4 Manga That Will Remind You of Spring
It’s now March, which means that spring is almost here! As of this writing, it may not quite feel like spring yet here in Japan, as occasional bouts of warm weather last month have given way to a temperature drop once more. But with winter 2023–2024 being considered to be Japan’s second-warmest winter on record, the cherry blossoms are, in turn, set to bloom earlier this year, signaling a relatively early spring.
As we look forward to spring in a few weeks’ time, allow us to share four manga in our catalogue of titles that make us think of the season of new blooms and new beginnings!
1. Spring Storm
Author: Yuzuki Momoi
Publisher: SOZO Comics
Genre: Shonen/Seinen
Status: Completed (1 chapter)
Access Options:
- Manga Planet Pass (readable in full)
- Points (readable in full)
Being a teenage girl is not easy. Mari, a high school girl, struggles to find her place amongst the common sociological beliefs. Stigma, prejudice, and discrimination has seeded doubt and stress in Mari as her identity is being challenged. Now – Mari is trying to overcome the stigma.
This story is created in support of LGBT teens who face social challenges and negative attitudes from society, the innate struggles of adolescence are further complicated leading to the potential development of mental health concerns.
2. A Tunnel of Spring Rain
Author: Kei Ginkawa
Publisher: NIHONBUNGEISHA Co.,Ltd.
Genre: Boys’ Love (BL)
Status: Completed (1 volume)
Access Options:
- Manga Planet Pass (readable in full)
- Points (readable in full)
- Free preview of Chapter 1
Every morning like clockwork, Asahi comes over to wake Eiji up. Eiji is Asahi’s big sister’s fiancé — but ever since she passed away three springs ago, Asahi takes it upon himself to be there for him.
Is this really out of the kindness of his heart, or is there another reason why Asahi always wants to be by Eiji’s side?
3. A Springtime with Ninjas
Author: Narumi Hasegaki
Publisher: Kodansha Ltd.
Genre: Shojo/Josei
Status: Completed (4 volumes)
Access Options:
- Manga Planet Pass (partly readable — up to Volume 3)
- Points (readable in full)
- Free preview
Benio is the heiress of the richest family in Japan, and tradition holds that she must marry the first person to kiss her. So that she can attend high school, Benio is assigned the ninja Tamaki as a bodyguard, but he turns out to be quite the player.
It’s not always easy for a strong-willed rich girl and a smart-alecky ninja to get along in this romantic comedy about a pure young lady and her smoking-hot knight!
4. The Trees in Spring
Author: Naka Nakaoka
Publisher: Home-Sha Inc.
Genre: Boys’ Love (BL)
Status: Completed (1 volume)
Access Options:
- Manga Planet Pass (readable in full)
- Free preview of Chapter 1
Yuuki Yugi is a college student with looks that make girls swoon and hand him their contact information. People envy Yuuki for being attractive and assume he is a playboy, with girls falling for him left and right.
But the truth is, Yuuki does not want to be with girls the way they want to be with him. But is he gay? The only way he can confirm or deny that for himself is to try being with a man.
With mixed feelings, insecurities, and doubts from a difficult childhood, Yuuki approaches Yu Koba, a regular at the restaurant Yuuki works for, to answer his questions. Little does he know that Koba has his past to face, much like Yuuki himself.
