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蓮住荘のさんかく [Renzu-Sō no Sankaku] #1-3
Love in Focus
A teenage girl whose passion for photography leads her to a new school, a new dorm, and a new love triangle. This new edition contains all three volumes of the acclaimed romance manga, a complete shojo story in one book, from the creator of The New York Times bestseller That Wolf-Boy Is Mine! and the ongoing Those Not-So-Sweet Boys!
A YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens pick!
Mako's always had a passion for photography. When she loses someone dear to her, she clings to her art as a relic of the close relationship she once had...Luckily, her childhood best friend Kei encourages her to come to his high school and join their prestigious photo club. With nothing to lose, Mako grabs her camera and moves into the dorm where Kei and his classmates live. Soon, a fresh take on life, along with a mysterious new muse, begin to come into focus!
Contains Vol. 1-3 of Love in Focus-the entire series!
A YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens pick!
Mako's always had a passion for photography. When she loses someone dear to her, she clings to her art as a relic of the close relationship she once had...Luckily, her childhood best friend Kei encourages her to come to his high school and join their prestigious photo club. With nothing to lose, Mako grabs her camera and moves into the dorm where Kei and his classmates live. Soon, a fresh take on life, along with a mysterious new muse, begin to come into focus!
Contains Vol. 1-3 of Love in Focus-the entire series!
512 pages, Paperback
Published October 19, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
May 28, 2026
This is one of the most wonderful finds I’ve made in some time in Manga. Love in Focus, The Complete Collection in paperback contains all three entries in the warm, sweet and wonderful slice of life high school romance. Yoko Nigiri has done a marvelous job of creating a low-key and gentle romance that is both tender and sweet. There’s nothing crass here, nor is there anything cheesy. The characters are more than just likable; they are in fact endearing.
The artwork in Love in Focus is lush and beautiful, matching the slowly unfolding story of sweet Mako, her childhood friend Kei-Chan, and the quiet and soft-spoken Amemura-Kun. Her love of taking pictures and the photo club throw them all three together. Unbeknownst to Mako, her childhood friend Kei-Chan “likes” her in the Japanese way (as in Love) but he hasn’t told her. But ever slowly something blossoms between her and Amemura-Kun. Her brash propensity for taking pictures and her sweetness begin making inroads in his defenses. In turn, his kind words help Mako see valuable qualities in herself that no one has ever noticed.
Even when Kei-Chan confesses his feelings, and there is a trial run of sorts for he and Mako as a couple, it is all handled deftly and without dramatics. There are no bad guys here in Love in Focus, no histrionics or big dramas, just a wonderfully sweet girl and two decent but very different guys who happen to be friends. There is even a noble gesture by one of the friends when he realizes what Mako has decided. There is a backstory as well which I won’t get into, nor will I give particulars so as not to ruin anything. In Yoko Nogiri’s hands Love in Focus comes off quietly and gently, but with a resonance that defies the lightness of it.
The other supporting characters in the club are very nice as well, including the club’s resident dog Omochi, who is always around. Love in Focus is about the important things, which are the little things; like someone noticing how wonderful we are, and treating us that way. Even near the end, when Mako realizes who she loves and wants to be with, because he makes her feel special and good about herself, she realizes that he’s never used her name — almost as though he doesn’t know it. But that’s because he is seeing HER, who she is and what she is, how special she is — the important stuff. Although it’s a gentle slice of life, anyone who reads this will take away lessons about those important things which make us care about another, until they’re in our hearts and never leave.
While the ending would seem bittersweet — someone has to lose out on love — it is only mildly so because of the mature way the story-line is handled. Yoko Nogiri had a vision for this story and remained laser focused on keeping Love in Focus gentle and sweet. With all the awful stuff out there in today’s Manga, this was incredibly refreshing. Gorgeously drawn and wonderful to read, I give this one a rousing recommendation.
The artwork in Love in Focus is lush and beautiful, matching the slowly unfolding story of sweet Mako, her childhood friend Kei-Chan, and the quiet and soft-spoken Amemura-Kun. Her love of taking pictures and the photo club throw them all three together. Unbeknownst to Mako, her childhood friend Kei-Chan “likes” her in the Japanese way (as in Love) but he hasn’t told her. But ever slowly something blossoms between her and Amemura-Kun. Her brash propensity for taking pictures and her sweetness begin making inroads in his defenses. In turn, his kind words help Mako see valuable qualities in herself that no one has ever noticed.
Even when Kei-Chan confesses his feelings, and there is a trial run of sorts for he and Mako as a couple, it is all handled deftly and without dramatics. There are no bad guys here in Love in Focus, no histrionics or big dramas, just a wonderfully sweet girl and two decent but very different guys who happen to be friends. There is even a noble gesture by one of the friends when he realizes what Mako has decided. There is a backstory as well which I won’t get into, nor will I give particulars so as not to ruin anything. In Yoko Nogiri’s hands Love in Focus comes off quietly and gently, but with a resonance that defies the lightness of it.
The other supporting characters in the club are very nice as well, including the club’s resident dog Omochi, who is always around. Love in Focus is about the important things, which are the little things; like someone noticing how wonderful we are, and treating us that way. Even near the end, when Mako realizes who she loves and wants to be with, because he makes her feel special and good about herself, she realizes that he’s never used her name — almost as though he doesn’t know it. But that’s because he is seeing HER, who she is and what she is, how special she is — the important stuff. Although it’s a gentle slice of life, anyone who reads this will take away lessons about those important things which make us care about another, until they’re in our hearts and never leave.
While the ending would seem bittersweet — someone has to lose out on love — it is only mildly so because of the mature way the story-line is handled. Yoko Nogiri had a vision for this story and remained laser focused on keeping Love in Focus gentle and sweet. With all the awful stuff out there in today’s Manga, this was incredibly refreshing. Gorgeously drawn and wonderful to read, I give this one a rousing recommendation.
June 1, 2022
i like the story but it felt a little rushed overall it was cute and i think if they made it into an anime and extended it and went into more detail/take more time with it it would be a very good romance anime
December 15, 2022
Got bored
April 14, 2022
It broke my heart... 💕
April 12, 2022
3/5 Stars: ‘Love in Focus’ by Yoko Nogiri.
→ Age Range: Young Adult.
→ Genre: Slice-of-Life, Romantic Contemporary.
→ Book Type: Manga.
Favourite Quote: ‘I wish I could live my life without making a single mistake. But I don't think that's possible. Even so, I have friends to lift me and people to watch over me.’
In-depth Rating:
→ Plot: ★★★
→ Character Development: ★★
→ Setting: ★★
→ Entertainment Level: ★★★
→ Writing: ★★
General Comments: Translated by Alethea and Athena Nibley. A good old-fashioned love triangle. It isn’t groundbreaking, nor is it particularly compelling. Where the artwork is concerned, it is crisp and cute, typical of Shōjo Manga. It starts as a slow-but-steady romance; with inevitable heartbreak that comes with unrequited romance. It is sweet, as it is realistic; addressing the topic of jealousy in an honest and roundabout way, with pleasing results. Pure innocence wrapped up nicely in with a bow.
Time Read: One Day.
→ Audiobook: No.
→ Audiobook Narrator: -
Re-Read: No.
→ -:
→ -:
Trigger Warnings:
→ Grief.
→ Isolation.
→ Verbal Abuse.
→ Age Range: Young Adult.
→ Genre: Slice-of-Life, Romantic Contemporary.
→ Book Type: Manga.
Favourite Quote: ‘I wish I could live my life without making a single mistake. But I don't think that's possible. Even so, I have friends to lift me and people to watch over me.’
In-depth Rating:
→ Plot: ★★★
→ Character Development: ★★
→ Setting: ★★
→ Entertainment Level: ★★★
→ Writing: ★★
General Comments: Translated by Alethea and Athena Nibley. A good old-fashioned love triangle. It isn’t groundbreaking, nor is it particularly compelling. Where the artwork is concerned, it is crisp and cute, typical of Shōjo Manga. It starts as a slow-but-steady romance; with inevitable heartbreak that comes with unrequited romance. It is sweet, as it is realistic; addressing the topic of jealousy in an honest and roundabout way, with pleasing results. Pure innocence wrapped up nicely in with a bow.
Time Read: One Day.
→ Audiobook: No.
→ Audiobook Narrator: -
Re-Read: No.
→ -:
→ -:
Trigger Warnings:
→ Grief.
→ Isolation.
→ Verbal Abuse.
June 11, 2023
That was cute. I would recomend it to everyone who want just a short story and not ready to star a whole 20-30+ volume series. While I admit it cuold be even better if it had more time for story to progress and some things wouldn't have to happen so sudden. It still was a very cute story and I really love the art style (not my first work by same artist).
July 3, 2025
SHE GOT WITH AMEMURA WAHOOOO i feel so bad for kei though bro waited FOREVERRRRRR 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2026
Absolutely cute and wholesome, adored the photography aspect!! Loved the development of Mako, Amemura, and Kei as characters, especially the relationship between Mako and Amemura, too cute!! Absolutely recommend this manga!!
November 21, 2023
AHHHHH This was everything!
I love Mako so much! She made me want to go and grab my camera and just start taking all the photos!
I do wish this story had been a little bit longer because some parts did feel a bit rushed but all in all I was really happy with the storyline and the characters.
The only character that was getting on my nerves a bit was Kei but in the end he was alright. I really enjoyed the side characters and I feel like they were in the story just enough that it was enjoyable and made sense.
The art style was the main reason I picked this up in the first place and I loved it even more while reading it.... I'm definitely going to have to read That Wolf-boy is mine!
I love Mako so much! She made me want to go and grab my camera and just start taking all the photos!
I do wish this story had been a little bit longer because some parts did feel a bit rushed but all in all I was really happy with the storyline and the characters.
The only character that was getting on my nerves a bit was Kei but in the end he was alright. I really enjoyed the side characters and I feel like they were in the story just enough that it was enjoyable and made sense.
The art style was the main reason I picked this up in the first place and I loved it even more while reading it.... I'm definitely going to have to read That Wolf-boy is mine!
March 3, 2022
I'm crying
June 17, 2022
Mako starts a new life at a boarding school away from home, following her lifelong best friend and living in the same boarding house as he. Her love of photography above all else, though, gets her into some awkward situations, and she finds herself in a bit of love triangle with the BFF and another new student living in the house.
Adorable story and gorgeous art. It's simple and yes, predictable, but none of that takes away from the loveliness of it. Reading it felt like getting a big, beautifully drawn hug.
Adorable story and gorgeous art. It's simple and yes, predictable, but none of that takes away from the loveliness of it. Reading it felt like getting a big, beautifully drawn hug.
July 23, 2024
very cute!
the change at the end was a little abrupt, and the fact that they broke up and the very same day she’s walking around holding hands with a different guy was kinda icky. i guess maybe the series could’ve been a little longer and things wouldn’t have felt so rushed. i was looking forward to reading a short and sweet manga, but perhaps this could’ve benefited from at least a little more time passing, even without necessarily making the story any longer.
the change at the end was a little abrupt, and the fact that they broke up and the very same day she’s walking around holding hands with a different guy was kinda icky. i guess maybe the series could’ve been a little longer and things wouldn’t have felt so rushed. i was looking forward to reading a short and sweet manga, but perhaps this could’ve benefited from at least a little more time passing, even without necessarily making the story any longer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2022
A very cute series that you can read in an afternoon! The art and story pacing are wonderful, and the characters are well rendered. Character motivations are clear but, more importantly, it really shows the delicate heartache that can come with navigating your first love. I'm very glad I gave it a shot!
August 28, 2022
It's short and sweet, and was a perfect little read as a break after finishing heavier books.
I don't like love triangles but it was handled quite well here; realistic without being too dragged out or angsty. I also appreciate that the romance wasn't the only focus; friendship and family are important themes throughout the story too.
I don't like love triangles but it was handled quite well here; realistic without being too dragged out or angsty. I also appreciate that the romance wasn't the only focus; friendship and family are important themes throughout the story too.
March 12, 2022
This was super cute and wasn’t cringy like most romance manga in my opinion. The love triangle also want super drawn out and *overly* dramatic.
Abs who doesn’t love when the story is finished and neatly compiled?! I hate when I am left waiting for the next manga to come out.
Abs who doesn’t love when the story is finished and neatly compiled?! I hate when I am left waiting for the next manga to come out.
August 31, 2023
Personally I found the story adorable, the art and the characters lovely. Of course, since it was made to be a three pieces manga series I reached the probable conclusion very soon.
All together it was a sweet reading, perfect for late summer days.
All together it was a sweet reading, perfect for late summer days.
July 29, 2025
Love in Focus by Yoko Nogiri is just your typical cute and quick love triangle between two guys and one girl. I may be in the minority when I this but second lead syndrome didn't hit me this time around 🤭
November 8, 2021
Real rating: 4.5 stars, I really liked this!!!
February 21, 2023
I’m sad 🥲
December 31, 2023
Cute way to end the year 🥰
January 12, 2024
This art is incredible 😍
January 13, 2024
Ok it just made my heart hurt a bit bc of the love triangle but it was so cutie
June 21, 2024
I wish I could give this more stars it was so cute and heartwarming. Definitely got me back into my manga reading phase.
April 22, 2025
Sooo charming!!! I reminds me of a cute fanfiction I've read before.
The love triangle is cute, and I kinda feel for Mako's best friend, but also not... I'm glad where things ended up eventually!😊
The love triangle is cute, and I kinda feel for Mako's best friend, but also not... I'm glad where things ended up eventually!😊
October 21, 2025
a short & sweet manga series, really liked this one
November 16, 2022
Cute, but not incredibly memorable.
October 15, 2025
This was a reread from a long time ago. Now that I have all my mangas moved into my new place it feels necessary to revisit all the fond memories I had reading them so may years ago ☺️
November 18, 2021
I feel like this manga would be a great starter series for anyone wanting to try a shojo manga. I do wish the series was longer so that there had been more time to flesh out all of the characters and their stories.
November 3, 2024
it felt a little rushed, but i enjoyed it overall
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews