"We were there." This title alone hints at a multitude of concealed possible meanings, prompting questions: "Who was there?" "Why?" "What's over there?" and "How did they get there?" These are the fundamental questions we all learn to ask. As you delve into the story, answers to these queries will gradually unfold. Bokura Ga Ita is one of those narratives that will stir your emotions deeply. It might irritate you; it may evoke sympathy for the protagonists; it could even make you want to harm one of the characters. And if you're sensitive and sentimental like me, it might even bring tears to your eyes. It will undoubtedly make you feel something.
I first encountered the anime version of this story, which was one of my early introductions to anime, honestly speaking. (Back in high school, school romances were a common daydream among us tween girls.) The plot was fairly straightforward and clichéd. It revolves around a young couple who initially dislike each other but as the story progresses, so do their feelings. However, there’s a twist. How can you compete with someone who is no longer alive? Sometimes, the universe seems cruel, playing with them, especially on the male protagonist's side. A tragic love story indeed. At first, I thought it was just another predictable shoujo tale, but there's more depth to it than meets the eye. Regarding the characters, I usually root for the second male lead, but I couldn’t help cheering for the main guy here. He had his own internal struggles, so he can't be entirely blamed. Both the main and secondary male leads are equally likable and frustrating. That's just how it goes. As for the female characters, Nana is cool but also somewhat foolish. I guess she just loves Yano that much. And this other girl... well, she faded from my memory long ago. At some point in the story, you'll find yourself thinking, "Seriously? Does anyone use their brain here?" But then again, every tragic love story has its moments of incredulity. I found the ending satisfying, though. I liked it.
Personal thoughts:
I enjoyed both the manga and the anime immensely. I remember attending my morning classes with puffy eyes because I watched it late into the night during school days years ago. It was heart-wrenching! It makes you ponder about fate. "If it's meant to be, it will be." - this quote resonates deeply. Love truly is incomprehensible. There's a part in the story where Nana is asked, "Why do you love him? Why do you still love him?" (I'm not sure if this scene appears in the manga, anime, or live-action version) Her internal monologues eventually boil down to the simple answer, "I just do." To some, this might seem inadequate or unacceptable, but for me, it's a perfectly valid response. There are countless reasons why you feel the way you do about someone, and trying to explain them doesn't always do justice to those feelings. Those who have experienced love will likely understand this sentiment. Overall, I adore this story, and it will forever remain one of my favorites.
Wow, what can I say about this manga? It's incredibly realistic. It portrays just how cruel life can be. Yet, despite the hardships, true love always finds a way to prevail. This manga demonstrates that no matter the time it takes, if they are meant for you, it will always work out in the end. That's just how it is. Additionally, this manga is an intense emotional journey. I almost cried while reading it at my workplace—hahaha. Truly a masterpiece! The characters are incredibly relatable. Yano especially, I completely understand his actions and motivations. Nanami is also a very likable female protagonist. She is exceptionally strong and independent. She's not your typical heroine found in a shojo manga.
Late review.
This was actually the first manga I've ever read. It all started because I watched the anime and kept wondering when the next season would air. But, as we all know, not every anime gets a second season. So, after waiting for 2-3 months, I discovered that the manga had already been completed. That's when I decided to dive into it.
My opinion? My heart was shattered—both then and now—because of this manga. By the end, I was incredibly happy that they finally, FINALLY ended up together.
Story: It begins like a typical shoujo tale, but what I loved was how it continued into adulthood. I couldn't have imagined, after finishing the anime, that their relationship would take such a painful turn as it did in the manga. My heart sank so deeply. The male lead really fell apart emotionally. Even today, while I understand his perspective, I still don't fully agree with his actions. He caused the female lead immense pain. And yet, driven by her love for him, she went through so much to bring him back.
Personally, I enjoyed this manga. To this day, I think they could have found happiness much sooner, but alas, what can I do? Haha, I didn't write it!
Read this manga, but be prepared for the emotional journey.
I can understand why some people enjoy this. If you're into drama and troubled relationships, then this might be your cup of tea. However, I personally couldn't handle it, especially since neither the reviews nor the summaries properly conveyed what kind of story this actually is.
What this Manga does well:
- Although the art style is somewhat repetitive and everyone appears very young, it effectively complements the narrative. The pervasive sadness in this series owes much to the artwork. There are numerous painful glances exchanged and unspoken words.
- The pacing of the story is quite solid, making it easy to get absorbed and binge-read.
- The premise and plot are engaging, with plenty of backstory to explore.
- For those who read raw manga, the language is straightforward, and following along shouldn't pose much difficulty.
Why this manga may not be for you (as it wasn't for me) (spoilers up to volume 3):
- Yano, the boyfriend, is just awful. He's a deeply unsettling character for me. His cheerful facade clashes with his dark past and personality, which greatly disturbed me (as it should). Nonetheless, this has left him as a manipulative, abusive teenager who seeks "love" and "happiness" in all the wrong ways.
- Nana, oh Nana. She's certainly scatterbrained. While I thought she was tolerable, I genuinely felt bad that she couldn't see the bigger picture when it came to Yano.
If Yano wasn't so terrible or if he genuinely regretted his actions, I might have continued reading despite the subject matter. I hope he does later on, but if I have to slog through 5+ more volumes to reach that point, it's simply not worth it.
First of all, this is my very first review, and English is not my mother tongue, so apologies for any mistakes.
So, I watched the anime and thought, just this? Then I decided to read the manga. I'm not the type of person who cries over things like this, but I admit that while reading it, I turned into a crybaby.
This isn't the kind of shojo where everything is perfect. In this manga, we encounter a variety of stories, problems, and life lessons that resonate with many people, including me. Love isn't easy or all pink; love is difficult and requires work and effort. We need to learn to accept each other, both the good and the bad. This manga shows us how two different people, with different life stories, perspectives, and personalities find their way to happiness and fight through everything to be together.
I consider the art to be really good. There are occasionally sketchy chapters, but I think it depends on where you're reading it. I truly love the mangaka's style—the lines, the design, everything. For me, it's truly great.
Regarding the characters, Takahashi can be a bit annoying in the early chapters. I feel she tends to see problems and create unnecessary drama where none exist. She could have just accepted things and moved on, but that's just my perspective. Yano, on the other hand, is an amazing character—I fell in love with him. It's also great how the author explores a wide range of characters, not just focusing on the main ones.
I don't think this manga is for everyone. It's not always the "happily ever after" kind of story. There are a lot of psychological issues here, and more sensitive readers might struggle with it. This is a very adult manga, not a fairy tale. It's different—in a very positive way.
This is a deeply touching and profound manga, and I highly recommend it. I absolutely love it.
The tears just keep pouring out.
I tend to give high ratings to many series I watch because I'm fully immersed in them at the time and simply enjoy them immensely during that period.
This is undoubtedly THE BEST romance I've ever experienced and possibly will ever encounter. It features so many people in diverse settings, engaging in various actions, experiencing a wide range of emotions—it has everything a romcom enthusiast could dream of. I won't provide a detailed breakdown of why I selected specific ratings for art, characters, etc., because, much like this story, you can't assign a numerical value to something so precious.
This is the first manga I've ever read after watching its anime adaptation. I would have praised the anime far more if the manga hadn't completely surpassed it, blasting it out of the water and launching it into outer space.
The characters are unforgettable and deeply relatable; the artwork is flawless and evokes profound emotions; the narrative spans the characters' lives over an extended period, which I've rarely, if ever, seen executed well in romantic stories.
There are characters you don't care about, then there are those you care too much about, and there are also those you desperately want to see succeed but didn't get the chance to witness their journey, even after 70 chapters! Shoganai, right?
It's challenging to write a review without revealing spoilers, but to summarize:
—this is the first manga that made me cry, the first piece of media that caused me to sob for over 20 minutes straight (no, I'm not a slow reader!), and it provided the most incredible experience I could have hoped for.
~Tears of joy, tears of sadness, the tears wouldn't stop flowing.
I read through this manga a couple of months ago, and I'm just sitting down to write a review about it now.
The plot revolves around a girl named Nanami Takahashi, who starts high school and finds herself falling for a well-liked boy named Motoharu Yano. Eventually, they start dating, and as their relationship progresses, she uncovers Yano's past and his struggles with moving on.
As the story unfolds, things do become challenging for her, especially since she continues to hold deep feelings for Yano throughout.
Honestly, out of all the shoujo and romance manga I've ever read, this one ranks as my absolute #1 favorite. It feels so genuine—not overly idealized or fantastical. It’s a mix of happiness and heartache, but the experience of reading it is truly unforgettable and worthwhile.
Story- (9/10)
At first glance, the story seems like a typical and somewhat clichéd tale of an ordinary girl falling in love with the popular guy. However, it soon evolves into a profound narrative about love, death, and what truly matters to us—or doesn’t.
The manga delves into numerous themes, exploring them masterfully as the main characters transition from being mere teenagers to adults. This is achieved through a stunning narrative filled with analogies, parallels, and metaphors.
Instead of following a linear timeline, the author opts to present the same themes or events from multiple perspectives. Flashbacks and heart-wrenching monologues play a significant role in driving the story forward.
There’s no shortage of drama here, so be prepared—it can get quite dark at times and doesn’t shy away from tackling deeply tragic subjects. Despite this, the core themes remain consistent throughout, ensuring that even the most heartbreaking or infuriating moments don’t overshadow the overall execution.
Though labeled as "shoujo," this series handles its details and concepts with the sophistication of a "josei." If you stick with it until the end, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in its beauty. That said, if long dramas aren’t your thing (this one spans 70 chapters), or if you’re not fond of emotional turmoil, you might want to proceed with caution.
Art- (5/10)
The art style is straightforward and somewhat distracting at the beginning. The proportions of hands and eyes were off-putting initially. However, the artwork improves significantly as the story progresses, and by the final chapters, it stands out much more positively compared to the early stages.
While backgrounds are minimal, the artist compensates with intricate character expressions, which add depth to the storytelling. Overall, while the art isn’t the strongest aspect, it doesn’t detract from the narrative and does show noticeable improvement over time.
Character- (8/10)
Initially, the cast feels like a collection of familiar archetypes, but they quickly break free from these molds and carve out unique stories for themselves.
Each of the main characters starts with flaws but undergoes personal growth that intertwines seamlessly with the overarching narrative. Yano, the male lead, arguably undergoes the most substantial character development among the primary figures.
Unfortunately, side characters receive less attention in terms of development. Takeuchi, in particular, seems to suffer the most from this oversight. Some relief comes in the form of brief glimpses into his perspective and experiences.
Every character is given complex, relatable motivations. Even when their reasons aren’t explicitly spelled out, the story provides enough context through their experiences and insights into human behavior to make them compelling.
Enjoyment- (9/10)
Rating enjoyment was tricky—does crying through most of the story count?
At times, the story may frustrate or sadden you, but stepping back reveals how deeply invested you’ve become in the characters’ lives. Though the pacing slows down midway, your attachment to the characters keeps you engaged.
There are lighthearted moments scattered throughout, though the tone shifts toward seriousness, especially in the second half.
Overall- (9/10)
While the drama occasionally becomes overwhelming, translation errors can dilute the impact of key dialogues. Certain arcs feel unnecessary, and the art style takes some getting used to. Additionally, minor characters aren’t prioritized as much as they could be.
Nevertheless, this shoujo manga stands out because its drama feels intentional rather than gratuitous. As the story unfolds, you gain deeper insights into the characters’ actions and how the themes align with the plot.
The narrative doesn’t spoon-feed you; instead, it relies on experiences and parallels to convey its message. By the conclusion, any lingering issues fade into insignificance as you immerse yourself fully in the tale being told.
The treatment of its themes is exquisite, and the repetition and narrative devices create a cohesive whole.
This manga isn’t for everyone—it pulls no punches emotionally and presents reality in a stark, sometimes grim light. But if you can handle the intensity, finishing the series is undeniably rewarding.
Note: Part 1 refers to the high school portion of the story, up to chapter 23, while Part 2 covers all subsequent chapters until the end. <p>
I began by watching the animé, which, of course, shattered my heart in the final episode. After about a year, I decided to continue with the manga from where the animé concluded. I kept hoping for Yano's return, just like Nanami did. I waited endlessly, but all we received were occasional glimpses into his life. When Nanami was asked to let go of a love she had so much hope in, I could truly feel her anguish resonating. There were certainly chapters that I didn't enjoy, but I pushed through them for the anticipated reunion between the two. Some chapters made sense while reading, yet they didn't fully clarify anything about the characters. Certain chapters were incredibly heartbreaking, causing me to cry on my bed for around 30 minutes and forcing me to set the manga aside for an entire month—it wasn't something I had anticipated. There were disappointments with some characters, but eventually, I came to fully understand their actions. The artwork is charming, and while the storyline is somewhat cheesy, it ranks among the best shoujo series I've ever read or watched (and I'm more into shounen!). The characters may seem inconsistent at first, but naturally, they start off quite young. This is what made it my favorite shoujo; we witness the characters grow and evolve through their challenges.
Ultimately, I revisited and rewatched the manga and animé because it reminds me that, despite difficulties and hardships, there is always someone or something waiting beyond them.
It genuinely reinstates my belief in love whenever I question it.
I highly recommend it to those in need of hope, as well as to fans of a great shoujo. x<p>
Ok, so usually I don't comment on mangas or anything like that, but honestly, I found this manga to be really entertaining and worth my time. Like with most mangas I've read, the story often starts out pretty cliché, and it takes a while for everything to make sense, maybe after going through a few dull chapters. But I never once considered stopping reading this one. I absolutely loved Yano's character, though I did find Takahashi a bit annoying at times. All the characters are fantastic – their stories, the challenges they face and strive to overcome, the situations they find themselves in, and the sacrifices they have to make for the sake of love – that's what this manga is about, and it's beautifully presented. The artwork is quite good as well. This manga actually brought me to tears twice. Highly recommendable.<p>
Story
The narrative didn't offer anything particularly unique—it was straightforward and predictable, far less intricate than it seemed on the surface. However, I appreciated the way the story unfolded; there were profound dialogues that allowed for a clear understanding of the characters' emotions.
That said, the pacing felt erratic—rushing at times and dragging unnecessarily at others, bogged down by excessive details. In my view, it could have concluded with fewer chapters.
Art
Visually, it succeeded in complementing the story. The expressions were lifelike, and the backgrounds and settings were well-rendered. My only critique is that the characters didn't age as convincingly as I'd hoped, though overall, I found the art enjoyable.
Character
There wasn't much remarkable about the characters. None of them resonated with me, nor did I find them particularly realistic. Many of their decisions left me unmoved or unrelatable.
- Nanami fits the mold of a typical shoujo protagonist: she loves deeply, placing all her trust in this love, refusing to let go regardless of circumstances. Her heightened sensitivity and emotional intensity felt clichéd and offered nothing fresh.
- Yano undergoes some sorrowful and pivotal experiences but instead of progressing and maturing, he allows these events to consume him with regret for far longer than warranted. Moreover, I struggled to see why he harbored such intense self-loathing, as his actions didn't seem grave enough to justify it.
- The supporting cast fared no better, embodying the stereotypical secondary characters who cling to unrequited love without valid cause, often to their own detriment.
Enjoyment
While I generally appreciate melodramatic tales, they require compelling reasons behind the drama. Unfortunately, this manga fell short in providing those justifications, making it difficult for me to connect with the story. If you enjoy heart-wrenching romance stories—even when the sadness feels somewhat unwarranted—you might still take to this manga.
Story:
The story is both exasperating and dull simultaneously. I would love to elaborate on why I feel this way, but I fear it might spoil the experience for anyone who still wishes to read this manga. All I can mention is that it unfolds at an excruciatingly slow pace, focusing on foolish actions, broken promises, lies, and a severe lack of communication. As someone who considers themselves sensitive—often moved to tears by beautiful music or heartfelt love stories—I found no emotional connection here. Instead, I was left feeling nothing but frustration.
After reading about half of Bokura ga Ita (33 chapters), I lost patience and started scrolling through the rest quickly, just to get a sense of whether the narrative improved. Unfortunately, it didn't, and I ended up giving up entirely.
Art:
The artwork is decent overall, but there are moments when it becomes challenging to tell who is speaking, and occasionally, I even confuse the main characters because they look too similar.
Popular Reviews
I first encountered the anime version of this story, which was one of my early introductions to anime, honestly speaking. (Back in high school, school romances were a common daydream among us tween girls.) The plot was fairly straightforward and clichéd. It revolves around a young couple who initially dislike each other but as the story progresses, so do their feelings. However, there’s a twist. How can you compete with someone who is no longer alive? Sometimes, the universe seems cruel, playing with them, especially on the male protagonist's side. A tragic love story indeed. At first, I thought it was just another predictable shoujo tale, but there's more depth to it than meets the eye. Regarding the characters, I usually root for the second male lead, but I couldn’t help cheering for the main guy here. He had his own internal struggles, so he can't be entirely blamed. Both the main and secondary male leads are equally likable and frustrating. That's just how it goes. As for the female characters, Nana is cool but also somewhat foolish. I guess she just loves Yano that much. And this other girl... well, she faded from my memory long ago. At some point in the story, you'll find yourself thinking, "Seriously? Does anyone use their brain here?" But then again, every tragic love story has its moments of incredulity. I found the ending satisfying, though. I liked it.
Personal thoughts:
I enjoyed both the manga and the anime immensely. I remember attending my morning classes with puffy eyes because I watched it late into the night during school days years ago. It was heart-wrenching! It makes you ponder about fate. "If it's meant to be, it will be." - this quote resonates deeply. Love truly is incomprehensible. There's a part in the story where Nana is asked, "Why do you love him? Why do you still love him?" (I'm not sure if this scene appears in the manga, anime, or live-action version) Her internal monologues eventually boil down to the simple answer, "I just do." To some, this might seem inadequate or unacceptable, but for me, it's a perfectly valid response. There are countless reasons why you feel the way you do about someone, and trying to explain them doesn't always do justice to those feelings. Those who have experienced love will likely understand this sentiment. Overall, I adore this story, and it will forever remain one of my favorites.
<p>
This was actually the first manga I've ever read. It all started because I watched the anime and kept wondering when the next season would air. But, as we all know, not every anime gets a second season. So, after waiting for 2-3 months, I discovered that the manga had already been completed. That's when I decided to dive into it.
My opinion? My heart was shattered—both then and now—because of this manga. By the end, I was incredibly happy that they finally, FINALLY ended up together.
Story: It begins like a typical shoujo tale, but what I loved was how it continued into adulthood. I couldn't have imagined, after finishing the anime, that their relationship would take such a painful turn as it did in the manga. My heart sank so deeply. The male lead really fell apart emotionally. Even today, while I understand his perspective, I still don't fully agree with his actions. He caused the female lead immense pain. And yet, driven by her love for him, she went through so much to bring him back.
Personally, I enjoyed this manga. To this day, I think they could have found happiness much sooner, but alas, what can I do? Haha, I didn't write it!
Read this manga, but be prepared for the emotional journey.
What this Manga does well:
- Although the art style is somewhat repetitive and everyone appears very young, it effectively complements the narrative. The pervasive sadness in this series owes much to the artwork. There are numerous painful glances exchanged and unspoken words.
- The pacing of the story is quite solid, making it easy to get absorbed and binge-read.
- The premise and plot are engaging, with plenty of backstory to explore.
- For those who read raw manga, the language is straightforward, and following along shouldn't pose much difficulty.
Why this manga may not be for you (as it wasn't for me) (spoilers up to volume 3):
- Yano, the boyfriend, is just awful. He's a deeply unsettling character for me. His cheerful facade clashes with his dark past and personality, which greatly disturbed me (as it should). Nonetheless, this has left him as a manipulative, abusive teenager who seeks "love" and "happiness" in all the wrong ways.
- Nana, oh Nana. She's certainly scatterbrained. While I thought she was tolerable, I genuinely felt bad that she couldn't see the bigger picture when it came to Yano.
If Yano wasn't so terrible or if he genuinely regretted his actions, I might have continued reading despite the subject matter. I hope he does later on, but if I have to slog through 5+ more volumes to reach that point, it's simply not worth it.
So, I watched the anime and thought, just this? Then I decided to read the manga. I'm not the type of person who cries over things like this, but I admit that while reading it, I turned into a crybaby.
This isn't the kind of shojo where everything is perfect. In this manga, we encounter a variety of stories, problems, and life lessons that resonate with many people, including me. Love isn't easy or all pink; love is difficult and requires work and effort. We need to learn to accept each other, both the good and the bad. This manga shows us how two different people, with different life stories, perspectives, and personalities find their way to happiness and fight through everything to be together.
I consider the art to be really good. There are occasionally sketchy chapters, but I think it depends on where you're reading it. I truly love the mangaka's style—the lines, the design, everything. For me, it's truly great.
Regarding the characters, Takahashi can be a bit annoying in the early chapters. I feel she tends to see problems and create unnecessary drama where none exist. She could have just accepted things and moved on, but that's just my perspective. Yano, on the other hand, is an amazing character—I fell in love with him. It's also great how the author explores a wide range of characters, not just focusing on the main ones.
I don't think this manga is for everyone. It's not always the "happily ever after" kind of story. There are a lot of psychological issues here, and more sensitive readers might struggle with it. This is a very adult manga, not a fairy tale. It's different—in a very positive way.
This is a deeply touching and profound manga, and I highly recommend it. I absolutely love it.
I tend to give high ratings to many series I watch because I'm fully immersed in them at the time and simply enjoy them immensely during that period.
This is undoubtedly THE BEST romance I've ever experienced and possibly will ever encounter. It features so many people in diverse settings, engaging in various actions, experiencing a wide range of emotions—it has everything a romcom enthusiast could dream of. I won't provide a detailed breakdown of why I selected specific ratings for art, characters, etc., because, much like this story, you can't assign a numerical value to something so precious.
This is the first manga I've ever read after watching its anime adaptation. I would have praised the anime far more if the manga hadn't completely surpassed it, blasting it out of the water and launching it into outer space.
The characters are unforgettable and deeply relatable; the artwork is flawless and evokes profound emotions; the narrative spans the characters' lives over an extended period, which I've rarely, if ever, seen executed well in romantic stories.
There are characters you don't care about, then there are those you care too much about, and there are also those you desperately want to see succeed but didn't get the chance to witness their journey, even after 70 chapters! Shoganai, right?
It's challenging to write a review without revealing spoilers, but to summarize:
—this is the first manga that made me cry, the first piece of media that caused me to sob for over 20 minutes straight (no, I'm not a slow reader!), and it provided the most incredible experience I could have hoped for.
~Tears of joy, tears of sadness, the tears wouldn't stop flowing.
The plot revolves around a girl named Nanami Takahashi, who starts high school and finds herself falling for a well-liked boy named Motoharu Yano. Eventually, they start dating, and as their relationship progresses, she uncovers Yano's past and his struggles with moving on.
As the story unfolds, things do become challenging for her, especially since she continues to hold deep feelings for Yano throughout.
Honestly, out of all the shoujo and romance manga I've ever read, this one ranks as my absolute #1 favorite. It feels so genuine—not overly idealized or fantastical. It’s a mix of happiness and heartache, but the experience of reading it is truly unforgettable and worthwhile.
<p>
At first glance, the story seems like a typical and somewhat clichéd tale of an ordinary girl falling in love with the popular guy. However, it soon evolves into a profound narrative about love, death, and what truly matters to us—or doesn’t.
The manga delves into numerous themes, exploring them masterfully as the main characters transition from being mere teenagers to adults. This is achieved through a stunning narrative filled with analogies, parallels, and metaphors.
Instead of following a linear timeline, the author opts to present the same themes or events from multiple perspectives. Flashbacks and heart-wrenching monologues play a significant role in driving the story forward.
There’s no shortage of drama here, so be prepared—it can get quite dark at times and doesn’t shy away from tackling deeply tragic subjects. Despite this, the core themes remain consistent throughout, ensuring that even the most heartbreaking or infuriating moments don’t overshadow the overall execution.
Though labeled as "shoujo," this series handles its details and concepts with the sophistication of a "josei." If you stick with it until the end, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in its beauty. That said, if long dramas aren’t your thing (this one spans 70 chapters), or if you’re not fond of emotional turmoil, you might want to proceed with caution.
Art- (5/10)
The art style is straightforward and somewhat distracting at the beginning. The proportions of hands and eyes were off-putting initially. However, the artwork improves significantly as the story progresses, and by the final chapters, it stands out much more positively compared to the early stages.
While backgrounds are minimal, the artist compensates with intricate character expressions, which add depth to the storytelling. Overall, while the art isn’t the strongest aspect, it doesn’t detract from the narrative and does show noticeable improvement over time.
Character- (8/10)
Initially, the cast feels like a collection of familiar archetypes, but they quickly break free from these molds and carve out unique stories for themselves.
Each of the main characters starts with flaws but undergoes personal growth that intertwines seamlessly with the overarching narrative. Yano, the male lead, arguably undergoes the most substantial character development among the primary figures.
Unfortunately, side characters receive less attention in terms of development. Takeuchi, in particular, seems to suffer the most from this oversight. Some relief comes in the form of brief glimpses into his perspective and experiences.
Every character is given complex, relatable motivations. Even when their reasons aren’t explicitly spelled out, the story provides enough context through their experiences and insights into human behavior to make them compelling.
Enjoyment- (9/10)
Rating enjoyment was tricky—does crying through most of the story count?
At times, the story may frustrate or sadden you, but stepping back reveals how deeply invested you’ve become in the characters’ lives. Though the pacing slows down midway, your attachment to the characters keeps you engaged.
There are lighthearted moments scattered throughout, though the tone shifts toward seriousness, especially in the second half.
Overall- (9/10)
While the drama occasionally becomes overwhelming, translation errors can dilute the impact of key dialogues. Certain arcs feel unnecessary, and the art style takes some getting used to. Additionally, minor characters aren’t prioritized as much as they could be.
Nevertheless, this shoujo manga stands out because its drama feels intentional rather than gratuitous. As the story unfolds, you gain deeper insights into the characters’ actions and how the themes align with the plot.
The narrative doesn’t spoon-feed you; instead, it relies on experiences and parallels to convey its message. By the conclusion, any lingering issues fade into insignificance as you immerse yourself fully in the tale being told.
The treatment of its themes is exquisite, and the repetition and narrative devices create a cohesive whole.
This manga isn’t for everyone—it pulls no punches emotionally and presents reality in a stark, sometimes grim light. But if you can handle the intensity, finishing the series is undeniably rewarding.
Note: Part 1 refers to the high school portion of the story, up to chapter 23, while Part 2 covers all subsequent chapters until the end. <p>
Ultimately, I revisited and rewatched the manga and animé because it reminds me that, despite difficulties and hardships, there is always someone or something waiting beyond them.
It genuinely reinstates my belief in love whenever I question it.
I highly recommend it to those in need of hope, as well as to fans of a great shoujo. x<p>
The narrative didn't offer anything particularly unique—it was straightforward and predictable, far less intricate than it seemed on the surface. However, I appreciated the way the story unfolded; there were profound dialogues that allowed for a clear understanding of the characters' emotions.
That said, the pacing felt erratic—rushing at times and dragging unnecessarily at others, bogged down by excessive details. In my view, it could have concluded with fewer chapters.
Art
Visually, it succeeded in complementing the story. The expressions were lifelike, and the backgrounds and settings were well-rendered. My only critique is that the characters didn't age as convincingly as I'd hoped, though overall, I found the art enjoyable.
Character
There wasn't much remarkable about the characters. None of them resonated with me, nor did I find them particularly realistic. Many of their decisions left me unmoved or unrelatable.
- Nanami fits the mold of a typical shoujo protagonist: she loves deeply, placing all her trust in this love, refusing to let go regardless of circumstances. Her heightened sensitivity and emotional intensity felt clichéd and offered nothing fresh.
- Yano undergoes some sorrowful and pivotal experiences but instead of progressing and maturing, he allows these events to consume him with regret for far longer than warranted. Moreover, I struggled to see why he harbored such intense self-loathing, as his actions didn't seem grave enough to justify it.
- The supporting cast fared no better, embodying the stereotypical secondary characters who cling to unrequited love without valid cause, often to their own detriment.
Enjoyment
While I generally appreciate melodramatic tales, they require compelling reasons behind the drama. Unfortunately, this manga fell short in providing those justifications, making it difficult for me to connect with the story. If you enjoy heart-wrenching romance stories—even when the sadness feels somewhat unwarranted—you might still take to this manga.
The story is both exasperating and dull simultaneously. I would love to elaborate on why I feel this way, but I fear it might spoil the experience for anyone who still wishes to read this manga. All I can mention is that it unfolds at an excruciatingly slow pace, focusing on foolish actions, broken promises, lies, and a severe lack of communication. As someone who considers themselves sensitive—often moved to tears by beautiful music or heartfelt love stories—I found no emotional connection here. Instead, I was left feeling nothing but frustration.
After reading about half of Bokura ga Ita (33 chapters), I lost patience and started scrolling through the rest quickly, just to get a sense of whether the narrative improved. Unfortunately, it didn't, and I ended up giving up entirely.
Art:
The artwork is decent overall, but there are moments when it becomes challenging to tell who is speaking, and occasionally, I even confuse the main characters because they look too similar.
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