Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Volume 2

僕らの地球の歩き方 [Bokura no chikyuu no arukikata+ #2

by Mone Sorai, Katie Kimura (Translator)

Super serious Asahi Suzumura and laidback, easygoing Mitsuki Sayama might seem like an odd couple, but they made a deal; they'll vacation around the world and when they get back to Japan, they'll get married.

As they travel from country to country, the different people, cultures and cuisine they encounter begin to bring them closer together. After all they're not just learning about the world, but about themselves too.

Genres: Manga, LGBT, Romance, Contemporary, Yaoi, Queer, Graphic Novels

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Maisha Farzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this manga, we follow Asahi Suzumura and Mitsuki Sayama as they continue their travels around the world. This is the second volume of the manga. In this instalment, Mituki and Asahi visits

Asahi and Mitsuki might seem like an odd couple. They are totally polar opposites. Where Asahi is super serious, Mistuki is laid-back and easy going .But they have made a deal; they'll vacation around the world and when they get back to Japan, they'll get married.

Our Not so Loneley Planet Travels is an interesting manga to read. Through the eyes of these characters we get to explore different cities in the world and learn about various cultures and traditions. We also see them meeting new people from various origins and tasting duff kinds of delicious cuisines. I would suggest you to not read this manga when you're hungry. Because food is definitely a big part of Asahi and Mistsuki's travels.

I appreciated the author's realistic approach to the romance. Being in a same sex relationship in the Asian countries is not easy. So I liked the fact that the romance wasn't rushed or presented as chessy. Asahi and Mitsuki's relation was very realistic. Asahi's parents are homophobic. It was easy to understand why he wasn't ready to come out. I loved that Mistsuki respected his decision and was extremely supportive. I also loved how much they cared for each other and willing to fight for their love - together.

I am pretty surprised at how the author managed to capture so many important things in such a short volume. The manga felt like a literal travel guide, but a fun one. And the characters development is amazing too. I can't wait to read more books from this series. Mitsuki and Asahi has become my ultimate favourite. Eagerly waiting for the next volume to come out.


｡☆✼★━━━━━━━━━━━━★✼☆｡

☆ Thanks to Net-Galley and publishers for providing the arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Pam Z (Pam's Shenanigans) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this volume so much because it shows both Asahi and Mitsuki’s weaker sides and flaws and how despite all of that, at the end of the day, they still choose to be with each other and wouldn't have it any other way.

I cannot stress enough how amazing the art is in this graphic novel; the attention to detail is amazing. While I can’t comment on the authenticity or legitimacy of the culture presented in the graphic novel, I believe the author did a great job representing the countries they visited in a good light.

[Met · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veramente leggero e godibile. In questo volume fanno tappa a Roma e mi sembra evidente che l’autrice conosce qualcuno della città: ci sono dettagli molto specifici! Spero valga anche per tutte le altre località.

[rory (jess' version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love how this makes feel like i'm traveling with main characters also && the art style is vivid and amazing! the mangaka does a great job capturing the tourists spots in europe

[Shu Wei Chin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Volume 1 to bits, and somehow Volume 2 was even better? This volume delves deeper into each boy's personalities, their strengths and weaknesses as well as how they build each other up. Their relationship is not free of challenges but is perfect in how grounded yet beautiful and romantic it is.

I need more of Asahi and Mitsuki! I kid you not, I was smiling the entire time I was reading this book, with some sporadic heart-clutching when the feels get real.

PLUS, the art is absolutely gorgeous, their expressions beautifully illustrated and the background art of the various countries they are vacationing in? Just breathtaking in its detail.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than V1, there was something in each new country here that got little happy-tears out of me. Finland, Germany, France, Italy. Good food without going overboard, and meeting fun/friendly people along the way.

The two girls that married in Finland:
We just didn't want to give up.
No matter what others say, we have the right to decide what we do with our lives.
You only live once.
It's important to be with the person who makes you happiest.

My Finland tears: when they see the Northern Lights

I like how both these boys are growing continuously.

This evokes Asahi to remark in private conversation to a new friend in Germany:
Marrying someone is like saying that you'll protect them forever, right?

My Germany tears: Asahi nursing Mitsuki when he got a fever.

The boys keep finishing each other's sentences. Or making the same remark at the same time. They really click together.

I remarked in my review of V1 how their differences fill in gaps for each other. Mitsuki remarks to Asahi in conversation here:
I'm here because you're serious, proper, honest and kind.
We both have traits that the other doesn't.
That's why we con go anywhere.
As long as we're together. Even Heaven or Hell.

My France tears: when I read this realization by Mitsuki

We learn a new personality trait of Mitsuki in Italy, and some family history. (no spoiler)
This leads Asahi to whisper to Mitsuki as they fall asleep together in a quaint old hut.

My Italy tears: see above.

Spoke too soon.. More tears for Christmas in Italy.

Easy 5*

[Imanewreader ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

the journey is also slowly turning into an acceptance journey where they are more open about their relationship compared to home in japan, where their families might not accept them the way they are. abroad they are free to be who they are, but they need to work on themselves for that as well.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

The boys are back and you cannot believe how FREAKING HYPED I am!! Omg, I just love this series, the first volume was just chef kiss. I was excited to see where the boys would go this time and if we would get some more romantic times. Oh yes!

In this book we travel to Finaland (chapter 7), Germany (chapters 8-10), France (chapter 11), and Italy (chapters 12-14). I love that they are visiting Europe because I live there. Haha, if only they had visited The Netherlands, now that would have been so cool! Would have loved to see them in one of the cities (though then again most tourists just go boring to Amsterdam).

OMG, that second panel btw, it was so suggestive, I was just momentarily stunned and then I read on to find out they were in a sauna. It was not what I had expected. XD

Back to the story. The first chapter is all about Finland! Yummy food and the Northern Lights. Oh man, those are also high up on my list, hopefully one day when things are normal I can visit the countries that have it! I just adored this chapter especially when we meet another same sex couple who was very enthusiastic and cute!

The next three chapters are, as I said, about Germany. It was quite a chapter that started so ominously! Mitsuki gets sick which worried the heck out of me! Thankfully the boys get help and that made me smile. Seeing that someone who doesn’t know them helps them out and it helps that he can speak Japanese because his wife is from Japan. I loved seeing our duo and the man and wife who helped have a fun time! With of course plenty of food and sightseeing~ I was SO jealous when they visited a Christmas market. OMG, I want to go to! I loved the sparkle and the amazement in the eyes of the boys as they browsed~

And then we are going to France (again, why not just pop by The Netherlands and Belgium, come on!) and of course visit the Eiffel Tower. Haha, I don’t blame them. As soon as I get to visit Paris I will do the same. XD I had a laugh at the Mona Lisa, yep, I haven’t seen it but I heard the tales on how tiny it is. And I loved that they didn’t just visit Paris, but also went to visit other parts! I hope that they learn from this experience though, always check if something is open so you are not disappointed. I learned from the time I went to London and found at the Big Ben was wrapped up. With some difficult searching I found some articles, so it wasn’t my fault per se.

Next up is Italy! Yas! And I had a laugh at Mitsuki. Knows almost zero English… but is fluent in Italian. Which I didn’t expect and Asahi didn’t either. Haha. Loved that it was his plan all along. Oh Mitsuki, never change! I had fun seeing them travel through Italy and visit all sorts of gorgeous places. Including VENICE!! Sorry, I am just so hyped because I love the city and I love seeing it through their eyes, making me wish I could go again! Though I wouldn’t recommend the gondolas, haha, I just love how in each book that is featured, but really.. the prices are MESSED UP. And we were disappointed that we couldn’t go. 😐

Next to travel there is plenty of romance, beautiful scenes with the two of them together, but they also meet many people along their way. We see conversations about LGBT romance, about love, about the places they visit, about food (of course), and much more. We see also how our couple gets together more and more with each country, they talk, they discuss, they worry, they really are growing. I really enjoyed those conversations they just gave the travelling experience something extra and I am all in for it!

The art was gorgeous. Yes, sometimes the faces are a bit weird, but in overall I am enjoying the art! Especially when they zoom in on details or when there are backgrounds, holy wow!

All in all, I could talk on and on about this wonderful, sweet, romantic book, but I will just keep it at this. Say that everyone should read this one!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Elaine White · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I like the general story and the main couple, it often feels more like a "tour guide" book. Too much description, detailing food, how it's made, the history of the landmarks they visit. Too often, the couple take a back seat to the sightseeing.
They seem to, conveniently, meet every gay couple going, every time they visit a new country, and somehow always end up lucky to meet nice people who are overly kind to them. It's all too coincidental and convenient, with the gay couples imparting life lessons and wisdom, in every country.
I wish it would spend more time on the couple and their story than the detailed tour of various countries. I want to know what really happened to Asahi, how long they've been dating, and why they're discovering HUGE things about each other on this trip that they never knew before. Why are they planning to get married, if they don't already know these things about each other?

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so good! I love the dynamic between our two leads. It makes my heart warm.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[atlas ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second volume of this series we continue to follow Asahi and Mitsuki as they continue their travels around the world.

I really love the main characters relationship, it's very realistic and I think it's done really well. I'm not a huge fan of established relationships because often their relationships boring after they get together. This definitely isn't the case with these two and I enjoyed seeing them learn more about each other.

The characters are fun and interesting to read about. I love both of the MCs and we get to see many different side characters as well. Most of them are also lgbt and usually provide one of the main characters some advice or lesson. This does feel a little unrealistic but I didn't mind.

The art is wonderful and really matches the story in a way. It's a pretty unique style and resonated with me when I read the first volume.

Overall, this is honestly such a sweet read with wonderful art and realistic lgbt+ representation that I definitely recommend! I'm impatiently waiting for the next volume.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this volume even more than the first, and I think the art has improved as well! Asahi and Mitsuki continue their travels around the world, hitting up Finland, Germany, France, and Italy. Along the way they hit a few bumps in the road (nothing super dramatic), but it allows them more reflection into their relationship, and to see how much they really care for one another. I also adored all of the side characters. And! I've actually learned some fascinating tidbits about the aforementioned countries! I really hope we get a volume three!

[Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this even more than volume 1, the characters gain depth and we can see more clearly their personalities and flaws. We also get a tiny bit of backstory.
Volume 2: Finland, Germany, France and Italy
Ps: Gina, I love you

[annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cuuuuute just like the first volume!
i really like the domestic stuff so much,,,, also the description of meals and various delicacies is so good ahhhh. not going to lie - i got little hungry while reading it.

[sunflowervol6 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story makes me wanna take someone and start travelling around the world
(Too bad I’m a woman and I don’t have that money)
But really heartwarming story and beautiful beautiful representation of all the countries and their cultures.

[Silly Pick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this manga series so freaking much 💕

[Katie Millington (Gordon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, those last few pages just hit my heart. I understand why he's crying so hard, and the response from Mitsuki is just everything.

[Camille Crak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une série pleine de tendresse. Je suis curieuse de lire la suite

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lemme go travel real quick

[Megan K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this so much 😭

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a little distressed to find that this is a continuing series and that volume 2 was not the happy conclusion with their wedding. That's only because I get worried about publication dates and completion status...it looks like volume 3 is out in Japan now, so maybe it'll be in English next year (as of right now, March 2022, it's not up for preorder yet). I sure hope these are selling well enough for Tokypop to continue with the license.

In terms of story, it would've been too soon to wrap up a trip around the world just yet. And there's a lot of really great stuff in this volume.

It's almost like this one in particular was written for me...they go to Finland, Paris, and Venice, so it's like revisiting some of my fondest memories, and making them gay. So...perfection.

I do worry a little bit, too, about how well the writing is going to go from this point on, since these are basically travelogue books, and Sorai's travel must've been put on hold for a while with the pandemic. But some of the material is coming from Sorai's editor, other friends, research, etc, and doesn't all rely on personal firsthand knowledge.

Admittedly sometimes it feels a little too much like a travel book: we always get descriptions of the food, little history lessons, and tours of various famous locations, which could potentially bore some audiences. I personally love it. For the places I've been, it's like a warm reminder (those platforms in flooded Venice!), and it lets me visit other places I haven't had a chance to go to on my own.

And there's wonderful storytelling going on the entire time. Asahi is making so much progress in being more comfortable and confident in his relationship with Mitsuki. They meet a lesbian couple in Finland, and take a step further in coming out (thanks to Asahi) to a friendly couple in Germany, who lets the two of them stay at their house for a while. This section is meaningful, because the husband is German and the wife is Japanese, so Asahi's able to balance his anxieties about being out-and-proud back home in Japan with the heady freedom of traveling among strangers in foreign countries. The more people he meets and the more types of love he experiences, the more he wants to stay with Mitsuki.

It's interesting that when they meet up with Mitsuki's great-aunt (Italian grandfather's younger sister) in Venice, Asahi admits to her that he'd been secretly planning to break up with Mitsuki at the end of their trip, so he could have a bunch of really wonderful memories to hang onto while spending the rest of his life alone. He's really been struggling with the idea of being able to have a happy life while gay and doesn't believe his parents will ever accept it.

But it turns out this elderly relative has some regrets of her own...she bowed to the pressures of family and the not-so-progressive time period and broke up with her girlfriend, the love of her life, to marry a man for appearances' sake. Her advice to Asahi is: don't live with regrets. If Mitsuki makes you happy, grab that happiness with both hands and hold on tight.

Asahi isn't there just yet, but he's getting close. And I'm pretty confident that unless this goes weirdly tragic, we will get that wedding and family acceptance by the end.

There are also some lovely flashbacks, giving more glimpses into their history while leaving some for future volumes. I'm guessing Asahi and Mitsuki had a mutual (presumed unrequited) crush during high school, and when they met during Christmas after their university graduation, something happened to make them realize they could have what they wanted. I'm excited to see more of that story.

It's still not totally clear what Asahi's emergency surgery was (appendix maybe, or something in his stomach/intestines related to stress/overwork), and I'm not sure if there's going to be more to that or not - but it was told really effectively during the Berlin portions, with Asahi panicking over Mitsuki getting sick and collapsing on the street, and finally understanding how terrified Mitsuki must've been of losing him.

This is just such a complex, detailed, well-crafted story, and I hope I can keep traveling with them.

[Aria Bipolarbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farò una recensione migliore dopo aver letto il terzo (che esce a dicembre), ma in sostanza è un manga davvero bello e interessante.

[Libbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Writing a grouped review for the volumes that are released and I have read at the time of writing (volumes 1-5). I read these months ago and do not remember the specifics of every volume outside the rating I gave them. ✨

Our not-so-lonely planet travel guide is a sweet and wholesome manga series following two lovers as they set off for a journey traveling the world.

I generally have a soft spot for queer stories, particularly queer graphic novels and manga but this didn't quite hit the same level as others I have read.

The general premise of the story is good but it gets rather repetitive really quickly.

I will most likely continue to read this tho as I want to see how their relationship continues to develop and their confidence shine.

[ℂ ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuquíssims els protes també en aquest volum on descobrim que el seu és un viatge arreu del món, però també interior per acceptar-se millor com a parella homosexual, confiar més l'un en l'altre i tenir un tastet més que necessari de la mentalitat oberta que hi ha repartida pel planeta ♥ Única pega: deixeu d'interrompre'ls quan es posen melosos, homeeee, que es mereixen la seva dosi d'escenes hot!!! :'(

[Nelva (nelvalostinpages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is becoming another one of my faves! This one has the same vibes as the first volume but you get to see more of Asahi and Mitsuki, their weaknesses and their strengths, and how navigate their problems and their relationships. Even when they make mistakes, they are quick to communicate and try their best. We love seeing a healthy relationship 😭

[Luana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anche questo secondo volume è davvero interessante. Probabilmente mi ripeterò, ma ho apprezzato molto il modo in cui le esperienze do viaggio vanno di pari passo con i momenti di crescita dei due protagonisti, sia individualmente che come coppia.

Asahi e Mitsuki arrivano in Europa - Finlandia (con le peripezie per vedere l'aurora boreale), Germania, Francia (con lo shock di trovare Versailles chiusa) e poi l'Italia (altra cosa carina: prima di puntare sulle mete più note come Roma e Venezia, i ragazzi puntano su Alberobello). Li vediamo muoversi tra monumenti, attrazioni, provare la cucina locale e entrare in contatto con la cultura del posto. E, cosa ancora più importante, li vediamo interagire con altre persone, fare nuove conoscenze e costruire tanti ricordi.
E poi assistiamo a diversi momenti che contribuiscono alla crescita del loro rapporto e cominciano a fare capolino altre questioni. I genitori non sanno della loro relazione. Soprattutto Asahi è molto restio a parlarne visto che i genitori non sono persone di mentalità molto aperta. Da un lato, sembra convinto che prima o poi dovrà separarsi da Mitsuki - forse per compiacere la famiglia o la società -, ma dall'altro c'è la realtà, ovvero che ormai non gli è più possibile stare lontano dal compagno. Mitsuki sembra più ottimista sulla possibile reazione della madre. Tuttavia, rimangono pochi dubbi sul fatto che non sarà un percorso semplice, le aspettative delle famiglie e della società non spariranno magicamente. È un concetto che si vede molto bene anche nelle persone che i due incontrano durante il viaggio, come nel caso delle due ragazze finlandesi o della sorella minore del nonno di Mitsuki. Le prime sono andate avanti per la loro strada, mentre la seconda è stata spinta a fare un passo indietro.
E poi compare di nuovo il tema della malattia: quando Asahi è stato male, Mitsuki era in ospedale con lui, ma non aveva alcun potere decisionale visto che non era un famigliare dell'ammalato. Il matrimonio, oltre ad essere un modo per legarsi alla persona che si ama, garantisce anche certe forme di tutela e il riconoscimento di alcuni diritti. Tipo assistere il proprio coniuge in ospedale, poter parlare con i dottori e avere voce in capitolo su eventuali terapie e operazioni.

Comunque, confermo la mia opinione anche dopo la lettura di questo secondo volume: mi è venuta voglia di fare la valigia, partire e vedere il mondo. Forse non sarà il periodo migliore, ma il desiderio c'è. Eccome se c'è.

P.s.: quasi mi stavo dimenticando...vero tocco di classe pure la presenza dei tizi (soprattutto in Francia e in Italia) che cercano di spillare soldi in nome di fantomatiche raccolte fondi o quelli che cercano di venderti i braccialetti, prima dicendo che sono gratis e poi cambiano idea.

[Indie-Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story about two Japanese men who decide to go on a trip around the world together, and if they can stay together through this trip, they will get married when they get home. In this book the boys travel to Finland, Germany, France and Italy, and see the Northern Lights, meet new people, visit must-see tourist destinations, and eat a lot of food.

[spoilers ahead]

In this volume we find out more about the scar on Asahi's stomach, and when Mitsuki faints after pushing himself too much on their first day in Berlin, they end up staying with a nice couple for a while while he recovers. Asahi is confronted during this time with how much he cares about Mitsuki, and how Mitsuki must have felt when Asahi had his own accident.

They travel on from here to Italy, where Asahi discovers Mitsuki can speak Italian, and when they're in Rome Mitsuki gets a phone call from his mother. It's obvious here that Mitsuki wants to introduce Asahi as his boyfriend to his mother, but Asahi stops him (internalised homophobia wins again!). They travel on to Venice to stay with a great-aunt of Mitsuki's, and while Mitsuki is out of the room the great-aunt tells Asahi that she knows the two of them are dating, and that she too had dated a woman once before. Her and the woman had eventually broken up, and the great-aunt had gotten married to a man, but it's obvious this woman was the love of her life. Asahi breaks down and confesses that while he agreed with Mitsuki to get married once the trip is over, he's real plan was to break up with him when they get home, and this trip is the last time he will allow himself to soak up Mitsuki's sunshine. This part of the story definitely brought tears to my eyes.

I love the way the artist puts so much care into drawing and describing the food, and the different places they visit. There were definitely places in this volume that I'd like to look up and learn more about!

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what would happen if the Travel Channel decided to create a gay rom-com/dramedy series about travel? Because I'm pretty sure this would be it. Asahi and Mitsuki are a couple of Japanese guys who've decided to travel the world together, with the thought that if they're still a couple when the trip is finished, they'll get married (note: same sex marriage isn't illegal in Japan any longer, but it's not recognized by the government yet). We follow their travels in this series, in this volume visiting Germany, France, and Italy. I'm really enjoying the combination of seeing Asahi & Mitsuki's relationship grow and learning more about each of them, and learning about the places they visit, including little things like how the residents view their home countries, cities, and regions, how smells and sounds vary in different places, etc. There's lots of cute, awkward lovey-dovey-ness going on, though that's somewhat restrained by fear of "getting caught," which brings up the heartbreaking reminder that the world still hasn't reached a point where everyone is free to love whomever they want. Neither man has come out to their family yet, and they both fear doing so, and this underlying current definitely brings the hurt. Thus far, the couple hasn't encountered homophobic behavior, but this is mainly because Asahi is so reserved about showing affection in public rather than the world outside of Japan being cool with same sex couples, and the fear of encountering hate coming from Asahi is very palpable. After meeting and talking to Mitsuki's great-aunt in this volume, I'm hoping Asahi will loosen up a bit and allow himself to be more open.
Looking forward to more travels with this sweet couple in the future!

#OurNotSoLonelyPlanetTravelGuideVolume2 #NetGalley

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received "Our Not-So-Lonely-Planet Travel Guide Vol.2" from Netgalley for review

maybe mild spoilers?***



I haven’t read a lot of manga, but I really enjoyed “Our Not-So-Lonely-Planet Travel Guide”. I even went and looked for volume one to read first. As for volume two, I loved reading about Mitsuki and Asahi traveling through Germany, France, and Italy together. The main goal of their worldly travels seems to be a test of their relationship and a test of their love. When they get back to Japan after traveling the world, Mitsuki wants to get married. I love the grumpy/sunshine trope, and this manga definitely has it. Mitsuki is a ball of sunshine, or as Asahi would say, he has a “happy go lucky” attitude, and Asahi is very serious and a ball of constant nerves. Mitsuki seems much more comfortable in who he is and in their relationship than Asahi does in Vol. 1, and in most of Vol. 2, but it’s clear that fear of rejection and potentially some internalized homophobia is really making Asahi afraid of expressing how much he loves and cares about Mitsuki. It was really refreshing to see Asahi open up to Mitsuki’s grandma while they are in Italy and understand more of where he is coming from in his fear of being open and proud about his relationship with Mitsuki. While they do seem to bicker quite a lot, and the sexual and romantic tension between them isn’t over the top because of Asahi’s fears, it’s clear how much these men care about each other. I can’t wait for Vol. 3 to find out how the rest of their trip goes and if they end up staying together and getting married when they get back to Japan.