I shared the sentiments with some previous comments: this didn't start well for me. The tension was too much at the beginning. Then the suspense just kept on going and prolonging. I thought to myself: Argh! I might not be able to take this.
And I did. I stopped reading it until today. When I saw this ended, I jumped at the chance. I was not sure why. Sakamichi no Apolon was great but not outstanding in my mind. Still, I was intrigued. The series is drawn so beautifully. The characters are so different (if you know how popular authors tend to replicate their characters into different titles and it get repetitively boring, this is not).
Damn. It is beautiful throughout. Seriously, Kodama Yuki is master storyteller. The way she always builds up tensions then suspend right at the end of each volume without rushing or dragging is a feat! And yet, despite all that, the whole thing feels as a breeze at the end. It's superbly dramatic, trickling as if there are tiny streams curling their ways into the minds and the hearts of the readers (a.k.a. me). It's so feminine with appreciation for the tradition yet progressively looking to the future. There are pains and hurts and misunderstandings. But the author only gears towards what can be and will be positive. People can always make amends. People can always forgive. People can always move on, living with both their pasts and their prospects. And these make all the commentaries on how seemingly closed and distressful the society of Japan hopeful and forthright.
I love the characters too. I love Hikaru for his frankness. The pacing makes his traits less and less childish as the series progresses but into someone, even at the start, most thoughtful and considerate. Again, I love him being upfront all the time and speaking his mind with care - it's a breath of fresh air to manga really. Hotaruko is lovely too. At first she seems overbearing and kind of only thinking about herself (she has all the rights really). Gradually she starts noticing things around her and becoming more observant of others and of herself. Madoka and Mayuko are poignant and forever loving. And all other characters too: Zenji, Narumi, Chinatsu, Rio... Even if they are side characters, they have their own thoughts and progresses.
Extremely well-made manga. Absolutely recommended.
Thank you author-san and everyone who support you 🙂