I thought it was an ok series all in all. However, I am quite strict when it comes to raiting and in the end there were some things I disliked in this series.

First of all, it was quite difficult to connect with any character because they weren't really introduced that well. I was left wanting to know more basic backround information. It still bothers me that the whole issue between the fathers was never really revealed. And I'm talking about really telling us who was in love with who and how did the whole mess happen.

And secondly, I think the characters lacked depth. Their personalities and basic backround information were shown during the story, but somehow it was no where near enough.Because of this, it was a bit hard to relate to these characters.

The pacing was also a bit off imo. I've seen worse, but I've seen a lot better too.

I do like sensei's artwork and I know she can do better. This was on ok series and I'm sure I will read it again in the future, but I'm just little disappointed with this cos I know she can do better.

First, I want to say that I've liked all of other sensei's works. So if my rating is this low, it's because I really feel that she can do way better works. And if you want to try this author, I really recommend you to begin with another story.

I don't really understand the high rating of this series, but maybe the problem lies within me. Even if I was quite tired when I read this, I don't think my brain's been off all this time... cause I have to say that I didn't understand a thing in this story. Maybe the fact I didn't know anything about Kabuki didn't help, but still, I had a very hard time understanding the strings that were pulling the character's emotions and actions.

I mean, I didn't understand why Shougo is afraid of being alone if Kazumi has always been there for him, it should have comforted him instead even if it wasn't the case for his father. I didn't see why Ikuomi and Masahiro were fighting, even if I understand it has something to do with Shougo. Also, why is Hiroki so afraid of talking about their lives with Masahiro, I know he's afraid of being more in love, but we don't have a bit of explanation as to why, if it's because of Masahiro's attitude or because of his past? And it irritated me that he still goes on with this till the end. Ah, and we don't know why Masahiro quit Kabuki, and why it's so difficult for him to play again.

The effort about introducing us to Kabuki is honorable, but it barely gave an explanation of why things are the way they are, so it just adds to the confusing atmosphere.

All in all, I couldn't empathize with the characters and feel for them, it always felt like I was watching from afar making it dull at times. Katakami sensei really achieved to create cute and romantic stories so far, but I think she tried too hard this time to make a dramatic series and failed by complicating it too much.

Plus, there is one thing that got on my nerves, it's that the main couple is an incest one (even if it's not between father and son or between brothers, they still have a blood bond). I usually don't mind incest stories when it's well treated, but it never seems to be a problem here, nobody makes the least comment on this fact, and they all approve happily of them. So even if I don't claim incest themed yaois to be realistic, I at least would like them to be mentionning it, and as an obstacle for the relationship.

But it's not all bad, her art is getting better as time goes by. Sometimes, I found myself looking at a page for seconds before realizing I'd stopped reading. And despite all the confusion about their past, the characters are endearing, which made me all the more frustrated.

Wow, I didn't think I'd write so much! Thanks for reading me till now. And so, if you're not afraid about complicated, hazy stories with good art, plot and characters, then this one is for you.

I loved the side-story characters better than the main story's pair.
Great eye candy and for once, a manga that teaches us a lot about Kabuki, its traditions, culture and rules. A great effort by the mangaka.

First, the main story seemed interesting, but the further I read, the less sense it got. The conflicts and confrontation are strong, but there are weak points I noticed. I don’t even like the sex scene of the main couple. Why the f*ck didn’t Kazuhiro take off his pants but Shougo was naked? That’s unfair and the best criticism I always have a right to give. After that, I got bored and kept going though pages. For the second story, I totally ignored the most part bc of more confusing plots. For the seconds couple, however, I really like the hot scene a lot. But the rest I ignored, including the “father’s” sudden change.

... Last updated on April 10th, 2020, 12:00am

this manga should've gotten a higher rating and an overall better popularity as well.... I think for a yaoi, it does pretty well in the 3 main areas:
1) Art: better than average - proportions are generally good, varied perspectives, fine details, the characters do have the same features, but their hairstyles n personalities make them identifiable
2) Characters: not up to 'slice of life' realistic standard (I mean c'mon, it's a manga after all), but they're 3D enough, also, quite likable
3) Plot: the story basically boils down to quite insignificant misunderstandings n angst, but the pace and flow are good enough that it managed to pull me it and kept me interested throughout the whole read. The Kabuki background was tastefully and well done, gives the story a nice authentic touch and of course, bishies in yukata~ halleluja

metaphors? I think. I don't know, I got the basics of the story, but it was all very confusing for me. I had a hard time distinguishing the older characters and I didn't really understand the important details in the beginning. Maybe it's the translation?
However, the art is lovely!

... Last updated on June 15th, 2011, 8:09pm

that first story was intense. and interesting; complete with plot, and a bit of education about kabuki (made me look up a lot of detail). oh, and very hot sex. as i thought, kitakami does better with stories that have some room to grow instead of oneshots. i especially enjoy the inclusion of older (middle-aged) characters, and that the stories are connected.

kitakami's art keeps getting better, and in this manga it is especially sumptuous in the colour pages. of course it helps that i think kimono win over suits any day.

thanks to AF for introducing me to this mangaka. i am always happy when they "latch onto" a mangaka i enjoy because i know i'll actually get to read their works in fairly short order instead of having to wait for years.

... Last updated on April 4th, 2011, 12:42pm

Everyone has their own criteria and mine is not so complex: it has to be something I enjoy, something I might want to read again, there's little that annoys me, tolerable artwork, logical in its own universe, and etc along the lines. This manga is high on all the ones I listed above. I love the main pairing, Shougo and Kazumi, and a plus is that Shougo can be very cute without being overboard.