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The Cat Proposed
Matoi Souta is an overworked office worker tired of his life. Then, on his way home from a long day of work one day, he decides to watch a traditional Japanese play. But something strange happens. He could have sworn he saw one of the actors has cat ears.
It turns out that the man is actually a bakeneko — a shapeshifting cat from Japanese folklore. And then, the cat "From now on, you will be my mate."
It turns out that the man is actually a bakeneko — a shapeshifting cat from Japanese folklore. And then, the cat "From now on, you will be my mate."
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2020
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August 6, 2022
3.5
Souta - một "nô lệ của công việc" sau một hôm tan làm mệt mỏi phát hiện và bước vào một sân khấu kịch Koudan. Lôi cuốn trước giọng kể của nghệ nhân Koudan, Kihachi, Souta lại trông thấy trông thấy Kihachi bỗng nhiên biến thành quái mèo?! Từ đây, Souta phải kết duyên với Kihachi, và cậu biết được một giống loài gọi là "Quái mèo".
Đầu tiên là mình vốn không thích những câu chuyện tình giữa người và một thứ-gì-đó-có-vẻ-là-người... chỉ là mình thấy nó hơi kỳ nên mình thường không đọc. Nhưng ở Quái Mèo Độc Tấu , ít nhất chàng quái mèo Kihachi cũng có hộ khẩu (dù mình thắc mắc làm sao anh ta có), nên vẫn gọi là chấp nhận.
"Nghe này chim sẻ. Tuy những câu chuyện tôi kể chỉ là hư cấu, nhưng cuộc đời của cậu là có thật, và cậu chỉ được sống đúng một lần thôi. Vì thế chớ có sống chỉ để làm việc, mà hãy làm việc để sống nhé."
Mình thích cách quyển manga này có hướng đến thực tế. Souta luôn mệt mỏi vì công việc lúc nào cũng chồng chất, thậm chí một ngày nghỉ phép cũng khó khăn, và trong thoáng chóc Kouta cũng nghĩ đến tự sát. Yếu tố fantasy hay sự xuất hiện của Kihahi là sự cứu rỗi cho cuộc sống của Souta.
Cách tác giả tạo nên "Thế giới của quái mèo" cũng thú vị và làm mình nhớ một vài phim hoạt hình lúc nhỏ hay xem. Nhưng thật đáng tiếc... dù thật sự đây là một câu chuyện có thực tế, hay tình yêu mang đến những điều kỳ diệu; nhưng mình cảm thấy diễn biến truyện vẫn nằm ở mức bình thường và quá nhanh, khiến mình không cảm nhận được điều gì nhiều ở Souta và Kihachi. Kể cả nhìn cái bìa mình đã mong chờ điều gì đó ở nét vẽ, ngoài việc mấy biểu cảm mèo dễ thương, thì nét vẽ cũng không hợp gu mình.
May 8, 2022
The blurb makes this sound like the manga equivalent of one of those "fated mate" romances, filled with uncontrollable attraction and sexytimes. That's almost the opposite of the tone here -- two people meet and realize they are connected by an affinity, a sympathy that is explicitly presented as emotional or spiritual, not necessarily sexual. In fact, **spoiler** there isn't really any sex in this book, although it's clear at the end that they intend to have sex.
This is a sweet but melancholy story. Souta is overworked and lonely, to the point that TW . The bakeneko also seems somewhat lonely or sad, partly due to his long life. We learn late in the story that he was once an ordinary pet cat and
They are both hesitant to express their feelings or impose on each other, which leads to misunderstandings.
I liked (as a character -- in real life he'd be really annoying!) the giggly bakeneko who chose working in a bathhouse over his other career goal of being a private eye. I hope there's a follow-up volume for him.
This is a sweet but melancholy story. Souta is overworked and lonely, to the point that TW . The bakeneko also seems somewhat lonely or sad, partly due to his long life. We learn late in the story that he was once an ordinary pet cat and
They are both hesitant to express their feelings or impose on each other, which leads to misunderstandings.
I liked (as a character -- in real life he'd be really annoying!) the giggly bakeneko who chose working in a bathhouse over his other career goal of being a private eye. I hope there's a follow-up volume for him.
October 18, 2024
Five stars aren’t even enough for this beautiful masterpiece!! I felt anguish and cried, but I also smiled and felt the tremendous love between those two. It’s a must read for everyone!!
This story tackles a lot of heavy subjects in a beautiful way, including overwork/burnout, declining health due to stress, suicidal ideation, fear of the unknown, loss, & death, and even erectile dysfunction. They’re an adorable couple, the side characters are hilarious, and the healing is so gratifying to see, especially how our Bakeneko dotes on his sparrow 💕
This story tackles a lot of heavy subjects in a beautiful way, including overwork/burnout, declining health due to stress, suicidal ideation, fear of the unknown, loss, & death, and even erectile dysfunction. They’re an adorable couple, the side characters are hilarious, and the healing is so gratifying to see, especially how our Bakeneko dotes on his sparrow 💕
January 27, 2021
Oh my god, this was cute. I may have been leery about trusting Tokyopop again as a publisher, but they have been knocking it out of the park with their BL releases. Consider them back in my good graces - especially if sweet, affirming romances like this one become their stock in trade.
February 22, 2021
I received this book from Netgalley/publisher in exchange of an honest review.
OMG, this was just such a swoony and adorable read and I loved every bit of it. I was already hoping this would be fantastic so I am so happy that it was!
Meet Souta, a man who is totally dead tired and thinking about just ending it all. My heart just broke for him. It is not the first manga character who works too hard, whose work just makes him totally dead inside, but each time I see one of them my heart just cries that these things are apparently so normal in a country. Thankfully, Souta decides not to commit suicide and it is good he didn’t because otherwise he wouldn’t have met Kihachi and then we wouldn’t have this beautiful romance story.
Well OK, at first it is quite awkward between the two. Kihachi isn’t all too happy that he was spotted as a Bakaneko and kind of forces Souta to be his mate or be cursed. But we also learn that they have high compatibility, high energy between them. And later we learn even more about Kihachi and why he flipped into his cat mode. Haha, no I won’t tell you, you will have to read this book yourself.
Kihachi and Souta are such wonderful characters. Kihachi and his origin story and how he loves to tell stories (and how while being human is still very much a cat). Souta who is trying to find a better balance in life and figuring out that you don’t have to work yourself to death to be a good part of society. I loved his new plans for life.
At times I was a bit frustrated with this relationship. We could clearly see that these two have a connection, a spark. But Kihachi keeps treating Souta as a kid, as someone who needs help. Well Souta, well clearly wants something different. He doesn’t want to be treated like this. And I could imagine. While caring and being protective is good, especially given how close to death Souta was, Kihachi just went too far and should instead just have given plenty of hugs and maybe some more kisses. Hint, hint. 😉
There is some drama about the above that was well written. Often in romance/Lgbt I am just not a fan of the drama, but it fitted the story and I was proud that our couple got a chance to really really chat. Show their feelings. Get all those cropped up things out.
We also meet several other characters as the story continues. Like granny who is the boss of a ryoukan and who makes sure that bakanekos don’t get found out, she does the contracts and some other things. I was instantly charmed by this lady. She seems tough, but she just cares a lot. And then there is the Ryokan cat who was silly and enthusiastic, but also maybe a tad annoying. I did think it was sweet how he was rooting for our couple.
The ending was just the sweetest~ I also love the last chapter which gives us something very sexy. Oh yes!
This book made me laugh, swoon, and even cry at times because I was so invested in the story, in the characters. This couple is one you will root for. One that you will love. Nya! Fantastic art. I would highly recommend it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
OMG, this was just such a swoony and adorable read and I loved every bit of it. I was already hoping this would be fantastic so I am so happy that it was!
Meet Souta, a man who is totally dead tired and thinking about just ending it all. My heart just broke for him. It is not the first manga character who works too hard, whose work just makes him totally dead inside, but each time I see one of them my heart just cries that these things are apparently so normal in a country. Thankfully, Souta decides not to commit suicide and it is good he didn’t because otherwise he wouldn’t have met Kihachi and then we wouldn’t have this beautiful romance story.
Well OK, at first it is quite awkward between the two. Kihachi isn’t all too happy that he was spotted as a Bakaneko and kind of forces Souta to be his mate or be cursed. But we also learn that they have high compatibility, high energy between them. And later we learn even more about Kihachi and why he flipped into his cat mode. Haha, no I won’t tell you, you will have to read this book yourself.
Kihachi and Souta are such wonderful characters. Kihachi and his origin story and how he loves to tell stories (and how while being human is still very much a cat). Souta who is trying to find a better balance in life and figuring out that you don’t have to work yourself to death to be a good part of society. I loved his new plans for life.
At times I was a bit frustrated with this relationship. We could clearly see that these two have a connection, a spark. But Kihachi keeps treating Souta as a kid, as someone who needs help. Well Souta, well clearly wants something different. He doesn’t want to be treated like this. And I could imagine. While caring and being protective is good, especially given how close to death Souta was, Kihachi just went too far and should instead just have given plenty of hugs and maybe some more kisses. Hint, hint. 😉
There is some drama about the above that was well written. Often in romance/Lgbt I am just not a fan of the drama, but it fitted the story and I was proud that our couple got a chance to really really chat. Show their feelings. Get all those cropped up things out.
We also meet several other characters as the story continues. Like granny who is the boss of a ryoukan and who makes sure that bakanekos don’t get found out, she does the contracts and some other things. I was instantly charmed by this lady. She seems tough, but she just cares a lot. And then there is the Ryokan cat who was silly and enthusiastic, but also maybe a tad annoying. I did think it was sweet how he was rooting for our couple.
The ending was just the sweetest~ I also love the last chapter which gives us something very sexy. Oh yes!
This book made me laugh, swoon, and even cry at times because I was so invested in the story, in the characters. This couple is one you will root for. One that you will love. Nya! Fantastic art. I would highly recommend it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
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October 23, 2023I was uncertain when I ordered this what the content would be like. I thought it might veer into non-con territory with the cat stalking Souta or trying to forcibly seduce him. It's actually not like that at all! This is a sensitive story about two lonely, tired, rather sad people finding each other and gently
renewing one another's sense of life and hope.
This has almost zero sexual content, just some pining and a couple kisses. It's clear they are going to have sex, but that's happening off-page after the story ends (there's a tease about their wedding night at the back, but it's not very graphic). It seemed fairly respectful of asexuality, which makes a nice change.
Also, some quite interesting background about history, traditional story-telling forms, and mythology.
renewing one another's sense of life and hope.
This has almost zero sexual content, just some pining and a couple kisses. It's clear they are going to have sex, but that's happening off-page after the story ends (there's a tease about their wedding night at the back, but it's not very graphic). It seemed fairly respectful of asexuality, which makes a nice change.
Also, some quite interesting background about history, traditional story-telling forms, and mythology.
March 10, 2021
I absolutely love this manga!! It was so cute and the premise was very intriguing. I love mythologies and the legend of bakeneko is fascinating. I was super excited to read a manga with this theme!!
Kihachi and Shouta were so damn adorable together. Though they are completely different, their chemistry is undeniable. I could sometimes really connect to Shouta, the exhaustion and how being alive doesn't mean you're really living. I feel that the author did a good job conveying these feelings.
The art is so beautiful and I really like how well paced it is. I'd highly recommend this if you want something short, cute and heartwarming. I would love to see more books set in this world, especially more of the bakeneko community!
CW: mentions of suicide
*ARC provided by the publisher by Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Kihachi and Shouta were so damn adorable together. Though they are completely different, their chemistry is undeniable. I could sometimes really connect to Shouta, the exhaustion and how being alive doesn't mean you're really living. I feel that the author did a good job conveying these feelings.
The art is so beautiful and I really like how well paced it is. I'd highly recommend this if you want something short, cute and heartwarming. I would love to see more books set in this world, especially more of the bakeneko community!
CW: mentions of suicide
*ARC provided by the publisher by Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
January 24, 2021
ARC was given by NetGalley and LOVE x LOVE in exchange for an honest review.
This review is being published before the release date (February 23rd, 2021)
Content/Trigger Warnings: Suicidal ideation and mentions of attempted suicide
It’s very easy for me to fall in love with a manga and The Cat Proposed is no exception! I fell head over heels in love with the manga. Despite the dark themes of this book, I really enjoyed my time reading it. I really wish we would see more of this book or see it turned into a series. I’ve always loved the lore and mythology of the bakeneko of Japanese culture and knowing this manga exists, ugh, it filled my heart with so much warmth and excitement.
Our story follows Souta Matoi, a company worker, who’s contemplating suicide because nothing has changed, his life seems to be stuck in a terrible loop. Living the same routine day in and day out, overworked by his company, a deep exhaustion has set into his bones and he desperately wants to make a change. Then one fateful night Souta decides to change the routine by going to a kōdan storytelling. And that’s when his whole world begins to change. Starting with meeting Kihachi, the kōdan storyteller.
I really loved the way the author portrayed Souta and Kihachi. Though they seem like absolute polar opposites of one another, the chemistry between them is perfection. Souta is very timid and bashful, has a hard time expressing how they feel, declaring what they want. Whereas Kihachi is the opposite. Not only is Kahachi a bakeneko, but he’s very upfront about what he wants and direct with how things will work between one another. Also, they’re both sensitive beings who care very deeply for others. They’re both the type of people who puts everyone before their needs. And they just balance each other out so well. There’s some really hilarious side characters we get to meet as well. Yamabuki is absolutely hilarious and I enjoyed the little pokes of fun he has with Kihachi. Also, he’s a lover of stories like Kihachi is and somehow, between all their banter, you can tell they’re long-time friends!
If you haven’t guessed already, this manga involves Japanese mythology and folklore. Bakeneko appear a lot throughout Japanese history and culture. From works of literature and landmarks all the way to famous legends, bakeneko have played a role in Japan’s mythology and folklore. Most commonly found within the Endo period, but don’t quote me on that since there’s a chance they appeared during the Kamakura period with the nekomata, since they’re so similar. But I really loved how the author took that mythology and knowledge to weave their own tale. I think the author did a fantastic job of bringing to life the world of bakeneko and finding a way to encourage the reader to learn more about this mythology.
While I know it’s a dark turn of things, I want to take a moment to pause and appreciate the way the author wrote about suicide in this book. I think the author did really well at talking about what it means to be suicidal, to have suicidal thoughts, and to feel such a bone deep exhaustion that’s almost suffocating. And on top of that, I love how the author made sure to show how one person can save us from and how important little acts of kindness, endearment can truly make a difference. I thought it was beautifully and respectfully written.
Overall, I just really loved this manga. I truly wish the author would consider turning this into a series because I have no doubt that I would purchase the whole series for my manga collection. I loved it so, so much! I adored the characters, I really wanted to see more of the bakeneko community and their world. There’s so much untapped potential with this one book and honestly, I want more. I’m excited to see what this author will do next and I’m so glad I got to read an arc of this manga early.
The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
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This review is being published before the release date (February 23rd, 2021)
Content/Trigger Warnings: Suicidal ideation and mentions of attempted suicide
“That day… I took a story by the hand.”
It’s very easy for me to fall in love with a manga and The Cat Proposed is no exception! I fell head over heels in love with the manga. Despite the dark themes of this book, I really enjoyed my time reading it. I really wish we would see more of this book or see it turned into a series. I’ve always loved the lore and mythology of the bakeneko of Japanese culture and knowing this manga exists, ugh, it filled my heart with so much warmth and excitement.
“We may be completely different, but I still want you.”
Our story follows Souta Matoi, a company worker, who’s contemplating suicide because nothing has changed, his life seems to be stuck in a terrible loop. Living the same routine day in and day out, overworked by his company, a deep exhaustion has set into his bones and he desperately wants to make a change. Then one fateful night Souta decides to change the routine by going to a kōdan storytelling. And that’s when his whole world begins to change. Starting with meeting Kihachi, the kōdan storyteller.
I really loved the way the author portrayed Souta and Kihachi. Though they seem like absolute polar opposites of one another, the chemistry between them is perfection. Souta is very timid and bashful, has a hard time expressing how they feel, declaring what they want. Whereas Kihachi is the opposite. Not only is Kahachi a bakeneko, but he’s very upfront about what he wants and direct with how things will work between one another. Also, they’re both sensitive beings who care very deeply for others. They’re both the type of people who puts everyone before their needs. And they just balance each other out so well. There’s some really hilarious side characters we get to meet as well. Yamabuki is absolutely hilarious and I enjoyed the little pokes of fun he has with Kihachi. Also, he’s a lover of stories like Kihachi is and somehow, between all their banter, you can tell they’re long-time friends!
“The light in the darkness is twinkling beautifully.”
If you haven’t guessed already, this manga involves Japanese mythology and folklore. Bakeneko appear a lot throughout Japanese history and culture. From works of literature and landmarks all the way to famous legends, bakeneko have played a role in Japan’s mythology and folklore. Most commonly found within the Endo period, but don’t quote me on that since there’s a chance they appeared during the Kamakura period with the nekomata, since they’re so similar. But I really loved how the author took that mythology and knowledge to weave their own tale. I think the author did a fantastic job of bringing to life the world of bakeneko and finding a way to encourage the reader to learn more about this mythology.
While I know it’s a dark turn of things, I want to take a moment to pause and appreciate the way the author wrote about suicide in this book. I think the author did really well at talking about what it means to be suicidal, to have suicidal thoughts, and to feel such a bone deep exhaustion that’s almost suffocating. And on top of that, I love how the author made sure to show how one person can save us from and how important little acts of kindness, endearment can truly make a difference. I thought it was beautifully and respectfully written.
Overall, I just really loved this manga. I truly wish the author would consider turning this into a series because I have no doubt that I would purchase the whole series for my manga collection. I loved it so, so much! I adored the characters, I really wanted to see more of the bakeneko community and their world. There’s so much untapped potential with this one book and honestly, I want more. I’m excited to see what this author will do next and I’m so glad I got to read an arc of this manga early.
The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
Blog|Instagram|YouTube|Twitch|Ko-fi
October 15, 2024
I loved the story/concept for this one and their relationship together was so cute! Definitely recommend!
January 28, 2021
The Cat Proposed by Dento Hanye is a riveting story about two people who are specifically different but finding themselves fill in each other's void with a blossoming love that hardly anyone could achieve but them. It's a sweet kind of love that tethers to a linked fate in which you will undoubtedly cherish their relationship on and on.
All's started when Matoi Souta, a deprived workaholic, who's always consumed by suicidal thoughts, begin to think that there's no valid reason for him to live again. These thoughts slowly eating him from the inside by embedding the nauseating line on his mind that everything will be at ease if he were to end his life. Get run yourself by a train then poof - you're in afterlife, easy right? Fortunately, the fate leads him to walk away from the brink of death to the Kodan Storytelling. Little did he know, his plight all this time slowly unravels when he comes across the storyteller, a Bakaneko to be exact, a shapeshifting cat whom people believe it's a myth but actually he's living among us for real.
Bakaneko is a Japanese Folklore that I've never heard so it's such a blessing to be able to read this. In this story, we're introduced that Bakaneko has its own community with a few adamant rules. To whoever breaks the rule shall face a death sentence. One of the renowned rules is that they must never allow humans to know about them. From here on, Hayane successfully created a conflict between Souta, a human and Kihachi, a Bakaneko. Considering both of them are practically different, they begin to harbour doubts that this relationship won't make it. However, the plot is coordinated nicely. Suffice to say, readers would be absolutely enticed by a pure love ignited between Souta and Kihachi.
Character-wise, every character Hayane has coined is absolutely mesmerising as all of them are likeable. Souta's characteristic is soft and gullible, perhaps it stems from the struggles he has with his life. On the other hand, Kihachi is a strong and optimistic one but who knows on the inside that he's struggling too. Through the course of the story, their character arcs are getting better and very well-developed.
Hayane's spellbinding recreation of this folklore brings about the meaning of life, the beauty of redemption and the definition of a true love. I recommend this manga to those who seek out for these values.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the e-arc of The Cat Proposed in exchange for my honest review.
This review can be found on my blog: Tirabookreviews
Link:
https://tirabookreviews.blogspot.com/...
All's started when Matoi Souta, a deprived workaholic, who's always consumed by suicidal thoughts, begin to think that there's no valid reason for him to live again. These thoughts slowly eating him from the inside by embedding the nauseating line on his mind that everything will be at ease if he were to end his life. Get run yourself by a train then poof - you're in afterlife, easy right? Fortunately, the fate leads him to walk away from the brink of death to the Kodan Storytelling. Little did he know, his plight all this time slowly unravels when he comes across the storyteller, a Bakaneko to be exact, a shapeshifting cat whom people believe it's a myth but actually he's living among us for real.
Bakaneko is a Japanese Folklore that I've never heard so it's such a blessing to be able to read this. In this story, we're introduced that Bakaneko has its own community with a few adamant rules. To whoever breaks the rule shall face a death sentence. One of the renowned rules is that they must never allow humans to know about them. From here on, Hayane successfully created a conflict between Souta, a human and Kihachi, a Bakaneko. Considering both of them are practically different, they begin to harbour doubts that this relationship won't make it. However, the plot is coordinated nicely. Suffice to say, readers would be absolutely enticed by a pure love ignited between Souta and Kihachi.
Character-wise, every character Hayane has coined is absolutely mesmerising as all of them are likeable. Souta's characteristic is soft and gullible, perhaps it stems from the struggles he has with his life. On the other hand, Kihachi is a strong and optimistic one but who knows on the inside that he's struggling too. Through the course of the story, their character arcs are getting better and very well-developed.
Hayane's spellbinding recreation of this folklore brings about the meaning of life, the beauty of redemption and the definition of a true love. I recommend this manga to those who seek out for these values.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the e-arc of The Cat Proposed in exchange for my honest review.
This review can be found on my blog: Tirabookreviews
Link:
https://tirabookreviews.blogspot.com/...
January 20, 2021
~For full transperancy, just want to state that I got a free electronic verison of this manga through NetGalley and the Publishing company in exchange for a honest review~
When I saw the summary for this manga, I asked for this on a whim. It seem fun, quirky and a short read. And it was all three! This manga is only a little over 200 pages and it has some of the cutest characters one can meet.
Note, as this was a surprise for me, there is talk about suicide and sucidal thoughts. Its were minor but it is there so read at your own comfort please!
Souta is an overworked office worker that is seeking relief from the exhaustion that he is fighting against. Stumbling home one night, he slinks into a building to listen to a play before he continued his trek home. There he meets Kihachi, a storyteller with a small secret that unfortunately gets revealed and now...they’re married?
Overall this story is so cute! I will admit, with my two cats curled up in my lap, I was cooing and awwing as how cute Kihachi is towards Souta. I will fully admit that I am a sucker for a person in a relationship is sick and the other is doting and comforting and that is what this manga is full of.
Now, their relationship isn’t all roses. Kihachi is hiding something and Souta is worried that he will end up losing the man that he is starting to fall in love with. I don’t want to go into much more detail as that will spoil about 75% of the manga so that is all I can say.
Moving on, the art is awesome. Its in the typical Toykopop style that I personally love. I love how it is illustrated and the story itself is told very well but also concisely that 200 pages isn’t too long or too short. You aren’t left wondering what else can happen at the end, its like a little present wrapped up with a cute little bow.
I highly suggest this little cute nugget to anyone who loves a cute romance story. Its quirky, I will admit, but its also heartwarming and funny. Its a good little ‘curl up in the corner with a coffee’ and take an hour to themselves manga.
Needless to say, if a second volume comes out...I would buy it in a heartbeat and continue reading the story of this very cute couple.
When I saw the summary for this manga, I asked for this on a whim. It seem fun, quirky and a short read. And it was all three! This manga is only a little over 200 pages and it has some of the cutest characters one can meet.
Note, as this was a surprise for me, there is talk about suicide and sucidal thoughts. Its were minor but it is there so read at your own comfort please!
Souta is an overworked office worker that is seeking relief from the exhaustion that he is fighting against. Stumbling home one night, he slinks into a building to listen to a play before he continued his trek home. There he meets Kihachi, a storyteller with a small secret that unfortunately gets revealed and now...they’re married?
Overall this story is so cute! I will admit, with my two cats curled up in my lap, I was cooing and awwing as how cute Kihachi is towards Souta. I will fully admit that I am a sucker for a person in a relationship is sick and the other is doting and comforting and that is what this manga is full of.
Now, their relationship isn’t all roses. Kihachi is hiding something and Souta is worried that he will end up losing the man that he is starting to fall in love with. I don’t want to go into much more detail as that will spoil about 75% of the manga so that is all I can say.
Moving on, the art is awesome. Its in the typical Toykopop style that I personally love. I love how it is illustrated and the story itself is told very well but also concisely that 200 pages isn’t too long or too short. You aren’t left wondering what else can happen at the end, its like a little present wrapped up with a cute little bow.
I highly suggest this little cute nugget to anyone who loves a cute romance story. Its quirky, I will admit, but its also heartwarming and funny. Its a good little ‘curl up in the corner with a coffee’ and take an hour to themselves manga.
Needless to say, if a second volume comes out...I would buy it in a heartbeat and continue reading the story of this very cute couple.
January 10, 2021
This manga style shape shifter love story is very enjoyable with good artwork, as is expected from Tokyopop. Souta is exhausted, unhappy with work and on the verge of suicide. One evening on the spur of the moment he goes to watch a traditional Japanese story teller and there he realises that the storyteller is a bakeneko, a shape shifting cat.
The cat who is called Kihachi tells him they are mates and that they need to get married. They don't need to have conjugal relations, just live in the same house. Souta agrees because there is something about Kihachi that gives him life and strength and that is where this magical romance begins.
It is actually a nice gay romance story with serious undertones of love, humour, survival and magic and as the two men are drawn to each other the reader is drawn into this fairytale like story. I enjoyed the way the book is illustrated and the pace of the story. It was actually quite moving with a nice happy ending.
Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
The cat who is called Kihachi tells him they are mates and that they need to get married. They don't need to have conjugal relations, just live in the same house. Souta agrees because there is something about Kihachi that gives him life and strength and that is where this magical romance begins.
It is actually a nice gay romance story with serious undertones of love, humour, survival and magic and as the two men are drawn to each other the reader is drawn into this fairytale like story. I enjoyed the way the book is illustrated and the pace of the story. It was actually quite moving with a nice happy ending.
Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 6, 2022
Um what the hell. This took me completely by surprise. I was expecting a fun light story about a cat creature proposing to a human but like this was so much more than that.
Souta is a depressed, suicidal office worker who is on the brink of death. And he stumbles into a storyteller’s performance and he’s saved. Souta and Kihachi begin a relationship to hide the fact that Souta has discovered he is a bakeneko (cat spirit) because otherwise Souta would be killed.
Simple fake dating trope but the way this was executed really touched me. Especially with Souta’s feelings of hopelessness and emptiness, something I can unfortunately relate to. But the way their relationship developed and unfolded was so tender and honest that I literally geared up while reading it.
Genuinely loved this so so much.
Souta is a depressed, suicidal office worker who is on the brink of death. And he stumbles into a storyteller’s performance and he’s saved. Souta and Kihachi begin a relationship to hide the fact that Souta has discovered he is a bakeneko (cat spirit) because otherwise Souta would be killed.
Simple fake dating trope but the way this was executed really touched me. Especially with Souta’s feelings of hopelessness and emptiness, something I can unfortunately relate to. But the way their relationship developed and unfolded was so tender and honest that I literally geared up while reading it.
Genuinely loved this so so much.
April 27, 2024
For such a cute premise and cover, some of this content is pretty morbid.
MMC contemplates and is about to unalive himself before meeting love interest and the love interest's backstory involves his whole family getting murdered and him comforting sick children before they pass on.
Yeah. Shit goes dark. But the romance side is quite sweet! This isn't spicy by any means, but the fantasy aspect is nice! I enjoyed this a lot and I'm keen to read more by this author!
MMC contemplates and is about to unalive himself before meeting love interest and the love interest's backstory involves his whole family getting murdered and him comforting sick children before they pass on.
Yeah. Shit goes dark. But the romance side is quite sweet! This isn't spicy by any means, but the fantasy aspect is nice! I enjoyed this a lot and I'm keen to read more by this author!
February 15, 2021
Soft, fluffy, and cute manga! Loved it! Perfect paced, sugary that will give you a toothache!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the e-arc of The Cat Proposed in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the e-arc of The Cat Proposed in exchange for my honest review.
August 1, 2022
It's cute. Not life changing but adorable.
August 16, 2021
Souta is so overworked he's to the point of considering suicide. He snaps out of it, barely, and finds himself taking a detour to listen to a kodan storyteller. As the storyteller transitions to a story about a bakeneko, a type of supernatural cat that can transform into a human, Souta sees the storyteller briefly transform into a bakeneko. He figures it's just exhaustion, until the storyteller, Kihachi, confirms it and says that they're now both bound by bakeneko rules. Souta must agree to become Kihachi's mate and not reveal the existence of bakeneko to other humans, or both he and Kihachi will be killed.
I'll start by saying that, as a reader, I don't really trust or like the reborn version of Tokyopop. I have at least one series I loved that is now likely forever in licensing limbo due to that publisher's implosion a while back, and I remember reading about what happened with their employees and OEL manga creators. That said, I will grudgingly admit that so far they're two for two with me on their BL titles. Deko-Boko Sugar Days was pretty good. The Cat Proposed was very good, and may end up on my list of all-time favorite BL manga. Ugh.
Anyway, this could have gone badly in so many ways, and instead it was utterly sweet and charming. It felt like the author cared about the characters as people and wanted them to be happy.
The story dealt with multiple serious topics. Souta had literally worked himself almost to death - he was emotionally numb, considering suicide, and stressed to the point that it was affecting him physically. It wasn't until his health forced him to take some time off that he started to realize how warped his perception of things was. Meanwhile, Kihachi was drawn to Souta and wanted to help him, but he was also painfully aware that a bakeneko's lifespan is much longer than a human's.
Kihachi and Souta's relationship involved a lot less force than I initially expected. Kihachi made it clear from the start that being mates just meant that they were bound together - he wouldn't do anything that Souta wasn't comfortable with. And other than one cliched moment in which Kihachi had to save Souta with liquid delivered mouth-to-mouth, the author stuck to that. Kihachi and Souta started off essentially as roommates, and it was nice seeing them spend time with each other. It genuinely felt like Kihachi wanted what was best for Souta, no matter what that turned out to be.
All of the bakeneko side characters were great. Granny Kikyou had a mischievous sense of humor, and the Ryokan Cat's gleeful enjoyment of Kihachi and Souta's romance was amusing.
I enjoyed this so much that I read it a second time, and parts of it were even better on a reread. If I'm not mistaken, Kihachi used kodan storytelling techniques during his initial explanation of bakeneko rules. Also, as someone who loves reading, I liked the "power of stories" theme.
All in all, this was extremely good and sweet. It's not necessarily for everybody - some might not be able to get past the cat and human romantic pairing and occasional blend of human and cat features (cat ears, tail, eyes, and/or ability to purr, but otherwise human), and others might be disappointed because there are almost no sex scenes and nothing very explicit (kissing, hand holding, and one scene in which everything is hidden by clothing or blankets). For me, though, it fit my BL tastes well, and I'm sad that it looks like none of the author's other works have been published in English.
One last note: this is the only BL manga I've ever read, and maybe the only romance, in which
Extras:
One full-color illustration on matte paper (very unusual, but pretty) and a short afterword by the author.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
I'll start by saying that, as a reader, I don't really trust or like the reborn version of Tokyopop. I have at least one series I loved that is now likely forever in licensing limbo due to that publisher's implosion a while back, and I remember reading about what happened with their employees and OEL manga creators. That said, I will grudgingly admit that so far they're two for two with me on their BL titles. Deko-Boko Sugar Days was pretty good. The Cat Proposed was very good, and may end up on my list of all-time favorite BL manga. Ugh.
Anyway, this could have gone badly in so many ways, and instead it was utterly sweet and charming. It felt like the author cared about the characters as people and wanted them to be happy.
The story dealt with multiple serious topics. Souta had literally worked himself almost to death - he was emotionally numb, considering suicide, and stressed to the point that it was affecting him physically. It wasn't until his health forced him to take some time off that he started to realize how warped his perception of things was. Meanwhile, Kihachi was drawn to Souta and wanted to help him, but he was also painfully aware that a bakeneko's lifespan is much longer than a human's.
Kihachi and Souta's relationship involved a lot less force than I initially expected. Kihachi made it clear from the start that being mates just meant that they were bound together - he wouldn't do anything that Souta wasn't comfortable with. And other than one cliched moment in which Kihachi had to save Souta with liquid delivered mouth-to-mouth, the author stuck to that. Kihachi and Souta started off essentially as roommates, and it was nice seeing them spend time with each other. It genuinely felt like Kihachi wanted what was best for Souta, no matter what that turned out to be.
All of the bakeneko side characters were great. Granny Kikyou had a mischievous sense of humor, and the Ryokan Cat's gleeful enjoyment of Kihachi and Souta's romance was amusing.
I enjoyed this so much that I read it a second time, and parts of it were even better on a reread. If I'm not mistaken, Kihachi used kodan storytelling techniques during his initial explanation of bakeneko rules. Also, as someone who loves reading, I liked the "power of stories" theme.
All in all, this was extremely good and sweet. It's not necessarily for everybody - some might not be able to get past the cat and human romantic pairing and occasional blend of human and cat features (cat ears, tail, eyes, and/or ability to purr, but otherwise human), and others might be disappointed because there are almost no sex scenes and nothing very explicit (kissing, hand holding, and one scene in which everything is hidden by clothing or blankets). For me, though, it fit my BL tastes well, and I'm sad that it looks like none of the author's other works have been published in English.
One last note: this is the only BL manga I've ever read, and maybe the only romance, in which
Extras:
One full-color illustration on matte paper (very unusual, but pretty) and a short afterword by the author.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
May 2, 2022
XD purrfect.
June 20, 2022
Good fun. A pleasant little escape that acknowledges the harshness of reality only as much as necessary to emphasize the power and importance of love. My only complaint was that it was too short, sometimes leading the story to feel rushed.
March 5, 2023
I love stories with yokai in them and this one was a delight. The characters were charming and the art beautifully done.
May 18, 2023
Why was I stalling this read!?
I didn't know how desperate I was for a good BL manga until I read this.
I didn't know how desperate I was for a good BL manga until I read this.
April 16, 2022
A story that pulls on my heartstrings, and moments so good that time slows.
May 12, 2022
It would have been so good as a series 😭😭
September 23, 2024
i LOVED IT !!
January 10, 2026
Overworked salaryman Matoi Souta is mentally, physically, and emotionally at the end of his tether…so much so that for a moment he even contemplates suicide as an extreme measure of finally getting some rest. To ward off this alarming thought, he decides to go watch Kōdan (a traditional Japanese form of storytelling) on a whim. Entranced by the storyteller’s tale, his style of narration, his mesmerizing voice…for a while Souta feels revived.
He wonders, however, if the exhaustion still lingers because unless he was very much mistaken, Kihachi, the storyteller definitely looked like an actual cat in a kimono at one point of time!
But Souta is not wrong, for Kihachi is a Bakaneko (a supernatural cat of Japanese folklore) and no one except Souta has been able to see Kihachi’s true form. Bakaneko laws demand that should a mortal see the creature in its true form, they are fatally linked and should form an eternal bond or both can be killed off immediately.
And thus begins the love story between a human and a supernatural cat.
---
The Japanese really love their cats, don’t they?
And how? How do these guys do it? How do they take such an improbable premise and turn it into one of the most affectionate, caring, non-toxic and healing love stories that I have read in a long time?
While the book is rich with fantasy, and brimming with cats (mais oui!), it is more about how the two emotionally unsure and lost beings bring a degree of solace, security, and affection into each other’s lives.
Funny at most places, heartbreaking at some…The Cat Proposed was an unexpectedly strong and memorable read.
He wonders, however, if the exhaustion still lingers because unless he was very much mistaken, Kihachi, the storyteller definitely looked like an actual cat in a kimono at one point of time!
But Souta is not wrong, for Kihachi is a Bakaneko (a supernatural cat of Japanese folklore) and no one except Souta has been able to see Kihachi’s true form. Bakaneko laws demand that should a mortal see the creature in its true form, they are fatally linked and should form an eternal bond or both can be killed off immediately.
And thus begins the love story between a human and a supernatural cat.
---
The Japanese really love their cats, don’t they?
And how? How do these guys do it? How do they take such an improbable premise and turn it into one of the most affectionate, caring, non-toxic and healing love stories that I have read in a long time?
While the book is rich with fantasy, and brimming with cats (mais oui!), it is more about how the two emotionally unsure and lost beings bring a degree of solace, security, and affection into each other’s lives.
Funny at most places, heartbreaking at some…The Cat Proposed was an unexpectedly strong and memorable read.
January 31, 2021
*ARC from Netgalley*
Who gave this manga permission to break my heart and make me feel all the feelings? How dared it!? I loved it a lot! Souta was in such a fragile situation, overworked, with no will to keep on living because maybe jumping in front of a train would solve all his problems. But then he stops to listen to a storyteller tell an old story of Japanese folklore and he gets overwhelmed with a light sensation that makes him feel like he might be okay. The storyteller is Kihachi, a bakeneko, a cat folklore figure and he wants Souta to be his mate.
The story is both fun and heartbreaking. Souta is not in the best of places mentally and Kihachi has his issues, too. They will bring change and love into each other's lives and maybe that way they will help each other make life more bearable.
I love Japanese folklore, it's really interesting and I wish I knew Japanese so I could listen to storytellers during summer tell this amazing stories. Maybe one day!
Who gave this manga permission to break my heart and make me feel all the feelings? How dared it!? I loved it a lot! Souta was in such a fragile situation, overworked, with no will to keep on living because maybe jumping in front of a train would solve all his problems. But then he stops to listen to a storyteller tell an old story of Japanese folklore and he gets overwhelmed with a light sensation that makes him feel like he might be okay. The storyteller is Kihachi, a bakeneko, a cat folklore figure and he wants Souta to be his mate.
The story is both fun and heartbreaking. Souta is not in the best of places mentally and Kihachi has his issues, too. They will bring change and love into each other's lives and maybe that way they will help each other make life more bearable.
I love Japanese folklore, it's really interesting and I wish I knew Japanese so I could listen to storytellers during summer tell this amazing stories. Maybe one day!
January 11, 2021
The Cat Proposed was a fun MM manga read. I found the characters and their progressing relationship interesting and believable, and there was emotional growth for both of them over the course of the story. The illustration was pleasing, and the story brought a smile to my face a number of times as it was so cute and sweet. I hadn't come across a bakeneko in a story before either, so that was interesting in and of itself. I would definitely read further works by this author.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2024
The cover image made me think this was a silly comedy, but to my pleasant surprise, it's a healing story. Their relationship progresses slowly, consensual, and sweet. I actually hoped for it to be longer, because the author only skimmed the surface and left a lot of things open to our own imagination.
April 12, 2021
tokyopop has REALLY been feeding me recently. this and plenty other new releases have been SO good and such a step forward away from the toxic behavior we used to see in yaoi/BL in the 2010’s.
May 11, 2021
This was super cute. I loved Souta and Kihachi and their relationship so much. I want more! I feel like this could've easily been spread out to another volume or two :(
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