Ahem. I first read this manga more than 15 years ago and still I squee whenever I reread it. Dudes and dudettes, this is a must read. One of the most romantic, beautiful shoujo-josei manga ever written, seriously!

I love Mariko. And Ryuusuke, they're really good together. But the main point of this manga would be the friendship of Mariko and Uno, two girls grew up together though they had different social status.

I don't think they actually make any shoujo (or manga) this good anymore these days. Wonderful art (very pretty and unique), superb plot, strong characters and exquisite story-telling. Seriously romantic. It's a complete novel, telling the story from the time they were little children to the day they'd become full grown adults. This title is my favorite among many of Yamato Waki's classic manga.

One of my utmost beloved collection. I don't even lend it to people anymore out of fear they'll lose or ruin it. It's a classic that's always young. You don't say you're a real romantic manga lover until you read this one (okay just kidding, but it's really a must read).

even if you don't like old school manga you will like this. the main character is adorable but not too cute, a girl having dreams. the other characters are interesting and always entertaining. the manga is somewhat serious, dealing with topics like equality of women and men and still bright and humorous.
the drawing is lively and well composed.
in short: great!

Read this about 14 years ago. A truly beautiful manga. I agree with the previous comments. I don't find any manga as good as this nowadays. The great story, the beautiful art, the strong character.. You will appreciate the attention to details on this manga (as expected of Yamato Waki's work).. The kimono pattern, dresses, and lace patterns.

Sadly my complete collection of this are ruined by flood (along with my favorite complete set of another Yamato Waki's work: Little New York).

What a lovely manga. I've never seen such a realistic depiction of the opening of the Japanese ports from a Japanese perspective. The only thing an obsessive-compulsive like me can find to criticize is the treatment of Hamlet as a traditional Japanese comedy. The art is beautiful, the clothing is beautiful, the bishounen are beautiful, the story is beautiful. It's an excellent romance and an even better coming-of-age story about two girls who won't let their gender hold them down.

... Last updated on March 12th, 2011, 9:50am

I know this is unpopular opinion but I still want to say it.. Ryuunosuke is nothing like Rhett.. Rhett's proposal to Scarlett might be dubious and through seduction at best but he never forced her to marry him like this dude did to Mariko..Yes, I admitted that Ryuu is a great husband who spoiled his wife with treasure and affection but it didn't change the fact that he forced her! He could always help her company by lending a hand whatsoever but no, he HAD to force her to marry him.. What with his comment 'you could never leave Yokohama blah blah behind'😕 Basically he tried to blackmailed her through her love for her company!! I admired that he didn't rape her but this marriage is a scam!! Shin is not the best male lead out there but I shipped him more with Mariko than this dude! And Mariko just forgave him just like that and have the gut to fall in love with him.. Such a disappointment..

It's quite a nice historical manga. There are a lot of historical details, which I like. It's not the most historically accurate manga, but I don't think it commits too many historical blunders. It reminds me a bit of Gone With the Wind, with all the complicated relationships.(Or maybe it is just that the relationship of Mariko and Kai reminds me a bit of Scarlett and Rhett Butler). Time passes and characters' feelings change.

... Last updated on July 3rd, 2016, 8:05pm

This manga is my all time favourite, it really is a classic shoujo (even though I think it is more fitting to be categorized as a Josei Manga because of the more "serious" storyline, brought in a witty and mature way).

It has a great plot revolving around the lives of the 4 main characters (Uno, Mariko, Shintaro and Ryusuke), the westernization of Japan and the foundation of the Yokohama harbour. You'll fall in love with all the characters, but my favourite is Mariko. I like the romance between Mariko and Ryusuke more than that of Uno and Shintaro. The artworks are typical Yamato Waki; very nice, original, and distinctive.

I highly recommend you all to read this one, it's a great manga!

... Last updated on January 17th, 2008, 6:14am

great manga