What do you think?
Rate this book
IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT MATCHSeigi, an ordinary university student, works at a jewelry shop run by the decidedly not-ordinary Richard. One day, a young boy named Hajime walks in, takes out a small cat’s eye gemstone, and asks Richard for a matching stone. What story lies behind this particular request?
Comic
6 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 16, 2022
This volume wasn't as emotional or fun as the previous one, but I still enjoyed it greatly. I love how Seigi and Richard get to know each other more, but Seigi still has so many questions.
I really love the lore about gemstones - as a collector I really appreciate it and most of it is actually new to me!
Can't wait for the next volume! :)
I really love the lore about gemstones - as a collector I really appreciate it and most of it is actually new to me!
Can't wait for the next volume! :)
October 10, 2022
3.5 - the cat's eye story was very good, but the garnet one didn't make the transition from novel to manga particularly well.
January 12, 2023
I will never stop loving how informative this series is. And I can’t wait to learn more about Richard’s past, and just maybe see him get even more jealous about Seigi’s attention.
October 5, 2022
I have to be honest; I got kind of bored at parts in this one.
It doesn't help that the first half was about two things I'm not particularly interested in: kids and cats. And like the artist said in their end note, we spent almost the entirety of this volume in the same room, which gave it a kind of monotonous, draggy feeling. I felt myself zoning out during some of the gem lectures this time, particularly in the first half, since the Lesson didn't seem as strong as the others.
The structure of these "case files" is basically the same every time. Someone comes to Richard's shop looking for a gem. In the process, he teaches them about the gem, helps them to get in touch with something important within themselves, possibly sells them something (although he's not successful on that front in this volume), and then gives Seigi another, slightly deeper lecture once they're gone.
The first story felt a little muddled on this front, though. I guess the lesson (other than kind of boring stuff about asset management) was focused on what family love looks like, and how different types of parents express it - which gave us a little glimpse into Seigi's family life, with an estranged, abusive dad his mom had divorced when he was young.
It's interesting that even with an awful dad like that, and what seems like a fairly distant relationship with his mother, Seigi turned out to be an exceptionally kind, open, friendly person. I know more with his family is coming, and I'm eager to get to those bits.
The one part I did latch onto in this story was the subtle introduction of Seigi's love for animals, and the dream he muses over near the end, about how someday he may be able to have a home of his own, shared with someone who also loves animals, which they can raise together. I wriggled in my chair a little at that, since I know from future spoilers that .
The second story had a bit more substance, although it was still an awful lot of sitting and talking, without Seigi getting all that much flattering page-time. (He did a lot of bumbling missteps and his bright, wonderful personality wasn't showcased that well.)
It's kind of funny that this "case" was essentially two full chapters spent determining whether Richard's life has been Difficult because he is Simply Too Beautiful. I feel like we'd kind of gotten that lesson already, when Richard got angry with Seigi for complimenting him too often, but I guess it hadn't fully sunk in yet. Here, Seigi apologizes again, this time seeming to actually understand a bit more of why it would bother Richard to be treated like a curiosity or an exhibit, rather than a human person with thoughts and feelings.
I did like the little glimpses of Richard's sulky, blushy personality, although Seigi seemed to miss all of those. And I'll choose to think what I want about Richard saying - a few pages after sulking about Seigi's not-quite-girlfriend - that if you want to pursue a future with someone, you have to keep fighting for them, even if it seems like they already have someone "better" or more suitable lined up already.
So yeah - I still enjoyed this, even though I felt like the stories got bogged down a bit too much. Hopefully there's more movement the next time, with more variety in the stories and more time spent on conversations between Richard and Seigi that aren't just listing the history of sparkly inanimate objects.
It doesn't help that the first half was about two things I'm not particularly interested in: kids and cats. And like the artist said in their end note, we spent almost the entirety of this volume in the same room, which gave it a kind of monotonous, draggy feeling. I felt myself zoning out during some of the gem lectures this time, particularly in the first half, since the Lesson didn't seem as strong as the others.
The structure of these "case files" is basically the same every time. Someone comes to Richard's shop looking for a gem. In the process, he teaches them about the gem, helps them to get in touch with something important within themselves, possibly sells them something (although he's not successful on that front in this volume), and then gives Seigi another, slightly deeper lecture once they're gone.
The first story felt a little muddled on this front, though. I guess the lesson (other than kind of boring stuff about asset management) was focused on what family love looks like, and how different types of parents express it - which gave us a little glimpse into Seigi's family life, with an estranged, abusive dad his mom had divorced when he was young.
It's interesting that even with an awful dad like that, and what seems like a fairly distant relationship with his mother, Seigi turned out to be an exceptionally kind, open, friendly person. I know more with his family is coming, and I'm eager to get to those bits.
The one part I did latch onto in this story was the subtle introduction of Seigi's love for animals, and the dream he muses over near the end, about how someday he may be able to have a home of his own, shared with someone who also loves animals, which they can raise together. I wriggled in my chair a little at that, since I know from future spoilers that .
The second story had a bit more substance, although it was still an awful lot of sitting and talking, without Seigi getting all that much flattering page-time. (He did a lot of bumbling missteps and his bright, wonderful personality wasn't showcased that well.)
It's kind of funny that this "case" was essentially two full chapters spent determining whether Richard's life has been Difficult because he is Simply Too Beautiful. I feel like we'd kind of gotten that lesson already, when Richard got angry with Seigi for complimenting him too often, but I guess it hadn't fully sunk in yet. Here, Seigi apologizes again, this time seeming to actually understand a bit more of why it would bother Richard to be treated like a curiosity or an exhibit, rather than a human person with thoughts and feelings.
I did like the little glimpses of Richard's sulky, blushy personality, although Seigi seemed to miss all of those. And I'll choose to think what I want about Richard saying - a few pages after sulking about Seigi's not-quite-girlfriend - that if you want to pursue a future with someone, you have to keep fighting for them, even if it seems like they already have someone "better" or more suitable lined up already.
So yeah - I still enjoyed this, even though I felt like the stories got bogged down a bit too much. Hopefully there's more movement the next time, with more variety in the stories and more time spent on conversations between Richard and Seigi that aren't just listing the history of sparkly inanimate objects.
October 6, 2022
This is such a fantastic manga - and this volume contains some of my favorite cases from both the manga and anime. I was hooked on the series from the start, but "Watchful Gaze of the Cat's Eye" is one of my favorite cases that sealed the deal for me while watching and reading Jeweler Richard.
In general, I really love the conversations, dialogue, and questions on the topics like beauty, justice, fate, and more discussed from each case. It's equally thought-provoking, educational, intriguing, sweet, and endearing.
I can't wait to re-read all volumes again and again!
In general, I really love the conversations, dialogue, and questions on the topics like beauty, justice, fate, and more discussed from each case. It's equally thought-provoking, educational, intriguing, sweet, and endearing.
I can't wait to re-read all volumes again and again!
September 28, 2022
This series is like a warm hug!
January 20, 2023
3.5 stars.
January 27, 2023
2.5 stars
This one was really just fine, didn’t feel super meaningful in any new or unique ways
This one was really just fine, didn’t feel super meaningful in any new or unique ways
January 18, 2023
this was an intense and emotional read. We see a young boy trying to figure out why his father would lie to him, as he seeks a matching cat's eye gem to protect himself and his brother in place of his father. A young lady, having lost her boyfriend, battles her self worth as a garnet. I love how we get such history about the gemstones. We not only get a great story, but also an appreciation for the background of jewels.
March 11, 2023
This volume was a little of a letdown. I definitely enjoyed vol 1 & 2 more.
As always great quotes tho.
'To work is to live and to live is to struggle.'
'My looks and my age don't determine how I should be treated.'
The Cat's Eye episode was good, I enjoyed it, while the Struggle of the Garnet, well, was a struggle indeed. Tho I understood the intention, its message, it was way too dramatic for me. If the girl would've been my customer I would've probably ended up telling her that 'this is a jewelry shop not a psychology center'. She came off as aggressive at first for no reason too.
I work in customer service and I really dislike when customers think like we're some kind of therapists, or treat us worse than that (which happens all the time). We're here to help them out with what they need, but not with their life struggles and especially not with their rude attitude. This girl simply reminded me of my own job.
Imagine going to a jewelry shop to start babbling about beauty privilege, complaining about life and so on. I felt sorry for her but it also triggered me. I also thought she's being disrespectful especially when she implied that Richard has beauty privilege and what not. Not to mention that she compared herself to her ex-bf. She said she is the worst, because why ? He broke up with her for someone else 'prietier' than her and the 1st thing she said was that they're the same?! No, girl, you're not. Richard handled this customer very well. I would've probably lost my mind. At least she realized staying away from her ex-bf is the good choice. In the end it turn out well. Thank God because I was getting frustrated.
It lowkey angered me and I usually don't have a problem.
Maybe it's not a good idea reading a drama series about dealing with customers right after your shift ends. Lol
As always great quotes tho.
'To work is to live and to live is to struggle.'
'My looks and my age don't determine how I should be treated.'
The Cat's Eye episode was good, I enjoyed it, while the Struggle of the Garnet, well, was a struggle indeed. Tho I understood the intention, its message, it was way too dramatic for me. If the girl would've been my customer I would've probably ended up telling her that 'this is a jewelry shop not a psychology center'. She came off as aggressive at first for no reason too.
I work in customer service and I really dislike when customers think like we're some kind of therapists, or treat us worse than that (which happens all the time). We're here to help them out with what they need, but not with their life struggles and especially not with their rude attitude. This girl simply reminded me of my own job.
Imagine going to a jewelry shop to start babbling about beauty privilege, complaining about life and so on. I felt sorry for her but it also triggered me. I also thought she's being disrespectful especially when she implied that Richard has beauty privilege and what not. Not to mention that she compared herself to her ex-bf. She said she is the worst, because why ? He broke up with her for someone else 'prietier' than her and the 1st thing she said was that they're the same?! No, girl, you're not. Richard handled this customer very well. I would've probably lost my mind. At least she realized staying away from her ex-bf is the good choice. In the end it turn out well. Thank God because I was getting frustrated.
It lowkey angered me and I usually don't have a problem.
Maybe it's not a good idea reading a drama series about dealing with customers right after your shift ends. Lol
July 21, 2023
The first story, with the Cat's Eye and little boy is super sweet. It was also great to see more of both main characters and their backgrounds. TW for domestic violence. Seigi is still quite clueless, but it was great to see him starting to realise that he needs to be more careful with his words, especially towards Richard. The second story about a florist struggling with a recent break-up, helped show a little more of Richard's life.
I kind of wish there was more about Richard and Seigi, though, because it always feels like they take a huge back-seat to the other characters even though it's their series. I know it's "the case files" but I'd love a break from that just to see more of them interacting with each other on a more personal level.
I kind of wish there was more about Richard and Seigi, though, because it always feels like they take a huge back-seat to the other characters even though it's their series. I know it's "the case files" but I'd love a break from that just to see more of them interacting with each other on a more personal level.
March 23, 2023
Creo que lo digo en cada volumen, pero simplemente no puedo elegir un favorito.
Amo la manera en la que avanza la relación de estos chicos, es simplemente increíble, además, la manera en la que se relacionan con los clientes y la forma que va tomando su relación hacen que la historia se sienta mil veces mejor.
Amo la manera en la que avanza la relación de estos chicos, es simplemente increíble, además, la manera en la que se relacionan con los clientes y la forma que va tomando su relación hacen que la historia se sienta mil veces mejor.
May 22, 2023
I love this series so much, but the garnet story in this one is just not it. The mangaka did a good job of trying to portray this case, but it doesn't translate well to a manga format because it's so dialogue driven. I didn't like the story in the novel either just because Yamamoto-san is an annoying and disrespectful character. That being said, the manga itself is still gorgeous as always.
December 17, 2022
Another lovely addition to this series !! The two stories shared here show growth in our two main characters. I love the individual stories ans just there is at least a precious gem per each one with a special symbol!!!
June 26, 2025
Enjoyable stories that are around gems. The cat eye one was very cute and I think really shows that it is best to talk to your children honestly. The second one…. Come on Richard , I’m sorry but for real? Even outside that reaction, it didn’t have as much heart.
November 5, 2022
3.5 stars.
January 6, 2023
This volume focused too much on the customers and enough on our main characters for me. It was still good.
February 9, 2023
4.3 ⭐️
February 10, 2023
Another good volume. It gets pretty wordy, but I do like it.
August 11, 2023
This volume did delve a lot into the insight of Richard and Seigi's relationship, especially about how Seigi percieves Richard.
I am really looking forward to discover what will happen from now on.
I am really looking forward to discover what will happen from now on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2023
This has piqued my curiosity about my own birth stone 😲🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2023
3.25/5
A young child walks into the shop wanting to buy a gem for protection. This one was sweet even if it left me a bit puzzled when it came to the resolution. It also had a cat, which I really enjoyed, and Seigi continuing to be such a sweetie. The second story dragged a bit for me, probably because nothing much happened. A young woman whishes to buy a garnet and the interaction devolves into a conversation about self worth and if Richard has issues with people because he's too beautiful which uhhh ok I guess.
A young child walks into the shop wanting to buy a gem for protection. This one was sweet even if it left me a bit puzzled when it came to the resolution. It also had a cat, which I really enjoyed, and Seigi continuing to be such a sweetie. The second story dragged a bit for me, probably because nothing much happened. A young woman whishes to buy a garnet and the interaction devolves into a conversation about self worth and if Richard has issues with people because he's too beautiful which uhhh ok I guess.
April 20, 2024
As with its predecessors, it had so much heart and was such a heart warming and cozy read.
April 17, 2022
December 5, 2025
i love them so much UEUEUEUE
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews