Itadakimasu, by YOSHIHARA Yuki

> Manga > Itadakimasu, by YOSHIHARA Yuki
  • Title: Itadakimasu!
  • Author: YOSHIHARA Yuki
  • Publisher (JP): Shogakukan
  • Imprint: Flower Comics
  • Year: 2004
  • ISBN (JP): 4-09-137369-0
  • Licensed in North America?: No
  • Also Known As:
  • Publisher (US):
  • ISBN (US):
  • Anime Version? No
  • Live Action? No

YAY! It’s another new series by Yuki YOSHIHARA! She is one of my favorite shoujo mangaka ever! I love the way she blends smut with drama and comedy ^_^ Her heroines are so silly, and the guys are so cute (though I often feel sorry for her heroes ^_^;;;). I just love her sense of humor. The artwork is very clean and pretty, but the stories are very sexy and silly. They are obviously aimed at a slightly older crowd than the usual Nakayoshi or Ribon series. This is volume 1 in what I hope will be a decently long series. This is a nice change of pace for Yoshihara-sensei. The hero in this is not her typical salaryman type, and he even has long hair. Mmmm…

The lack of furigana is this book really handicaps me and my pathetic Japanese skills, but I’ll summarize as best as I can 😀 Lets see… 2 years ago Naeko got married, and at her wedding, she gave her bouquet to a cute young girl. Over the last couple of years, she has idly wondered what happened to that girl. Meanwhile her relationship with her husband ended in divorce, but she still works with him at a bridal salon of all places. Their relationship is one of reluctant tolerance. They argue and act petty over stupid things a lot.

Then while visiting a hotel as part of her job, Naeko meets a handsome young man named Ouji. He is tall, slender and very gorgeous. Naeko is amazed that in spite of his bishounen looks, he still radiates a manly aura ^_^ Ouji prepares tea in a traditional manner for Naeko. His manners and personality are very calm and traditional. Naeko is instantly dazzled by him, and amazingly enough, he is interested in her as well! She still thinks of him after her visit, and soon at work while arguing with her Ex over who she could ever possibly marry, Naeko spots none other than Ouji-kun in their office, and latches on to him, claiming she’ll marry him… and he doesn’t argue! Everyone is stunned, especially Naeko’s ex, who informs her that Ouji is his 18 year old younger brother! Naeko also realizes that she has met Ouji-kun before in an unlikely place! Ouji really likes Naeko, even though she is older than him. Naeko is attracted to Ouji even though he is younger and still in high school. They have a lot of obstacles to overcome… he is young and traditional. She is older and modern. What a couple ^_^