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それでも歩は寄せてくる [Soredemo Ayumu wa Yosetekuru] #1
When Will Ayumu Make His Move?, Vol. 1
Yaotome's the president of the shogi club at her high school, and she's pretty sure that Ayumu, an underclassman and the only other member of the club, has a huge crush on her. They get together to play shogi every day after school, but no matter what she does, she can't seem to get him to confess his feelings! What she doesn't know is that Ayumu has made a pact with himself to reveal his love only after he's beaten Yaotome at shogi for the first time. Yet there's one big issue with this plan...he really sucks!
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2019
24 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Sōichirō Yamamoto
94 books39 followersSōichirō Yamamoto (山本崇一朗, Yamamoto Sōichirō) is a Japanese manga artist. He is known for writing and illustrating Teasing Master Takagi-san and Soredemo Ayumu wa Yosetekuru. Both series have been published in Monthly Shōnen Sunday and Weekly Shōnen Magazine, respectively.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 10, 2021
This is perfect for fans of Kaguya-sama, love is war. We have 2 people who are in a shogi club together. They both have feelings for each other. She is waiting for him to admit it. He won't admit it until he can beat her at Shogi. So, they are stuck in limbo as he learns the ropes.
It's adorable and funny. If you think it sounds interesting, pick it up?
It's adorable and funny. If you think it sounds interesting, pick it up?
March 21, 2022
[Thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha for an ARC in exchange for an honest review]
Ayumu is the junior at his school’s shogi club and, in fact, the only other member besides Yaotome, his cute sempai. They play constantly and are very attracted to one another, but Ayumu has promised himself he won’t confess until he beats Yaotome and, given his skill level, they might be pensioners before that happens.
We move from the middle school burgeoning feelings of Teasing Master Takagi-san to the already hormonal halls of high school for this one and it turns out that works really, really well. In fact, I think I might like it better.
Part of this is the balance - Takagi-san was cute but the story always ended the same way, with the male lead losing. That has not changed here, but Ayumu is constantly losing one game while Yaotome is very badly losing the other game (arguably they both are). It makes it a bit more fun.
Ayumu’s endless stoicism is great because the book wisely doesn’t conflate that with being uncaring. He isn’t ready to confess, despite many near misses (and poor Yaotome catches every single one), but he has no issue being free with the compliments and it’s a nice touch. It’s nice having an intense character who isn’t inherently dull or withdrawn.
Yes his pledge is dumb - I get the whole wanting to be equal thing, but get over yourself - but without it we wouldn’t have a book. I think accepting that is probably the biggest barrier to entry, though I do at least get where that’s coming from.
For her part, Yaotome has no trouble expressing herself and her reactions are half the fun - I love her trademark ’NWHA!?’ when Ayumu scores a direct hit. She is constantly trying to maneuver him into saying something, but the book cleverly makes it known that Ayumu’s strength is in playing defence.
As for how much shogi knowledge you need for this story, I am happy to say it is exactly none. There is a handy primer at the start for the curious, but I know exactly as much as I did before, which is ‘this is sort of like chess’.
What I do kind of love is how the shogi is used and how manages to cater to both the newbie and the hardcore. For the latter, several chapters end with full records of the game our leads were playing, so you can follow it along move by move.
For everybody else, well, more than once the circumstances of the game reflect what’s happening in the story at large. The best example is the Invincible Wall chapter, which you can see the ending of very quickly but is no less fun for it.
The author also smartly makes a point of staging chapters outside the club so the setting doesn’t get stale, but honestly the bloom never came off the rose in that respect. The running gag/drama about member recruitment is also very well realized.
The chapters see nice and short too, which keeps them punchy and doesn’t drag any one gag out any longer than it needs to be. Throw in a pair with great chemistry and what more can you ask for?
5 stars - give me a couple worth watching and endless cute moments and you’ve got me, it’s really that simple. The story might not be new at a primal level, but the way it’s telling it is and that makes a ton of difference. It’s probably more of a 4 star, really, but I have read a lot of mediocre (and worse) stories this week and this is hands down the best thing I’ve seen so far, no question.
Ayumu is the junior at his school’s shogi club and, in fact, the only other member besides Yaotome, his cute sempai. They play constantly and are very attracted to one another, but Ayumu has promised himself he won’t confess until he beats Yaotome and, given his skill level, they might be pensioners before that happens.
We move from the middle school burgeoning feelings of Teasing Master Takagi-san to the already hormonal halls of high school for this one and it turns out that works really, really well. In fact, I think I might like it better.
Part of this is the balance - Takagi-san was cute but the story always ended the same way, with the male lead losing. That has not changed here, but Ayumu is constantly losing one game while Yaotome is very badly losing the other game (arguably they both are). It makes it a bit more fun.
Ayumu’s endless stoicism is great because the book wisely doesn’t conflate that with being uncaring. He isn’t ready to confess, despite many near misses (and poor Yaotome catches every single one), but he has no issue being free with the compliments and it’s a nice touch. It’s nice having an intense character who isn’t inherently dull or withdrawn.
Yes his pledge is dumb - I get the whole wanting to be equal thing, but get over yourself - but without it we wouldn’t have a book. I think accepting that is probably the biggest barrier to entry, though I do at least get where that’s coming from.
For her part, Yaotome has no trouble expressing herself and her reactions are half the fun - I love her trademark ’NWHA!?’ when Ayumu scores a direct hit. She is constantly trying to maneuver him into saying something, but the book cleverly makes it known that Ayumu’s strength is in playing defence.
As for how much shogi knowledge you need for this story, I am happy to say it is exactly none. There is a handy primer at the start for the curious, but I know exactly as much as I did before, which is ‘this is sort of like chess’.
What I do kind of love is how the shogi is used and how manages to cater to both the newbie and the hardcore. For the latter, several chapters end with full records of the game our leads were playing, so you can follow it along move by move.
For everybody else, well, more than once the circumstances of the game reflect what’s happening in the story at large. The best example is the Invincible Wall chapter, which you can see the ending of very quickly but is no less fun for it.
The author also smartly makes a point of staging chapters outside the club so the setting doesn’t get stale, but honestly the bloom never came off the rose in that respect. The running gag/drama about member recruitment is also very well realized.
The chapters see nice and short too, which keeps them punchy and doesn’t drag any one gag out any longer than it needs to be. Throw in a pair with great chemistry and what more can you ask for?
5 stars - give me a couple worth watching and endless cute moments and you’ve got me, it’s really that simple. The story might not be new at a primal level, but the way it’s telling it is and that makes a ton of difference. It’s probably more of a 4 star, really, but I have read a lot of mediocre (and worse) stories this week and this is hands down the best thing I’ve seen so far, no question.
October 30, 2021
A super cute read.
Usual high school club setting. Our two main characters are polar opposites but enjoy playing shogi with each other. Full of budding feelings and awkward moments, I’m looking forward to next volume.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing to be read this title for my honest review.
Usual high school club setting. Our two main characters are polar opposites but enjoy playing shogi with each other. Full of budding feelings and awkward moments, I’m looking forward to next volume.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing to be read this title for my honest review.
December 15, 2021
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
This was fantastic! Fun, adorable, and surprisingly informative with lovely art to boot!
Yaotome and Ayumu made such a great couple; they had amazing chemistry and banter and it was enjoyable watching them skirt around each other throughout this vol with a smattering of "will they, won't they" moments.
Surprisingly, this romance shojo manga taught me quite a bit about the game Shogi. The detailed explanation at the beginning of the manga certainly went some ways towards introducing the game, but truth be told I still didn't understand it. It was nice to see the little game breakdowns in between each game though, and I imagine this would be seen as a welcome inclusion for any Shogi players reading this vol. If you don't understand or have never played Shogi then don't worry! You can still be as clueless about it as me and be able to enjoy this manga.
I can't wait to see what comes next for this adorable pair and I loved that by the end I was truly left wondering "When Will Ayumu Make His Move?"
Pre-reading thoughts: (10/10/2021)
What with an anime adaptation of this manga hitting the small screens in July 2022, Kodansha is finally bringing this very well-received manga to all us eagerly-waiting English readers. And I for one am delighted! The premise seems great and the cover art is cute. What could possibly go wrong?
This was fantastic! Fun, adorable, and surprisingly informative with lovely art to boot!
Yaotome and Ayumu made such a great couple; they had amazing chemistry and banter and it was enjoyable watching them skirt around each other throughout this vol with a smattering of "will they, won't they" moments.
Surprisingly, this romance shojo manga taught me quite a bit about the game Shogi. The detailed explanation at the beginning of the manga certainly went some ways towards introducing the game, but truth be told I still didn't understand it. It was nice to see the little game breakdowns in between each game though, and I imagine this would be seen as a welcome inclusion for any Shogi players reading this vol. If you don't understand or have never played Shogi then don't worry! You can still be as clueless about it as me and be able to enjoy this manga.
I can't wait to see what comes next for this adorable pair and I loved that by the end I was truly left wondering "When Will Ayumu Make His Move?"
Pre-reading thoughts: (10/10/2021)
What with an anime adaptation of this manga hitting the small screens in July 2022, Kodansha is finally bringing this very well-received manga to all us eagerly-waiting English readers. And I for one am delighted! The premise seems great and the cover art is cute. What could possibly go wrong?
August 4, 2020
Nothing special but is still cute and fun.
October 30, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I have mixed feelings about this one. It wasn't great, it wasn't bad. It was very focused on the two MCs to almost the exclusion of any other characters. It's like they were the only two people in their own little world and you don't see much outside of them playing shogi together. Very private. I expected more people to gossip and speculate about when the MC H would make his intentions with the MC h clear. It DOES take place during high-school, gossip is to be expected.
This book was slower and calmer than I expected and it wasn't your typical shojo at all. None of those tropes really came up, which was different. However, since I am used to those tropes, not having them left me feeling a bit flat when I finished reading this.
I am becoming a voracious manga reader and will read volume 1 of just about anything if it strikes my fancy. I also want to be able to speak somewhat intelligently with the manga readers at our store so I can recommend titles to them. This one is recommended, if you are looking for a quiet and calm romance-type manga, where you want something different from the typical shojo tropes. 3 solid stars.
I have mixed feelings about this one. It wasn't great, it wasn't bad. It was very focused on the two MCs to almost the exclusion of any other characters. It's like they were the only two people in their own little world and you don't see much outside of them playing shogi together. Very private. I expected more people to gossip and speculate about when the MC H would make his intentions with the MC h clear. It DOES take place during high-school, gossip is to be expected.
This book was slower and calmer than I expected and it wasn't your typical shojo at all. None of those tropes really came up, which was different. However, since I am used to those tropes, not having them left me feeling a bit flat when I finished reading this.
I am becoming a voracious manga reader and will read volume 1 of just about anything if it strikes my fancy. I also want to be able to speak somewhat intelligently with the manga readers at our store so I can recommend titles to them. This one is recommended, if you are looking for a quiet and calm romance-type manga, where you want something different from the typical shojo tropes. 3 solid stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for give me this digital copy in exchange of an honest review.
Disfruté esta historia, me gusta la dinámica entre los protagonistas. Ayumu provoca angst no solo en Urushi, sino también en el lector, y eso es divertido e interesante de leer.
La historia me recordó a Kaguya-sama love is war, debido a este juego de "guerra psicológica" que libran los personajes para conseguir una declaración de amor. Y por otro lado, igualmente me recuerda a otra historia del mismo autor, Teasing master Takagi-san, la cual presenta su trama en una forma similar a esta historia, donde fuera de la pareja de protagonistas no vemos (o rara vez lo hacemos) a más personajes, y las interacciones son por medio de ironías o juegos.
De todas formas, que el shogi sea el hilo conductor y guía de esta historia me pareció muy interesante. Ese juego típico japonés resulta fascinante y digno de conocer. Desde hace ya un tiempo llamaba mi atención y me deja feliz poder entenderlo un poco más gracias a este manga.
Ahora, ¿por qué no le doy 5 estrellas? Porque creo que puede mejorar en trama, y porque me gustaría que se profundizara más en el personaje de Ayumu. Sin embargo, es una historia digna de seguir y muy recomendable.
Disfruté esta historia, me gusta la dinámica entre los protagonistas. Ayumu provoca angst no solo en Urushi, sino también en el lector, y eso es divertido e interesante de leer.
La historia me recordó a Kaguya-sama love is war, debido a este juego de "guerra psicológica" que libran los personajes para conseguir una declaración de amor. Y por otro lado, igualmente me recuerda a otra historia del mismo autor, Teasing master Takagi-san, la cual presenta su trama en una forma similar a esta historia, donde fuera de la pareja de protagonistas no vemos (o rara vez lo hacemos) a más personajes, y las interacciones son por medio de ironías o juegos.
De todas formas, que el shogi sea el hilo conductor y guía de esta historia me pareció muy interesante. Ese juego típico japonés resulta fascinante y digno de conocer. Desde hace ya un tiempo llamaba mi atención y me deja feliz poder entenderlo un poco más gracias a este manga.
Ahora, ¿por qué no le doy 5 estrellas? Porque creo que puede mejorar en trama, y porque me gustaría que se profundizara más en el personaje de Ayumu. Sin embargo, es una historia digna de seguir y muy recomendable.
October 25, 2021
This was very cute, the art work is adroable and the characters are something else. I do want to know if he actually asks her out but other then that the story was not as i was hoping for. I did love most of what i read but just felt like it was missing something.
October 30, 2021
Rating: 4 🌟
First and foremost, I'd like to express my gratitude to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for providing me with an e-ARC of this manga.
This manga was a huge amount of fun to read. The characters were incredibly compatible with one another, and it's all pure, innocent love and giddiness.🥺💛
May 6, 2022
Yaotome runs a tiny after-school shogi club that Ayumu is the only other member of. The two quite evidently like each other, but Ayumu has decided he won't ask his senpai out until he wins a game. In her turn, Yaotome loves shogi enough that she always plays as well as she can, and since Ayumu is a much less-experienced player, these two aren't coming together anytime soon.
In the meantime, Ayumu makes baldly flirtatious statements to Yaotome while acting completely stoic and dispassionate, and Yaotome can't keep a straight face to save her life and is constantly flustered.
I understand why Ayumu feels like he needs to prove to Yaotome that he is dedicated to shogi, rather than just being there to make time with her, and also understand her being happy to have the opportunity to teach the game to somebody she also likes romantically. This back-and-forth is very cute, but it's also the only thing moving the bus. It would be nice to have some other characters or situations to mix things up.
In the meantime, Ayumu makes baldly flirtatious statements to Yaotome while acting completely stoic and dispassionate, and Yaotome can't keep a straight face to save her life and is constantly flustered.
I understand why Ayumu feels like he needs to prove to Yaotome that he is dedicated to shogi, rather than just being there to make time with her, and also understand her being happy to have the opportunity to teach the game to somebody she also likes romantically. This back-and-forth is very cute, but it's also the only thing moving the bus. It would be nice to have some other characters or situations to mix things up.
April 12, 2022
Ever since I read Kaguya-sama I've been seeing more series similar to it (not that there was non before just I didn't notice them) and each one I've picked up so far with the theme of, both characters like each other but there is something one or both want to have happen before they confess or what not.
This one is so sweet, I have always seen shogi in anime and knew it was similar to chess but still very different and wondered how, the opening few pages explaining the game was really great.
The two of the main characters are really good and have such a great dynamic so far. I am intrigued to see how the manga will continue from here, will it be just them stuck in limbo due to ones self condition to confessing or will there be something else to happen to spark it all. Plus if there will be any more character Introductions or not. Onto the next volume!
This one is so sweet, I have always seen shogi in anime and knew it was similar to chess but still very different and wondered how, the opening few pages explaining the game was really great.
The two of the main characters are really good and have such a great dynamic so far. I am intrigued to see how the manga will continue from here, will it be just them stuck in limbo due to ones self condition to confessing or will there be something else to happen to spark it all. Plus if there will be any more character Introductions or not. Onto the next volume!
October 22, 2021
I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
I saw this one on Netgalley and after reading a small preview elsewhere to make sure it would be fun (as I am not a shogi fan) I decided to request it and here we are!
In this one we see two characters play shogi, they are both very interested in each other though one is stoic (Ayumu) and doesn’t want to ask his senpai out until he wins, while the other is a bouncy girl (Urushi) who is a tad deredere and blushes easily and is trying to get Ayumu to admit his feelings in various ways, from teasing to changing her hairdo. In the chapters we see them play shogi, and do slice of life stuff, even go on a small date. Yes, nothing much happens, but I was still invested in this story, plus, you can see progress and I love that. The conversations between these two are great, especially seeing stoic Ayumu give Urushi compliments and making her blush/smile. Yes, he is not going to confess his feelings fully, but compliments, he likes that. Which makes some hilarious scenes as Ayumu’s face never changes. He just remains stoic and looking like he may use some kendo moves. I really had fun seeing this duo get closer with each match/each day.
Oh, and I absolutely love Urushi and her expressions. Whereas Ayumu’s face never changes, she has a new one in each panel. Ranging from full on blushing, to laughing, to pouting, to her thinking she has won face. She has a big range and it made me giggle many times.
While I did like that we got some information on shogi and even saw the matches these two played… I have to be honest and say I didn’t care the least. I mean shogi has never been high on my list of OHH things I want to try out. XD The only reason why I am reading this manga is for the characters and the potential romance. But I am sure it makes someone happy. Just not me. XD
The art was just so fun, but then again, I knew that. I am a big fan of this mangaka’s art style, that is also one of the things that lured me to this manga.
All in all, a fun manga featuring a couple that should just get together and date. I will be reading the rest of the series.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I saw this one on Netgalley and after reading a small preview elsewhere to make sure it would be fun (as I am not a shogi fan) I decided to request it and here we are!
In this one we see two characters play shogi, they are both very interested in each other though one is stoic (Ayumu) and doesn’t want to ask his senpai out until he wins, while the other is a bouncy girl (Urushi) who is a tad deredere and blushes easily and is trying to get Ayumu to admit his feelings in various ways, from teasing to changing her hairdo. In the chapters we see them play shogi, and do slice of life stuff, even go on a small date. Yes, nothing much happens, but I was still invested in this story, plus, you can see progress and I love that. The conversations between these two are great, especially seeing stoic Ayumu give Urushi compliments and making her blush/smile. Yes, he is not going to confess his feelings fully, but compliments, he likes that. Which makes some hilarious scenes as Ayumu’s face never changes. He just remains stoic and looking like he may use some kendo moves. I really had fun seeing this duo get closer with each match/each day.
Oh, and I absolutely love Urushi and her expressions. Whereas Ayumu’s face never changes, she has a new one in each panel. Ranging from full on blushing, to laughing, to pouting, to her thinking she has won face. She has a big range and it made me giggle many times.
While I did like that we got some information on shogi and even saw the matches these two played… I have to be honest and say I didn’t care the least. I mean shogi has never been high on my list of OHH things I want to try out. XD The only reason why I am reading this manga is for the characters and the potential romance. But I am sure it makes someone happy. Just not me. XD
The art was just so fun, but then again, I knew that. I am a big fan of this mangaka’s art style, that is also one of the things that lured me to this manga.
All in all, a fun manga featuring a couple that should just get together and date. I will be reading the rest of the series.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 19, 2022
Ok so I heard that this is going to be an anime in the Summer 2022 season and wanted to see what it was like! It's cute enough seeing both high school leads liking each other but that's all it offers. I mean ML admits his love and FL always blushes whenever he tries to flirt with her but with a serious poker face. It kinda get boring seeing the same thing over and over again...
October 7, 2021
I received a copy of this manga through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I know absolutely nothing about shogi and as I have never played chess, I didn’t really care for the details of the shogi games. But I enjoyed the cute budding romance and the funny insights to each character’s inner thoughts. It gave way to some hilarious misunderstandings and situations. 😃
I would definitely like to read the next volumes as well!😉
I know absolutely nothing about shogi and as I have never played chess, I didn’t really care for the details of the shogi games. But I enjoyed the cute budding romance and the funny insights to each character’s inner thoughts. It gave way to some hilarious misunderstandings and situations. 😃
I would definitely like to read the next volumes as well!😉
October 18, 2021
I LOVE THESE TWO. Oh my goodness the candor between Ayumu and Urushi is adorable and my nerdy little chess club heart can't take the cuteness. Can't wait for the next volume
November 3, 2021
A cute high-school romance of Urushi Yaotome and Ayumu Tanaka who bonds while playing the Shogi game. Urushi is curious about when Ayumu will express his feelings and is waiting for the moment but Ayumu has taken an oath to ask Urushi out only after he succeeds in his condition set by him.
A joyful and quick read.
A joyful and quick read.
October 11, 2021
4☆
This was such a cute manga. I really liked the plot: Urushi knowing Ayumu likes her but isn't 100% sure, while he does like her but wants to be worthy enough to ask her out. I love how he told her that he liked her (by saying she's cute, etc) but would never ask her out. I would definitely read the next volumes.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a cute manga. I really liked the plot: Urushi knowing Ayumu likes her but isn't 100% sure, while he does like her but wants to be worthy enough to ask her out. I love how he told her that he liked her (by saying she's cute, etc) but would never ask her out. I would definitely read the next volumes.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2021
Thank You Netgalley for this arc!
What a fun and cute read. It was interesting to learn about shogi, I really liked that the rules, pieces and definitions of the game were included. Also, the drawings were so pretty, I loved the style.
I enjoyed it so much because of the relationship that these two had. I loved that she was trying so hard to make him admit that he has a crush on her, and he didn't admit it but ALWAYS said things that made her blush and get all flustered. Hahaha, he never lost his cool but she definitely did.
It made me smile so much, Tanaka was so sweet in his own serious way and it was so obvious that he was head over heels about her. And she was all energetic and full of life, it was a good grumpy/sunshine trope. I'm so excited for the next volumes of this manga.
What a fun and cute read. It was interesting to learn about shogi, I really liked that the rules, pieces and definitions of the game were included. Also, the drawings were so pretty, I loved the style.
I enjoyed it so much because of the relationship that these two had. I loved that she was trying so hard to make him admit that he has a crush on her, and he didn't admit it but ALWAYS said things that made her blush and get all flustered. Hahaha, he never lost his cool but she definitely did.
It made me smile so much, Tanaka was so sweet in his own serious way and it was so obvious that he was head over heels about her. And she was all energetic and full of life, it was a good grumpy/sunshine trope. I'm so excited for the next volumes of this manga.
November 5, 2021
When Will Ayumu Make His Move? Volume 1, by Soichiro Yamamoto is a manga style graphic novel. Yaotome's the president of the shogi club at her high school, and she's pretty sure that Ayumu, an underclassman and the only other member of the club, has a huge crush on her. They get together to play shogi every day after school, but no matter what she does, she can't seem to get him to confess his feelings! What she doesn't know is that Ayumu has made a pact with himself to reveal his love only after he's beaten Yaotome at shogi for the first time.
When Will Ayumu Make His Move? is a cute 'will they won't they' story. Yaotome and Ayumu are fun to watch as they talk and flirt, but never really admit out loud that they like each other. The nerves, embarrassment, and awkwardness is well displayed in the artwork and the text. I could feel the frustration along with Yaotome, but still was annoyed that she never took the initiative and said that she liked him or asked him out first. I liked getting to learn a bit about he game shogi, which I have seen before but still do not get- but I am horrible with chess too so that is not a surprise. I would love to see this series continue, and have the cast of characters and locations grow a bit. The heart of the story will always be this couple, but other friends and activities could add some depth and drama to the story instead of just recycling the same basic conversation. I still liked the story, and want to know how they finally get together, but I feel like there could be some more twists in future installments for added interest.
When Will Ayumu Make His Move? is a cute 'will they won't they' story. Yaotome and Ayumu are fun to watch as they talk and flirt, but never really admit out loud that they like each other. The nerves, embarrassment, and awkwardness is well displayed in the artwork and the text. I could feel the frustration along with Yaotome, but still was annoyed that she never took the initiative and said that she liked him or asked him out first. I liked getting to learn a bit about he game shogi, which I have seen before but still do not get- but I am horrible with chess too so that is not a surprise. I would love to see this series continue, and have the cast of characters and locations grow a bit. The heart of the story will always be this couple, but other friends and activities could add some depth and drama to the story instead of just recycling the same basic conversation. I still liked the story, and want to know how they finally get together, but I feel like there could be some more twists in future installments for added interest.
October 17, 2021
When Will Ayumu Make His Move? is a manga about shogi and also not. Mostly I'd say this is a romance series for guys that happens to have shogi at its center. Yaotome is the president of the shogi club, but there's only two members. Alongside her, is Ayumu, who's in love with the president, but has decided not to tell her before he beats her in a game. Yaotome then knows that the boy has a crush on her and tries to make him spill it out, but to no avail. Thus this series is mostly these two talking and playing the game, but we don't really get to see them playing. So, this isn't Hikaru no Go type of series at all, even though game moves and such are explained. This is more like a relationship manga than anything other. Though once again I don't know how long can you get something out of this, if the content stays the same. This happens a lot with simple plot lines.
The art is simple and the story line moves from a conversation to another. I do like the characters though and their interaction is nice. I wish we'd see more of the games though, since I'm not so familiar with shogi and thus seeing them actually play would be great. This is simple romantic humor mostly, but perhaps that works for those who like it.
The art is simple and the story line moves from a conversation to another. I do like the characters though and their interaction is nice. I wish we'd see more of the games though, since I'm not so familiar with shogi and thus seeing them actually play would be great. This is simple romantic humor mostly, but perhaps that works for those who like it.
October 17, 2021
* I received an e-arc copy of this manga through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *
"When will Ayumu make his move?" is a story about a president of Shogi club, Yaotome and the only other member of the club, Ayumu.
They play Shogi everyday after school. Ayumu is not good with this game, he's part of the club only because he's in love with Yaotome.
It's pretty obvious that both have feelings for each other but they can't properly say it.
Yaotome try everytime to show the fellings Ayumu feels for her but he made a promise to himself: he will reveal his love only after he beats her at shogi.
The drawings are cute and simple and I liked the double meaning on the title.
I appreciate that the author tried to explain how the game of Shogi works, so that readers (like me) that don't know this game can understand it better.
Unfortunately I didn't like this story a lot.
I don't really like the fact that Yaotome ask everytime to Ayumu "do you like me?" , she's a little bit too insistent and the scenes are too repetitive.
Ayumu is also a little bit too impassive , even if he says a lot of compliment.
Still, I think that this manga can be read easily and can teach you the basics of Shogi!
"When will Ayumu make his move?" is a story about a president of Shogi club, Yaotome and the only other member of the club, Ayumu.
They play Shogi everyday after school. Ayumu is not good with this game, he's part of the club only because he's in love with Yaotome.
It's pretty obvious that both have feelings for each other but they can't properly say it.
Yaotome try everytime to show the fellings Ayumu feels for her but he made a promise to himself: he will reveal his love only after he beats her at shogi.
The drawings are cute and simple and I liked the double meaning on the title.
I appreciate that the author tried to explain how the game of Shogi works, so that readers (like me) that don't know this game can understand it better.
Unfortunately I didn't like this story a lot.
I don't really like the fact that Yaotome ask everytime to Ayumu "do you like me?" , she's a little bit too insistent and the scenes are too repetitive.
Ayumu is also a little bit too impassive , even if he says a lot of compliment.
Still, I think that this manga can be read easily and can teach you the basics of Shogi!
October 20, 2021
I received an eARC of this title through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
2.5 stars
"When Will Ayumu Make His Move?" centers around Yaotome, the president of her high school's unofficial shogi club, and her kohai, Ayumu, the only other member of the club. Ayuma has a crush he refuses to admit to until he can beat his senpai in one game of shogi - which is a hard mountain to climb as he's not very good.
I've never read a manga that felt like a bottle episode but this one did. Chapter after chapter we really only see these two characters, and most of their interactions take place inside the makeshift shogi club room. We don't really learn too much about the characters. By the end all you know is that Yaotome is very obsessed with shogi, wants more members, and likes to tease Ayuma about his crush, and for Ayuma you know that he's into his senpai but clearly wants to be 'worthy' of her. Everytime Ayumu does compliment Yaotome she pounces on him, trying to pull out his confession, but it never comes. After a bit the dynamic gets a little annoying.
Interestingly, the book goes into the basics of shogi and tries to frame it in regards to chess, which makes it a bit easier to read, and each chapter bumper shows the board they played and the score breakdown.
2.5 stars
"When Will Ayumu Make His Move?" centers around Yaotome, the president of her high school's unofficial shogi club, and her kohai, Ayumu, the only other member of the club. Ayuma has a crush he refuses to admit to until he can beat his senpai in one game of shogi - which is a hard mountain to climb as he's not very good.
I've never read a manga that felt like a bottle episode but this one did. Chapter after chapter we really only see these two characters, and most of their interactions take place inside the makeshift shogi club room. We don't really learn too much about the characters. By the end all you know is that Yaotome is very obsessed with shogi, wants more members, and likes to tease Ayuma about his crush, and for Ayuma you know that he's into his senpai but clearly wants to be 'worthy' of her. Everytime Ayumu does compliment Yaotome she pounces on him, trying to pull out his confession, but it never comes. After a bit the dynamic gets a little annoying.
Interestingly, the book goes into the basics of shogi and tries to frame it in regards to chess, which makes it a bit easier to read, and each chapter bumper shows the board they played and the score breakdown.
October 12, 2021
(3.5/5)
Got this ARC from NetGalley exchange for an honest review.
This is my second manga that is from Kodansha comics. I would say this one was not as good as I expected.
So the story is about Senpai and Ayumu, two people that are in the same shogi club. They both have feelings for each other, you can clearly see it, but the guy won't admit it until he has beat the girl in shogi. Senpai is usually always getting embarrassed, cause Ayumu is pretty bold with giving her compliments, but wouldn't admit his feelings for her.
I loved the drawings, they were cute, simple and you could understand it pretty well.
Tho I didn't like the story as much, could be cause I'm not too familiar with this shogi game, so it was hard to understand from this point of view. But I really appreciate that author left extra information about the game.
When reading this type of cute romance mangas, I would expect to feel their relationship maybe a bit stronger, it lacked something to get you actually really invested.
Thanks again for accepting my request. I look forward to reading other volumes, cause you never know how much maybe you'll like it a bit later :)
Got this ARC from NetGalley exchange for an honest review.
This is my second manga that is from Kodansha comics. I would say this one was not as good as I expected.
So the story is about Senpai and Ayumu, two people that are in the same shogi club. They both have feelings for each other, you can clearly see it, but the guy won't admit it until he has beat the girl in shogi. Senpai is usually always getting embarrassed, cause Ayumu is pretty bold with giving her compliments, but wouldn't admit his feelings for her.
I loved the drawings, they were cute, simple and you could understand it pretty well.
Tho I didn't like the story as much, could be cause I'm not too familiar with this shogi game, so it was hard to understand from this point of view. But I really appreciate that author left extra information about the game.
When reading this type of cute romance mangas, I would expect to feel their relationship maybe a bit stronger, it lacked something to get you actually really invested.
Thanks again for accepting my request. I look forward to reading other volumes, cause you never know how much maybe you'll like it a bit later :)
October 27, 2021
3.5/5 stars!
Yaotome Urushi wants Tanaka Ayumu to confess his feelings. Alas, the stoic first-year high schools student is adamant that he'll confess his feelings to his senior only after he defeats her at shogi. Thus begins this sweet couple's comedic courtship...
This is a sweet start to the series. Each chapter was short and full to the brim with fluffiness and the personalities of the two main characters. There are also a brief guide to the game of shogi as well as showing each gameplay that the two made in each game. I enjoyed the fluffiness of the couple's interactions the most. I didn't mind the shogi setting though the gameplay didn't held my pique much. But for those who loves these kind of strategy games and want to read them in manga form, then this is the series. Overall, it's a nice series with shogi and romance mixed together.
**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own.**
Yaotome Urushi wants Tanaka Ayumu to confess his feelings. Alas, the stoic first-year high schools student is adamant that he'll confess his feelings to his senior only after he defeats her at shogi. Thus begins this sweet couple's comedic courtship...
This is a sweet start to the series. Each chapter was short and full to the brim with fluffiness and the personalities of the two main characters. There are also a brief guide to the game of shogi as well as showing each gameplay that the two made in each game. I enjoyed the fluffiness of the couple's interactions the most. I didn't mind the shogi setting though the gameplay didn't held my pique much. But for those who loves these kind of strategy games and want to read them in manga form, then this is the series. Overall, it's a nice series with shogi and romance mixed together.
**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own.**
October 2, 2021
Giving this 3 stars since there's nothing abhorrent or objectively wrong (as objective as you can get in a subjective review) but this was a pretty underwhelming first volume. Yaotome's adorable and I love her personality, but wow Ayumu is bland! Don't get me wrong, I like how forward he is with Yaotome despite promising himself not to confess until he beats her in shogi, but his expressions are dull and his personality one note. I do see promise in him and think he can develop into a more fleshed out character, but as of right now he's on the same level of bland as most wish-fulfillment isekai harem protagonists.
Still, this was a cute first volume and the series does have some promise. I'll stick with it for now, hopefully it grows a bit in future volumes.
Still, this was a cute first volume and the series does have some promise. I'll stick with it for now, hopefully it grows a bit in future volumes.
October 11, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
This manga is a sweet story about a high schooler named Ayumu and his sempai Yaotome. Both of them are in shogi club together and both have a crush on each other. The only hold up is that Ayumu won't ask Yaotome out or acknowledge his obvious feelings for her until he beats her at shogi! This first volume consists of light and flirty banter between them that I felt could be successfully wrapped up in one volume rather than a series. I did like that the author included a good amount of information on the game, so I rated it a star higher for that.
This manga is a sweet story about a high schooler named Ayumu and his sempai Yaotome. Both of them are in shogi club together and both have a crush on each other. The only hold up is that Ayumu won't ask Yaotome out or acknowledge his obvious feelings for her until he beats her at shogi! This first volume consists of light and flirty banter between them that I felt could be successfully wrapped up in one volume rather than a series. I did like that the author included a good amount of information on the game, so I rated it a star higher for that.
December 1, 2021
Oh good...
It’s finally over. This was not made for me was all I was thinking as I read this. It’s cute. I like the art. The premise (the blurb seemed promising) was what really hooked me in, but reading this was tedious for me. It’s a slice-of-life, school life sweet innocent slllllllloooww burn romcom. That alone is usually my jam!! But alas, this was made for a much younger audience (totally admit I love shoujo and shounen for life!!!), but I can usually still see the appeal and still be able to get into it. But only if the actual story is interesting. For me, there is no story and it’s not really interesting. Again, just the opinion of an old lady lol!!!
It’s finally over. This was not made for me was all I was thinking as I read this. It’s cute. I like the art. The premise (the blurb seemed promising) was what really hooked me in, but reading this was tedious for me. It’s a slice-of-life, school life sweet innocent slllllllloooww burn romcom. That alone is usually my jam!! But alas, this was made for a much younger audience (totally admit I love shoujo and shounen for life!!!), but I can usually still see the appeal and still be able to get into it. But only if the actual story is interesting. For me, there is no story and it’s not really interesting. Again, just the opinion of an old lady lol!!!
October 26, 2021
I received an eARC of this title through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I thought this was a cute book. I do not read a lot of Slice of Life manga, but this was a nice change of pace. Yaotome really likes the game Shogi as well as being excellent at the game. Her and Ayumu are the only members of the Shogi club. Yaotome is really cute, she constantly tries to get Ayumu to admit he has a crush on her, all the while Ayumu decides he won't admit his feelings until he beats her in Shogi.
It's a cute concept for a manga and a fun fast read.
I thought this was a cute book. I do not read a lot of Slice of Life manga, but this was a nice change of pace. Yaotome really likes the game Shogi as well as being excellent at the game. Her and Ayumu are the only members of the Shogi club. Yaotome is really cute, she constantly tries to get Ayumu to admit he has a crush on her, all the while Ayumu decides he won't admit his feelings until he beats her in Shogi.
It's a cute concept for a manga and a fun fast read.
December 14, 2021
I’ve read the manga-ka’s other works. They all follow the same trend — MCs tease/flirt with each other, one falls and eventually so does the other, but just can’t admit it.
This series isn’t bad, just meh 🤷🏽♀️. I do like how there’s an intro to shogi at the very beginning of the volume — I’ve always wanted to learn to play, and even though this isn’t a fun manual, it does explain enough to have a clue of some of the dialogue.
This series isn’t bad, just meh 🤷🏽♀️. I do like how there’s an intro to shogi at the very beginning of the volume — I’ve always wanted to learn to play, and even though this isn’t a fun manual, it does explain enough to have a clue of some of the dialogue.
June 25, 2024
More of a 3.5 star rating;
This series is a huge refresher if you aren’t interested in the Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro series (manga & anime).
It’s a very cute and simple slow-burn romance series. I love how blunt yet unexpectedly charming Ayumu is.
I read this in english many months early, thanks to online fan-translated scans.
This series is a huge refresher if you aren’t interested in the Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro series (manga & anime).
It’s a very cute and simple slow-burn romance series. I love how blunt yet unexpectedly charming Ayumu is.
I read this in english many months early, thanks to online fan-translated scans.
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