His Luna Mate

Here is another series of self-contained stories by an author akin to Mitsuru Adachi, someone who has skillfully won the hearts of many readers from the nineties to today, making him a great classic of Japanese manga alongside other authors. He was almost a pioneer in sparking Italian interest in new manga aimed at different audiences. "Touch" is set in the nineties, a time when there was a boom in all things Japanese—not only new manga but also video games, films, and cartoons—and publishing houses began to emerge to sell these products, while others closed their doors due to competition. Personally, I first encountered the comic in 2002 when I left my mountains to explore the city; I've only seen a few episodes of the "Touch" anime, but I have a general understanding of its story, and eventually, I'll read it in full. In this comic, you can clearly see the unmistakable style of the author. I recently discovered that it is a comic that completes the series of stories called "Short Program." The reference to himself in the second story of "The Hard Life of a Freeloader" is particularly nice. His stories are always infused with some kind of sport and romantic entanglements, a fundamental characteristic for understanding the author. Otherwise, this volume entertained me for about twenty minutes due to its simplicity. A special round of applause goes to Star Comics, who consistently manages to improve; I adore the color plates.  
I rate this volume 6.5.  

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I've neglected Short Program for quite some time because one-shot stories typically don't appeal to me. How mistaken I was.

Each chapter in this series is pure Adachi craftsmanship. If you're a fan of this author, you'll greatly appreciate Short Program.

The narratives are pleasant, straightforward, heartwarming, and engaging. While they feature plots, twists, and events, I'd categorize them as "charming slice of life."

The art is unmistakably Adachi's style—classic, rounded, dynamic, cute, and expressive, imparting a unique atmosphere.

The characters feel familiar too. The same tropes and faces from his other works reappear, yet it doesn't feel repetitive. Adachi skillfully makes us believe they are actors embodying roles.

The enjoyment factor is undeniable—I devoured this manga in one sitting without stopping.

Final rating: 9. This unassuming manga highlights Adachi's exceptional storytelling and artistic abilities.

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While "Spring Passes" is an outstanding short story and the gem of the collection, claiming it as Adachi Mitsuru's finest creation seems a stretch when considering the deeper complexity and enduring enjoyment his longer works offer. Nevertheless, "Spring Passes" remains exceptional; its intricate plot twists, extending beyond expectations, leave a lasting impact and ensure its memorability. The visual metaphor at the conclusion masterfully justifies the rugby theme.

"The Current State of Affairs" is another standout, achieving much within its brief narrative. It stands out for its cheerful, festive ambiance, authentic drama, and bittersweet finale. Though it may lack subtlety, this suits the high school reunion context perfectly.

In "The Runaway God," Mitsuru delves into his youthful memories and reflects on Shinji Nagashima, a manga artist once revered as a god by Mitsuru's brother and later by Mitsuru himself. This piece is intriguing both as insight into Mitsuru's career path and as a compelling story.

Lastly, "Love Confession" deserves mention as it epitomizes the best of Mitsuru's earlier short stories—a tender tale of love.

I recommend reading these four stories; they are all worthwhile. There are others, like "Angel's Hammer," that some might argue have merit, but "Spring Passes" covers similar themes and excels overall.

Can someone suggest a novel with a similar plot to this one?