14/02/2020: Valentine's Romance Manga (Hideyoshi)

A selection of romance manga of various types to read if you are missing that special someone in your life on February 14th.

1. Fly Me to The Moon (Fluffy Romance)

Fly Me to The Moon (also known as Tonikaku Cawaii) is a simple manga. The main character Yuzaki Nasa (yes, he’s named after NASA) sees a cute girl and just as he is about to call out to her, a truck appears and hurtles towards him. Just as he thinks that his life is about to end, he is saved by the very girl he was about to approach. After being saved, and in the spur of the moment, he confesses to the girl. The girl, in probably the weirdest chain of events, agrees to go out with Nasa, but only if they get married. The rest of the story follows their fluffy married life. Like I said, it’s a simple manga.

2. Otoyomegatari (Historical Romance)

Otomegatori is a story set in 19th century Central Asia. Definitely the most interesting setting of any of the manga on this list. The story follows several groups of characters whose path in the narrative intertwine and separate over the course of the manga. The central story revolves around Amir, a young woman whose family are nomads, and Karluck, the boy she marries. While I am sure the historical accuracy of comic such as this should be taken with a pinch of salt, I found myself learning more about Central Asian culture through this comic. The story shines in showing the way of life, social attitudes along with the family and gender roles played by the various characters. It also does not shy away from showing a less than rosy depiction of life in 19th century Central Asia. It also is without a doubt one of the prettiest and intricate manga I have read.

3. Aharen-san wa Hakarenai (Romance with Quirky Characters)

Aharen-san wa Hakarenai follows two characters who are so quirky and weird, yet amazingly in tune with each other. The central premise of this manga is main character Raidou, and his never-ending stream of delusions involving the cast and story. A cute, hilarious and feel-good manga.

4. A Silent Voice (Romance in a Redemption Story)

A Silent Voice is an amazing coming of age story that follows the main characters Ishida Shouya and Nishimiya Shokou. Ishida starts off as a bully who terrorises and traumatises Nishimiya who was born deaf. It paints a sobering picture as to the experiences of persons with disabilities, particularly in the context of school. The story is amazing not just because it shines light on the nature of childhood bullying but because it is at its heart a redemption story and about a person genuinely trying atone for his mistakes, regardless of how difficult it might be and how many years late his atonement may come. There’s also an anime!