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アオのハコ [Ao no Hako] #4
Blue Box, Vol. 4
Taiki Inomata loves badminton, but he has a long way to go before he can reach nationals.
When Taiki sees upperclassman Chinatsu Kano practicing her heart out on the girls’ basketball team, he falls for her hard. After an unexpected turn of events brings the two closer together, sports might not be the first thing on their minds anymore!
After Taiki pushes himself too hard, Chinatsu nurses him back to health. Even though he never knows the right thing to say, he feels like the distance between them is shrinking rapidly. But with Chinatsu always on his mind, how can Taiki face a courageous Hina suddenly inviting him to the summer festival?
When Taiki sees upperclassman Chinatsu Kano practicing her heart out on the girls’ basketball team, he falls for her hard. After an unexpected turn of events brings the two closer together, sports might not be the first thing on their minds anymore!
After Taiki pushes himself too hard, Chinatsu nurses him back to health. Even though he never knows the right thing to say, he feels like the distance between them is shrinking rapidly. But with Chinatsu always on his mind, how can Taiki face a courageous Hina suddenly inviting him to the summer festival?
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2022
25 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 23, 2024
Definitivamente, ya sí que no es para mí este manga. Me parece muy ñoño. A pesar de que algunos capítulos son muy monos, no compensan el resto de la trama, la cual es muy lenta y la parte de los deportes, muy secundaria.
July 27, 2024
Mandatory summer festival volume, here I come!
May 5, 2023
Chinatsu comes to Taiki’s rescue when he gets sick, but his temperature just might go up for other reasons. Then Hina makes a (somewhat) bold move of her own, but the course is set for a real collision at ye olde fireworks festival.
There is a coveted spot (in my mind, please allow me my delusions) in my manga pantheon inhabited by a select few series that I have absolutely zero chill for and, despite their flaws, am absolutely crazy about. Blue Box is basically there at this point.
It’s sure not for shocking twists - there is nothing original here, minus the fact that half the volume is set during summer vacation and they haven’t gone to the beach yet (a quick look ahead shows that it’s two volumes away, whoops).
The old ‘slip and fall into a precariously close position’ and, as mentioned, the fireworks festival, the convenience store walk, nothing is new under the sun. Hina scheming away (this makes her sound less awesome than she is; Hina should be the female lead, sorry). Chinatsu clearly attracted to Taiki but putting distance between them because reasons. This is hilariously basic at times.
Which just goes to show - write what you want, but do it well, and the audience will show up. The addition of the sports action doesn’t hurt - this is a sports book full of relationship drama, which gives it a pretty wide net to cast in terms of appeal. And appeal it does.
Yes, I am going to mention poor Hina again, destined to be runner-up in this race, but not for lack of trying. Well, somewhat. Hina’s the perfect example of the person making excuses for why they can’t do something like confess to the boy she likes. I love the return of Taiki giving her advice that’s relevant to their situation, without him realizing it.
But, for all that Taiki is focused on Chinatsu, Hina’s true rival is herself. She makes bold moves, to be sure, but her confidence at gymnastics has no corollary to her off-court abilities. She consistently bottles it and I’m wagering she’s going to choke again after the mild cliffhanger that ends this volume. People have a variety of strengths and weaknesses and this mangaka recognizes it.
And Hina’s just more interesting than Chinatsu, even though I do like the latter quite a bit. Chinatsu spends a lot of time (rightly) worrying about the decorum of putting the make on somebody she’s living with, though I did like the counterpoint her friend gives this volume. But, being that little bit older does make her a bit more mature, which is very believable. And she’s not quite perfect at it, also very believable.
Meanwhile, Taiki has his own crisis of confidence as his bold plans keep tripping over Chinatsu’s desire to keep things as above board as she can, even without knowing his own feelings on the subject. It’s not that he’s struggling with mixed signals, more that there’s clearly something between them and Chinatsu keeps shutting it down. The question of how long that’s going to be able to stay that way, hormones to the rescue, is dubious.
Plus he’s struggling with his deficiencies on the court as well. I know I’m invested in the sports side of things when something as simple as an adjustment to Taiki’s form paying off makes me excited. He’s definitely plain, but not boring, and that’s a big difference. We see that he has room to grow, but exactly how much and at what cost forms an intriguing backbone to this narrative.
This story is like a pot of chili, really. If you just threw the ingredients together you’d get what you get every time, but add the right spice to it and you might just make it something really special. This story has that spice for me.
You’ve got a very strong cast and some solid writing, plus really decent art. It’s not too fanservice-y either, which I appreciate, as the story doesn’t even need it. There’s some, but it feels like a bonus rather than a crutch. That‘a a good sign.
5 stars - hey, no chill, you were warned. That one shot of Hina in Ch.31 is enough on its own, even before the revelation that the book’s editor liked how crushed she looked. Sometimes that’s a fluke, but here you can tell somebody knows what they’re doing. An absolute banger.
There is a coveted spot (in my mind, please allow me my delusions) in my manga pantheon inhabited by a select few series that I have absolutely zero chill for and, despite their flaws, am absolutely crazy about. Blue Box is basically there at this point.
It’s sure not for shocking twists - there is nothing original here, minus the fact that half the volume is set during summer vacation and they haven’t gone to the beach yet (a quick look ahead shows that it’s two volumes away, whoops).
The old ‘slip and fall into a precariously close position’ and, as mentioned, the fireworks festival, the convenience store walk, nothing is new under the sun. Hina scheming away (this makes her sound less awesome than she is; Hina should be the female lead, sorry). Chinatsu clearly attracted to Taiki but putting distance between them because reasons. This is hilariously basic at times.
Which just goes to show - write what you want, but do it well, and the audience will show up. The addition of the sports action doesn’t hurt - this is a sports book full of relationship drama, which gives it a pretty wide net to cast in terms of appeal. And appeal it does.
Yes, I am going to mention poor Hina again, destined to be runner-up in this race, but not for lack of trying. Well, somewhat. Hina’s the perfect example of the person making excuses for why they can’t do something like confess to the boy she likes. I love the return of Taiki giving her advice that’s relevant to their situation, without him realizing it.
But, for all that Taiki is focused on Chinatsu, Hina’s true rival is herself. She makes bold moves, to be sure, but her confidence at gymnastics has no corollary to her off-court abilities. She consistently bottles it and I’m wagering she’s going to choke again after the mild cliffhanger that ends this volume. People have a variety of strengths and weaknesses and this mangaka recognizes it.
And Hina’s just more interesting than Chinatsu, even though I do like the latter quite a bit. Chinatsu spends a lot of time (rightly) worrying about the decorum of putting the make on somebody she’s living with, though I did like the counterpoint her friend gives this volume. But, being that little bit older does make her a bit more mature, which is very believable. And she’s not quite perfect at it, also very believable.
Meanwhile, Taiki has his own crisis of confidence as his bold plans keep tripping over Chinatsu’s desire to keep things as above board as she can, even without knowing his own feelings on the subject. It’s not that he’s struggling with mixed signals, more that there’s clearly something between them and Chinatsu keeps shutting it down. The question of how long that’s going to be able to stay that way, hormones to the rescue, is dubious.
Plus he’s struggling with his deficiencies on the court as well. I know I’m invested in the sports side of things when something as simple as an adjustment to Taiki’s form paying off makes me excited. He’s definitely plain, but not boring, and that’s a big difference. We see that he has room to grow, but exactly how much and at what cost forms an intriguing backbone to this narrative.
This story is like a pot of chili, really. If you just threw the ingredients together you’d get what you get every time, but add the right spice to it and you might just make it something really special. This story has that spice for me.
You’ve got a very strong cast and some solid writing, plus really decent art. It’s not too fanservice-y either, which I appreciate, as the story doesn’t even need it. There’s some, but it feels like a bonus rather than a crutch. That‘a a good sign.
5 stars - hey, no chill, you were warned. That one shot of Hina in Ch.31 is enough on its own, even before the revelation that the book’s editor liked how crushed she looked. Sometimes that’s a fluke, but here you can tell somebody knows what they’re doing. An absolute banger.
September 7, 2025
Nicely plotted Volume as Sickness and a festival bring Chinatsu and Taiki closer
July 28, 2023
Blue Box continues it's thrend of easy going, fun, love is in the air, and trying to find yourself.
This volume has Taiki and Chinatsu getting closer than ever but then further away. It's a sad moment but one that makes sense, seeing how Chinatsu is trying to get far in her career. Then Hina makes her move, kind of. Trying her best to pursue Taiki and finally come to terms with her feelings. It feels well done, and not over the top manga/anime fashion, she's trying her best and it shows.
Overall, this manga is always chilled and laid back read. Not the greatest in plot, but really well done characters help it a lot. A 4 out of 5.
This volume has Taiki and Chinatsu getting closer than ever but then further away. It's a sad moment but one that makes sense, seeing how Chinatsu is trying to get far in her career. Then Hina makes her move, kind of. Trying her best to pursue Taiki and finally come to terms with her feelings. It feels well done, and not over the top manga/anime fashion, she's trying her best and it shows.
Overall, this manga is always chilled and laid back read. Not the greatest in plot, but really well done characters help it a lot. A 4 out of 5.
August 5, 2024
this just keeps getting more and more cute >.<
chi and taiki both wanting to be closer but pushing each other away!!!!! djeiwjoddjks DUMMIES. and poor hina, i feel for you girl~
happy for the required festival arc, let’s go!!!
chi and taiki both wanting to be closer but pushing each other away!!!!! djeiwjoddjks DUMMIES. and poor hina, i feel for you girl~
happy for the required festival arc, let’s go!!!
September 13, 2023
Man, el prota es bien oblivious...
May 14, 2025
Blue Box Volume 4 continues to impress with its delicate balance of sports, romance, and personal growth. In this volume, Taiki faces more challenges in his badminton journey, and his relationship with Chinatsu takes on new layers of complexity. Their connection continues to grow in such a natural, heartfelt way, and I love how their interactions feel so genuine and grounded.
Taiki's determination to improve and push past his limits is incredibly motivating. You can really see how much he’s evolving as an athlete, but also as a person. The internal struggles he faces are something I think many can relate to, especially when juggling ambition and emotions.
The pacing is perfect, keeping the story engaging without rushing through key moments. Volume 4 left me excited for the future of both Taiki’s sport career and his relationship with Chinatsu. It’s a fantastic continuation that deepens the characters and adds more emotional weight to the story. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a sweet, inspiring read!
Taiki's determination to improve and push past his limits is incredibly motivating. You can really see how much he’s evolving as an athlete, but also as a person. The internal struggles he faces are something I think many can relate to, especially when juggling ambition and emotions.
The pacing is perfect, keeping the story engaging without rushing through key moments. Volume 4 left me excited for the future of both Taiki’s sport career and his relationship with Chinatsu. It’s a fantastic continuation that deepens the characters and adds more emotional weight to the story. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a sweet, inspiring read!
May 8, 2023
the ANGST!!! it's too much for my poor little heart to take (//▽//)
- after taiki and chinatsu seem to finally be taking some steps forward (accidental fall / their mini bonding night at the family bbq - WAHH), they take a huge step back as chinatsu tries to put some space between them. her reasons make sense in a logical way, but dang it's sure hard to understand whether or not she really wants to be with him.
- I'm so damn proud of hina!!! she encourages him to follow his heart even as she gains the courage to follow hers. their solo festival 'date' actually is so dang adorable, and I loved how sweet and shy she is even as she tries to still be the silly, playful friend.
- after taiki and chinatsu seem to finally be taking some steps forward (accidental fall / their mini bonding night at the family bbq - WAHH), they take a huge step back as chinatsu tries to put some space between them. her reasons make sense in a logical way, but dang it's sure hard to understand whether or not she really wants to be with him.
- I'm so damn proud of hina!!! she encourages him to follow his heart even as she gains the courage to follow hers. their solo festival 'date' actually is so dang adorable, and I loved how sweet and shy she is even as she tries to still be the silly, playful friend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2024
The book refocuses plenty of character development in this fourth volume after Chinatsu helps nurse Taiki back to health and they have a little heart to heart that ends up with her falling on him on the bed. There's less sports in this one but more about their overarching goals in their respective sports while navigating their relationship to one another through the lens of others including Taiki's friend who like Taiki without outwardly saying it. Ending up at a festival with fireworks brings them together in different circles.
So sweet and wonderful, I love this wholesome sporty romance and Chinatsu's message "not to be afraid to have lofty goals".
So sweet and wonderful, I love this wholesome sporty romance and Chinatsu's message "not to be afraid to have lofty goals".
February 27, 2024
Taiki and Chinatsu get closer but then their relationship takes a big step back. Chinatsu helps Taiki when he’s sick and she accidentally falls and they get really close, they get flustered and it’s super cute. When Hina makes her move, they go out to the festival and are having a great time, but until now, Taiki only sees Hina as a friend, not anything more. After Chinatsu and Taiki get closer after the bbq, Chinatsu puts space between them, as her goal is to win nationals and she has not time for distractions.
March 21, 2024
4.25/5
Another great volume. Blue Box continues to be the perfect blend of romance and sports. This volumes includes the start of a mini festival arc, which is always a personal favorite of mine in manga series. This volume does create some interesting character development for Hina. I will be interested to see how her character continues to develop.
Another great volume. Blue Box continues to be the perfect blend of romance and sports. This volumes includes the start of a mini festival arc, which is always a personal favorite of mine in manga series. This volume does create some interesting character development for Hina. I will be interested to see how her character continues to develop.
January 7, 2025
เหมือนเล่มนี้จะเริ่มเข้มข้นขึ้นในเรื่องการฝึกฝนของแต่ละคน รุ่นพี่ฮาริวได้ชวนไทกิไปลองซ้อมที่มหาวิทยาลัยแห่งหนึ่ง ที่เฮียวโดคู่แข่งที่ฝีมือดีของรุ่นพี่ฮาริวตั้งใจอยากไปเรียน แถมเฮียวโดยังช่วยปรับความคิดและปรับวิธีการฝึกให้ไทกิอีกด้วย พี่จินัตสึกับไทกิเริ่มมีระยะห่างกัน แค่โจโนะฮินะกำลังทำคะแนน! เธอสวมยูคาตะและได้ไปเที่ยวกับไทกิในเทศกาลดอกไม้ไฟสองคน! รักสามเส้าจะมาแล้วว
March 27, 2022
** Leído de su version en Español en Manga plus** el cuarto tomo de este manga , se enfoco mas en la parte del amor y claro que ya va surgiendo un triangulo amoroso, dejando un corte para el siguiente numero, para ver que surge de esas festividades que están viviendo
April 20, 2023
Sumpah, nih komik makin lama makin bikin si Gie dukung Hina.
Gak perlulah Hina jadian sama si T! Biar si T sama si C!
Biar Hina, gadis kesayanganku, mendapatkan cinta baru yang lebih pantas dan lebih membahagiakan dirinya! (Sama Kyo, misal?) (Atau Kak Haryu juga boleh!)
Gak perlulah Hina jadian sama si T! Biar si T sama si C!
Biar Hina, gadis kesayanganku, mendapatkan cinta baru yang lebih pantas dan lebih membahagiakan dirinya! (Sama Kyo, misal?) (Atau Kak Haryu juga boleh!)
June 9, 2023
This volume has both a classic fever scene and a festival scene! But it has left my heart torn in two over who I should support - I want both Chono and Chinatsu to find happiness! ❤️🙈❤️ Now I have to wait a month for volume 5 to be released!
July 18, 2023
Un manga sportivo romance con i fiocchi. Sto amando l'evoluzione della storia e dei personaggi, molto delicato. Anche se conoscendo i giapponesi ci vorranno ancora dieci volumi prima che succede qualcosa 🤣
September 4, 2023
Solo le doy 4 estrellas por Hina Y PORQUE TENGO LA MINIMA ESPERANZA que Taiki se quede con ella porque es muy linda y cada vez que estan juntos siento tanta química entre ellos que me dan ganas hasta de gritar.
September 29, 2023
J’adore les dessins, les couvertures des chapitres, les moments de bad… vraiment, 10/10 pour les dessins.
Ce tome continue autour des entraînements de bad, et les vacances d’été commencent. Hina invite Taiki a voir un feu d’artifice.
Ce tome continue autour des entraînements de bad, et les vacances d’été commencent. Hina invite Taiki a voir un feu d’artifice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2024
A pior e ironicamente a melhor coisa desse romance é você compreender cada personagem e torcer por cada um deles
Eu sei que o esporte é só um fundo narrativo mas eu também gostaria que fosse mais aprofundado aaaa
Eu sei que o esporte é só um fundo narrativo mas eu também gostaria que fosse mais aprofundado aaaa
September 17, 2025
I’m glad I am reading the manga because I’m getting more of the characters’ thoughts about things and it makes the story better. Reading that Hina has basically admitted to herself that she likes Taiki and that she wanted him to call her cute is what I didn’t get from the anime.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 26, 2022Dcx
May 27, 2022
Ooohhh... stronger focus on Hina making moves and Chinatsu pulling back. the summer festival cuts off here but marks a pivotal point for chinatsu and hina both.
July 3, 2022
Chapters 26-34
January 8, 2023
4.2⭐ Me gusta el romance, pero lo que verdaderamente me emociona son las partes que se enfocan en el deporte!!! (las cuales, por cierto, son muy cortas).
July 13, 2023
Such a good volume! I love a festival volume
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews