway). And the art style is so beautiful, one of my favorites.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one...is problematic to review.

Ok, first, what I liked. The artwork, the MC h was believable (though in a less than awesome way), the plot made sense and while it pushed the envelope it didn't jump the shark...kinda.

The GINOMOUS elephant in the room? He's 45, she's 17.

I noticed that in the home scenes for the MC h, the father-figure is subtly absent, so it seems like she is looking for a father-figure and found one in the 45 year old manager. She has other issues too, the ankle injury that has killed her dreams re: running, feeling like she is no longer part of the track crowd, adrift from friends, sport, family.

She makes sense in her reaching out to someone to fill those huge holes inside of her.

He makes sense too, what 45 year old divorced man wouldn't be flattered by the attention of a 17 year girl who is enamored with him? He knows better and, thus far, hasn't acting inappropriately, but where is this story going? That fills me with dread.

Then there is the absolute GARBAGE cook who is blackmailing the teenager into going out on a date with him. The ONLY color panels in the eARC were of when he imagined getting her drunk so he could take her virginity...

I'm assuming the color was to indicate that it was a fantasy and not reality, but maybe not the best way to show that?

I'm betting the contrast is to show that the 45 year old crush is better than the younger cook (who is still older than the 17 year old girl BTW), because he's not fantasizing about getting her drunk and using her, but it's still really squicky to me.

I'm really up in the air about what to rate this. I did like it, but it has so much potential to go sideways that I am at a loss as to what to rate it.

I am curious to see if the next volume can ride that fine line or if it tips too much over it, so I'll go with 2.5, rounded up.

3, this is sitting on the fence and seeing what the next volume will bring, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

[Bella Azam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute short read. I like the slow burn relationship in this. Its not overly romantic or cringey, its more of two people trying to form a connection with each other. Its sweet and melancholic at the same time.

[Danai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would be a five star if the ending was less confusing

[Matti Karjalainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jun Mayuzukin "After the Rain, vol. 1" (Vertical Comics, 2018) kertoo seitsemäntoistavuotiaasta ravintolatyöntekijästä, joka on ihastunut itseään yli puolet vanhempaan esimieheensä. Kieltämättä tämmöinen kuulostaa enemmän kuin epäilyttävältä lähtökohdalta romanttiselle sarjakuvalle, mutta ihan sympaattisen ja hitaasti porisevan keitoksen on mangaka saanut kokoon kasattua. Sivuhenkilöt ovat myös ihan hauska joukko, toivottavasti heitä ei tarinan edetessä jätetä kokonaan syrjään.

Jos pidit tästä, niin kokeilepa Rumiko Takahashin romanttisen mangan mestariteosta Maison Ikkokua.

[Chelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics, Vertical Comics for giving me the opportunity to read this.

This is an age-gap romance about 17 year old named Akira Tachibana and her 45 year old manager at work, named Masami Kondō. Kondo is seen as a spineless person by his staff and lives an everyday normal work life as a restaurant manager. Akira Tachibana is a high school student who used to be a part of the track team. After working part-time at the restaurant, Akira soon sees Kondo's "spinelessness" as kindness and finds herself attracted to him.

Of course, there are so many uncomfortable elements to an age-gap romance but that's the point of a forbidden age gap romance. We have to think that things like this do happen in life. It is clear that the romance is doomed to fail but it also explores topics on youth, desire, dreams and kindness.

[Iqra M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, I haven't seen the anime. However, this was such a quick and fun read - it's hilarious BUT the premise weirds me out a bit.
I love the artwork though. It's really gorgeous. Still considering if I should get the second volume. We shall see.

[re-read] 6/3/2021
I’ve decided to give this another chance because of the good reviews on the anime adaptation. (I even bought the second volume) It is true that in the beginning, I felt that the plot was off-putting due to the huge age-gap but many reviewers mentioned that there’s nothing disturbing happening in the series; the manga seems to be centred around the passion of the characters, rather than their
“relationship”. Apparently, the development & build-up is good so I can’t wait to see how the story progresses!

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bellissimo, che altro dire? Shoujo/Seinen senza le menate del primo e senza la pesantezza cliché del secondo. Lo stile dell'autrice è superbo, ricorda molto quello dei manga di fine anni '80 inizio '90, un po' la Takeuchi dei tempi migliori.

[mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️
Me hubiera gustado que la personalidad de Tachibana no solo floreciera cuando demuestra su obsesión por el jefe.

¿Y la necesidad de agregar el Black mailing? ¿Y con ese tipo que ya ni me acuerdo como se llama?

[connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My full review of this can be found on my blog!

[La Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you a lover of age gaps? Well. This manga is for you!

Akira Tachibana is a 17-year-old high school student who works part-time at her family's restaurant as a resource. During his shifts, he gets to know Masami Kondo, a 45-year-old manager, divorced and father of a child, with whom he suddenly falls in love. Akira cannot understand why she is so attracted to him, yet she believes no concrete reason is needed to truly love someone.

So, on a rainy day, he decides to confess to the manager what she feels for him... How will Masami react to the confession?

Personally, unless it's fantasy with fae, I don't like age gaps but in After the rain it didn't bother me that much. The illustrations are beautiful and the characters, both main and secondary, are well characterized. The personal growth and the story of Akira, our young protagonist, kidnapped me right away.

Unfortunately, I couldn't appreciate Masami. What man, mature and vaccinated, would not be flattered to receive attention from a young and pretty girl like Akira? I don't know... It may be because they are against relationships (of whatever kind) between minors and adults (only if the age difference between the two exceeds about 6 years. Don't attack me, that's a personal opinion!)? Probable. Anyway, his person did not convince me much.

It was still a very engaging and fluent read. I will definitely recover the subsequent volumes. I'm too curious to find out how the story will continue.

I thank NetGalley, the publisher and Jun Mayuzuki for sending me the ARC copy of this manga in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Jen13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched the anime last summer and I just loved it. I decided to pick up the manga, and from what I have read it seems that the anime is a faithful adaptation. This is not an age-gap romance, but a slice of life story about two people who help each other during a difficult time. Tachibana definitely has a crush on her boss at the beginning of the series, but I was ok with how this was handled. I haven't finished the entire manga series, but I'm hoping it ends in the same way that the anime does.

The art is lovely, there are interesting side characters, humor, and touching moments. I love how Kondo (the manager), isn't a sexy 45-year-old man. He is a realistic guy, who wears dorky dad clothes and has a bald spot. I recommend this to people who enjoy slice of life stories and unique friendships.

[Helene Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if a high schooler asked you out on a date?

After the Rain tells the story of Akira Tachibana who falls in love with her 45-year-old manager, Mr Kondo. Although Akira knows that her feelings will never be returned, she can’t stop thinking about what could be. I know age gap stories have become the black sheep of romance novels, but this manga deals with the topic in a tasteful manner. Kondo is depicted with all flaws you would expect from a man his age—greying hair with a bald spot, bad physique. He’s not the typical sexualised “older” hero is so prominent in these stories. He never takes advantage of Akira and instead tries to understand where her feelings are coming from. I actually really enjoyed reading this manga.

5 stars

++ I received a copy through NetGalley on an exchange for an honest review. ++

[estrawberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Umm it just feels so lonely and hopeless. If that’s what the author was trying to achieve then sure but what was the reason?!??! I really went into this blind and idk if it’s supposed to get better. I just really don’t know what to expect next. I feel like a story like this deserves a maximum of 2 volumes so I’m curious to see how the story builds up in the next 4 volumes IFFFF and only if I get the last 2 volumes.. it does have some unnecessary pervy parts that added nothing to the story as well as that one pedophile side character.. If you want to feel lonely, hopeless, and disgusted then this is the book for you. Could’ve given it a 2 but because of the art and my curiosity, I’ll give it a 3. Plus it’s just the first volume.

[Katey Flowers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slice of life with a 17 year old high schooler who’s in love with her 45 year old manager. There are uncomfortable elements to this age gap story, but that’s kind of the point. It’s clear the ‘romance’ is inappropriate and doomed to fail, which allows for an interesting exploration of youth, desire and dreams.

I’ve heard positive things about the handling of this age gap situation, and I hope the story continues in the direction I think it’s going.

The Kase blackmail arc feels unnecessary tho…

[Nicole H. ✨️nicoledreamsofbooks✨️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a slice of life and an age-gap romance (I'm talking HUGE age gap his 45 to her 17 years). It's quite clear that this relationship won't actually go anywhere but it's easy to see how a crush can develop at such a young age between two people who are just lonely and going through some hard times in life. I'm glad it wasn't taken further. However, there are more books in this series, and I think I feel safe ending my reading here. It's an interesting story nevertheless.

On a more positive note, the artwork is absolutely beautiful!

Thank you, Netgalley and Kodansha Comics, for this free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ana on the Shelves · Rating 2 out of 5]

Akira Tachibana has a secret crush towards the manager of the restaurant she works at. The only issue is that she is seventeen and he is forty five.
Art wise this slice of life is as good as you would want it to be, with very good panels that perfectly capture the emotions of the scenes.
It even takes such a sensitive topic and deals with it with the appropriate care, making for some fun and cute moments all throughout.
Yet it strangely sexualizes the main character in a very weird and cringy way that felt inappropriate and out of place.

[Marietere T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha/Vertical Comics for an e-arc of this book.

This is why I need to read the book or manga blurbs cause man did the age gap make me uncomfortable. It's cute I guess if you like these weird age gaps. I did like the story if I forget the huge age gap and that she is 17 and in school.

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope nope nope. This was gross and weird. And it had virtually no plot.

Manga (and anime) really need to throw out the concept of sexualizing literal children and romanticizing totally inappropriate relationships.

[riley ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Now, I know why this manga and anime adaptation is so popular. The artwork is really beautiful! I know it's gross to see a 45 year-old man dating a 17 year-old girl, but it has been seen inappropriately by the characters throughout this whole volume, unlike other age-gap romance series with an unfitting lot of sexualization. Will continue to read volume 2!

[Jack Syron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this years ago, but now will fully collect each volume. I forgot how funny this first volume is; the anime was a perfect storm of creators adapting this into a legit interpersonal drama, but the manga keeps it quirky.

[skylar lokota · Rating 4 out of 5]

cw // adult/minor relationship, injury, depression

Okay but Akira Tachibana my heart bleeds for you pls get help lmao

[B!!! · Rating 3 out of 5]

YOSHIZAWA!!!!!

[Chanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg I honestly didn’t know anything going in.. loved this can’t wait to read more