Being somewhat familiar with bondage myself, I like the accurate depictions of it in this manga. How Kaoro ties someone up and then pretends to be absent for hours, whilst discreetly remaining nearby in case something goes wrong.

This is pretty much in line with the "safe, sane and consensual" rule practiced in BDSM.

I can't remember them agreeing on a safe word though... Or how to communicate this when one is unable to talk.

It gives an interesting look into the reasons why people practice bondage and submission. To push yourself beyond a barrier, to feel as if you were, and I quote from the manga, "a new person". The mutual trust involved and the importance of aftercare.

I hope this gets people interested in bdsm having seen how it is practiced safely and between consenting adults.

There are many inaccurate depictions around, most associating it with non-consensual sex. That, regardless of kink included, is always a bad thing. Unless, of course, you like it in the form of pre-agreed roleplay

In short: Nana to Kaoru provides a more accurate and complete view into the world of bdsm than most works, and is therefore a rare gem, a 'must-read' for those who are curious about their kinks.

For something that sounds so perverted and into Bondage fetish, you would expect something totally ecchi, but this one is actually slow and surprisingly sensual and romantic.

It actually touches a deeper part of relationship build up and mutual trust without being too annoyingly perverted. Both hero and heroine are perverts, and it is fun to see heroine just as much perverted as hero, as usually in shounen's or seinen's males are more perverted minded.

Really recommended even if you are not into the whole bondage thing. This one is really good and romantic. Though I wish that male protagonist would look a little bit better.

The number 1 complain about this series I think is the depiction of the main character : "idiotic", "short sleazy pervert", "pathetic", "chubby orr fat ", "midget alien creep ", "ugly", "retards", "unattractive both Physically and in his personality"
_ "idiotic", "retards", ""pathetic" : Sorry to say this but I think you need to redefines what those words mean because I don't see how it fits Kaoru. He exceled in academics and fitness back when they were kids, but he was lost in finding a purpose for his life and fell short. He feels inferior to everyone. He loses his self-esteem. He acts like a thug to stay away from the people who he thinks are too good for a useless bum like him. I doubt "idiotic" and "retards" can be used on a rational being that can deceive people skillfully like him. I also don't think they can describe the psychological problems of human beings either. Do you call people with ADD, inferiority/superiority complex, or DID retards or idiotic?

"Pathetic", "short sleazy pervert", Pathetic? Are you sure you are not talking about his family situation because I think it should be the case. He lost his father. His family is dirt poor. He was not blessed with virtues like aspiration or bravery or wit. Is his life pathetic? I say yes. Is his personality pathetic? I don't think so. He strives to better himself. He hones his skills. He has a kind heart. If any of these characters are considered pathetic, I guess even Mother Teresa would not be considered a virtuous person either. "Short sleazy pervert"? Do you have a grudge against short people? Sleazy pervert? Are you sure you are using the right words to describe a young man that cries as he hurts his beloved despite their mutual consents? And are you sure you are not pervert yourself by thinking of getting into a sexual relationship with women/men while all Kaoru has done is relieving Nana's stress? Their S&M are even more pure than normal relationship I would say. They expose everything to each other: both the ugly selfish sexual desires and platonic care for others. On the other hand, a platonic and pure relationship we usually see in movie or other manga ultimately lead to visible or invisible sexual relationship (Otherwise, there would be no babies). If both S&M and normal relationship involves sexual theme, there is no way for one to distinguish if one type is better than the other. It is simply a logical contradiction when one judge S&M as pervert and the other type as goodness.

I absolutely adore this series! It's rare to find a manga with a theme such as S&M that still has such an interesting story line that can keep one reading. Several people complain about Kaoru's looks which I just don't understand at all. I'm a girl and Kaoru's appearance doesn't take away from this series for me at all. In fact, I think since he is NOT perfect it makes reading this so refreshing. On top of that I really think Kaoru has his cute/adorable moments (he's hard for me to dislike! He's so endearing in his love for Nana!) On that note... if you don't like this series because "EW HE'S UGLY WTF" then go read Vampire Knight or something where every character fits the ideals. You'll find me here, eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

... Last updated on November 25th, 2011, 8:47pm

This manga simply should not work.
The male lead is designed to be unattractive both Physically and in his personality.
The female lead is his childhood friend. She is meant to be his romantic interest, but is designed to be utterly unapproachable for him.
The central theme of the manga is a serious take on S&M, outside of a Hentai, and is the only thing that brings the characters together. While an Ecchi manga, it deals with the subject with next to no nudity; let alone sex.
It is episodic, most storylines depicting the events around one of their 'breathers', which is their name for their S&M sessions.

Amazume takes all of that and makes it work brilliantly. The art is good, typical of the author, but what makes it work are the characters. Both of the leads are fleshed out realistically, both are shown to be flawed. both are trying improve themselves. Each story arc moves their relationship on a little bit more. The supporting cast all add to the depth.

The story IS slow, and the theme puts a lot off (I had no interest in S&M when I started reading this; still don't), but it really is a must read.

Oh and unlike the previous reviewer, I think the pair are slowly spiraling towards each other, and they inevitably will end up together.

This is my first in this genre, and I gotta say it's a completely different world from all the manga/H I've read so far. No maiden desu-desu, no harem, no fight scenes, no handsome male protagonist, and no complicated philosophies - just a simple story about two distanced childhood friends, who by chance, are once again reunited through their secret adventure together.

I love how NtK can be so erotic, laying bare the humanly nature of lust, lewdness and desires. In many ways, it is far more revealing than most H-manga out there, which I believe merely serves as a quick physical release...

More importantly, the beauty of NtK is that it hardly ever make use of (if at all) explicit sexual acts. The plot, dialogues and character developments blend extremely well, and the characters are portrayed with with real-life personalities. Of course, the gorgeous artwork just made something perfect even better.

I noticed many comments about Kaoru's fugly looks. I agree, it was a quite a big turn off in the beginning. However, this became increasingly irrelevant as we get to better know his personality. Yes, he is a BDSM fetish creep whom you'd probably not want to meet in real life (but hey, who doesn't have some kind of fantasies?), but he would do everything he can to satisfy Nana's needs (as well as his own...). Moreover, his bad looks is essential to the plot in order to fulfill his role as an unworthy match to Nana to the outsiders' eyes, as well as to keep his own self-esteem low throughout.

Up till ch 51 and arashi 9, we can see how the limit in their BDSM experience is getting pushed further and further. I am really looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds when (if ever) they get beyond the point of acknowledging/confessing their love and/or really doing it.

Lastly, this series is probably be directed at a more mature audience, given the BDSM the theme. Nonetheless, it did opened my eyes on this theme of softcore BDSM and in the psychology behind the play... if it were ever close to reality.

... Last updated on April 15th, 2011, 3:49pm

In my opinion, a sleazy weakling like him, who is 100% opposite of the prince charming type, dominating and making a girl like Nana do anything he says, is what makes this manga interesting and enjoyable. Definately a 10

I am amazed how this series can take a sexual topic, keep the emphasis on the characters, and provide fanservice without getting vulgar. I know everyone has a different definition of vulgar, but this really rides that line between ecchi and vulgar without getting into 'sex'. Perhaps it's just me, but I can empathize with the confusion of the characters as they explore themselves.

Artwork is decent to good. Story is ok, with a couple flashing of brilliance. Characters are more complete than most works near this topic. I don't see the 10's that everyone is giving, but it's definitely a superior manga.

I think him being a short, sleazy pervert, is what make this manga so funny, gotta love the narrow eyes and the rounded face he makes when seducing nana, is just too hilarious XD.

I'm at something of a loss when it comes to quantifying my appreciation of this title. The characters are fairly shallow, come to think of it. There's really very little depth to either Nana or Kaoru. But what's lacking in character depth is more than made up for in the interaction between the two, I suppose. Nana's reluctance to humor Kaoru's increasingly demanding suggestions, and Kaoru's insistance on maintaining his attitude and pushing the limits with Nana, are amusing, and great at building tension and interest in their relationship. Especially because Nana is driven to continue her excercises with Kaoru, and Kaoru seems to have feelings for her that both drive his dominating side and cause him to second-guess himself. But the conflicts are the best part, because every time Nana gives in, and Kaoru pushes further, their relationship and trust for each other grow in ways that just wouldn't happen in an everyday relationship.

I feel like I'm rambling, but in closing, to summarize: This title is awesome. It's sexy, intriguing, fun, and exciting.

Where's the button for giving this an 11 rating?

... Last updated on February 11th, 2009, 12:24am