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Back Stage #1
ＢＡＣＫ ＳＴＡＧＥ！！ １
セナプロのマネージャーである相楽玲は、瀬名家のアレコレをすべてこなす超クールなパーフェクト仕事人間。でも、瀬名家の長男で超人気バンドのボーカル聖湖と人には言えないヒミツの関係があって…！？
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First published January 1, 2011
31 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
About the author
Eiki Eiki
34 books206 followersJapanese: 影木栄貴
Her real name is Eiko Naitou.
EIKI Eiki is a friend of ZAOU Taishi (TSUDA Mikiyo). She has published several solo manga, numerous yaoi doujinshi and one collaboration manga with Taishi Zaou. Eiki Eiki and Taishi Zaou go by the circle name Kodomo Keibitai and publish alone as well as with Zaougumi under the name Kozouya.
EIKI Eiki is the older sister of DAIGO (Daigo Naitou), the vocalist of J-rock band BREAKERZ, and her grandfather was the former prime minister (Mr. Takeshita) of Japan. One of her assistants was the very talented male yaoi artist UZUKI Jun.
Her real name is Eiko Naitou.
EIKI Eiki is a friend of ZAOU Taishi (TSUDA Mikiyo). She has published several solo manga, numerous yaoi doujinshi and one collaboration manga with Taishi Zaou. Eiki Eiki and Taishi Zaou go by the circle name Kodomo Keibitai and publish alone as well as with Zaougumi under the name Kozouya.
EIKI Eiki is the older sister of DAIGO (Daigo Naitou), the vocalist of J-rock band BREAKERZ, and her grandfather was the former prime minister (Mr. Takeshita) of Japan. One of her assistants was the very talented male yaoi artist UZUKI Jun.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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February 12, 2022
Review for the whole series (Vol. 1-3).
05.2015:
Overall I'll give this series three stars, with volume three being the best one out of them because of a nice "conclusion" of the story and because the German translation was better in this one than the previous ones. Well, I say better without knowing how good or bad the original is in the first place. Most of the time the books read like quite amateurish. Especially the erotic scenes were awkward.
I liked the novels because they show us how Rei and Shogo's relationship started and how it developed over time. Considering the timespan though, the progress they, or rather Rei made, was really slow. In my opinion a shorter period of time, maybe two to five years max would've made a bit of a tighter story. I feel like the story had potential and that Rei's character and his background were initially well thought-out, but the execution, again, felt a bit sloppy so that it read rather superficial most of the time. Shogo seemed a bit one-dimensional, but that's maybe because we only get Rei's POV.
There were scenes where you just knew how they'd look in a manga, but stuff that works in pictures doesn't always work in written form like when Rei gets annoyed and hits Shogo on the head. I'm not saying hitting him in a manga is better or funnier than hitting him in a book, but only reading it without pictures feels really odd because most of the time in manga it's more comical which doesn't come across in written form at all. Imagine a scene from a manga/anime were someone gets punched and gets catapulted into the sky... it does work in manga/anime but not in a novel, at least for me.
What I felt uncomfortable with was Rei's initial role in their relationship because he kind of endured Shogo's advances for a greater good. It left a bad taste in my mouth here and there.
It also felt like the Rei in the mini-manga at the end (especially in vol. 2) was a different Rei than the one in the novels, character-wise. He seemed much bolder and surer of himself in the manga than he does in the novels.
Having said all this, I'm looking forward to reading the Back Stage!! manga... I don't know whether TP Germany plans on releasing them but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I apologise for this negative-sounding review. I realise that it does sound like I didn't enjoy the books, but I did. They were entertaining and I'm glad I read them. I have to thank Sophie and her reviews for that because she was the reason I bought the novels despite my initial doubts.
05.2015:
Overall I'll give this series three stars, with volume three being the best one out of them because of a nice "conclusion" of the story and because the German translation was better in this one than the previous ones. Well, I say better without knowing how good or bad the original is in the first place. Most of the time the books read like quite amateurish. Especially the erotic scenes were awkward.
I liked the novels because they show us how Rei and Shogo's relationship started and how it developed over time. Considering the timespan though, the progress they, or rather Rei made, was really slow. In my opinion a shorter period of time, maybe two to five years max would've made a bit of a tighter story. I feel like the story had potential and that Rei's character and his background were initially well thought-out, but the execution, again, felt a bit sloppy so that it read rather superficial most of the time. Shogo seemed a bit one-dimensional, but that's maybe because we only get Rei's POV.
There were scenes where you just knew how they'd look in a manga, but stuff that works in pictures doesn't always work in written form like when Rei gets annoyed and hits Shogo on the head. I'm not saying hitting him in a manga is better or funnier than hitting him in a book, but only reading it without pictures feels really odd because most of the time in manga it's more comical which doesn't come across in written form at all. Imagine a scene from a manga/anime were someone gets punched and gets catapulted into the sky... it does work in manga/anime but not in a novel, at least for me.
What I felt uncomfortable with was Rei's initial role in their relationship because he kind of endured Shogo's advances for a greater good. It left a bad taste in my mouth here and there.
It also felt like the Rei in the mini-manga at the end (especially in vol. 2) was a different Rei than the one in the novels, character-wise. He seemed much bolder and surer of himself in the manga than he does in the novels.
Having said all this, I'm looking forward to reading the Back Stage!! manga... I don't know whether TP Germany plans on releasing them but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I apologise for this negative-sounding review. I realise that it does sound like I didn't enjoy the books, but I did. They were entertaining and I'm glad I read them. I have to thank Sophie and her reviews for that because she was the reason I bought the novels despite my initial doubts.
March 31, 2015
Well, reading this certainly cleared up one doubt I had: it definitely helps to read stuff like that through the filter of a foreign language - and with stuff like that I mean things like "schmatzende Küsse", "Liebessaft" [FOR REAL] and "er knetete Reis Brustwarzen" and so on. When you read that in a foreign language, it just doesn't sound as bad.
Anyway, overall this was okay. Even disregarding the language/translation problem (it sometimes sounded really stilted... and why did they have to translate "otaku"? Also why use both Sagara-san and Herr Sagara?) it was just an okay light novel. While I like Rei, I'm not too big a fan of the overall set-up - while everything is consensual, it's too fucked up for my liking, especially if it isn't dealt with the seriousness the situation would require (and let's face it, as much fun as the series is, it's *really* superficial).
I did like the illustrations, though. And, well, while I have to admit light novels aren't exactly the peak achievement of literature, it's always nice to see a German translation of one over here, and I want to support that.
As for the 15+ rating, though - seriously? I was 21 when I first discovered slash fanfic, and remember blushing furiously at the sex scenes back then... I honestly wonder what 15 year old me would have done if she'd been able to read something like that.. ah, I feel ancient.. (not gonna stop 15 year olds from buying or reading this, I'm just a bit... well, old, lol.)
Anyway, overall this was okay. Even disregarding the language/translation problem (it sometimes sounded really stilted... and why did they have to translate "otaku"? Also why use both Sagara-san and Herr Sagara?) it was just an okay light novel. While I like Rei, I'm not too big a fan of the overall set-up - while everything is consensual, it's too fucked up for my liking, especially if it isn't dealt with the seriousness the situation would require (and let's face it, as much fun as the series is, it's *really* superficial).
I did like the illustrations, though. And, well, while I have to admit light novels aren't exactly the peak achievement of literature, it's always nice to see a German translation of one over here, and I want to support that.
As for the 15+ rating, though - seriously? I was 21 when I first discovered slash fanfic, and remember blushing furiously at the sex scenes back then... I honestly wonder what 15 year old me would have done if she'd been able to read something like that.. ah, I feel ancient.. (not gonna stop 15 year olds from buying or reading this, I'm just a bit... well, old, lol.)
March 3, 2015
Back Stage!! is a companion to the manga series, Love Stage. Unlike Love Stage which focuses on Izumi and Ryouma's relationship, Back Stage!! focuses on Rei and Shougo's relationship.
The novel first starts off doing the the same time as Love Stage. It goes into depth on the relationship between Rei and Shougo and how much Shougo is willing to do for Rei. The relationship between the two is a bit complicated and while Shougo definitely loves Rei and happily admits it at every opportunity (all the songs he sings are love songs dedicated to Rei), Rei is a bit stubborn and doesn't like to admit that he likes Shougo.
The second and third chapter of this goes a bit more in depth of Rei's past and how he ended up meeting the Senas. It really shows just how much Rei has changed and how much he is willing to do for the one he loves.
Overall, Back Stage!! is like your typical BL/Yaoi Japanese story. So if you are a fan of those, Back Stage!! might be for you. And if you are a fan of Love Stage or a fan of Rei and Shougo, then I definitely recommend this, it ties in nicely with the main series. Although unlike the anime adaptation of Love Stage, Back Stage!! does contain R-18 content.
The novel first starts off doing the the same time as Love Stage. It goes into depth on the relationship between Rei and Shougo and how much Shougo is willing to do for Rei. The relationship between the two is a bit complicated and while Shougo definitely loves Rei and happily admits it at every opportunity (all the songs he sings are love songs dedicated to Rei), Rei is a bit stubborn and doesn't like to admit that he likes Shougo.
The second and third chapter of this goes a bit more in depth of Rei's past and how he ended up meeting the Senas. It really shows just how much Rei has changed and how much he is willing to do for the one he loves.
Overall, Back Stage!! is like your typical BL/Yaoi Japanese story. So if you are a fan of those, Back Stage!! might be for you. And if you are a fan of Love Stage or a fan of Rei and Shougo, then I definitely recommend this, it ties in nicely with the main series. Although unlike the anime adaptation of Love Stage, Back Stage!! does contain R-18 content.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2014
Spin-off light novel from the manga Love Stage!! 1. The story revolves around the background story of SenaPro manager, Sagara Rei, from his day on the street to the first time meeting his secret love, Sena Seiya, and later getting involved with his son, Sena Shougo. Rei and Shougo are my favorite pair in Love Stage and reading this makes me understand how their relationship grows. It's kinda bittersweet, if not heartbreakingly stupid. Really, Shougo should just leave Rei and find someone else rather than stay in a relationship where he was thought as someone else (a.k.a his father). But well, his stubborness is what makes Rei keeps coming back.
August 5, 2014
GDI, I so love this light novel and also a spin-off of Love Stage!!
I really do ship Shougo and Rei more than I ship Izumi and Ryouma. Seriously.
Shougo's writing music and everything is dedicated to Rei is ♥!
I really do ship Shougo and Rei more than I ship Izumi and Ryouma. Seriously.
Shougo's writing music and everything is dedicated to Rei is ♥!
August 18, 2014
Well, I'm a bit surprised. This book made me feel sad, to be honest.
June 29, 2019
Inhalt:
Rei Sagara weiß nichts mehr mit seinem Leben anzufangen. An Heiligabend liegt er verletzt in einer Seitengasse und wartet auf sein baldiges Ableben – schließlich sieht er für sich sowieso keine Zukunft. Doch dann begegnet er Seiya Sega, dem berühmten Musicalstar und Chef von SenaPro, der familieneigenen Talentagentur. Ohne zu zögern nimmt er Rei unter seine Fittiche, stellt ihn als Manager ein und lässt ihn sogar bei sich wohnen. Überwältigt von so viel Güte, Freundlichkeit und Zuneigung erwachen in Rei bald Gefühle, die ihn völlig durcheinander bringen. Dem schiebt jedoch Shougo, der älteste Sohn von Seiya und seiner Frau Nagisa, einen Riegel vor.
Fazit:
Die „Back Stage!!“-Trilogie in Form von Light Novels ist ein ergänzendes Spin-Off der bezaubernden Boys Love-Mangareihe „Love Stage!!“, die bereits mit sieben Bänden abgeschlossen (und sehr empfehlenswert!) ist. Was sich sowohl im Manga als auch im Anime bereits angedeutet hat, wird mit diesen Light Novels noch einmal genauer belichtet: Die Beziehung zwischen Rei Sagara und Shougo Sena, die im ersten Band einen mehr als seltsamen Anfang nimmt. Anders als in „Love Stage!!“ geht es hier direkt etwas heißer zu, die Geschichte ist allgemein erwachsener, obwohl die Protagonisten zum Teil jünger sind.
Der Schreibstil war zwar nicht immer mein Fall (und der Buchsatz eine Katastrophe!), dennoch hatte ich viel Spaß beim Lesen und es freut mich, dass man endlich einen besseren Einblick in Reis Leben bekommt. Besonders hervorheben möchte ich die schönen, ausdrucksstarken und teils sehr freizügigen Illustrationen von Taishi Zaoh! Da hätte ich gerne noch mehr von gehabt 😀
Ich freue mich schon sehr auf den zweiten Band und bin gespannt, wie es mit Rei und Shougo so weitergehen wird 😉
Rei Sagara weiß nichts mehr mit seinem Leben anzufangen. An Heiligabend liegt er verletzt in einer Seitengasse und wartet auf sein baldiges Ableben – schließlich sieht er für sich sowieso keine Zukunft. Doch dann begegnet er Seiya Sega, dem berühmten Musicalstar und Chef von SenaPro, der familieneigenen Talentagentur. Ohne zu zögern nimmt er Rei unter seine Fittiche, stellt ihn als Manager ein und lässt ihn sogar bei sich wohnen. Überwältigt von so viel Güte, Freundlichkeit und Zuneigung erwachen in Rei bald Gefühle, die ihn völlig durcheinander bringen. Dem schiebt jedoch Shougo, der älteste Sohn von Seiya und seiner Frau Nagisa, einen Riegel vor.
Fazit:
Die „Back Stage!!“-Trilogie in Form von Light Novels ist ein ergänzendes Spin-Off der bezaubernden Boys Love-Mangareihe „Love Stage!!“, die bereits mit sieben Bänden abgeschlossen (und sehr empfehlenswert!) ist. Was sich sowohl im Manga als auch im Anime bereits angedeutet hat, wird mit diesen Light Novels noch einmal genauer belichtet: Die Beziehung zwischen Rei Sagara und Shougo Sena, die im ersten Band einen mehr als seltsamen Anfang nimmt. Anders als in „Love Stage!!“ geht es hier direkt etwas heißer zu, die Geschichte ist allgemein erwachsener, obwohl die Protagonisten zum Teil jünger sind.
Der Schreibstil war zwar nicht immer mein Fall (und der Buchsatz eine Katastrophe!), dennoch hatte ich viel Spaß beim Lesen und es freut mich, dass man endlich einen besseren Einblick in Reis Leben bekommt. Besonders hervorheben möchte ich die schönen, ausdrucksstarken und teils sehr freizügigen Illustrationen von Taishi Zaoh! Da hätte ich gerne noch mehr von gehabt 😀
Ich freue mich schon sehr auf den zweiten Band und bin gespannt, wie es mit Rei und Shougo so weitergehen wird 😉
August 18, 2015
First of all, I read the free translation made by September Scanlations, and I found it quite nice.
I can't remember since when I wanted to read it, 'cause I kinda always felt like Back Stage was more interesting than the main story -Love Stage-.
So I decided to give it a try and I read it today. It's really small but enjoyable novel in which one can get involved with the story about Rei being around the Sena family and all its perks.
I'm not gonna lie, I cried a little bit -maybe 2 or 3 times- because I was feeling Rei's pain and of course, 'cause I'm living something like Shougo.
I've always been the kid who got it all but never truly understand what was the purpose of living. I had everything but never really cared for it. I guess, that's something you found out when you grow up, when you have a strong reason or a beloved person on your side. When you have a goal, you pursue it. And your dreams come true when you have the courage to make shit happen.
I truly admire that from any person I get the chance to know, so... that's why I truly loved Shougo in the first place.
Besides, I've been there before. I've loved someone who didn't loved me back but I tried everything in order to make him happy. So I do feel them, in some ways.
I can't wait to read the next volume.
I can't remember since when I wanted to read it, 'cause I kinda always felt like Back Stage was more interesting than the main story -Love Stage-.
So I decided to give it a try and I read it today. It's really small but enjoyable novel in which one can get involved with the story about Rei being around the Sena family and all its perks.
I'm not gonna lie, I cried a little bit -maybe 2 or 3 times- because I was feeling Rei's pain and of course, 'cause I'm living something like Shougo.
I've always been the kid who got it all but never truly understand what was the purpose of living. I had everything but never really cared for it. I guess, that's something you found out when you grow up, when you have a strong reason or a beloved person on your side. When you have a goal, you pursue it. And your dreams come true when you have the courage to make shit happen.
I truly admire that from any person I get the chance to know, so... that's why I truly loved Shougo in the first place.
Besides, I've been there before. I've loved someone who didn't loved me back but I tried everything in order to make him happy. So I do feel them, in some ways.
I can't wait to read the next volume.
March 7, 2015
*read the free online translation*
I think it's best if you read the manga Love Stage!! 1 first. This presents part of the action from the point of view of a secondary character + his own backstory. He is one of the more level headed characters and has to deal with all the others acting a bit too childishly and crazy.
He has quite complex emotions for a yaoi - he doesn't fall for the first pretty face, but rather for an older man that rescues him from a bad situation. He also tries to see it as a paternal relationship (as it actually is), but can't help feeling attracted. He then seems to fall on both sides of sexual and emotional blackmail after he starts his relationship (with the son of his crush).
The manga is more funny than this novel, but I still kinda' liked it.
I think it's best if you read the manga Love Stage!! 1 first. This presents part of the action from the point of view of a secondary character + his own backstory. He is one of the more level headed characters and has to deal with all the others acting a bit too childishly and crazy.
He has quite complex emotions for a yaoi - he doesn't fall for the first pretty face, but rather for an older man that rescues him from a bad situation. He also tries to see it as a paternal relationship (as it actually is), but can't help feeling attracted. He then seems to fall on both sides of sexual and emotional blackmail after he starts his relationship (with the son of his crush).
The manga is more funny than this novel, but I still kinda' liked it.
September 7, 2025
Note: you must read the main story "Love Stage" to enjoy this series/volume.
As I read Love Stage, the secondary couple lived rent-free in my mind. I loved reading a little more about them.
I love the dynamic of a couple made of a very organized and responsible individual that loves another that is completely crazy and care-free. I always laugh out loud.
My only regret is that this only has one published manga volume and that I can't find the light novel in English nowhere to read. =(
As I read Love Stage, the secondary couple lived rent-free in my mind. I loved reading a little more about them.
I love the dynamic of a couple made of a very organized and responsible individual that loves another that is completely crazy and care-free. I always laugh out loud.
My only regret is that this only has one published manga volume and that I can't find the light novel in English nowhere to read. =(
October 19, 2015
Ugh, I just don't know about this. I feel like this book just tried to RUIN this pairing who by the way are the best pairing in the main manga. Rei's POV and backstory were just upsetting. The scenes with Shougo were hot, but I just love these two together so much and how Rei was treating Shougo just made me mad. If anything, I'm going to keep reading it because I want the outcome of the show, but I just have to say, this first volume was definitely disappointing to me.
May 12, 2015
I really liked this book, but I was so sad that Rei didn't love Shougo but Seiya I kinda felt like crying. I thought it was going to be more lovey-dovey than it was, was hoping it would be too.
Have to read the second book now, hoping that one will be way more lovey-dovey thab this one was.
I love the illustrations though <3
Have to read the second book now, hoping that one will be way more lovey-dovey thab this one was.
I love the illustrations though <3
March 21, 2014
I really liked this look into Rei's background and how his relationship with Shougo started. It answered a lot of questions I had while reading Love Stage!!.
October 24, 2021
La historia comienza bastante interesante y profundiza un poco más en las historia de los personajes secundarios de Love Stage, aunque tiene varias situaciones que son los extras para poder rellenar la historia principal
December 9, 2013
like it!
March 13, 2017
I give it an 3.5 so it's 4. I don't want to be so picky, but even so I think it could be better written but it was ok after all.
July 24, 2014
This book was so good, but I can't find the second one.
October 26, 2015
El comienzo de la historia de estos geniales personajes. Cuando me entere que tenían una novela corrí a buscarlo, vemos como se va desarrollando la historia y los sentimientos de Rei y Shougo.
May 1, 2016
20160501
October 1, 2016
soooooo adorable! all the little details are so spot on and izumi's faces are hilarious. love it.
Read
May 7, 2017good
February 15, 2018
Aww, poor Rei - what a great guy <3
July 22, 2020
It's bad, but not 1 star bad, so it was very very meh.
July 15, 2021
Not as good as I wanted it to be. They just gave me subpar smut. No romance, no buildup, and Remi’s butt looked horrible. They really failed him.
October 26, 2022
Te amo shougo
August 16, 2025
Esta era mi pareja favorita
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews