Haru wo Daiteita

I initially watched the OVAs and then went back to find the manga. As you can see, it concluded almost 10 years ago, having debuted another decade before that. The drawing style might be dated, but the art remains beautiful. Someone once described it as gloriously porntastic, and I cannot help but agree. The storyline progresses beautifully, showcasing the maturity of the characters, Iwaka and Katou, and their evolving love for each other. There are plenty of comedic moments, so it's not all intense. It also highlights the flaws in people and how they overcome them. The artwork is stunning; I eagerly anticipate the color pages, which are so nicely done. Now, I plan to seek out the Winter Cicada OVAs to complete the story. That too is a very beautiful tale, serving as a subplot to Embracing Love, importantly reflecting the main characters' focus. I'm delighted they made OVAs for this. Sensei did a fantastic job with the characters, and I love them.

Well, this is my first review of any manga, but after reading this one, I felt compelled to write something to show my appreciation because I genuinely loved it. Initially, based on the summary, I thought it wouldn't be great, but after reading it, I completely changed my mind.

Story: I've read a lot of manga, both shoujo and yaoi, and many of them are filled with intense drama, often to the point of being over-the-top. However, Haru wo Daiteita has its share of drama without going overboard. I appreciate the characters' faith in themselves and each other.

Graphics: There are numerous nude scenes throughout the manga. If you're sensitive about nudity, you might want to think twice before diving into this. But if you're comfortable with it, you'll likely enjoy what you see :)

I could write much more, but I don't want to spoil anything. In conclusion, if you're looking for a yaoi manga that combines faith, sweet love, and intimate moments, this is a must-read!

Haru wo Daiteita opens with two actors, Iwaki and Katou, striving to break into the film industry. Iwaki is a quiet and humble man, burdened by shame from his past as an adult film actor. In contrast, Katou is an arrogant young performer who views Iwaki as his rival in the adult film world.

Naturally, when they compete for the same role, their competitive natures clash, turning the audition into a fierce battle. To their astonishment, the director has other plans for them, leading them to collaborate on a project vastly different from their usual work. How much are they willing to risk for their dreams? Will their careers ascend to stardom as they hope?

This narrative primarily explores the characters' internal growth, diverging from typical "I love you, let's have sex" stories. It portrays the lives of two men with strong personalities working equally to nurture and sustain their love, facing hardships, jealousy, and trust issues together or separately over time.

The story highlights various challenges tied to commitments, not only in their relationship but also in their acting careers, crafting a rich and intricate masterpiece. Beyond romance, this piece serves as an essay on enduring and successful relationships.

Artistically, the author's work is original and appealing, though not conventionally beautiful. As my first read from Youka Nitta, it was initially challenging but quickly grew on me, proving beautiful and fitting for the story. So, overlook the covers; what lies within is far superior.

Besides Katou and Iwaki, the title features several couples in related and unrelated one-shots. It also includes a special volume with the story Fuyu No Semi; a tragic yet epic tale about two men in love confronting each other on the battlefield during war, grappling with their feelings.

There are two anime adaptations: one for the main story and another for the extra one. The former fails to do justice to the manga, covering only up to the third volume and lacking the mangaka’s artistic quality, so manage your expectations. Conversely, Fuyu no Semi seems to be a commendable adaptation of the extra story, with the animation faithfully portraying the narrative.

In 14 volumes, Haru wo Daiteita stands as one of the most renowned and celebrated works in its genre, demonstrating that real men in genuine relationships offer a better reading experience than the overly dramatic or unrealistic clichés often sold by the industry. If you haven't read this, do so; you won’t regret it.

--- Zetsuboshita & Queen2408 for The Anti Girly Uke Yaoi club. You are invited to join and participate in the discussions.

I'm definitely selective when it comes to rating Yaoi I've read or watched, which makes giving Haru wo Daite Ita a perfect 10/10 even more significant!

It's an essential read. Although the sex scenes can be graphic—which some may love and others might not—the story of HWD is simply GREAT!

While I adore the narrative, I must admit that the artwork at the beginning was challenging for me to appreciate. That's why, whenever I reread it, I tend to skim through the initial part faster compared to the ending. However, the improvement in the artwork from chapter 1 all the way to the end is astonishing!

If I could recommend only one Yaoi to anyone, it would undoubtedly be Haru wo Daite Ita! It's enjoyable, the characters are fantastic, and overall, the story deserves a 10. I highly recommend it.

Next time you hear someone complaining about yaoi being filled with nothing but effeminate, whiny boys, please, as a personal favor to me, introduce them to Embracing Love (Haru wo Daiteita).

I've been around the yaoi scene for years and I've seen it all. The good, the bad, the doujinshis, the one-shots. And this series is among the best. It combines everything we love in yaoi: beautiful men, drama, romance, and sex. More importantly, it does it all masterfully.

The only way I can accurately describe Embracing Love is to call it a Yaoi Soap Opera. And I mean that in the best way. There isn't one main driving plot like 'hero must find sword and defeat bad guy.' Instead, it's more of a slice-of-life, episodic series. The driving force behind it all is the romance between our boys and their professional lives. The series deals with issues ranging from petty jealousies and insecurities to dealing with homophobic relatives and struggling to get a job in a tough industry. I'm under no illusions about its realism; obviously, things are going to be sugar-coated, but all in all, it is one of the most honest, realistic yaoi manga I have ever had the pleasure to read. It's dramatic without being dark and funny without being too light and carefree.

It all comes down to our leading men: Iwaki and Katou. To be honest, there aren't many other shining performances besides these two guys; the other characters are a bit bland. But does this matter? Not at all, because these two are more than egotistical and explosive enough to keep your interest for a full 14 volumes of drama and lovers' tiffs.

Those familiar with the genre will be surprised to hear that there are no assigned 'roles' to these boys. Iwaki, older, serious, and professional, is normally the uke of the pair, but only where sex is concerned. He's no pushover; he can be surprisingly cold and harsh. Deep down, he's sensitive and even insecure. Katou, on the other hand, is bright, flamboyant, and impulsive. He's normally the seme (yes, I did say normally twice, the boys occasionally switch roles) and is characteristically jealous and over-the-top. It's Katou who initiates and pursues the relationship in the beginning.

What makes it all work is how Iwaki and Katou are men. Undeniably, unquestionably men. They look and act like guys. (Well, you know, romanticized fictional guys, but still!) Iwaki struggles with being the 'wife' of the relationship despite having a dominant personality. Katou struggles with insecurity and jealousy. They are in the same industry, sometimes competing for the same roles, sometimes not even able to meet each other for days despite living in the same house. They squabble, argue, fight, and yell constantly. And then they work it all out and make up. With great sex! The drama never ends.

The artwork is absolute top-notch. I am a huge fan of Youka Nitta now; the way she draws men is just too much. I honestly don't know how she can make these guys look completely manly and yet totally beautiful at the same time. Please don't be turned off by the cover artwork or even the first volume or so. Give it a chance; the artwork may seem a bit dated by today's standards, but a few volumes in, and I'm sure you'll love it. Her grasp of anatomy, complex expressions, pacing, and paneling—it's all beautiful. I've never seen art quite like it before. It's different, it's unique, it's perfect for the story.

Now, the only problem I have with the series is this: sometimes the characters just don't shut up. Youka Nitta has a great sense of drama; her artwork and paneling reflect it. So every once in a while, I wish the boys would just hug or cry...in silence. Their thoughts are analyzed, and they really just go on and on. Which isn't bad because it gives great insight into their minds and characters. But no one really talks like that. A grand speech or apology once in a while is great, but silence is great also. You can say so much with a look. Youka Nitta sometimes achieves this effect to great success during their sex scenes when they finally stop talking, and she lets the artwork talk and the emotion show through body language and facial expression. Her sex scenes are stunning.

Speaking of which, Embracing Love is fairly graphic with the sex. There's no cutting to black once they start kissing. But it's very tastefully done, in my opinion. It's certainly not pornographic. The guys' manly bits are drawn in screentone normally, or with the faintest detail, just hinted at or sometimes not shown at all. There are kissing scenes, cuddling scenes, and pretty much every position imaginable. Youka Nitta keeps it fresh, ranging from hot quick sex to romantic, wordy sex. There is a fair amount; sex normally features during the climax of each episode, once their fight is resolved, or if they're reunited after a long separation. All in all, not too much, not too little for me, but for someone else, it may be a bit overwhelming.

Embracing Love is a classic of the yaoi genre and for good reason. It's well-paced, smart, always fresh, and the chemistry between the lead couple is one-of-a-kind. The artwork is beautiful, and a manga where a gay couple gets married and faces real-life issues is a rarity. It's forgiving, loving, and optimistic. Embracing Love truly is a manga about just that—embracing love. Because it's worth it. The series is well worth a look. You won't be disappointed!