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Hikaru in the Light! #2
Hikaru in the Light!: Volume 2
The competition is underway as best friends compete for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to become pop stars in volume 2 of this funny, feel-good manga series, perfect for fans of K-On!, The Tryout, and The Baby-Sitters Club.
Hikaru and her best friend, Ran, have made it past auditions... and now the real tests dance tests, vocal tests, nerve-racking rankings, and devastating eliminations, all to see who has the star potential to make it through to the next round. The competition is growing fierce, and with so much talent in the room, Hikaru will need to dig deep to let her voice shine.
Hikaru and her best friend, Ran, have made it past auditions... and now the real tests dance tests, vocal tests, nerve-racking rankings, and devastating eliminations, all to see who has the star potential to make it through to the next round. The competition is growing fierce, and with so much talent in the room, Hikaru will need to dig deep to let her voice shine.
- GenresMangaGraphic Novels
Unknown Binding
Published August 2, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 20, 2026
Another solid installment in this 4 book manga series aimed at middle grade readers. Though I haven't rated this as high as the first volume, I still found the characters and the storyline to be engaging and fun. This is more about Hikaru's journey in self-discovery. The skills that she thought would get her by in the competition are the bare minimum. She spends a great portion of this journey tapping into how her personal experiences can influence the way that she dances and sings. It ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger (right before the teams compete against each other) so I'm super excited to get the next installment in March.
December 27, 2025
In the volume 2 of Hikaru in the light, we see that Hikaru and Ran have successfully passed the auditions and are on their way to the next rounds of tests and challenges. The competition will comprise of a lot of endless hours of practice and efforts. With each round bringing in elimination and rigorous judgements, Hikaru must surpass them all to show that she has got that star potential.
But it's going to be tough. The other contestants are talented and experienced in the best way possible. Can Hikaru keep the same enthusiasm for the trials that are yet to come?
Another fantastic and engaging volume. The events in this follows the previous volume's ending. Having read the first one I knew this would be amazing too. And I was not let down at all. I loved the way the author has delved into each contestant's singing and dancing talents while also portraying Hikaru's monologue of doubts and encouragements. Pushing past the self- criticism, Hikaru keeps the conviction that she will do her best and her voice will not fail her.
But it's going to be tough. The other contestants are talented and experienced in the best way possible. Can Hikaru keep the same enthusiasm for the trials that are yet to come?
Another fantastic and engaging volume. The events in this follows the previous volume's ending. Having read the first one I knew this would be amazing too. And I was not let down at all. I loved the way the author has delved into each contestant's singing and dancing talents while also portraying Hikaru's monologue of doubts and encouragements. Pushing past the self- criticism, Hikaru keeps the conviction that she will do her best and her voice will not fail her.
May 9, 2023
Okay, Hikaru in the Light! is not a groundbreaking series by any means, but it's fun!
Hikaru is a teen girl with an amazing singing voice, who dreams of one day becoming a pop idol. She helps out at her parents' bathhouse where she sings oldies music to their regular customers. She has beautiful, natural talent, but there is no clear path to making her dreams a reality. When her childhood best friend, Ran comes back into her life with a chance for Hikaru to join her at an idol intensive training program, Hikaru leaps at the opportunity.
What follows is Hikaru's journey through a singing and dancing competition. We are introduced to many interesting characters including the competition director, a singing coach, and lots of girls who all share the same wish as Hikaru.
The story beats are predictable, and you can pretty much guess the ending from the first page. That being said, the characters are likable and the art style is charming. Just because you know what will happen, doesn't mean you can't enjoy the journey, right?
I enjoyed the characters, and the competitors most of all. I liked how the competition made them confront their own limitations, jealousy, and self-loathing. It was fun to see the characters grow and support one another. If you're looking for a story about girls supporting girls, then I think you'd enjoy this manga.
I also really loved the character designs in this manga. The characters aren't drawn in an overly cutesy style, and they don't have the pencil-thin look that you see in a lot of manga. I wouldn't say that they look realistic, but it appears as though the mangaka really considered how the characters would move and dance when designing them. There is an unmistakable weightedness to the characters that lends to realistic movements.
Overall, this series isn't going to blow your mind with intense twists or melodrama, but if you're looking for a comfort read, then I think it's worth checking out. You can read this series on the Azuki app. They currently have the first chapter available for free.
Not an affiliate link:
https://www.azuki.co/series/hikaru-in...
:
Hikaru is a teen girl with an amazing singing voice, who dreams of one day becoming a pop idol. She helps out at her parents' bathhouse where she sings oldies music to their regular customers. She has beautiful, natural talent, but there is no clear path to making her dreams a reality. When her childhood best friend, Ran comes back into her life with a chance for Hikaru to join her at an idol intensive training program, Hikaru leaps at the opportunity.
What follows is Hikaru's journey through a singing and dancing competition. We are introduced to many interesting characters including the competition director, a singing coach, and lots of girls who all share the same wish as Hikaru.
The story beats are predictable, and you can pretty much guess the ending from the first page. That being said, the characters are likable and the art style is charming. Just because you know what will happen, doesn't mean you can't enjoy the journey, right?
I enjoyed the characters, and the competitors most of all. I liked how the competition made them confront their own limitations, jealousy, and self-loathing. It was fun to see the characters grow and support one another. If you're looking for a story about girls supporting girls, then I think you'd enjoy this manga.
I also really loved the character designs in this manga. The characters aren't drawn in an overly cutesy style, and they don't have the pencil-thin look that you see in a lot of manga. I wouldn't say that they look realistic, but it appears as though the mangaka really considered how the characters would move and dance when designing them. There is an unmistakable weightedness to the characters that lends to realistic movements.
Overall, this series isn't going to blow your mind with intense twists or melodrama, but if you're looking for a comfort read, then I think it's worth checking out. You can read this series on the Azuki app. They currently have the first chapter available for free.
Not an affiliate link:
https://www.azuki.co/series/hikaru-in...
:
January 29, 2026
Hikaru digs deep to prove her worth in a crowd of talented trainees and pursue her dream of being an idol. As one of the youngest in the competition, she's a little intimidated by their experience and maturity, but she's determined to try her hardest to improve - starting with her stiff dance skills.
Both inspiring and practical, Hikaru's story highlights the joys of pursuing dreams as well as the struggle many aspiring talents face, whether they are pursuing an idol career or another path. Fans of music survival shows will recognize the classic tests Hikaru and her peers have to complete, including performing a solo vocal or dance piece, and working with a randomly selected team for a group performance. The later rounds explore Hikaru's struggle as a young trainee to express heartbreak or other emotions which she hasn't necessarily experienced herself, as well as rising impostor syndrome when she remains in the competition and other talented trainees get sent home.
But, Hikaru's love of music and desire to perform remains a guiding light through the stressful times, and it's her unpolished talent, observant nature, and willingness to learn that stand out in the judge/coach's mind. Of course, who can say what a judge is really thinking, and the somewhat unpredictable nature of rankings touches on one of the unspoken realities of survival shows and idol training. There is rarely a logic to success, but trainees are still eager to give their all for their shot in the spotlight.
Alright, that might sound a bit heavy, but I promise it's a happy read, and for every low point there's a helping hand and bright smile sure to follow as Hikaru gains friends and remains undaunted. Whether you're a returning fan or just diving in, this volume will have you cheering for Hikaru all the way.
**Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to review with YA Books Central. See YABC for more reviews!**
Both inspiring and practical, Hikaru's story highlights the joys of pursuing dreams as well as the struggle many aspiring talents face, whether they are pursuing an idol career or another path. Fans of music survival shows will recognize the classic tests Hikaru and her peers have to complete, including performing a solo vocal or dance piece, and working with a randomly selected team for a group performance. The later rounds explore Hikaru's struggle as a young trainee to express heartbreak or other emotions which she hasn't necessarily experienced herself, as well as rising impostor syndrome when she remains in the competition and other talented trainees get sent home.
But, Hikaru's love of music and desire to perform remains a guiding light through the stressful times, and it's her unpolished talent, observant nature, and willingness to learn that stand out in the judge/coach's mind. Of course, who can say what a judge is really thinking, and the somewhat unpredictable nature of rankings touches on one of the unspoken realities of survival shows and idol training. There is rarely a logic to success, but trainees are still eager to give their all for their shot in the spotlight.
Alright, that might sound a bit heavy, but I promise it's a happy read, and for every low point there's a helping hand and bright smile sure to follow as Hikaru gains friends and remains undaunted. Whether you're a returning fan or just diving in, this volume will have you cheering for Hikaru all the way.
**Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to review with YA Books Central. See YABC for more reviews!**
December 29, 2025
I really loved the first book in this series, and it felt like I had to wait FOREVER to finally read this one!! It was worth the wait, however-
This book shows Hikaru’s journey through the first round, and into the second. It was fun but did feel a little short, I wish it was longer, T^T
I think they do a lovely job showing how the characters are singing through the art and other dialogue, because of course, we can’t actually hear their voices! They also draw dancing in a very clear way.
I also liked how they use real, not made up songs, for their performances. It’s very fun, it makes the whole thing more believable! The whole idol survival show thing is, for sure, toned down, but it shows a little of how brutal it is. The story makes you really want Hikaru to make it to the end, it’s wonderful seeing her grow, but not going to lie, Ran is my favorite character 😆
All in all if you read the first one, you also need to pick this one up! The lively art and interesting story makes for a very worthwhile read!
(This book contains some emotional moment, very mild language, and a girl showing off her abs. I would give it an age rating of 7+!)
This book shows Hikaru’s journey through the first round, and into the second. It was fun but did feel a little short, I wish it was longer, T^T
I think they do a lovely job showing how the characters are singing through the art and other dialogue, because of course, we can’t actually hear their voices! They also draw dancing in a very clear way.
I also liked how they use real, not made up songs, for their performances. It’s very fun, it makes the whole thing more believable! The whole idol survival show thing is, for sure, toned down, but it shows a little of how brutal it is. The story makes you really want Hikaru to make it to the end, it’s wonderful seeing her grow, but not going to lie, Ran is my favorite character 😆
All in all if you read the first one, you also need to pick this one up! The lively art and interesting story makes for a very worthwhile read!
(This book contains some emotional moment, very mild language, and a girl showing off her abs. I would give it an age rating of 7+!)
March 12, 2026
Hikaru makes it into the top 40, making it past auditions. Now she has to survival the dance tests, vocal tests, nerve-racking rankings, and devastating eliminations. Making the top 20, barely, she's determined to bloom and grow, to not let her team down as they move towards the next competition, the group competitions that will result with the 2 weakest members the of the two weakest groups being eliminated from the competition.
She struggles to figure out how to add emotions into the mix. Singing is about more than talent and ability, it's about sharing feelings and emotions with the crowd, but how does one do that when you're singing about something you've never experienced? How to you dance well? How does an idol do all this? Hikaru needs to figure it out, and catch up to the more experienced girls in the competition. Rough training and extra hours of practice can only take you so far.
Okay, despite Hikaru being 14 and pretty naïve, she's wise beyond her years, asking good questions of the professionals in an attempt to understand and improve herself. I'm starting to dig this series and will definitely keep reading.
She struggles to figure out how to add emotions into the mix. Singing is about more than talent and ability, it's about sharing feelings and emotions with the crowd, but how does one do that when you're singing about something you've never experienced? How to you dance well? How does an idol do all this? Hikaru needs to figure it out, and catch up to the more experienced girls in the competition. Rough training and extra hours of practice can only take you so far.
Okay, despite Hikaru being 14 and pretty naïve, she's wise beyond her years, asking good questions of the professionals in an attempt to understand and improve herself. I'm starting to dig this series and will definitely keep reading.
January 6, 2026
A good second volume. Hikaru was obviously going to make it through... otherwise why is there a series!? I do forget sometimes that she is 14/15 (she has her birthday in this volume) years old. And I am surprised about the manga being in full colour too!
January 30, 2026
2.5 Kind of cute, very, very technical.
I'm sure this would be better as a kids show. So the audience could enjoy the singing and dancing more than instead of looking at pictures in a book. oh Well. I was also intrigued by the ending.
I'm sure this would be better as a kids show. So the audience could enjoy the singing and dancing more than instead of looking at pictures in a book. oh Well. I was also intrigued by the ending.
December 7, 2025
Cute and fun manga. I'm interested enough that I'd like to know what happens next, but also not overly invested in the characters or storyline.
Hopefully it stays so sweet & wholesome!
Hopefully it stays so sweet & wholesome!
December 12, 2025
and now to wait till my Library gets the next one... TwT
December 20, 2025
So much fun but now I need the next one!! I love how there isn't an antagonist, but all the girls are learning and growing at the same time through the audition rounds.
December 28, 2025
Fine sequel.
January 1, 2026
I like how Hikaru is always looking to better herself and it's almost a competition against herself instead against all the other girls.
January 9, 2026
A testament to personal growth through challenges!
January 9, 2026
I loved this one more than the first! Hikaru really gains some depth as a character and I love how it feels realistic and charming.
January 30, 2026
Super cute! And now I have to wait for the next volume 😭
February 2, 2026
This series is sooooo charming
March 19, 2026
This is a simple story about the idol industry for younger readers with gorgeous artwork.
January 1, 2026
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
Hikaru and Ran have advanced to the second round, along with 38 other girls in the competition. Now, it's time for Hikaru to start believing in her talent, but also learn some of the skills that are going to keep her in the competition. There are so many feel good moments and lots of conversations about doing your best. This is ultimately a story to give to any young person who wants some warm fuzzies but also needs a story about believing in themselves and chasing their dreams.
Full review in School Library Journal.
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 3-7
Hikaru and Ran have advanced to the second round, along with 38 other girls in the competition. Now, it's time for Hikaru to start believing in her talent, but also learn some of the skills that are going to keep her in the competition. There are so many feel good moments and lots of conversations about doing your best. This is ultimately a story to give to any young person who wants some warm fuzzies but also needs a story about believing in themselves and chasing their dreams.
Full review in School Library Journal.
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 3-7
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews