Now, I wouldn't really describe myself as a big fan of the shoujo genre, and to be perfectly honest, I usually hate series that center around high school students (so perhaps I am not the best person to be writing a review for this series, but oh well). The reason for this is that these stories have been done again and again thousands of times and have become stale. However, here we have Kare Kano (a shortened version of the title), which, for all intents and purposes, seems like one of those old, boring high school romance series we've all seen far too many times before. The difference is that Kare Kano is a lot better than many other similar series that come to mind. Why is this exactly?
Well, Kare Kano really isn’t any different from any other high school love story you will have seen before. There are no radically new approaches to the genre or anything of the sort; on the contrary, it is more like a perfect refinement of all the elements that make up this kind of story. In short, this is just a simple love story told very well. Actually, it's not as simple as I made it out to be—there are plenty of complications and unexpected developments to keep the reader hooked, along with complex, multi-layered characters that elevate the story above most anything I’ve read thus far. So, if anything, it is the depth and complexity of this story that makes it great.
While the series appears to be your typical high school romcom, it eventually evolves into its own independent story and separates itself from those familiar series. If you go into this series (like I did) expecting some kind of fluffy romance, you will most probably be caught off guard because this story is a lot darker and more mature than you would expect.
What stood out to me personally about Kare Kano was the feeling of authenticity that this series seemed to have. It felt like the author was probably basing aspects of the story on things she herself had experienced, which is a refreshing change from those wish-fulfillment harem series I’m used to.
The two main characters, Soichiro Arima and Yukino Miyazawa, particularly felt very real to me. They really do seem like real people, complete with flaws (extremely well hidden, mind you) and emotional baggage. Everything about their relationship felt very truthful to me—nothing felt forced, and all the challenges they had to face were relatable. The cuteness of their relationship and the envy seen by fellow classmates also rings true.
But each of the main characters individually is also really great. I especially liked Yukino because she is completely unlike the stereotypical shoujo female lead. On the surface, she appears to be the ideal student: kind, extremely smart, and attractive. But this is only a mask beneath which lies a money-crazed borderline sociopath who desperately craves everyone’s admiration and praise. Right from the start, I really loved her character, and over time, she developed into a wonderful and really likable character.
The male lead, Soichiro Arima, appears to be the typical super-idealized male that you can’t help but fangirl over, but he is a seriously complex character, and much of the story deals with his emotional scars and checkered past.
But Kare Kano is not solely focused on these two characters. There is a large cast in this story, and unlike too many manga, they are not mere cardboard cutouts—they too are fully fleshed-out characters in their own right. I really loved how the author occasionally took a step away from the main story to concentrate on other characters that would usually be ignored. This serves the series well, making the whole high school experience feel more personal for the reader, which is always a good thing.
I also feel like I should praise the use of comedy in this manga because the author managed to find that perfect sweet spot. There is plenty of comedy, but it is always at the right moments. When the story gets more serious, these jokes are carefully set aside and only picked up again when appropriate. This is something that a lot of anime and manga completely mess up, and I find it quite frustrating, but Kare Kano did a great job in regards to the use of comedy.
The artwork in this series is quite simple, which is not to say bad. Characters are all distinctive, landscapes are clean, and there’s really nothing I can criticize—well, sometimes she would put too much into a small panel and things would look a bit messy, but this was only present in the early part. The art progressively improves as the series goes on, and the mangaka did take special care with the art in the more significant scenes, making them stand out and more memorable. I also loved those little rant-type things down the side of the page.
The more I think about it, the more trouble I am having expressing exactly why I liked this series so much. If I had to sum it up, it was mostly because I loved both of the main characters and was always very happy to see things work out for them. The story just felt personal to me, and I was able to get very involved and relate to the story, feel for the characters, and feel really immersed and captivated by this not-so-simple-simple-love-story.
I absolutely adore this manga, without a doubt my favorite so far. It's one of the most mature and heart-wrenching high school romances I've ever read <33
Here's why I love it:
- Characters: Both lead characters were incredibly lovable and felt extremely real to me. Their flaws and mistakes were portrayed so well that you couldn't blame them, making the manga even better. The two main leads truly brought out the best in each other and developed beautifully as the story progressed. This is one of the most realistic portrayals of adolescence and relationships I've encountered. The side characters are also well-developed, each with their own dreams, hopes, and ambitions, making them very likable! I didn't mind when the story focused on characters other than Yukino and Arima, which is quite impressive :)
- Story: The manga tackles many dark themes such as childhood trauma, significant relationship issues, insecurity, perfectionism, and emotional baggage, but balances these with sweet romantic scenes and comedic relief. It made me laugh, cry, and swoon—it was an absolute emotional rollercoaster, and I loved every bit of it!!! The relationship between Yukino and Arima was handled perfectly, and their growth while being in a long-term relationship felt very realistic. You can really picture a couple like this lasting forever. I also appreciated the realistic portrayal of mental struggles and how they affect a relationship. I haven't seen any anime or read any manga that has handled it so well. After watching the anime (which I highly recommend), I picked up the manga and was so engrossed that I finished it in under a week! One of the most intense binge reads ever!! Such an engaging read that always kept me hooked.
Overall:
If you can decipher my excited rambling, I commend you and encourage you to give this manga (and its anime adaptation) a chance! As someone who loves romance anime and has watched and read so many, "His and Her Circumstances" truly stands out and is probably my favorite of all time <3333
I approached this manga with some hesitation, if I'm being completely honest. The art style made me think, "Oh, this is an older manga; I wonder if it's any good." I usually stick to newer and seasonal releases, but boy, was I in for a surprise.
This story reminded me why I fell in love with manga in the first place. There are indeed great authors out there with even greater stories to tell. The depth of this narrative touched my heart profoundly. It begins as your typical high school love story (which I genuinely enjoyed), but then it transitions into something darker and more profound. It offers a vivid exploration of what it means to be human—not just in the sense that we excuse bad behavior by saying someone is "only human," but also in acknowledging our shared imperfections. This story gave me hope. We all find ourselves trapped in vicious cycles, but those cycles can be broken.
There's so much to discuss about this manga that I don't even know where to start.
In the first half, I particularly loved how each side character was given their own unique and beautiful love story. Each person's struggle was distinct, yet I found myself reflected in every piece. I felt connected to each character and deeply appreciated getting to understand them better. It felt like taking a little detour from the main romance, but each detour was so compelling that I would have no problem reading an entire manga dedicated to them.
The second half left me utterly stunned. The portrayal of struggles and people overcoming them had me alternating between tears of despair and joy. Add to that the classic theme of growing up, leaving high school friends behind, and moving on with life. This story made me pause and reflect on my own life, filling me with a sense of awe. It's not exactly excitement, but rather amazement at the opportunity to experience this wild and wonderful thing we call life. This story changed me, and for that, it deserves 10 stars.
I now feel compelled to go back and discover more great, older manga like this one. Society may change, and our stories evolve with it, but we remain human, and this story captures that essence beautifully. It speaks to something innate in the human experience, a kind of storytelling that will always resonate with me. If you haven't read this manga, you need to. It has romance, deep characters, coming-of-age themes, and if you're anything like me, you'll cry—a lot.
Kare Kano stands out among rom-com shows and manga for advancing beyond the initial admission of love between characters. They go on dates and navigate each other's quirks and flaws, offering a more realistic portrayal of relationships.
Although categorized as a romantic comedy, it gradually shifts focus from humor to resolving the characters' life conflicts. The entire main cast is portrayed with some form of brokenness, and each character gets an arc dedicated to addressing their issues. Interestingly, about three volumes are devoted to side characters, somewhat sidelining the leads. While building up side characters is commendable, it could have been done in a way that better integrated with the main storyline. At times, the focus on a particular side character made the rest of the manga feel disconnected and hollow.
The laser-focused spotlight on certain characters results in the male lead being less developed compared to the female lead. This becomes particularly evident in Soichiro’s character arc. Due to his traumatic past, his development centers more on resolving those issues rather than his relationship with Yukino. In contrast, Yukino's growth is more straightforward and woven into her personality, improving as their relationship progresses. While this doesn't ruin the story, it does diminish my enjoyment somewhat.
I thoroughly enjoyed the comedic aspects when they were present, and the depiction of the two main characters actually being in a relationship was refreshing. The main cast had distinct personalities that made their interactions engaging. I would recommend reading Kare Kano primarily for these reasons. Most conflicts are well-developed, and the story avoids falling into melodramatic pitfalls common in romance narratives. Despite the issues mentioned, they are minor gripes rather than significant deterrents to reading the series.
One thing I always wish is that manga grew with their audience. If you consider someone starting to read a typical shoujo manga in middle school, around 15 years old, and the serialization takes 5-7 years to complete, it's unlikely that the 20-22-year-old finishing that manga will enjoy the ending as much as the beginning. Their values have changed since they were 15. This manga succeeds in growing with its audience and is absolutely amazing for it.
When I first picked this up, I wasn't particularly captivated by it. I actively disliked the art style and rarely read something where I don't like the art. The plot didn't seem very original either. However, the more I read, the more involved I became in the story. This is not your typical shoujo.
The character growth displayed by both main and side characters, the way various plot strands are woven together over dozens of chapters, and the personalities of the characters all demonstrate that this mangaka is a master storyteller who values the thoughts and struggles of real human beings. Of course, everything is dramatized to make it more exciting, but never once did I find myself screaming, "You're an idiot! No human being with half a brain would have made that choice!" as I often do when reading shoujo manga. This manga deals with surprisingly dark and mature topics in a thoughtful and loving way. If there's anything else quite like this out there, I haven't found it yet.
Absolutely recommended.
Of course, I read this a few years after watching the anime. The anime was good, but the ending got confusing, and I wasn't really sure what it meant. I thought the characters separated afterward.
The manga is much more detailed than the anime and also much more enjoyable. This is truly the manga for you if you love character development and tragic backstories.
I was drawn to the story because sometimes I feel as if I'm living a lie or I'm empty inside. Such is the case with the protagonists, Yukino and Soichiro. However, they really developed as characters, especially Soichiro. The manga has such a positive message: sometimes it's okay to let go and really try your best to enjoy life because after hitting rock bottom, things will get better. Love and friendship are also powerful themes in this manga.
Another reason that makes this manga amazing is the amount of time dedicated to the side characters. Most manga don't devote whole volumes to the side cast. These characters really add to the story with their individual personalities, dilemmas, and how they overcame everything.
Obviously, I really enjoyed the manga, as seen with the score. It's something a bit more mature than your typical shoujo and more humorous.
Miyazawa, the female protagonist, taught me something I once thought foolish until reading Kare Kano (His and Her Circumstances): never give up on someone no matter how much they push you away. Tsuda Masami crafted a love rollercoaster, evolving a couple—Miyazawa and Arima—from a hate-love relationship. It has become one of my favorite shoujo manga, particularly because their relationship was established early in the first two volumes. Consequently, all 21 volumes focus on the main couple’s relationship throughout high school, allowing readers to witness Miyazawa and Arima's relationship progress step by step.
Kare Kano includes typical shoujo tropes in its early volumes, such as rivalry and jealousy, but these are short-lived, spanning only the first 4-5 volumes. This setup enables characters to enjoy their high school years fully while also confronting their inner demons. Unlike many shoujo stories, Arima isn’t surrounded by numerous girls vying for his attention, which is a cliché that often frustrates me. What makes Kare Kano stand out is its focus beyond just the main couple. While there are some filler stories, they highlight other characters, each with unique struggles and triumphs. The realism in emotional portrayal makes it easy to feel compassion for them.
Tsuda genuinely cares for her characters, delving deep into their psyches and giving them their moment in the spotlight. The characters exhibit considerable pride, which I admire. They think independently, solve their own problems, and express their feelings openly. Their diverse talents and independence are remarkable, ranging from acting to writing to sports. Tsuda integrates these talents seamlessly into the story, inspiring fans to emulate them. Given her background as a playwright and drama club member in high school, it felt like I was experiencing high school alongside the characters. Each character has their own story, and none relies heavily on parental figures. Miyazawa, my favorite character, exemplifies independence and ambition, handling tough situations maturely. Tsubasa, on the other hand, sometimes annoyed me due to her small stature and shyness, but later chapters dedicated to her life and romance helped me sympathize with her.
The artwork has its strengths and weaknesses. Age transformations are detailed, and moods are carefully depicted through art. Psychological elements feature dark settings with blood drops and shadowy backgrounds, while chibi forms appear at random moments, occasionally causing confusion during flashbacks to Arima’s childhood. Animal illustrations are plain and ordinary.
I rated it an 8 instead of a 9 because I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending. While Miyazawa and Arima's story concluded satisfactorily, spending so much time with the characters left me wanting more information about their futures or clearer paths for their lives. Tsuda provided a brief overview of where they were at the end, but I was particularly interested in their family lives—whether they had children, for instance. Additionally, I disagreed with how one character’s romantic storyline unfolded.
If you enjoy shoujo manga with mature characters and a relationship developed early on, I highly recommend this series. I found myself thoroughly immersed in this manga, which shows that even with everything, one can still be unhappy. I enjoyed reading about Miyazawa and Arima’s journey together, along with the other characters’ romances and life stories. Tsuda deserves praise for this work, as it was indeed a rewarding experience.
"Classic" is a term that is inherently ambiguous, with its meaning constantly evolving over time. In the 1990s, when KareKano was first published, "classic" shoujo works included titles like Princess Knight and The Rose of Versailles. Today, these manga remain classics, but KareKano, once a prime example of modern shoujo, has taken on a distinctly different aura.
The characters in KareKano are constantly grappling with their identities. Their concerns about the face they present to the world versus their true selves—the gap between who they are and who they aspire to be—are what elevate this manga into a universal experience for me. This makes it relevant beyond Japan in the 90s, still resonating more than two decades later.
Written and illustrated by Masami Tsuda, KareKano was serialized in La-La magazine from 1995 to 2005. The story centers around Yukino Miyazawa, a girl who strives to appear perfect solely for attention, and Souichirou Arima, who hides his flaws to avoid burdening his adoptive parents. Together, they learn about the fear and joy of true vulnerability, and thus, about the feeling of being fully accepted and accepting others—not just in love, but also within family and friendships. It's a straightforward plot, made compelling precisely because of its relatability; the characters navigate problems many of us have faced, and the narrative doesn't shy away from the psychological impacts these issues can have.
In fact, the narrative doesn't shy away from many topics. Typical teenage manga often struggles to handle the transition from holding hands to sexual intimacy, despite its significance in teenagers' lives. This isn't an issue in KareKano: while explicit scenes aren't shown, it's clear that sex is part of the characters' lives, sometimes in harsh ways. The portrayal of violence, both physical and psychological, is particularly noteworthy, especially concerning mental health.
I believe KareKano's strongest point lies in its protagonists. Yukino and Souichirou are intricately developed. It would have been easy to stick with their initial characterizations—making Yukino a typical tsundere and Souichirou a jerk with a hidden nice side—but the story evolves, and so do they. Better yet, their evolution doesn't resolve their conflicts but deepens their complexity. The climax isn't driven by contrived misunderstandings but by the natural progression of their actions.
However, focusing heavily on one aspect can lead to slight deficiencies in others. In KareKano, this manifests as difficulty in portraying realistic teenage characters. While Yukino and Souichirou's maturity can be justified by their circumstances, it's hard to believe all surrounding characters exhibit the same level of maturity. One character's sudden philosophical detachment is particularly jarring. Among the teenagers, we see a genius writer, a musical prodigy, individuals who have already defined their life paths, relationship counselors, and a girl so mature she dominates her relationship with a 25-year-old. Such exceptionalism among young people feels unrealistic, reminiscent of Ouran High School Host Club.
Regarding the artwork, KareKano meets expectations. Delicate linework is common in such publications, and Tsuda draws her bishounen and bishoujo with meticulous care. Yukino's character design stands out; she looks feminine and pretty without relying on generic blonde stereotypes or the long-haired, mysterious-eyed Japanese beauty trope. Generally, the art style is representative of the era, without excessive detailing, offering a more practical look. There are moments where the author excels, such as in the conversations between Souichirou and his imaginary double.
I can confidently say I enjoyed KareKano. Even if it's hard to believe in the exceptional nature of every character, it never reaches a point where the story becomes mere wish fulfillment. The love interests do come together, and the author manages to maintain interest for a long time after. I've heard that the anime adaptation didn't follow the manga to its conclusion, which reportedly disappointed Masami Tsuda. Considering how naturally the climax unfolds from the established conflicts, I understand her frustration.
One definition of "classic" is a work that never loses its relevance, always having something meaningful to say to readers, even years after publication. Once a brilliant example of contemporary shoujo manga, KareKano can now be seen as a pioneer, paving the way for works like Toradora! and Kimi ni Todoke. Its influence is evident and enduring; you only need to open a volume to hear its messages. After all, it will be a while before KareKano stops speaking to us.
Wow. That was truly intense. I've been reading this manga non-stop ever since I started it a month ago. There were moments when I felt like crying, and I definitely swore a few times due to the overwhelming emotions that pulled me into the story. I loved how each character had their own side stories, providing both satisfaction and turmoil, which is typical of most shoujo manga. What makes this one special is how it throws life-changing questions at you repeatedly amidst all the subplots, as the main characters go through a storyline that rips your heart out and keeps it beating just to hear you scream.
There were times of bliss and epiphanies, but also moments where madness crept so close and infected the characters you had come to love deeply. Wow... I wish they had ended it with a group picture of all the couples, but maybe that would be too cliché. This story was great, and it concluded well. I think the ending could have been better, but perhaps the story was just too grand for any single image or word to do it justice.
I hope you read this manga and feel what I did or something similar. Just push through it; it looks long, but once you start, there's no going back. You need to know the ending, and it's worth it—every stroke.
*Slight spoilers ahead, though nothing you might not already guess*
Kare Kano is the best manga and anime I've had the pleasure of experiencing so far. It's simply captivating because it tells a story that is both bittersweet and enthralling, making it impossible to put down for fear of missing something important.
Yukino Miyazawa is the top student in her class and year. She appears to be beautiful, smart, athletic, kind, and helpful to everyone. All the boys are smitten with her, and the girls aspire to be like her. However, this perfect image is all an act. In secret, Yukino works tirelessly to maintain this facade, spending long hours training and studying just to receive praise and acknowledgment for being exceptional. Why? Because she craves the validation.
Everything goes smoothly until a rival appears—Soichiro Arima, who matches Yukino in every aspect, from intelligence to appearance. Seeing someone else who is as flawless as she is infuriates her, especially since Arima isn't pretending. What happens when he falls in love with her fake persona?
The next 100 or so chapters revolve around this couple. But don't worry; although they get together relatively early in the story (around volume 2), the subsequent 19 volumes aren't solely about their romantic escapades. The mangaka skillfully weaves in other fascinating characters to keep things interesting. Keep an eye out for Hideaki Asaba, a hilarious comic relief character who is also generous, kind-hearted, and a bit psychotic. Arima's past comes back to haunt him, evoking empathy from readers.
You'll never be bored or wishing for something else to happen.
The only complaint I have is that by the end of the manga, you'll be left wanting more of this beautiful tale, begging for additional stories about these characters.
"In the eyes of others, what kind of person am I?"
This is much more than a typical love story; it is complex and brimming with emotions. Yukino Miyazawa appears to be the perfect model student—full of pride and hypocrisy, she seems flawless in everyone's eyes. On the other hand, we have Arima Soichiro, another model student who hides a dark and mysterious side that gradually surfaces throughout the manga.
Yukino becomes intensely jealous of Arima's newfound popularity and the attention he receives as the representative of the freshmen class. Initially rivals, they eventually become friends, then lovers, and finally boyfriend and girlfriend. The story follows their relationship as it endures various tests and challenges. As their bond deepens, Arima's darker side becomes increasingly apparent.
This manga explores themes of love, friendship, and overcoming personal obstacles. It is highly recommended for anyone seeking a mature read with a good sense of humor.
Kareshi Kanojo spends most of its story bland and forgettable. It briefly becomes so ridiculous that it’s hilarious, only to end abhorrently.
The characters are remarkably shallow. They have “depth” in the form of tragic backstories and internal self-hatred, but it’s all paper-thin. They aren’t believably flawed human beings; they’re perfect caricatures for readers to fantasize about dating. Their “flaws” exist merely to make them seem like troubled emo bishonen that a good girl can fix.
Miyazawa, the girl, has less of this issue, though she isn’t particularly interesting. If she were any blander, I’d call her an intentional blank slate for readers to slot themselves into. The story started with an interesting hook for her personality—an egoist who wants to maintain a facade of perfection to impress her peers. But this is only temporarily maintained for the initial drama leading to her dating Arima, and a brief arc of her being bullied. After that, she essentially forgets this was ever part of her personality, settling into a forgettable lack of traits. You could call it character development, but she develops into someone with nothing interesting about her. Near the end of the manga, she essentially stops having any relevance to the plot at all.
Arima is the bigger problem. He’s so perfect it’s almost comical. #1 test scores in the country, kendo prodigy, likeable and lovable by everyone. His only flaw is that he believes himself to be a terrible person for hiding his true nature from those around him. Notice the circular logic? Not all characters need to be perfectly rational, but the internal conflict should at least be believable.
It reminds me of another manga, Kaguya Wants to be Confessed to. Kaguya feels like it took heavy inspiration from Kareshi Kanojo on several fronts. But it’s also much better written, understanding how to balance its seemingly perfect protagonists by making them inwardly flawed in realistic ways. Arima feels like both of those characters wrapped into one perfect person without any of the realistic drawbacks to that lifestyle.
If all you want is an enjoyable fantasy of a perfect, darkly troubled bishonen boyfriend, then I don’t begrudge you that enjoyment. I just don’t think it holds up as well-written.
Visually, it’s not particularly well made either. The art goes through three stages. The early art has extremely messy and hard-to-follow paneling, with too many small and weirdly narrow panels crammed into single pages, and too much dialogue crammed into those panels with very little flow. It was tiring to read. Luckily, past the beginning, the mangaka got more experienced, and it settled into a mediocre average. In this phase, the main criticism is the repetitive character designs. Many characters have the same faces and extremely similar hairstyles, differentiated only by hair color and height. There were countless points where I mixed up the main girl with a temporary rival, or the main boy with the main girl’s father or another girl in the cast. If characters aren’t immediately distinguishable at a glance, something’s clearly wrong.
The art improves in the final stage, but I’ll talk about that part of the manga later.
During those first two stages of the story, the plot is mostly bland. After Miyazawa and Arima settle into their relationship, it has a collection of arcs focusing on various other couples. Most of those are about as bland as the main duo’s romance. Though there’s a problematic romance between a high school girl and a 28-year-old man. But that's another thing I’ll talk about later.
Most of the drama during this stage of the story is, yet again, shallow. There are far too many misunderstandings borne purely of miscommunications. There are ways to make the resolution to that kind of thing satisfying, but here it mostly felt arbitrary and forced. I also never found this manga funny. There was very little drive to keep reading.
Later in the story, it improves… kind of. The art definitely gets better, with occasional impact pages that have solid shading and composition. This is where Miyazawa completely stops mattering to the story—now, it’s all about Arima and his tragic backstory. The backstory itself isn’t poorly written, but I’d laugh at the idea that this makes the story “dark.” It’s written to make Arima more of a caricature, the boy who’s oh-so-perfect yet darkly troubled. It’s dark in an edgy teenage way. All of the drama centering around his belief that he’s a bad person because he was abused as a child is just nonsensical.
What’s a little more compelling is his relationships with his birth parents, which have a little more basis in truth, in the desire some adopted people have to gain some sort of connection to the people they never knew. It’s not awfully written, but it does lead to an absolutely ridiculous climax. It’s like the story goes from an extremely boring soap opera to a spicy, over-the-top, hilarious soap opera. I’ll give this part of the story credit for having the guts to go crazy.
After that, things get problematic. This is where I have to spoil a couple of things, though I’ll try not to go into detail. Spoiler warning.
In its epilogue, the manga starts to seriously idealize certain ideas, and I’d call it genuinely harmful of it to do so.
The first is how it idealizes teenage pregnancy. Shockingly, there’s only a single character who has a realistic reaction to this reveal. Everyone else is happy and supportive. I won’t say it’s outright impossible for a teenage pregnancy to be handled in a mature way and for the involved parties to grow up fine. But even with characters as “perfect” as the protagonists of this story, it comes off as incredibly tone-deaf and problematic to treat it as a perfect situation with no concerns. I guess it’s “believable” in this story since there are rich grandparents supporting them through it, but realistically, I honestly don’t think this is a good message to end on for shoujo readers to internalize or believe.
The second is related to Asaba’s ending. He’s Arima’s best friend, a womanizer who never found the right girl. Somehow, when he finds out that Miyazawa’s baby will be a girl, he goes through a strange thought—that this girl will be his soulmate. I genuinely gaped when reading this, going over the last few pages, certain I must have misunderstood something. I didn’t. In the epilogue chapter, it makes it clear. Their daughter falls in love with Asaba, and he “resists” this weakly, essentially acknowledging that he’s going to “give in” because he loves her too much.
This is not an okay thing to condone in fiction. I don’t care if you think cases like this are okay because “the child wanted it.” Minors are not capable of making that kind of decision, full stop. Art does not exist in a vacuum. When you write something like this into a story, treating it like a positive, you influence your readers to think it’s an okay thing, to not be as careful as they should about not falling into abusive situations. If you read this and were smart enough to just take it as a story and not be influenced by it, then I’m happy you reacted to it properly. But that does not make it an acceptable thing to write.
These abhorrent moments are at least small, near the end. The vast majority of the experience has nothing to do with it. And normally, I would have given that experience a 4/10. Because of the way it ended, it gets a 3/10 instead.
But by and large, even without the awful ending, it’s not a manga I’d recommend. It’s uninteresting, unfunny drama, with poorly written characters. It feels like what Kaguya is making fun of, rightfully, and has none of the self-awareness. If you want to read a good shoujo, go read Glass Mask.
Popular Reviews
!10/10!!
I absolutely adore this manga, without a doubt my favorite so far. It's one of the most mature and heart-wrenching high school romances I've ever read <33
Here's why I love it:
- Characters: Both lead characters were incredibly lovable and felt extremely real to me. Their flaws and mistakes were portrayed so well that you couldn't blame them, making the manga even better. The two main leads truly brought out the best in each other and developed beautifully as the story progressed. This is one of the most realistic portrayals of adolescence and relationships I've encountered. The side characters are also well-developed, each with their own dreams, hopes, and ambitions, making them very likable! I didn't mind when the story focused on characters other than Yukino and Arima, which is quite impressive :)
- Story: The manga tackles many dark themes such as childhood trauma, significant relationship issues, insecurity, perfectionism, and emotional baggage, but balances these with sweet romantic scenes and comedic relief. It made me laugh, cry, and swoon—it was an absolute emotional rollercoaster, and I loved every bit of it!!! The relationship between Yukino and Arima was handled perfectly, and their growth while being in a long-term relationship felt very realistic. You can really picture a couple like this lasting forever. I also appreciated the realistic portrayal of mental struggles and how they affect a relationship. I haven't seen any anime or read any manga that has handled it so well. After watching the anime (which I highly recommend), I picked up the manga and was so engrossed that I finished it in under a week! One of the most intense binge reads ever!! Such an engaging read that always kept me hooked.
Overall:
If you can decipher my excited rambling, I commend you and encourage you to give this manga (and its anime adaptation) a chance! As someone who loves romance anime and has watched and read so many, "His and Her Circumstances" truly stands out and is probably my favorite of all time <3333
I approached this manga with some hesitation, if I'm being completely honest. The art style made me think, "Oh, this is an older manga; I wonder if it's any good." I usually stick to newer and seasonal releases, but boy, was I in for a surprise.
This story reminded me why I fell in love with manga in the first place. There are indeed great authors out there with even greater stories to tell. The depth of this narrative touched my heart profoundly. It begins as your typical high school love story (which I genuinely enjoyed), but then it transitions into something darker and more profound. It offers a vivid exploration of what it means to be human—not just in the sense that we excuse bad behavior by saying someone is "only human," but also in acknowledging our shared imperfections. This story gave me hope. We all find ourselves trapped in vicious cycles, but those cycles can be broken.
There's so much to discuss about this manga that I don't even know where to start.
In the first half, I particularly loved how each side character was given their own unique and beautiful love story. Each person's struggle was distinct, yet I found myself reflected in every piece. I felt connected to each character and deeply appreciated getting to understand them better. It felt like taking a little detour from the main romance, but each detour was so compelling that I would have no problem reading an entire manga dedicated to them.
The second half left me utterly stunned. The portrayal of struggles and people overcoming them had me alternating between tears of despair and joy. Add to that the classic theme of growing up, leaving high school friends behind, and moving on with life. This story made me pause and reflect on my own life, filling me with a sense of awe. It's not exactly excitement, but rather amazement at the opportunity to experience this wild and wonderful thing we call life. This story changed me, and for that, it deserves 10 stars.
I now feel compelled to go back and discover more great, older manga like this one. Society may change, and our stories evolve with it, but we remain human, and this story captures that essence beautifully. It speaks to something innate in the human experience, a kind of storytelling that will always resonate with me. If you haven't read this manga, you need to. It has romance, deep characters, coming-of-age themes, and if you're anything like me, you'll cry—a lot.
Kare Kano stands out among rom-com shows and manga for advancing beyond the initial admission of love between characters. They go on dates and navigate each other's quirks and flaws, offering a more realistic portrayal of relationships.
Although categorized as a romantic comedy, it gradually shifts focus from humor to resolving the characters' life conflicts. The entire main cast is portrayed with some form of brokenness, and each character gets an arc dedicated to addressing their issues. Interestingly, about three volumes are devoted to side characters, somewhat sidelining the leads. While building up side characters is commendable, it could have been done in a way that better integrated with the main storyline. At times, the focus on a particular side character made the rest of the manga feel disconnected and hollow.
The laser-focused spotlight on certain characters results in the male lead being less developed compared to the female lead. This becomes particularly evident in Soichiro’s character arc. Due to his traumatic past, his development centers more on resolving those issues rather than his relationship with Yukino. In contrast, Yukino's growth is more straightforward and woven into her personality, improving as their relationship progresses. While this doesn't ruin the story, it does diminish my enjoyment somewhat.
I thoroughly enjoyed the comedic aspects when they were present, and the depiction of the two main characters actually being in a relationship was refreshing. The main cast had distinct personalities that made their interactions engaging. I would recommend reading Kare Kano primarily for these reasons. Most conflicts are well-developed, and the story avoids falling into melodramatic pitfalls common in romance narratives. Despite the issues mentioned, they are minor gripes rather than significant deterrents to reading the series.
Miyazawa, the female protagonist, taught me something I once thought foolish until reading Kare Kano (His and Her Circumstances): never give up on someone no matter how much they push you away. Tsuda Masami crafted a love rollercoaster, evolving a couple—Miyazawa and Arima—from a hate-love relationship. It has become one of my favorite shoujo manga, particularly because their relationship was established early in the first two volumes. Consequently, all 21 volumes focus on the main couple’s relationship throughout high school, allowing readers to witness Miyazawa and Arima's relationship progress step by step.
Kare Kano includes typical shoujo tropes in its early volumes, such as rivalry and jealousy, but these are short-lived, spanning only the first 4-5 volumes. This setup enables characters to enjoy their high school years fully while also confronting their inner demons. Unlike many shoujo stories, Arima isn’t surrounded by numerous girls vying for his attention, which is a cliché that often frustrates me. What makes Kare Kano stand out is its focus beyond just the main couple. While there are some filler stories, they highlight other characters, each with unique struggles and triumphs. The realism in emotional portrayal makes it easy to feel compassion for them.
Tsuda genuinely cares for her characters, delving deep into their psyches and giving them their moment in the spotlight. The characters exhibit considerable pride, which I admire. They think independently, solve their own problems, and express their feelings openly. Their diverse talents and independence are remarkable, ranging from acting to writing to sports. Tsuda integrates these talents seamlessly into the story, inspiring fans to emulate them. Given her background as a playwright and drama club member in high school, it felt like I was experiencing high school alongside the characters. Each character has their own story, and none relies heavily on parental figures. Miyazawa, my favorite character, exemplifies independence and ambition, handling tough situations maturely. Tsubasa, on the other hand, sometimes annoyed me due to her small stature and shyness, but later chapters dedicated to her life and romance helped me sympathize with her.
The artwork has its strengths and weaknesses. Age transformations are detailed, and moods are carefully depicted through art. Psychological elements feature dark settings with blood drops and shadowy backgrounds, while chibi forms appear at random moments, occasionally causing confusion during flashbacks to Arima’s childhood. Animal illustrations are plain and ordinary.
I rated it an 8 instead of a 9 because I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending. While Miyazawa and Arima's story concluded satisfactorily, spending so much time with the characters left me wanting more information about their futures or clearer paths for their lives. Tsuda provided a brief overview of where they were at the end, but I was particularly interested in their family lives—whether they had children, for instance. Additionally, I disagreed with how one character’s romantic storyline unfolded.
If you enjoy shoujo manga with mature characters and a relationship developed early on, I highly recommend this series. I found myself thoroughly immersed in this manga, which shows that even with everything, one can still be unhappy. I enjoyed reading about Miyazawa and Arima’s journey together, along with the other characters’ romances and life stories. Tsuda deserves praise for this work, as it was indeed a rewarding experience.
"Classic" is a term that is inherently ambiguous, with its meaning constantly evolving over time. In the 1990s, when KareKano was first published, "classic" shoujo works included titles like Princess Knight and The Rose of Versailles. Today, these manga remain classics, but KareKano, once a prime example of modern shoujo, has taken on a distinctly different aura.
The characters in KareKano are constantly grappling with their identities. Their concerns about the face they present to the world versus their true selves—the gap between who they are and who they aspire to be—are what elevate this manga into a universal experience for me. This makes it relevant beyond Japan in the 90s, still resonating more than two decades later.
Written and illustrated by Masami Tsuda, KareKano was serialized in La-La magazine from 1995 to 2005. The story centers around Yukino Miyazawa, a girl who strives to appear perfect solely for attention, and Souichirou Arima, who hides his flaws to avoid burdening his adoptive parents. Together, they learn about the fear and joy of true vulnerability, and thus, about the feeling of being fully accepted and accepting others—not just in love, but also within family and friendships. It's a straightforward plot, made compelling precisely because of its relatability; the characters navigate problems many of us have faced, and the narrative doesn't shy away from the psychological impacts these issues can have.
In fact, the narrative doesn't shy away from many topics. Typical teenage manga often struggles to handle the transition from holding hands to sexual intimacy, despite its significance in teenagers' lives. This isn't an issue in KareKano: while explicit scenes aren't shown, it's clear that sex is part of the characters' lives, sometimes in harsh ways. The portrayal of violence, both physical and psychological, is particularly noteworthy, especially concerning mental health.
I believe KareKano's strongest point lies in its protagonists. Yukino and Souichirou are intricately developed. It would have been easy to stick with their initial characterizations—making Yukino a typical tsundere and Souichirou a jerk with a hidden nice side—but the story evolves, and so do they. Better yet, their evolution doesn't resolve their conflicts but deepens their complexity. The climax isn't driven by contrived misunderstandings but by the natural progression of their actions.
However, focusing heavily on one aspect can lead to slight deficiencies in others. In KareKano, this manifests as difficulty in portraying realistic teenage characters. While Yukino and Souichirou's maturity can be justified by their circumstances, it's hard to believe all surrounding characters exhibit the same level of maturity. One character's sudden philosophical detachment is particularly jarring. Among the teenagers, we see a genius writer, a musical prodigy, individuals who have already defined their life paths, relationship counselors, and a girl so mature she dominates her relationship with a 25-year-old. Such exceptionalism among young people feels unrealistic, reminiscent of Ouran High School Host Club.
Regarding the artwork, KareKano meets expectations. Delicate linework is common in such publications, and Tsuda draws her bishounen and bishoujo with meticulous care. Yukino's character design stands out; she looks feminine and pretty without relying on generic blonde stereotypes or the long-haired, mysterious-eyed Japanese beauty trope. Generally, the art style is representative of the era, without excessive detailing, offering a more practical look. There are moments where the author excels, such as in the conversations between Souichirou and his imaginary double.
I can confidently say I enjoyed KareKano. Even if it's hard to believe in the exceptional nature of every character, it never reaches a point where the story becomes mere wish fulfillment. The love interests do come together, and the author manages to maintain interest for a long time after. I've heard that the anime adaptation didn't follow the manga to its conclusion, which reportedly disappointed Masami Tsuda. Considering how naturally the climax unfolds from the established conflicts, I understand her frustration.
One definition of "classic" is a work that never loses its relevance, always having something meaningful to say to readers, even years after publication. Once a brilliant example of contemporary shoujo manga, KareKano can now be seen as a pioneer, paving the way for works like Toradora! and Kimi ni Todoke. Its influence is evident and enduring; you only need to open a volume to hear its messages. After all, it will be a while before KareKano stops speaking to us.
Wow. That was truly intense. I've been reading this manga non-stop ever since I started it a month ago. There were moments when I felt like crying, and I definitely swore a few times due to the overwhelming emotions that pulled me into the story. I loved how each character had their own side stories, providing both satisfaction and turmoil, which is typical of most shoujo manga. What makes this one special is how it throws life-changing questions at you repeatedly amidst all the subplots, as the main characters go through a storyline that rips your heart out and keeps it beating just to hear you scream.
There were times of bliss and epiphanies, but also moments where madness crept so close and infected the characters you had come to love deeply. Wow... I wish they had ended it with a group picture of all the couples, but maybe that would be too cliché. This story was great, and it concluded well. I think the ending could have been better, but perhaps the story was just too grand for any single image or word to do it justice.
I hope you read this manga and feel what I did or something similar. Just push through it; it looks long, but once you start, there's no going back. You need to know the ending, and it's worth it—every stroke.
*Slight spoilers ahead, though nothing you might not already guess*
Kare Kano is the best manga and anime I've had the pleasure of experiencing so far. It's simply captivating because it tells a story that is both bittersweet and enthralling, making it impossible to put down for fear of missing something important.
Yukino Miyazawa is the top student in her class and year. She appears to be beautiful, smart, athletic, kind, and helpful to everyone. All the boys are smitten with her, and the girls aspire to be like her. However, this perfect image is all an act. In secret, Yukino works tirelessly to maintain this facade, spending long hours training and studying just to receive praise and acknowledgment for being exceptional. Why? Because she craves the validation.
Everything goes smoothly until a rival appears—Soichiro Arima, who matches Yukino in every aspect, from intelligence to appearance. Seeing someone else who is as flawless as she is infuriates her, especially since Arima isn't pretending. What happens when he falls in love with her fake persona?
The next 100 or so chapters revolve around this couple. But don't worry; although they get together relatively early in the story (around volume 2), the subsequent 19 volumes aren't solely about their romantic escapades. The mangaka skillfully weaves in other fascinating characters to keep things interesting. Keep an eye out for Hideaki Asaba, a hilarious comic relief character who is also generous, kind-hearted, and a bit psychotic. Arima's past comes back to haunt him, evoking empathy from readers.
You'll never be bored or wishing for something else to happen.
The only complaint I have is that by the end of the manga, you'll be left wanting more of this beautiful tale, begging for additional stories about these characters.
Story
"In the eyes of others, what kind of person am I?"
This is much more than a typical love story; it is complex and brimming with emotions. Yukino Miyazawa appears to be the perfect model student—full of pride and hypocrisy, she seems flawless in everyone's eyes. On the other hand, we have Arima Soichiro, another model student who hides a dark and mysterious side that gradually surfaces throughout the manga.
Yukino becomes intensely jealous of Arima's newfound popularity and the attention he receives as the representative of the freshmen class. Initially rivals, they eventually become friends, then lovers, and finally boyfriend and girlfriend. The story follows their relationship as it endures various tests and challenges. As their bond deepens, Arima's darker side becomes increasingly apparent.
This manga explores themes of love, friendship, and overcoming personal obstacles. It is highly recommended for anyone seeking a mature read with a good sense of humor.
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