What do you think?
Rate this book
Don't Call Me Dirty #1
Don't Call Me Dirty
After some time attempting a long-distance relationship, Shouji is crestfallen when he finds out his crush isn't gay. Having struggled with his sexuality for years, he tries to distract himself from the rejection, in part by helping out at the neighboring sweets shop — but when a young homeless man called Hama shows up at the store, Shouji finds himself curious to learn more about him. Attempting to make their way in a society that labels each of them as 'outcasts' and 'dirty,' the two men grow closer. Together, they begin to find they have more in common than either of them could have anticipated.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2020
88 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
April 9, 2020
I honestly didn't know what to expect out of this manga but it definitely surpassed my expectations. The message about the homeless and the gays being not "dirty" was great and I definitely loved it and teared up.
The artstyle and humor was great but there were some events that didn't make sense and felt out of place.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
The artstyle and humor was great but there were some events that didn't make sense and felt out of place.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
January 23, 2025
I love the development of the story and the characters, plus it was cute and wholesome! Definitely recommend!
March 7, 2020
An ARC was provided by TokyoPop/Diamond Book Distributors via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Gorou Kanbe’s Don't Call Me Dirty is the story of a chance friendship between a vagrant and a liquor store owner’s son that peeled away all insecurities until pure love revealed itself to these two young men whom society deemed dirty.
I was skeptical about getting a review copy of this book because the cover wasn’t that appealing to me. Art plays a huge role in my decisions when it comes to picking manga or comics that I would like to read. What I do like about the cover is the earthy color palette used because it represented what the characters felt: dirty. I eventually got a copy because the synopsis was too enticing that I kept thinking about it, and I am so glad that I did! The illustrations inside are gorgeous and made up for the cover’s look. The characters are distinguishable and very adorable.
The story itself was humbling and kind as it dealt with the issue of feeling unlovable because of who one is. It’s not your typical yaoi/shounen ai story that highlighted the intensity of feelings and the way hearts can furiously beat. Don’t Call Me Dirty felt tranquil but lively at the same time, the way seawater caresses the shore on a summer day, somehow taking away the burden the sand may carry.
It was easy to empathize with the characters. Openly-gay Mita Shouji, the liquor store owner’s son, has been in and out of uncertain, shaky relationships. His most recent relationship was a complicated and toxic one that made him doubt himself and made him feel unwanted. Shouji meets Hama one day when the homeless man wanted to buy food from Kaji’s Snacks, the store beside the Mita Liquor Store. The two eventually form a friendship that draws out the goodness from within each of them.
I adore this manga and it’s one of the best I’ve ever read. It’s underrated, in my opinion. The ending was very sweet and hopeful, and I think there’s more to tell. A sequel or another volume would be very lovely.
Gorou Kanbe’s Don't Call Me Dirty is the story of a chance friendship between a vagrant and a liquor store owner’s son that peeled away all insecurities until pure love revealed itself to these two young men whom society deemed dirty.
I was skeptical about getting a review copy of this book because the cover wasn’t that appealing to me. Art plays a huge role in my decisions when it comes to picking manga or comics that I would like to read. What I do like about the cover is the earthy color palette used because it represented what the characters felt: dirty. I eventually got a copy because the synopsis was too enticing that I kept thinking about it, and I am so glad that I did! The illustrations inside are gorgeous and made up for the cover’s look. The characters are distinguishable and very adorable.
The story itself was humbling and kind as it dealt with the issue of feeling unlovable because of who one is. It’s not your typical yaoi/shounen ai story that highlighted the intensity of feelings and the way hearts can furiously beat. Don’t Call Me Dirty felt tranquil but lively at the same time, the way seawater caresses the shore on a summer day, somehow taking away the burden the sand may carry.
It was easy to empathize with the characters. Openly-gay Mita Shouji, the liquor store owner’s son, has been in and out of uncertain, shaky relationships. His most recent relationship was a complicated and toxic one that made him doubt himself and made him feel unwanted. Shouji meets Hama one day when the homeless man wanted to buy food from Kaji’s Snacks, the store beside the Mita Liquor Store. The two eventually form a friendship that draws out the goodness from within each of them.
I adore this manga and it’s one of the best I’ve ever read. It’s underrated, in my opinion. The ending was very sweet and hopeful, and I think there’s more to tell. A sequel or another volume would be very lovely.
September 2, 2021
"Dirty," this book tells us, is what you make of it. Protagonist Shouji thinks he's "dirty" because he's gay. People throw the word "dirty" at Hama because he's homeless and is, in fact, unable to bathe. No one is willing to look beneath the surface for either of them, including both men themselves - though Shouji and Hama can see each others' worth, neither of them can see their own. That makes this book much more serious than many a romance manga, as well as worth reading, because the story's heart is so firmly in the right place on more than just the romantic relationship.
3.5 rounded up. The art's not great, but the story is worth it.
3.5 rounded up. The art's not great, but the story is worth it.
January 1, 2022
A delightfully wholesome yaoi. A wonderful way to end a great year of reading.
2021 #255.
2021 #255.
January 8, 2020
I've received an e-ARC of this manga by publisher through Netgalley in exchange for honest review.
There's never enough BL and yaoi manga. Not for me. I was pleasantly surprised to find a few of them on Netgalley. When rating BL, I generally don't care for story as much as for the portrayal of actual relationship, sex scenes and for the most part, how much of blushing trash I become.
Don't Call Me Dirty by Gorou Kanbe is being published by Tokyopop and came out 31st December 2019. Compared to other BL I've read, it's fairly original and very refreshing in the sense of the idea. I've never read about homeless man before and I must say I really enjoyed the storyline. But it's not just that - we also follow several other events that contribute to overall story. Kanbe's artstyle is pretty clear and neat and was really enjoyable to look at. As for the characters, I enjoyed Hama's (homeless) a little bit more, eventhough I felt for Shouji as well. Their slowly growing relationship was just beautiful. Sex scenes were pleasant bonus in the end.
I'd gladly recommend this stand-alone to anyone interested in BL/yaoi manga. It's sweet little read with no graphic sex (I wouldn't mind that, but it was perfect the way it was).
4/5*
There's never enough BL and yaoi manga. Not for me. I was pleasantly surprised to find a few of them on Netgalley. When rating BL, I generally don't care for story as much as for the portrayal of actual relationship, sex scenes and for the most part, how much of blushing trash I become.
Don't Call Me Dirty by Gorou Kanbe is being published by Tokyopop and came out 31st December 2019. Compared to other BL I've read, it's fairly original and very refreshing in the sense of the idea. I've never read about homeless man before and I must say I really enjoyed the storyline. But it's not just that - we also follow several other events that contribute to overall story. Kanbe's artstyle is pretty clear and neat and was really enjoyable to look at. As for the characters, I enjoyed Hama's (homeless) a little bit more, eventhough I felt for Shouji as well. Their slowly growing relationship was just beautiful. Sex scenes were pleasant bonus in the end.
I'd gladly recommend this stand-alone to anyone interested in BL/yaoi manga. It's sweet little read with no graphic sex (I wouldn't mind that, but it was perfect the way it was).
4/5*
April 4, 2023
That’s a wholesome short story and brings back my faith in humanity. Yes, main character, you’re wrong. No one should be sorry for being gay. You never have to apologise again for who you are.
There are some unlikeable adult characters. Just ignore them. Feel the main characters. They are the sauce here and they are adorable.
There are some unlikeable adult characters. Just ignore them. Feel the main characters. They are the sauce here and they are adorable.
February 17, 2024
Well here's something different. Shouji is out and on good terms with his father (no mother in the picture), but socially isolated, and has a lot of self-esteem issues around his sexuality. (He's called "dirty" and "defective" by a few people in his life.) Around the time an unsuccessful attempt at a relationship with a friend falls apart he encounters a homeless man, Hama, who he befriends and gradually falls in love with. HEA of course. Nothing explicit on page.
I did quite like it, but it really felt like it could have used a little more room to breathe. Manga kind of sucks for depicting the flow of time, and while I think it's clear this isn't meant to read as instalove, I'd have liked to see the relationship development and their dealing with their hangups in more detail. I've no idea how the title was originally received though and if the publisher/audience would have been open to drawing it out more even if the mangaka wanted to.
This mangaka doesn't have a lot available, but there is to my surprise a sequel focused on another set of characters here, and it's on KU which I've got for a little while longer, so I'll read that next.
I did quite like it, but it really felt like it could have used a little more room to breathe. Manga kind of sucks for depicting the flow of time, and while I think it's clear this isn't meant to read as instalove, I'd have liked to see the relationship development and their dealing with their hangups in more detail. I've no idea how the title was originally received though and if the publisher/audience would have been open to drawing it out more even if the mangaka wanted to.
This mangaka doesn't have a lot available, but there is to my surprise a sequel focused on another set of characters here, and it's on KU which I've got for a little while longer, so I'll read that next.
November 30, 2025
Rating: 4* of five
The Publisher Says: After some time in a long distance sort-of-relationship with his crush, Shouji is crestfallen when weeks of getting ghosted finally result in a confession: his boyfriend just isn't gay.
Having struggled with his sexuality for years, Shouji throws himself into his work to distract himself from the rejection—but when a young homeless man called Hama shows up at the shop, Shouji finds himself curious to learn more about him and, hopefully, befriend him. Attempting to make their way in a society that labels each of them as 'outcasts' and 'dirty,' the two men grow closer.
Together, they begin to find they have more in common than either of them could have anticipated.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: When you're Other in your very bones, you know it early. Othering either becomes your ugly secret, your curse to bear, or your identity. The way some people are Othered for external things over which they have no, or little, control might be crueler...hard to say. In this tale of Othered men coming together in large part because of their shared Otherness, they each learn a wonderful lesson about authenticity.
Becoming your real self is the project of post-adolescent adulthood. Many stay in the imposed selves, accept identities that aren't a great fit because they lack the resources of identity-example to alter what isn't working.
Stories like this one might hit hardest in Japan, although homelessness in the US is pretty marginalized. When Hama receives Shouji's overtures of friendly connection, he's stunned...he's homeless! He's like a stray pet, afraid every caress will turn into a kick. Shouji's need not to be rejected is pretty easy for Hama to meet, albeit with trepidation. Can this turn into more?
Not rushing into powerful emotions, not having sex right away, not following The Tropes℠ of romantic fiction, are all very appealing ways to build a story between Othered people who each crave similar connections. The artwork is standard manga:
...so you like it already, or you don't. Me, I'm lukewarm. I got past my impatience with sequential-rt storytelling because I very much like the story, and the narrative mode, used here. I know this begins a series. I hope you'll think about it for your young manga-reading queer kid. The message is genuinely positive, without the hypersexualization of many, if not most queer stories.
The Publisher Says: After some time in a long distance sort-of-relationship with his crush, Shouji is crestfallen when weeks of getting ghosted finally result in a confession: his boyfriend just isn't gay.
Having struggled with his sexuality for years, Shouji throws himself into his work to distract himself from the rejection—but when a young homeless man called Hama shows up at the shop, Shouji finds himself curious to learn more about him and, hopefully, befriend him. Attempting to make their way in a society that labels each of them as 'outcasts' and 'dirty,' the two men grow closer.
Together, they begin to find they have more in common than either of them could have anticipated.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: When you're Other in your very bones, you know it early. Othering either becomes your ugly secret, your curse to bear, or your identity. The way some people are Othered for external things over which they have no, or little, control might be crueler...hard to say. In this tale of Othered men coming together in large part because of their shared Otherness, they each learn a wonderful lesson about authenticity.
Becoming your real self is the project of post-adolescent adulthood. Many stay in the imposed selves, accept identities that aren't a great fit because they lack the resources of identity-example to alter what isn't working.
Stories like this one might hit hardest in Japan, although homelessness in the US is pretty marginalized. When Hama receives Shouji's overtures of friendly connection, he's stunned...he's homeless! He's like a stray pet, afraid every caress will turn into a kick. Shouji's need not to be rejected is pretty easy for Hama to meet, albeit with trepidation. Can this turn into more?
Not rushing into powerful emotions, not having sex right away, not following The Tropes℠ of romantic fiction, are all very appealing ways to build a story between Othered people who each crave similar connections. The artwork is standard manga:
...so you like it already, or you don't. Me, I'm lukewarm. I got past my impatience with sequential-rt storytelling because I very much like the story, and the narrative mode, used here. I know this begins a series. I hope you'll think about it for your young manga-reading queer kid. The message is genuinely positive, without the hypersexualization of many, if not most queer stories.
October 29, 2022
I just think all the metaphor is very well put in this story,
That is why I cried like a bitch on the very first 1-3 chapter because of how I see myself with the main character.
That ending felt so rushed tho
I need more of them, their love feel so real and you just can feel it, and also what makes this manga different than any of the other shounen ai manga I've read is that all the other characters shouji already knows he's gay and oh boy I thought there's no really internal struggle with his sexuality being put out already, but oh boy!! that's where the metaphor of being dirty comes in and it hits me real hard.
That is why I cried like a bitch on the very first 1-3 chapter because of how I see myself with the main character.
That ending felt so rushed tho
I need more of them, their love feel so real and you just can feel it, and also what makes this manga different than any of the other shounen ai manga I've read is that all the other characters shouji already knows he's gay and oh boy I thought there's no really internal struggle with his sexuality being put out already, but oh boy!! that's where the metaphor of being dirty comes in and it hits me real hard.
![Profile Image for 小さな N (.❛ ᴗ ❛.)⊃ [_|_] ♡.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1611850887i%2F5476828._UX200_CR0%2C21%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 12, 2022
2.5 stars
02.2020:
The message of this manga is "Don't judge a book by its cover".
Hama is homeless, he's dirty and most people avoid him because a homeless man must surely be a bad person. Shouji, however, sees his pure heart and is determined to become Hama's friend. His efforts aren't quite unselfish though, because he's suffering from a break-up and he distracts himself by helping Hama.
Unfortunately, there isn't much of a build-up to their romantic relationship.
02.2020:
The message of this manga is "Don't judge a book by its cover".
Hama is homeless, he's dirty and most people avoid him because a homeless man must surely be a bad person. Shouji, however, sees his pure heart and is determined to become Hama's friend. His efforts aren't quite unselfish though, because he's suffering from a break-up and he distracts himself by helping Hama.
Unfortunately, there isn't much of a build-up to their romantic relationship.
August 14, 2020
3/5⭐️
.
The story was kinda meh. But the art style was lovely.
It was cute/funny at times and I liked the characters.
But the pacing felt somewhat off and there was probably some kind of message there but it didn’t came to it rights because the story was kinda rushed at times.
.
I really want to read the other manga volume that depicts the story between the MC’s dad and his friend though.
.
The story was kinda meh. But the art style was lovely.
It was cute/funny at times and I liked the characters.
But the pacing felt somewhat off and there was probably some kind of message there but it didn’t came to it rights because the story was kinda rushed at times.
.
I really want to read the other manga volume that depicts the story between the MC’s dad and his friend though.
May 24, 2020
4.5
Wholesome and cute. With a fantastic message. I just wish we got a little more ending because it was so cute and I just wanted more of it.
Wholesome and cute. With a fantastic message. I just wish we got a little more ending because it was so cute and I just wanted more of it.
January 26, 2025
This story depicts the ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ theme. It’s done well with beautiful characters and perspectives alongside nice art. I recommend giving this manga a chance because I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Shouji is an angel. I absolutely fell in love with his character and he truly deserves the world. I loved how he looked at Hama because he was looking at him as a person, not what he looked like. Maybe it was because of his rocky relationship, but there was no doubt that Shouji noticed the little things about Hama that others overlooked. Shouji is in no way “dirty” for being gay and doesn’t need to apologize either. I’m so happy he has a supportive family and community.
Shouji’s ex was horrible and he deserves a slap. That’s all I’m going to say about him. Although, Shouji’s dad, Ryuuji Mita and friend, Hanao Kaji are two of the best supporting characters ever! I know they have their own story but in this volume their actions and words spoke volume. Their non judgemental, protective and logical personalities were well executed in the story. It didn’t seem out of place or forced, instead it fit them beautifully.
Hama is a character I could relate with surprisingly. Hama lost all reason to feel emotions because of a hard reality of life and that led him to the streets. Hama is not a “dirty” person either, he’s just a prisoner of circumstances. It affected him and I wasn’t surprised. People like Hama are too kind and getting hurt will affect them no matter how big or small the wound. I’m glad Hama found Shouji because they both support each other so well.
The artwork was nice. I loved the expressions, especially Shouji’s. His emotions are easily displayed on his face. Comparatively Hama doesn’t show many expressions early on, but when he does they are easily discernible. I also liked how this manga focuses on highlighting not just the expressions or sceneries, but the subtle details that help bring this story to life.
Overall, this was a good story and one that made me cry, honestly. I felt bad for both Hama and Shouji and the manga does a really good job in connecting the reader to them. This manga also relays the message that words are what you define them as and how you use them. In the end, I’m glad they both got their happy ending and I’m looking forward to reading Shouji’s father story soon.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
Shouji is an angel. I absolutely fell in love with his character and he truly deserves the world. I loved how he looked at Hama because he was looking at him as a person, not what he looked like. Maybe it was because of his rocky relationship, but there was no doubt that Shouji noticed the little things about Hama that others overlooked. Shouji is in no way “dirty” for being gay and doesn’t need to apologize either. I’m so happy he has a supportive family and community.
Shouji’s ex was horrible and he deserves a slap. That’s all I’m going to say about him. Although, Shouji’s dad, Ryuuji Mita and friend, Hanao Kaji are two of the best supporting characters ever! I know they have their own story but in this volume their actions and words spoke volume. Their non judgemental, protective and logical personalities were well executed in the story. It didn’t seem out of place or forced, instead it fit them beautifully.
Hama is a character I could relate with surprisingly. Hama lost all reason to feel emotions because of a hard reality of life and that led him to the streets. Hama is not a “dirty” person either, he’s just a prisoner of circumstances. It affected him and I wasn’t surprised. People like Hama are too kind and getting hurt will affect them no matter how big or small the wound. I’m glad Hama found Shouji because they both support each other so well.
The artwork was nice. I loved the expressions, especially Shouji’s. His emotions are easily displayed on his face. Comparatively Hama doesn’t show many expressions early on, but when he does they are easily discernible. I also liked how this manga focuses on highlighting not just the expressions or sceneries, but the subtle details that help bring this story to life.
Overall, this was a good story and one that made me cry, honestly. I felt bad for both Hama and Shouji and the manga does a really good job in connecting the reader to them. This manga also relays the message that words are what you define them as and how you use them. In the end, I’m glad they both got their happy ending and I’m looking forward to reading Shouji’s father story soon.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
October 13, 2024
I like how the word dirty is used to symbolise two different aspects of both characters. Shouji believes that being gay makes him "dirty," while Hama believes that being homeless is what makes him "dirty". Once they meet each other they realize the other isn't as dirty as they perceive themselves. Shouji noted that Hama has a kind heart and upstanding morals while Hama notices that shouji is a sweet person who's willing to help anybody no matter the situation. With this revelation they care for one another trying to help the other person see past what society labeled them as.
June 3, 2021
Although the ending was rushed, it’s nice for a change that this Yaoi story is about a homeless man and a liquor shopkeeper, both were cute :)
July 23, 2021
***Thoughts after reading***
That was so much fun! Every side character made me laugh. The little kids were my absolute favourite though!
Sidenote: The topic it touched upon was homelessness. I don't know how Japanese people look at that but I do know that they are much more community-based instead of individual-based which I feel my culture is. It must make being homeless worse? I don't know if what I'm saying is true but for a culture where people normally don't try to stand out, and is family based, being homeless must be a certain kind of extra awful. I don't know, in my country, in theory, no one should have to be homeless. There are recourses everyone can acces. But I also know that reality doesn't work that way and our bureaucracy is such a barrier, that even perfectly 'well-adjusted' people run into problems. Let alone people who are dealing with a stressful situation.
I didn't expect to laugh at a manga that touch upon such a hard topic. I can't say it was handled well. It was too easily solved for that but I'm glad it didn't though. I can't handle those hard hitting topics very well.
***Read for the Manga Olympics Reading Challenge***
Runs from Friday July 23 to Sunday August 8
The person responsible for this challenge is Christy Lou on YouTube . They announced this challenge in their Manga Olympics Reading Challenge! | Announcement video. They have made a lovely bingo board which you can find on their Twitter
CHALLENGES
Complete 5 Challenges for a Bronze Medal
Complete 8 Challenges for a Silver Medal
Complete all 17 Challenges for a Gold Medal
I’ll try to read a different manga for every prompt but I don’t know how successful I’ll be. I’ve read this manga for the prompt:
14. Volleyball: Read a manga you've been excited for
That was so much fun! Every side character made me laugh. The little kids were my absolute favourite though!
Sidenote: The topic it touched upon was homelessness. I don't know how Japanese people look at that but I do know that they are much more community-based instead of individual-based which I feel my culture is. It must make being homeless worse? I don't know if what I'm saying is true but for a culture where people normally don't try to stand out, and is family based, being homeless must be a certain kind of extra awful. I don't know, in my country, in theory, no one should have to be homeless. There are recourses everyone can acces. But I also know that reality doesn't work that way and our bureaucracy is such a barrier, that even perfectly 'well-adjusted' people run into problems. Let alone people who are dealing with a stressful situation.
I didn't expect to laugh at a manga that touch upon such a hard topic. I can't say it was handled well. It was too easily solved for that but I'm glad it didn't though. I can't handle those hard hitting topics very well.
***Read for the Manga Olympics Reading Challenge***
Runs from Friday July 23 to Sunday August 8
The person responsible for this challenge is Christy Lou on YouTube . They announced this challenge in their Manga Olympics Reading Challenge! | Announcement video. They have made a lovely bingo board which you can find on their Twitter
CHALLENGES
Complete 5 Challenges for a Bronze Medal
Complete 8 Challenges for a Silver Medal
Complete all 17 Challenges for a Gold Medal
I’ll try to read a different manga for every prompt but I don’t know how successful I’ll be. I’ve read this manga for the prompt:
14. Volleyball: Read a manga you've been excited for
1. Triathlon: Read a whole Series
Love in Limbo by Haji, vol.1 and Love in Limbo by Haji, vol.2
2. Swimming: Read a Sports manga
High School Debut (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 1 by Kawahara, Kazune
3. Track & Field: Read a Short series (4 vols or less!)
Escape Journey, Vol. 1 by Ogeretsu, Tanaka, Escape Journey, Vol. 2 by Ogeretsu, Tanaka, and Escape Journey, Vol. 3 by Ogeretsu, Tanaka
4. Sailing: A manga that gives you summer vibes
Love Hina, Vol. 01 by Akamatsu, Ken
5. Gymnastics: Read a manga with a female main character
BL Metamorphosis, Vol. 1 by Tsurutani, Kaori
6. Taekwondo: Read an Action Manga
Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 7 by Arakawa, Hiromu
7. Tokyo 2020: Read a manga set in Tokyo
Manga to come
8. Skateboarding: Read a new release
BL Metamorphosis, Vol. 3 by Tsurutani, Kaori. Published in December 2020 and I’m counting a half year as a ‘new release’.
9. Fencing: Read a fantasy manga
Revolutionary Girl Utena Complete Deluxe Box Set, second volume by Saitō Chiho
10. Table Tennis: Read a manga recommended by a Manga content creator
Spy x Family, Vol. 1. I needed an easy recommendation and it just so happened the moment I was looking for one the YouTuber Swiss Bohemian recommended this series in their I like 'em, those japanese comics! (manga collection video tour 4K) video. So I’ll just re-read this volume for this challenge.
11. Shooting: Read something outside your comfort zone
Chobits 20th Anniversary Edition, vol. 1 by CLAMP
12. Rugby: Read a Shonen/Seinen
Love Hina, Vol. 02 by Akamatsu, Ken
13. Cycling: Read a Shojo/Josei
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Vol. 1 by Shiina, Karuho
15. Archery: Read an underrated Manga
BL Metamorphosis, Vol. 2 by Tsurutani, Kaori
16. Weightlifting: Read the manga that's been on your TBR the longest
Princess Ai: Ultimate Edition by Kujiradō, Misaho
17. Softball: A manga that features an ensemble cast
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Vol 2 by Fujita
December 4, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this manga in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
I feel like when it comes to manga, you have to "judge" them with a different yardstick from the one you'd use for a Western novel.
I live in Japan, currently, but I'm a foreigner.
I see these attitudes (the ones towards Hama's homelessness and Shouji's homosexuality) even in the metropolis all the time, so it wasn't something that was alien or even particularly shocking to me. Sad? Absolutely -- but not shocking.
This manga does its part to address those issues, though I think they're too complicated or broad to deal with in just one volume. At least they get accepted by the people who matter?
I think Shouji's a nice person who's too trusting and fell in love far too easily, and Hama did his best to come off as cold and uncaring. Still. They love each other. They're happy. Life's good.
The ending was incredibly rushed, though. "Hama dealt with the legal problems of the homeless in [town name] and is now called their saviour online."
Come on.
Really?
Anyway, it's a nice manga. Don't compare it to Western m/m books.
3.5 stars
I feel like when it comes to manga, you have to "judge" them with a different yardstick from the one you'd use for a Western novel.
I live in Japan, currently, but I'm a foreigner.
I see these attitudes (the ones towards Hama's homelessness and Shouji's homosexuality) even in the metropolis all the time, so it wasn't something that was alien or even particularly shocking to me. Sad? Absolutely -- but not shocking.
This manga does its part to address those issues, though I think they're too complicated or broad to deal with in just one volume. At least they get accepted by the people who matter?
I think Shouji's a nice person who's too trusting and fell in love far too easily, and Hama did his best to come off as cold and uncaring. Still. They love each other. They're happy. Life's good.
The ending was incredibly rushed, though. "Hama dealt with the legal problems of the homeless in [town name] and is now called their saviour online."
Come on.
Really?
Anyway, it's a nice manga. Don't compare it to Western m/m books.
January 20, 2020
This was honestly too cute. I've been wanting to read this for a while but it's been a hassle getting a hold of an app that can read the file type
December 29, 2019
Shoji is heartbroken when he realises that his boyfriend doesn't really love him. His boyfriend has simply been experimenting and using Shoji to see what it is like to be in a relationship with a man.
Shoji is heartbroken by his boyfriend's callous behaviour but these difficulties do not stop him from showing compassion to a homeless man called Hama.
Shoji works in his dad's shop and also helps out at his elderly neighbour's shop. As Shoji works out the pain of his broken heart he comes to appreciate the people around him such as the kids who come to buy their snacks in the old mans's shop, the old man himself and his own dad, even though his dad posts everything about Shoji's life on line and doesn't really help that much in the shop.
As Shoji takes care of others in his life he begins to care for Hama the homeless man even though the man is dirty and very smelly. Shoji watches the way that people shun and ignore Hama and he decides to go against the grain and show compassion and care.
Eventually Shoji's compassion and care grow into love and attraction but Hama doesn't appear to be able to return these feelings and Shoji continues to do good to the people around him, nurse his broken heart and ignore his growing attraction for Hama.
Meanwhile there are all sorts of other things happening. Shoji's old neighbour can't manage his shop and so his son decides to close the shop, but Shoji decides to resist that. Someone else is stealing from the shop and trying to blame Hama for the theft and Shoji intervenes and then there are the people of the town who follow Shoji's love life with interest because they have seen the details from twitter (Shoji's dad). This is a great book because there are little stories within the overall story and they bring the manga to vibrant life.
Shoji thinks he is dirty because of his attraction to men and here he is attracted to someone who is physically dirty but who deserves love and compassion like any other person. Shoji has to navigate the desires of his heart whilst managing his shop, his neighbour's shop and doing his best to discourage his dad from posting Shoji's private life on line.
And Shoji has to learn to love and appreciate himself and who he is.
This is a really enjoyable story with humour and lots of well developed characters and great artwork. I really enjoyed reading it and manga fans who enjoy stories about same sex relationships will enjoy this one.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 21, 2020
I've received an e-ARC of this manga by publisher through Netgalley in exchange for honest review.
Navegando por las ofertas de NetGalley me topé con varios títulos de manga Shounen Ai disponibles que, milagrosamente, aún no he leído (cosa rara, la verdad). Este título en particular tenía una trama interesante: el romance entre un vagabundo y el dependiente de una tienda.
El ritmo de lectura es muy rápido, la historia es interesante aunque mucho menos romántica de lo que me esperaba. Y es que la trama, más que en el amor entre nuestros protagonsitas, se centra más en los prejuicios de la sociedad en sí mismo.
Por un lado la historia tiene, cómo no, los prejuicios que la sociedad japonesa (aunque podría extrapolarse a cualquier país) tiene hacia los homosexuales. Shouji, que trabaja en la licorería de su padre y ayuda en la tienda de al lado, es abiertamente gay y todos en el vecindario lo saben. Por suerte para él, nadie lo discrimina por ello y puede ser sincero sobre su sexualidad. Pero mantener relaciones sentimentales no es tan sencillo, y vive en carne propia el rechazo de sus parejas que, más allá que sexo pasajero, no están dispuestos a mantener abiertamente una relación con un hombre.
Por otro lado, tenemos el factor Hama, nuestro otro protagonista que, como ya dije anteriormente, es vagabundo. Todos los vecinos lo miran de reojo y murmullan a su paso, llamándolo sucio y juzgándolo por su apariencia sucia y desarreglada. Shouji, en cambio, cuando empieza a entrar en contacto con él, se va dando cuenta poco a poco de que más allá de esa faceta se oculta un hombre honesto y sincero que no merece ese trato por parte de quienes lo rodean.
Me ha encantado cómo trata estos temas, con el añadido de los personajes secundarios que son todos muy divertiods y cariñosos con Shouji. Aunque si lo que os apetece es un romance como tal, no serí a la opción más indicada pues este aspecto es muy pero que muy secundario para la historia.
Navegando por las ofertas de NetGalley me topé con varios títulos de manga Shounen Ai disponibles que, milagrosamente, aún no he leído (cosa rara, la verdad). Este título en particular tenía una trama interesante: el romance entre un vagabundo y el dependiente de una tienda.
El ritmo de lectura es muy rápido, la historia es interesante aunque mucho menos romántica de lo que me esperaba. Y es que la trama, más que en el amor entre nuestros protagonsitas, se centra más en los prejuicios de la sociedad en sí mismo.
Por un lado la historia tiene, cómo no, los prejuicios que la sociedad japonesa (aunque podría extrapolarse a cualquier país) tiene hacia los homosexuales. Shouji, que trabaja en la licorería de su padre y ayuda en la tienda de al lado, es abiertamente gay y todos en el vecindario lo saben. Por suerte para él, nadie lo discrimina por ello y puede ser sincero sobre su sexualidad. Pero mantener relaciones sentimentales no es tan sencillo, y vive en carne propia el rechazo de sus parejas que, más allá que sexo pasajero, no están dispuestos a mantener abiertamente una relación con un hombre.
Por otro lado, tenemos el factor Hama, nuestro otro protagonista que, como ya dije anteriormente, es vagabundo. Todos los vecinos lo miran de reojo y murmullan a su paso, llamándolo sucio y juzgándolo por su apariencia sucia y desarreglada. Shouji, en cambio, cuando empieza a entrar en contacto con él, se va dando cuenta poco a poco de que más allá de esa faceta se oculta un hombre honesto y sincero que no merece ese trato por parte de quienes lo rodean.
Me ha encantado cómo trata estos temas, con el añadido de los personajes secundarios que son todos muy divertiods y cariñosos con Shouji. Aunque si lo que os apetece es un romance como tal, no serí a la opción más indicada pues este aspecto es muy pero que muy secundario para la historia.
July 6, 2022
“I don’t want to be someone who would ever hurt you.”
3.5 stars. Short little one shot about a young man coming to terms with being gay and the negative feelings a lot of people have about it, as he gets closer to a homeless man in his neighbourhood. They both get called 'dirty' for different reasons, and a slow friendship begins to form. I really loved the aspect of found family, with Old Man Kaji and all the kids that came to the store; that was super sweet. It was a little too simplistic, and while I'm super glad for a narrative that loudly say 'homeless people are human too', I definitely wanted it to go a little further than just that, lol. There was also a fatphobic side-bit that was very tiresome and very disappointing. But as for the romance, I thought it was really sweet and as realistic as you could get for something this short. The visual medium really helped, especially with the emotional climax.
Pretty cute. Kudos.
September 25, 2021
This is cute, but there's something that seems slightly problematic about it? Like nothing I can outright call out just the whole like homeless thing seems treated oddly. Feels just a little romanticized, but anyway. I thought their romance was cute and I liked how Shouji is just gay and has always been gay and there's no "I'm straight, but I like you." (Actually I don't remember if Hama says that? I don't think he does...) I liked Shouji and Hama and this was an entertaining read. I was also reading this interlaced with Don't Call Me Daddy since the timelines kind of mix.
February 8, 2020
Great detailed art, lovely characters, nice story... and a wonderfully shy love story that isn't too dominant.
April 6, 2022
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
September 8, 2022
Wholesome and sweet. Loved the social issues it dealt with. Especially the homelessness.
January 3, 2024
Why are all the good mangas always this short? I swear I need at least 50 more chapters to feel satiated.
October 29, 2024
4.5* stars.
July 26, 2021
Super sweet unconventional pair
I really enjoyed this manga. Both main characters are super adorable, and make you want to root for them. Be warned there is a time skip that isn’t super well defined, but is important to the plot. I was able to puzzle through what happened, so it’s not too big a deal. Overall, I’m excited to read the next one!
I really enjoyed this manga. Both main characters are super adorable, and make you want to root for them. Be warned there is a time skip that isn’t super well defined, but is important to the plot. I was able to puzzle through what happened, so it’s not too big a deal. Overall, I’m excited to read the next one!
December 3, 2019
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This is a stand alone story told in several chapters about life in a small town in Japan. The story focuses on boyish adult Shoji mostly but also brings in a host of small town characters. The plot is about what you would expect, though perhaps not with a focus on finding a hot guy in a homeless man so much as village life and getting over prejudices. The title refers both to homeless young man "Hama" as well as gay young adult Shoji - both of whom were called 'dirty' for different reasons.Story: After graduating school, Shoji opted to work in his father's liquor store. But most of his time is spent helping an elderly man (who naps most of the day on the job) with his old fashioned snack kiosk next door. As Shoji's relationship with a hetero man who was 'exploring' begins to unravel, Shoji is heartbroken. At the same time, he began to help a dirty and smelly homeless man who showed up now and then to purchase a snack at the shop. Shoji sees a quiet goodness in the homeless man and begins to fall for him, surprising everyone. But is he just rebounding? Or compounding his poor discretion in men?
Our homeless man, Hama, plays a fairly small part though he is seen in quite a few pages. He represents pathos and his quiet stoicism is a counterbalance to Shoji's energy and lack of ambition. Hama doesn't go through a character arc - he remains the 'smelly and dirty' homeless man (those attributes are over emphasized throughout) until near the end. Instead, the story is really about Hama, about changing attitudes toward small towns and sensibilities, and about how redemption comes in unusual forms.
The cover makes Shoji look a bit manipulative but really he is portrayed throughout the book as a pushover and nice guy. There are lovely scenes of him interacting with the local village kids, with his internet-obsessed but pragmatic father, with a rude teen who comes by the shop randomly to be a jerk, and the father of the elderly shop owner. Each is quite quirky and interacts in different ways with both Shoji and with Hama. It is a very gentle story.
This is more of a slice-of-life story than a dramatic one. It's about Shoji recognizing that his 'boyfriend' was just experimenting and not serious (and a jerk) and also about Hama coming to accept the help of others. It's about small town life and the disappearing small snack stores as well as modern parenting in small towns. So there is a bit of nostalgia, especially for Japanese, and a sweet 'homey' feel for those who did not grow up in Japan. At the same time, not much happens, the story moves at a glacial pace, and Shoji is the boring typical uke - almost childlike, genki, over emotional, and very cliche. His immediate attachment to Hama (despite the dirt and smell) did not feel realistic at all.
So although the plot moves slowly, not much happens, and the characters felt far too over-idealized, it is a quick and pleasant read. The artwork is fine and the characters easy to identify. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews