Up to the scanlated chapters so far, this is very good. Mangas like these, though unique, will become very stressful to read later because of the drama. For a "coming of age" story, it's rather intense... but I like how none of the characters are perfect. Even our main heroine has her dark side. However, since IT IS 12 volumes (and counting), I can't even... I hope my heart can sustain for that long lol. One overdramatic move, and it could really put you off. Kyou has the potential to be an ultimate douchebag.

... Last updated on February 14th, 2012, 9:10pm

I read the raws and it disappointed me BIG TIME.. It was really a good manga till 'that' particular event from the manga happened. It fell down to the typical shoujo plot after that event happened... And personally.. i was so disappointed.. Lots and lots of potential ~| it bacame too stressful to read it!!

Everyone should read this now. So far it's only up to vol 7 in english scanlations, but they go up to vol 10 in if you can read chinese (me: painstakingly, but I want to know what happens so bad).

I should start off by saying the art is beautiful. Sometimes Natsume's eyes are a little too big for my liking, but other than that, I really like how the characters are drawn. Then again, it could be a like-it-or-you-don't scenario.

The female protangonist is unlike the normal shoujo females we come across. Yes, she's extremely pretty but other than that, she's a normal girl with her own thoughts that often jump between naivety and maturity. Things aren't always the way they seem and Natsume deals with those issues as realistically as you'd expect her to. Like someone else said, don't be thrown off by their age. Asakura started drawing them young for a reason. This manga really digs into the less-rosy aspects of being young and looking at things the way they are.

Kyou is always throwing me and Natsume off. He's a kid with a big responsibility and practically walks around like a star of the village, and naturally gains everyone's attention, especially Natsume. Without giving anything away, he's the character I have to rack my brains over the hardest. At first, it's crazy - the things he does and says - but when revealed, his human qualities are the most poignant. He is, after all, just a boy.

All in all, one can't help relating to this story, all of its painful, tender and joyful moments.

Drawbacks: Reading in chinese is making my brain hurt. If you're the type who can only read English, and like to read the whole series at one go, you might want to wait till it's completed scanlating.

I'm really into slice-of-life genres. I'm not saying this manga is extremely slow, because it does proceed at a pace I'm not tearing my hair over. However, it IS set at a rural village and Natsume spends a lot of her time wandering to the beach, so expect some scenes of the sea and flowers. Again, the art is spectacular.

oh my, this is the first time, in my 19 years life, i was like "DEG" or "DOKI" (well u name it) seeing a twelve year old elementary boy (fyi, i'm a mature man adorer, so..). Sheeesh, whats happening to me?? Gyah! Well, talking about the content, it's generally good. It gives you a particular feeling through the ambience, the plot, the story telling, and especially the character.

... Last updated on August 12th, 2010, 6:02am

This manga is AMAZING. Please do not be put off by the 12 year old age like i was at first. I'm a fan of romance shoujos with lots of drama, good story lines and even sometimes with a mature feel. This one isn't mature and hasn't got a lot of the typical shoujo drama yet it's sooo heart warming and leaves you wanting more at the end of every chapter. If you are a shoujo fan i HIGHLY recommend this mange, truly a little gem. I totally love the story line (not slow at all) and the characters are just soo real. The artwork is gorgeous too (Natsume, the main girl is totally stunning).

Can't believe I've only found this now. It's REALLY GOOD. The feelings are complicated and deep, yet simple enough to understand. The characters are well done too. Kyou isn't the normal bad boy, there's something more complex and baffling about his character. Natsumi is a strong in a very interesting way... though i would say her character is less unique than Kyou's. At any rate, I love it so far, can't wait for chap8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

it's one of the greatest manga i've ever read,i really mean it. George Asakura is really a genius,and she can make a story even with 12-year olds exciting.The mood is intense,the art is wonderful and this is definitely not fluffy and 'cute',like your regular shoujo manga,so i can just repeat what the others said: DO read it,you're gonna love it!

Totally agree with Chinadollxx!!
After chapter 2 i was hooked. This manga will slowly pull you in!! I wasn't a fan of the art at first but its actually really beautiful >_<

Well, at 1st i don't really like the art...but i have read some of the sensei's work...and i start to read the 1 st vol of this manga..i haven't found a story line like this before!!! I wonder if it will be a movie or dorama. It is really great!

I'm surprised that no one commented on this series yet...
I can't explain the plot all too well but in my opinion the tone and feel of this series is intense. While reading the chapters you can't help but feel a sense of excitement. It seems that things are slowly building up and I can only hope the climax's just as good as the build up.