I read this without the literary analysis magnifying glass that perhaps this story deserves, but I'll give a crack at what I did pick up even just as a casual reader.

Sekine is quite traumatized, and the earlier chapters feel accordingly heavy. But the story kept me reading because you were given hope that the introduction of this quaint knitting-magic-trick shop grandpa/granddaughter pair could do something to change this empty shell of a man. I could relate to Sekine, feeling how sometimes you can pass the time with some hobbies/work but feel nothing at all for it, because you use it to distract from whatever's actually bothering you. I thought the story makes you remember the interesting whimsical little things in life that aren't in the typical office worker's life, from magic tricks to circuses to wool farms, all as it introduces more color to Sekine's dull salaryman life. Sara, the granddaughter, also is a colorful personality in the way she can make mundane things interesting, all a contrast to Sekine who goes through the motions in life.

I think it's hard to describe this more accurately than the journey of a man finding meaning and reason to live and strive, as cliched as that might sound. The author did a fantastic job with illustrating these feelings and his journey through day to day events and interactions. I think one thing the author did well was to convey deeper messages through characters interpreting other characters' off-hand remarks in a way that really strikes a chord. For example, one character explained to Sekine how he would keep trying to win this game of table tennis even if the odds were stacked against him. And Sekine took that as a life lesson to try since that was almost the first time things haven't come to him naturally without him seeking it out (he's good at everything and women flock to him). And another example I really like is when

Overall the story is perfectly enjoyable even if you don't read it into it too much, because even just reading on a plot level I found all the situations very realistic and relatable.

... Last updated on December 26th, 2022, 10:47pm

Really the best Josei manga out there. and if you ask me... one of the best manga out there, regardless of genre...
I just love this manga so much, read it over and over so many times.
just read it. you won't be disappointed (besides, hoping for more or a sequal...)

I re-read it twice in 2 days

to the user that said that Sara isnt really that different than the women he "dated" before, I hope you read this manga again. Yeah, we all know Sekine is gorgeous. He's tall, dresses well, is pure visual. Why wouldn't she be attracted to him? But what sets Sara apart from the other women in his life, is that she isn't a parasite like the others. She does not try to advantage of him, or force him to do things against his wishes, and she actually asks him for his thoughts and opinions. Does it matter? Yes, a whole lot. Because he was a victim of sexual abuse by multiple people, forced into situations where he felt powerless and had no say or control over whatsoever. This is what makes Sara's character so important, and why seemingly mundane things (to us) like scenes of Sekine searching online for date spots is actually more profound than we think.

What a heavy feeling in my chest while reading through the last volume...!
I agree with whatever the previous reviewers stated. This is a wonderful josei manga with lots of pensive and emotional moments and I just like it.

love it <3

I love the art style and the plot was really something.

It's my first time reading something like this and with a guy as the protagonist. (you don't see that quite often though) but it worked.
I love this manga with all my heart. I can't express how happy I am. I mean now my child can stay with the person he loves (ugh my baby). he made me cry tons of times... He's devoted to Sarah. I'm so jealous.
He's the only man I would gladly trust my heart with. come on and be real!!

I'm so attached with this manga it hurts my heart cause now is over.

Firstly, I want to start off with a warning to potential readers. The manga contains rape, sexual harassment, and child sexual abuse (csa).

Now then, onto the synopsis: Sekine is a handsome and aloof office man who finds his life lacking. He doesn't have any hobbies, all of his relationships end prematurely, and he has, like, a single friend that regularly checks up on him. Deciding to do something about it, he stumbles onto an arts and crafts shop where the shop owner offers him lessons on magic tricks. He agrees to take the overpriced lessons, but finds himself stranded when the owner leaves the shop to his granddaughter to go on a "journey of self-discovery." The granddaughter, named Sara, then gives Sekine lessons in knitting and, without something to occupy his hands and his mind during the mind-numbing free time after work, he immediately goes for it. The manga covers the relationship between Sekine and Sara, and how Sekine tries to overcome the dullness of his life.

What makes this manga different from a lot of other shoujo manga is how the protagonist deals with his past. These experiences are so traumatizing that he has lost his ability to cope with his emotions and represses these horrible memories, which results in his aloof personality and confusion over basic human emotions. The manga does a really wonderful job of unpacking Sekine's trauma as he tries to find his own bit of happiness with Sara. And, thankfully, the manga makes it very clear that all of these past experiences left Sekine heavily traumatized and pretty much never sympathizes with his abusers.

Overall, it's a very refreshing manga that handles heavy, emotional topics with the gravitas and care they deserve. All of the characters were wonderfully written (and yes, that includes the asshole that tried to make Sekine jealous) and I adore Sekine's awkwardness and childlike nature. The pacing/paneling of the manga was also a joy to read and it really works with the art style. The art itself is quirky, if I had to guess I would classify this manga more along the lines of josei because of its story and art style. The mangaka also pays a lot of attention to hands, and seeing all of the knitted items is a real treat to be sure.

Lord, thanke for this divine blessing. It has been a really long time since I actually picked up a shojou manga. And I am glad I started with this one.
Actually, it has been so long since I picked up anything else besides shounen ai or yaoi that I had actually forgotten what breasts look like. It actually came as a shock to me (lol).
Anyway, there really much to criticize here. It is extremely well drawn and thought out; except as we near the ending. Was Haruka Kawachi rushed? Did she not have enough time to do a more fuller conclusion? I really feel that. Because the sheer amount of detail, both in terms of art work and story board, is simply mind-boggling, as such it is impossible to expect that Haruka-san would make such an amateurish slip up.

i find it ironic that the person he fell in love with isnt really that different than the women he "dated" before. theyre all just consumed by his looks haha. other than that the writing and internal monologue of the main character is interesting and paced well.