What do you think?
Rate this book
ばらかもん [Barakamon] #15
Barakamon 15
Seishu hat erfolgreich eine Kalligrafieschule eröffnet, aber eine Kleinigkeit hat er dabei nicht bedacht: Er muss Miete zahlen! Nun muss seine Schule zu einem Erfolg werden, doch dafür fehlt es ihm an zahlungsfähigen Schülern. Aber wo soll er die herbekommen?
208 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2017
About the author
Satsuki Yoshino
80 books94 followersYOSHINO Satsuki
Name (in native language): ヨシノサツキ
Zodiac: Gemini
Name (in native language): ヨシノサツキ
Zodiac: Gemini
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 23, 2019
Friendship and change.
World: Art is great, those little moments with Naru and Kawafuji shows you how beautiful and wonderfully important the art is. The world building is also solid with character based pieces and new status quos.
Story: The story is great, with the focus on Sensei and Kawafuji and their friendship. It’s well done, it’s not so subtle and fairly melodramatic but it’s really well done. I love the growth that these two characters have had since the start of the series. We also get some nice little stories with the other characters and their high school life.
Characters: Nice development with Kawafuji and Sensei. We’ve not really explored their friendship until now and it’s a nice little thing that happens here.
Beautiful character work.
Onward to the next book!
World: Art is great, those little moments with Naru and Kawafuji shows you how beautiful and wonderfully important the art is. The world building is also solid with character based pieces and new status quos.
Story: The story is great, with the focus on Sensei and Kawafuji and their friendship. It’s well done, it’s not so subtle and fairly melodramatic but it’s really well done. I love the growth that these two characters have had since the start of the series. We also get some nice little stories with the other characters and their high school life.
Characters: Nice development with Kawafuji and Sensei. We’ve not really explored their friendship until now and it’s a nice little thing that happens here.
Beautiful character work.
Onward to the next book!
November 4, 2018
Handa-sensei incompetently tries to open his calligraphy school on a remote, rural Japanese island, but he may just get it off the ground with a little help from his friends. This is a low-key and gentle series, but I will certainly keep reading it as long as the creator keeps making it.
November 4, 2024
Even though Naru is not the main protagonist in this book...she's really the main attraction here.
A tiny force of nature..with a sad past..every so often she comes up with words of wisdom (that she just manages to pronounce) that shake Handa to his core.
A tiny force of nature..with a sad past..every so often she comes up with words of wisdom (that she just manages to pronounce) that shake Handa to his core.
November 10, 2017
I want the recipe for Handa's pickles! :D
March 22, 2018
:) I like this series. I want the next one now.
May 21, 2019
I still love this series so much! It's one of the very first Manga series I started back in 2016 and I still love it so much. Handa-kun is a delight. Also, so relatable.
March 4, 2022
Chronique etc etc etc
April 7, 2019
A lot happened in this volume, best of all Kawafuji came and was able to be friends with Handa again as well as teach him a thing or three about business, Handa finished his pickles, Handa’s finally getting a taste of reality and getting his school organized with his first student Higashino (and that hug and reaction had me laughing out loud!), and we had some February holidays. I really enjoyed Handa’s wrestle with reality, more specifically his catatonic “the kotatsu is so warm” stuff. In the past I know I’d sometimes be annoyed that the focus strayed from Handa too much to look at island life stuff, but I’ve come to enjoy the characters over time and I’m happy to get glimpses of what they’re doing wherever they are like the flashes to Ojou and Kirie in Tokyo or following the kids at school. I’d like some explanation for that shark Hiroshi was carrying on his bike...
I’m still not loving the calligraphy school idea, and the sample class, while improved with a fun idea with the flowers, did not give me a ton of confidence in Handa’s future success. I’m not sure I buy into his running ahead idea either, is Kawafuji falling behind by working for his dad in their art dealing business, is a school on a rural island really the way ahead? I suppose Handa will get experience he could use running a more serious school in the future. It just feels a bit like getting Yo-Yo Ma to teach intro cello, a renowned artist should have renowned students. I do think there’s definitely potential for interesting storylines moving forward exploring this new dimension of calligraphy that hasn’t been discussed before.
I’m still not loving the calligraphy school idea, and the sample class, while improved with a fun idea with the flowers, did not give me a ton of confidence in Handa’s future success. I’m not sure I buy into his running ahead idea either, is Kawafuji falling behind by working for his dad in their art dealing business, is a school on a rural island really the way ahead? I suppose Handa will get experience he could use running a more serious school in the future. It just feels a bit like getting Yo-Yo Ma to teach intro cello, a renowned artist should have renowned students. I do think there’s definitely potential for interesting storylines moving forward exploring this new dimension of calligraphy that hasn’t been discussed before.
October 1, 2019
I forgot what happened in this already, but I know I liked it.
February 22, 2020
The Handa Calligraphy School is off to a brilliant start.
Well, not really. But that sure would be nice, wouldn't it?
It turns out starting a small business in a profession one's never considered prior to the present is a rather difficult task. Handa-sensei has no business sense, no intuition for the economics of independent work, and zero familiarity with the breadth of effort required to lay the foundation for long-term success. Fortunately, his buddy Kawafuji drops by to give him an earful.
BARAKAMON #15 focuses on Handa's terrible attempt at professionalism, Kawafuji's waning reluctance to help his best friend, and all the usual chaos and curiosities in the tiny island town. As hilarious as it is to watch Handa toe the line between success and failure with each passing heartbeat, there's a more serious undercurrent that propels him and Kawafuji forward. The through-narrative being that at the start, their friendship is in shambles. Is the gifted calligrapher just another spoiled and arrogant artist with no real understanding for how to contribute to the world at large? Or is the young sensei an insightful opportunist merely in need of support as he weaves and wanders into new territory?
The current volume nevertheless includes a handful of hysterical musings that pinch and pull at the young calligrapher's diligence from every direction. Handa is back on good terms with Higashino (but can't stop himself from defensively criticizing his enterprising neighbor). Everyone's favorite fujoshi, Tama, blows a fuse upon suspecting her sensei has thrown himself into "a dazzling scene of lovers torn between affection and hatred" (the poor girl actually passes out). And the Handa Calligraphy School's first use case in handwriting instruction devolves into chaos when Handa-sensei realizes that kids' attention spans are crap (but he's used to that by now. . .). BARAKAMON #15 is another brisk and delightful volume in a tender and long-running manga series.
Well, not really. But that sure would be nice, wouldn't it?
It turns out starting a small business in a profession one's never considered prior to the present is a rather difficult task. Handa-sensei has no business sense, no intuition for the economics of independent work, and zero familiarity with the breadth of effort required to lay the foundation for long-term success. Fortunately, his buddy Kawafuji drops by to give him an earful.
BARAKAMON #15 focuses on Handa's terrible attempt at professionalism, Kawafuji's waning reluctance to help his best friend, and all the usual chaos and curiosities in the tiny island town. As hilarious as it is to watch Handa toe the line between success and failure with each passing heartbeat, there's a more serious undercurrent that propels him and Kawafuji forward. The through-narrative being that at the start, their friendship is in shambles. Is the gifted calligrapher just another spoiled and arrogant artist with no real understanding for how to contribute to the world at large? Or is the young sensei an insightful opportunist merely in need of support as he weaves and wanders into new territory?
The current volume nevertheless includes a handful of hysterical musings that pinch and pull at the young calligrapher's diligence from every direction. Handa is back on good terms with Higashino (but can't stop himself from defensively criticizing his enterprising neighbor). Everyone's favorite fujoshi, Tama, blows a fuse upon suspecting her sensei has thrown himself into "a dazzling scene of lovers torn between affection and hatred" (the poor girl actually passes out). And the Handa Calligraphy School's first use case in handwriting instruction devolves into chaos when Handa-sensei realizes that kids' attention spans are crap (but he's used to that by now. . .). BARAKAMON #15 is another brisk and delightful volume in a tender and long-running manga series.
February 14, 2024
Words of Wisdom, with Naru
"You and sensei running together don' make sense. Naru does long run with Hina too, but not slow like Hina. While running together's gobs of fun, we'd both come in last. The way Naru does it is run ahead and call out, "c'mere quick!" Like that. That way both of us get faster."
"You and sensei running together don' make sense. Naru does long run with Hina too, but not slow like Hina. While running together's gobs of fun, we'd both come in last. The way Naru does it is run ahead and call out, "c'mere quick!" Like that. That way both of us get faster."
February 1, 2024
Gah! I really enjoyed the friendship in this volume!! It speaks volumes to the way Handa was supported!! His wild dreams seemed impossible made possible! I just really loved that for him and it just strengthed his relationship!!
January 5, 2025
川藤と仲直りだ！やった！
半田先生の書道教室の初レッソンもありました。半田はよい先生のことが気付いた。一年生の生徒を教えるのは難しい。彼らの集中力も短いしエネルギーが溢れているからただ座って習うのは難しい。私はその難しさがよく分かります。キンダーガーデン一日だけ教えた。子供20人で私は一人の大人、彼らの集中力をすぐ失て、カオスになった。ま、三人か五人なら私も子供の注目を集めるけどその以上はとってもとっても難しい。だから半田と共感した、経験あるから。
だけど。。。葉っぱと花と草の種の間に字を書くのは書道？
半田先生の書道教室の初レッソンもありました。半田はよい先生のことが気付いた。一年生の生徒を教えるのは難しい。彼らの集中力も短いしエネルギーが溢れているからただ座って習うのは難しい。私はその難しさがよく分かります。キンダーガーデン一日だけ教えた。子供20人で私は一人の大人、彼らの集中力をすぐ失て、カオスになった。ま、三人か五人なら私も子供の注目を集めるけどその以上はとってもとっても難しい。だから半田と共感した、経験あるから。
だけど。。。葉っぱと花と草の種の間に字を書くのは書道？
February 14, 2021
Handa still can't get people to sign up for his calligraphy school and has resorted to anemone preying tendencies.
February 23, 2021
I just love Naru.
March 15, 2021
Aww, friends!
December 30, 2021
I wanted to do a Barakamon rewatch but this is just as good
May 31, 2023
It’s so bittersweet seeing the characters grow up and evolve man. Because I know this story is getting closer to ending. :(
June 27, 2018
In Summary
In the early chapters of Barakamon, Handa struggled as a clueless city boy unused to country life. Now he’s struggling again—as a clueless person unused to basic adult responsibilities. And once more it’s up to Kawafuji to do the practical thinking for his sheltered artist friend. If you were hoping for more Kawafuji-style tough love, you’ll get it in this volume.
The Review
Handa has settled into the island community for a while now, but the calligraphy school arc has a similar vibe to Barakamon’s early chapters where he was struggling to adjust. This time, however, instead of being the clueless city boy learning how to live in the country, he’s the sheltered artist figuring out how to make a living. Yoshino-sensei makes clear just how sheltered Handa’s been when he discovers his father’s been paying rent for him all this time. When village chief informs Handa that his father now expects him to pay his own rent, the young calligrapher’s stunned speechless. What’s more, Handa doesn’t have even a basic grasp of how a calligraphy school functions as he’s only ever trained at home.
Handa’s definitely not the type of protagonist to figure these kinds of things by his own strength. Unfortunately, the islanders can’t offer much help in his latest endeavor, and he takes on an almost predatory view of his friends as prospective students. (Naru’s comparison of Handa to a sea anemone is quite funny). As such, it’s up to the friend who’s always handled the business aspects of Handa’s calligraphy—namely Kawafuji—to help with the business aspects of starting Handa’s school.
As a result, there are a lot of parallels with earlier chapters as Handa fails to plan ahead, gets overwhelmed to the point of paralysis, and exhibits no practical ability whatsoever to Kawafuji’s frustration. If you enjoy watching Handa’s occasional moments of brilliance amid mostly incompetent behavior, you’ll have a lot to like.
The remaining two chapters are brief holiday-themed stories. The first is Setsubun—Gotou style! As part of this Japanese holiday, children pelt a “demon” with beans, and you can easily guess whom the kids choose as their demon. Then we shift to the middle school for Valentine’s Day. There’s little romance to be had, but quite a few delusional girls.
Extras include bonus manga, translation notes, and another installment of “Barakamon News.”
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
In the early chapters of Barakamon, Handa struggled as a clueless city boy unused to country life. Now he’s struggling again—as a clueless person unused to basic adult responsibilities. And once more it’s up to Kawafuji to do the practical thinking for his sheltered artist friend. If you were hoping for more Kawafuji-style tough love, you’ll get it in this volume.
The Review
Handa has settled into the island community for a while now, but the calligraphy school arc has a similar vibe to Barakamon’s early chapters where he was struggling to adjust. This time, however, instead of being the clueless city boy learning how to live in the country, he’s the sheltered artist figuring out how to make a living. Yoshino-sensei makes clear just how sheltered Handa’s been when he discovers his father’s been paying rent for him all this time. When village chief informs Handa that his father now expects him to pay his own rent, the young calligrapher’s stunned speechless. What’s more, Handa doesn’t have even a basic grasp of how a calligraphy school functions as he’s only ever trained at home.
Handa’s definitely not the type of protagonist to figure these kinds of things by his own strength. Unfortunately, the islanders can’t offer much help in his latest endeavor, and he takes on an almost predatory view of his friends as prospective students. (Naru’s comparison of Handa to a sea anemone is quite funny). As such, it’s up to the friend who’s always handled the business aspects of Handa’s calligraphy—namely Kawafuji—to help with the business aspects of starting Handa’s school.
As a result, there are a lot of parallels with earlier chapters as Handa fails to plan ahead, gets overwhelmed to the point of paralysis, and exhibits no practical ability whatsoever to Kawafuji’s frustration. If you enjoy watching Handa’s occasional moments of brilliance amid mostly incompetent behavior, you’ll have a lot to like.
The remaining two chapters are brief holiday-themed stories. The first is Setsubun—Gotou style! As part of this Japanese holiday, children pelt a “demon” with beans, and you can easily guess whom the kids choose as their demon. Then we shift to the middle school for Valentine’s Day. There’s little romance to be had, but quite a few delusional girls.
Extras include bonus manga, translation notes, and another installment of “Barakamon News.”
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2018
These continues to be one of my favourite manga series ever. All the charm, all the humour and heart... it continues to be there volume after volume, and my love for the characters and the story continues to grow.
I wish they would translate these faster because I can't get enough. :')
I wish they would translate these faster because I can't get enough. :')
April 14, 2018
Book 14 in the series really disappointed me. But this volume, #15 made up for it. Better than ever!
April 19, 2018
Enjoyable seeing Handa make progress, with a lot of help, on his school idea. Also some spectacularly hilarious moments like the cutlass fish and Valentine's Day.
November 24, 2018
Another good volume.
February 27, 2019
Great Manga!
If you can’t get enough of the Anime, this is great to read and experience this story in its original format.
If you can’t get enough of the Anime, this is great to read and experience this story in its original format.
June 8, 2019
Setting up calligraphy school with nothing much happened.
September 19, 2019
Pretty great adorable slice of life manga, really love it!!😻😁📖🖋
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews