I just finished reading Haru wo Daite Ita.... and I can't figure out how I've managed to go so long without ever having read it. I've seen the name a lot and yet somehow I never actually read it. Right now I'm kicking myself for that fact.

I loved it. I truly did. And honestly speaking, going into it I had very low expectations. I figured it would be another BL story that mimicked every other BL story ever written. But I was very pleasantly surprised. What caught me about this series was that everything MADE SENSE.

For once, the drama is actually pretty realistic. The characters don't run around misunderstanding everything and then make dramatic moves based on that-- for the most part, these characters ACTUALLY TALK TO EACH OTHER. Amazing, right? And the times they don't and things get more complicated, they acknowledge it later and oftentimes even apologize.

There were a lot of other things I loved about it -- when they say "I love you" I actually believe it, they act accordingly to their backgrounds (like not being shy about sex which makes sense since they were AV), and so on. They're also ridiculously in love and it's really refreshing to read a story that builds on people learning and growing together without force having to be involved from the start.

There are still bumps along the road but that's the way it normally would be with any relationship. What was wonderful to me is that I could really feel the love... and that the love itself grew. It started out feeling almost startling or sudden, and then over the volumes it shifted -- at times desperate, selfish, confused, afraid-- but most of the time it was one of them helping the other to grow and supporting him, and then when the supporter falls short his partner is there for him as well.

There is very little rape in here and the times it occurs it is NOT glorified. In fact, the characters are suitably disgusted or angry at first. Forgiveness comes perhaps more quickly from some than others, but it mostly makes sense to me for the individual characters.

What surprised me the most is that there really isn't THAT much going on in the series-- it's a lot of following them around on their daily lives, watching the rise of stardom, and the development of a relationship through the stages of love-- and yet I was completely engrossed. I didn't want to stop reading.

When I saw it was 14 volumes I figured I'd get bored quickly, particularly since the theme of actors isn't that much of interest to me. And yet I kept reading and when I got to the end I was really sad to realize I didn't have more to go. Despite this series basically just following these guys on their daily lives, it felt so intriguing to me that I didn't grow bored. Despite not caring that much about actor themes, I found myself looking forward to reading characters in different roles-- and even wished at one point that one of the movies was real so I could watch it, haha.

I could also go on and on about the art but I won't. I thought it was really well done, and interesting. There was great usage of different angles, and at times panels were zoomed in super close as if we were watching a movie. I also loved little details-- like the tight lines of a shirt on Katou's body beneath a loose and open jacket. The lines of a wide belt wrapped around a character's hips. It made it feel more realistic, somehow.

The first time I wrote a review it was super long so I cut it down to this, which is still long but not as much. Suffice it to say, I found myself having a lot to say about a series I honestly expected to not be that interesting. I was wrong and I'll admit it. I am impressed with this and right now my only regret is I don't have more to read.

... Last updated on April 8th, 2012, 10:18pm

If I were to be honestly objective, I'd say Haru wo daiteita is far from perfect. It's really long, goes in circles for a good while and many chapters don't deliver anything new or exciting. The characters are really annoying at first (and later if you can't get used to it). Kato is a jealous, childish, whiny b****, Iwaki is a stereotypical dense guy who doesn't get anything and almost everybody else is somehow attracted to them. They live in a melodramatic fairytale world where real homophobia doesn't exist and everything always ends well. Not to mention there's so much sex that it's boring.

However, if I may put it this way, I've known this manga almost since the very beginning and I love it no matter how it sometimes makes me doubt my own good taste. I facepalm, I roll my eyes, sigh and complain but I still read it when I'm upset, stressed or insomniac. I'm emotionally attached to the characters and have a special soft spot for Kato despite disliking people like him in real life. I like how their relationship evolves, how they change and mature while still remaining the same, how they try to fix their flows and often fail. The bond between the two of them is one that I can only be envious of.

The strange thing about this manga is that it's equally realistic and unrealistic. It seems to be the latter because there's a ridiculous amount of drama BUT when I think deeply about it, I'm always hit with a conclusion that I've seen many similar situations or even experienced them myself. To tell the truth, Kato emotionally is almost like my friend's boyfriend. I read and think "Gosh, that's exactly what he always says/does!". It's quite amusing.

Of course, like I said, I do get bored, usually around the middle when it slows down a bit. Reading all the volumes in one go is impossible for me. (Maybe I'd feel more motivated if there was more Sawa x Yukihito, haha~) In all seriousness, I understand how someone could completely dislike it. Even from a fan's point of view the realism of the story is lacking in some aspects. And there could be more kissing instead of sex because Nitta does kissing scenes incredibly well! But no matter what harsh words I say, I still find it beautiful, heart-warming and definitely one of the best yaoi titles because of how close and yet how far it is from real life. I know my review is full of contradictions but if you read and think about it, I'm sure you'll understand and love it just as much as I do

I find that this manga is a must. It is absolutely adorable and the relationship that grows between both characters is so absolute that you wonder how anyone is able to get between. They face their difficulties head on and understand and trust each other so much that I would think everyone would like to have a relationship with such depth. This story is truly breath-taking and I would recommend it to anyone who believes in love and life. It's also not cliched in a way that it isn't love at first sight for both of the characters but it shows that over time the person whom you least expect may become the most important person to you.

Lovely art, lovely characters, and a lovely, slow, satisfying pace as the emotions of the main characters gets deeper and deeper.
The events of the story are comprehensible and nothing feels forced or rushed.
this story shows the progress of a realistic homosexual relationship between two straight guys, while they deal with their family and work related issues and help each other in overcoming their weaknesses and advancing in their life.

Art: 9/10
Story: 10/10
Originality: 9/10

What strikes me with Haru wo Daiteita is the feel of realism it gives. Unlike most yaoi the characters appear to be both equal in masculinity and strength and the definition of 'seme' and 'uke' are not played into the story. The characters have an equal relationship, and this is something that attracted me to the story. Secondly, the romance within the story surprised me. I have read many yaoi manga previously but none have had the depth of emotion and devotion that was displayed in this manga with the characters. I also loved that the story managed so seamlessly to incorporate the troubles of working as actors whilst being open with their relationship. This is also quite an unpredictable story. It doesn't start as a typical romance, there is no 'love at first sight' and the relationship proceeds at a steady pace with many trials, from simple differences in emotions to rumours of infidelity. These trials are what keeps the story interesting and are also what helps define the complex personalities of the main characters.

This manga is perfect for anyone who enjoys romance - but it should be noted that the content is uncensored and there are adult scenes in many of the chapters which are not suitable for persons under the age of 18.

This is, and will most likely remain, my favourite yaoi manga - and one of the best romance manga's i've ever read. I really can't sing its praise more

I can't believe no one rated this so far......Most definetly and without a doubt one of the best yaoi manga ever ^_^

... Last updated on July 22nd, 2007, 2:34am

When my eyes first unveiled the endless world of Yaoi, I kept finding myself reading a lot ABOUT Haru wo Daite Ita. But for the lack of my better judgement, I kept tossing it aside and just giving it my 180 eye roll because it looks, well, honestly? The cover displeased me. Yes, stupid, I know.

The art is actually GORGEOUS!<3 One of the best art in a manga I have seen, and I've had my fair share.

The romance? Realistic, Angsty, Adorable, Sexy; What else could a yaoi fangirl ask for?

The story. Unique, unique, unique. Entertaining to the point where you really won't want to put this manga down. It keeps you glued till the end.

Characters. Adorable. They have so much debth that you can actually feel for them. I felt myself "awwwing" at SO many parts and screaming out "SHIT!" during the agnsty parts.

Simply amazing. If you don't read this? =_= I feel sorry for you my dear friend. You're missing A LOT!

PS: I've re-read it about four times now =D

Characters: 10/10
Story: 10/10
Art: 10/10

Okay for someone to call this manga overrated is ridiculous. I have read a lot of yaoi mangas, and I let me just say, Haru O Daite Ita is my favorite yaoi mangas, and just mangas in general. It has so much depth, character development, beautiful and unique art, amazing characters, an amazing development of their relationship.... everything that I would love in a manga. And of course, it is LONG! Long and well worth the read- every second of it (I've read this like... 3 times).

Iwaki and Katou are two people that have so many internal problems but they work through them together and the way their relationship developed is amazing together and individually. They truly love each other so much, and they handle their problems in such an adult matter- of course Katou can be immature but who isn't immature even as an adult? But the care and love he has for Iwaki is so beautiful, and you can't help but just want that for yourself.

But the character that I love the most is Iwaki- he has so much depth because he's so righteous but also just as anxious and confused as well. But the way he is able to bring in moral and wise words into their problems is just beautiful. He's such a great character that developed so much because of Katou, and vice versa.

Together they're just.... indescribable. They grow together from being porn actors to actors that are much more- ones that gain so much respect despite their background, and how do you not admire them for that? Winter Cicada absolutely broke my heart, but it was just so beautiful because the amount of passion and ambition they had into acting in it, and how much they were affected by it too.

People that complain it's about them fighting and having sex and then all over again- honestly what couples don't do that? At least for these two, they always learn so much about each other and they're surrounded by new plots and devices that make this manga so impossible to not read.

And the unique aspects of this- I love Nitta sense's art style. But she even put in controversial elements, including a crossdresser, and even showing the difficulties that come with that kind of relationship. The amount of thought put into this is just amazing.

Overall, I recommend this manga to anyone tired of reading one-shots or one-volume mangas, leaving you to crave more. After this, you WILL want to crave more. But it will also be enough to last you because of its depth and beauty. Pay attention as you read it- the face expressions, the words, the development throughout the whole thing. The ending just blows you away and in the end, you'll just look at these two as any couple struggling together and individually but they survive because of each other.



Anyways, please read! If the art throws you off, trust me the plot is enough to make you want to read and finish so please do!

I have to agree that as much as I love the story, the artwork in the beginning was something that was hard for me to look over but the improvement of the artwork from chapter 1 all the way to the end is shocking. The storyline also began to improve amazingly over time and i found myself enjoying every scene. Seems like i was one of those people who kept putting this manga aside but boy, was i ever wrong to do so. Haru wo Daite ita is definitely re-readable material!

I adore this manga so much. For me, this would be ranked as the best BL romance because the characters go through so many realistic problems together and seeing how they were able to overcome those issues was amazing. It truly shows how much they loved each other. They fought for their love and kept going strong no matter how tough the obstacle was. There were sad and frustrating times, but in the end, they made it. This manga is just so sweet and romantic. I'm gonna miss reading it.

... Last updated on August 11th, 2016, 8:34pm

I hate it so much!!!!!! Coz'I love it so much!
I'd been seeing this manga for more two years but I didn't bother to flick a page even. Now, I'm addict to it serious.
It's real strange to me since the whole manga is totally opposite to my tease. Role switch and celebrity couple themes are not my type. Manly couple...Gezz...it's used to be so creepy for me to read. Childish Seme? Hell, No! Manly uke? The worst! But, now, I think I really was too crazy that I neglect it for along time. This manga showed me the other side of my tease.
Well, I fallen for Iwaki and Katou. First, I though that Katou is more suitable to be uke since he has cheerful personality and sorta cute. Iwaki, on the other hand, is quiet and very considerate (and older too ^^) which made him more mature than Katou. (I sound kinda tradition.^^) But, as I through the manga, I fallen for the way they are. Katou showed his dominant over Iwaki and Iwaki, too, was pampering Katou alot. I feel like Iwaki was acting like very mature and bossy lady who fallen in love with younger man. Both of them are beautiful and handsome at the same time and cute too, especially when they jealous and possessive over each other. Their belief in their love is awesome. This is something this manga attract me.
It's really realistic, awesome, natural and...it's beyond the words to describe how incredible this manga is. It's quit long but I don't get it enough of those two. Really really love it!
And, I totally recommend this manga for those who hesitate to try like I used to. Just try it. You will fine it worth!

... Last updated on March 4th, 2013, 1:14am