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砂時計 [Sunadokei] #4
Sand Chronicles, Vol. 4
Can the sands of time heal all wounds?
Twelve-year-old Ann and her divorced mother move from big city Tokyo to her mother's rural hometown. As the years pass, Ann learns to trust and depend on her new friends--Daigo and aristocratic siblings Fuji and Shika. But when Ann moves back to Tokyo to be with her father, will she be able to maintain a long-distance relationship with Daigo?
Ann and Daigo's long-distance relationship is put to the test as time goes by, and they find themselves spending more and more time with their childhood friends--aristocratic brother and sister Fuji and Shika--than each other. Is it just due to proximity or are deeper feelings at play...?
Twelve-year-old Ann and her divorced mother move from big city Tokyo to her mother's rural hometown. As the years pass, Ann learns to trust and depend on her new friends--Daigo and aristocratic siblings Fuji and Shika. But when Ann moves back to Tokyo to be with her father, will she be able to maintain a long-distance relationship with Daigo?
Ann and Daigo's long-distance relationship is put to the test as time goes by, and they find themselves spending more and more time with their childhood friends--aristocratic brother and sister Fuji and Shika--than each other. Is it just due to proximity or are deeper feelings at play...?
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2004
12 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Hinako Ashihara
75 books121 followersPseudonym of Ritsuko Matsumoto, Japanese manga artist.
Debut with "Sono Hanashi okotowari shimasu" in 1994 on Bessatsu Shoujo Comics.
Japanese name: 芦原妃名子
Debut with "Sono Hanashi okotowari shimasu" in 1994 on Bessatsu Shoujo Comics.
Japanese name: 芦原妃名子
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 14, 2022
saw it coming but i still wanna punch someone real quick.
June 24, 2023
Angst. Angst. Angst.
February 21, 2016
see full review @ Katie's Corner
Right now, as I’m writing this review it’s the end of December, though I’m sure it will go live either in February or in March. I started reading it back in November during my midterms and because there are only 7 volumes uploaded on mangafox (it’s licensed right now so go to mangahere.co), I had to wait until Christmas to get the remaining 3. However, the main story ends at vol.8 and the last 2 volumes are bonus stories.
I remember I was quite reluctant to start this manga as I thought it only had 2 chapters, but when I finally scrolled to see the chapters I saw that there were 7 complete volumes. I started right away and regretted it immensely. I finished it in one day and was sulking for the net 2 weeks because I didn’t have all volumes, typical me. The story has this weird charm that sucks you in and don’t let go. The author covers the lives of her heroes from 12 to 16 year old, each chapter is a different timeline and it makes the story so much more fascinating. You can clearly say that it is a psychological romance story. It’s not the relationship between Ann and Daigo that makes you want to read on, though that too, but the psychological aspect of the story. The character development, Ann’s numerous breakdowns and the break-up is just too hard to comprehend. All the little things make this story astonishingly realistic and make you wonder what if it was you? Or is that I portrayed there?
I remember when I finally finished the story some part of me felt completed. It is not your average romance. Every character is broken and rebuilt numerous times and the happy ending is so satisfying. The author stresses a lot on the characters and especially on human weaknesses, the tragedies that happen in this story are very real and could make you think about yourself and your surroundings more. However, in order to understand everything that is happening in this story you’ll have to read it. You need to witness that fantastic relationship that Ann and Daigo were building, and you have your heart broken numerous times, because, come on, that’s like this story captures the life with all its ups and downs. Are you ready to experience this life? Trust me once you finish you will become addicted to Hinako Ashihara’s works, well I surely did, though the next review will not be coming soon as the story is not fully translated and I might have to buy the German volumes to read it to the end. But forget about that!
Sand chronicle is a work that I believe should be read by everyone. Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!
XOXO
Katie
Right now, as I’m writing this review it’s the end of December, though I’m sure it will go live either in February or in March. I started reading it back in November during my midterms and because there are only 7 volumes uploaded on mangafox (it’s licensed right now so go to mangahere.co), I had to wait until Christmas to get the remaining 3. However, the main story ends at vol.8 and the last 2 volumes are bonus stories.
I remember I was quite reluctant to start this manga as I thought it only had 2 chapters, but when I finally scrolled to see the chapters I saw that there were 7 complete volumes. I started right away and regretted it immensely. I finished it in one day and was sulking for the net 2 weeks because I didn’t have all volumes, typical me. The story has this weird charm that sucks you in and don’t let go. The author covers the lives of her heroes from 12 to 16 year old, each chapter is a different timeline and it makes the story so much more fascinating. You can clearly say that it is a psychological romance story. It’s not the relationship between Ann and Daigo that makes you want to read on, though that too, but the psychological aspect of the story. The character development, Ann’s numerous breakdowns and the break-up is just too hard to comprehend. All the little things make this story astonishingly realistic and make you wonder what if it was you? Or is that I portrayed there?
I remember when I finally finished the story some part of me felt completed. It is not your average romance. Every character is broken and rebuilt numerous times and the happy ending is so satisfying. The author stresses a lot on the characters and especially on human weaknesses, the tragedies that happen in this story are very real and could make you think about yourself and your surroundings more. However, in order to understand everything that is happening in this story you’ll have to read it. You need to witness that fantastic relationship that Ann and Daigo were building, and you have your heart broken numerous times, because, come on, that’s like this story captures the life with all its ups and downs. Are you ready to experience this life? Trust me once you finish you will become addicted to Hinako Ashihara’s works, well I surely did, though the next review will not be coming soon as the story is not fully translated and I might have to buy the German volumes to read it to the end. But forget about that!
Sand chronicle is a work that I believe should be read by everyone. Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!
XOXO
Katie
Read
January 15, 2024Maybe I shouldn’t have picked up the series at this point in my life… ԅ[ * ༎ຶ _ ༎ຶ * ]┐*tears are being shed*
June 14, 2024
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/pQREVpbRfpY
"Just one hope will keep you alive."
Oof, this volume hurts. Like a lot. 😅😅😅
I'm nervous about Ann and Daigo's future, but this volume really made me worry about their PRESENT and how things are unfolding. I'm not even sure of what to say except that it makes me sad and I hate how it seems many are pushing Fuji and Ann together. I feel that should she and Daigo ever break up, she is going to date Fuji simply due to what people have said to her and that only SHE can help and be there for Fuji.
Girl, no. I know it's hard and I know you have experienced deep trauma and heartache, but Fuji is his own person and you are NOT responsible for what he does or does not do. If you want to be with Daigo, then be with Daigo!
Granted I know me saying all that is easier said than done, and with how this volume ended, I don't know what's in store for either of them. The one lady said it right about Ann that she is far more unstable than she looks.
I truly hope a good ending is in store for these two because I worry...
"Just one hope will keep you alive."
Oof, this volume hurts. Like a lot. 😅😅😅
I'm nervous about Ann and Daigo's future, but this volume really made me worry about their PRESENT and how things are unfolding. I'm not even sure of what to say except that it makes me sad and I hate how it seems many are pushing Fuji and Ann together. I feel that should she and Daigo ever break up, she is going to date Fuji simply due to what people have said to her and that only SHE can help and be there for Fuji.
Girl, no. I know it's hard and I know you have experienced deep trauma and heartache, but Fuji is his own person and you are NOT responsible for what he does or does not do. If you want to be with Daigo, then be with Daigo!
Granted I know me saying all that is easier said than done, and with how this volume ended, I don't know what's in store for either of them. The one lady said it right about Ann that she is far more unstable than she looks.
I truly hope a good ending is in store for these two because I worry...
May 18, 2025
What a volume, lots to process.
March 25, 2025
That was... A lot.
Muy interesante como el sentimiento de culpa que tiene Ann con lo de su madre influencia su relación con Fuuji este tomo. Me parece que en el siguiente empiezan a salir, porque seamos honestos ella y Daigo van a cortar ya de ya, y es que antes de que empiecen ya sé que no tienen futuro lol. La escena con la prima de él dónde ella le dice que por qué no lo paró que era la única que podía hacerlo? Girl... La presión sumada al trauma con lo de la madre, pues que quieres que te diga, you're cooked!
Por cierto entiendo la journey del Fuuji y tal, pero me sigue cayendo más bien mal y me parece egoísta hasta decir basta, kinda need que su hermana lo ponga en su sitio. Y hablando de ella, no tengo ni idea de por dónde van a tirar su historia, más allá de su posible relación con Daigo aka su único apoyo btw. Quizá pete en algún momento? Sobre todo si realmente empiezan a salir y su familia se opone, podría ser un punto de inflexión para ella donde básicamente les suelte que lo sabe todo.
Idk, en el siguiente tomo van a producirse ya los cambios que se veían venir y yo no puedo con esa sensación de melancolía.
Muy interesante como el sentimiento de culpa que tiene Ann con lo de su madre influencia su relación con Fuuji este tomo. Me parece que en el siguiente empiezan a salir, porque seamos honestos ella y Daigo van a cortar ya de ya, y es que antes de que empiecen ya sé que no tienen futuro lol. La escena con la prima de él dónde ella le dice que por qué no lo paró que era la única que podía hacerlo? Girl... La presión sumada al trauma con lo de la madre, pues que quieres que te diga, you're cooked!
Por cierto entiendo la journey del Fuuji y tal, pero me sigue cayendo más bien mal y me parece egoísta hasta decir basta, kinda need que su hermana lo ponga en su sitio. Y hablando de ella, no tengo ni idea de por dónde van a tirar su historia, más allá de su posible relación con Daigo aka su único apoyo btw. Quizá pete en algún momento? Sobre todo si realmente empiezan a salir y su familia se opone, podría ser un punto de inflexión para ella donde básicamente les suelte que lo sabe todo.
Idk, en el siguiente tomo van a producirse ya los cambios que se veían venir y yo no puedo con esa sensación de melancolía.
August 27, 2011
This volume is a mixture. You have normal teenage antics, love, sadness, anger, betrayal, and more. The volume starts of with Fuji's disappearance. He hasn't been seen in days, then weeks, then months. There's an undercurrent of worry. Then you have some innocent, fun playtime when Ann comes home for the holidays. The old group of friends get together for Christmas parties and even a failed attempt at dogsledding. It's a rare influx of levity and humor into the series.
Most of the volume focuses on Daigo and Ann's relationship. It's rocky, as most long distance relationships are. Daigo worries about how close Ann and Fuji are. Ann realizes just how much Shika likes Daigo. But most of all, we see how much Ann relies on Daigo. He masks the intense pain she has about her mother's death. "You're my snow cave. Like if there was a blizzard...but I was with you, I'd be all right. You comfort me. I can almost forget all the painful memories." These are bittersweet words. It's touching how Ann cares for Daigo. But the reader also sees just how damaged she is. Daigo is merely a stopper in bottle that's about to explode.
As the volume continues, we see more cracks in the windshield. Fuji returns. Ann tries to save him, but he ends up helping her as much as she does him. The more time they spend together, the more troubled her relationship with Daigo becomes. Daigo is jealous of Fuji. But Daigo also is scared and perhaps angry about Ann's fragility. They fight more and more. It feels like their relationship is on a downward spiral.
One of the coolest thing about this manga series is the Glossary at the end of each volume. It not only defines words, but gives cultural tidbits. For example, it explains the origin of warm, canned coffee from Japanese vending machines. Or it explains how certain phrases were translated. Some things, like jokes or proverbs, are significantly different when translated because a literal translation would make no sense.
Most of the volume focuses on Daigo and Ann's relationship. It's rocky, as most long distance relationships are. Daigo worries about how close Ann and Fuji are. Ann realizes just how much Shika likes Daigo. But most of all, we see how much Ann relies on Daigo. He masks the intense pain she has about her mother's death. "You're my snow cave. Like if there was a blizzard...but I was with you, I'd be all right. You comfort me. I can almost forget all the painful memories." These are bittersweet words. It's touching how Ann cares for Daigo. But the reader also sees just how damaged she is. Daigo is merely a stopper in bottle that's about to explode.
As the volume continues, we see more cracks in the windshield. Fuji returns. Ann tries to save him, but he ends up helping her as much as she does him. The more time they spend together, the more troubled her relationship with Daigo becomes. Daigo is jealous of Fuji. But Daigo also is scared and perhaps angry about Ann's fragility. They fight more and more. It feels like their relationship is on a downward spiral.
One of the coolest thing about this manga series is the Glossary at the end of each volume. It not only defines words, but gives cultural tidbits. For example, it explains the origin of warm, canned coffee from Japanese vending machines. Or it explains how certain phrases were translated. Some things, like jokes or proverbs, are significantly different when translated because a literal translation would make no sense.
September 12, 2017
The way I see the fourth volume of Sand Chronicles by Miss Hinako Ashihara is like a ladder. As the characters climb higher, the steps behind them disintegrate. Ann, Daigo, Fuji, and Shika are farther from where they were before. Their lives are moving forward, but the past seems to haunt them down. Sand Chronicles is full of emotions, and readers can hear each characters' heart without reading what they say. From their actions to their facial expressions, they say everything. But for readers to hear them, they must open their hearts and let Miss Hinako Ashihara take them on a journey. I saw the ending of this installment, but as I headed towards the last page, a side of me had hoped that it wouldn't end that way. But again, fate is cruel.
October 8, 2018
"Just one hope will keep you alive."Another good volume. I'm forever getting invested in these shoujos (with love triangles). I like Fuji's development from high-strung to mellowed out. Onto volume 5
July 1, 2024
Man this got way too melodramatic for me.
September 17, 2015
they are so cute !!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 22, 2015
I. Cried. So. much.
January 4, 2023
volume 1->10 (no spoilers)
FR
Pour commencer l'année 2023; j'avais envie de me relire quelque chose que j'aime, une lecture doudou.
Alors, clairement, ce manga ne peut techniquement pas entrer dans cette catégorie réellement, parce que on parle notamment de suicide. Mais c'est une lecture très nostalgique pour moi.
Je l'avais découvert à un moment assez compliqué pour moi, et bizarrement, j'étais tombée totalement amoureuse de l'histoire, malgré la difficulté, malgré les personnages dont je ne supporte pas forcément ce qu'ils.elles disent/font.
Et malgré les défauts, malgré ce que moi, je n'aime pas...
C'est toujours un coup de coeur. Je suis toujours amoureuse.
Mon avis n'a pas changé. Je n'aime toujours pas les mêmes choses. Et j'adore toujours les mêmes choses.
Je ne peux pas le recommander à tout le monde, au vu des sujets. Mais si vous pouvez gérer les cw, n'hésitez pas !
ENG
To start the year 2023; I wanted to re-read something I like, a cuddly reading.
So, clearly, this manga cannot technically fit into this category really, because we are talking about suicide in particular. But it's a very nostalgic read for me.
I had discovered it at a time that was quite complicated for me, and oddly, I had fallen totally in love with the story, despite the difficulty, despite the characters of whom I don't necessarily support what they say/do.
And despite the flaws, despite what I don't like...
It's always a crush. I'm still in love.
My opinion has not changed. I still don't like the same things. And I still love the same things.
I cannot recommend it to everyone, given the subjects. But if you can handle the cws, don't hesitate !
FR
Pour commencer l'année 2023; j'avais envie de me relire quelque chose que j'aime, une lecture doudou.
Alors, clairement, ce manga ne peut techniquement pas entrer dans cette catégorie réellement, parce que on parle notamment de suicide. Mais c'est une lecture très nostalgique pour moi.
Je l'avais découvert à un moment assez compliqué pour moi, et bizarrement, j'étais tombée totalement amoureuse de l'histoire, malgré la difficulté, malgré les personnages dont je ne supporte pas forcément ce qu'ils.elles disent/font.
Et malgré les défauts, malgré ce que moi, je n'aime pas...
C'est toujours un coup de coeur. Je suis toujours amoureuse.
Mon avis n'a pas changé. Je n'aime toujours pas les mêmes choses. Et j'adore toujours les mêmes choses.
Je ne peux pas le recommander à tout le monde, au vu des sujets. Mais si vous pouvez gérer les cw, n'hésitez pas !
ENG
To start the year 2023; I wanted to re-read something I like, a cuddly reading.
So, clearly, this manga cannot technically fit into this category really, because we are talking about suicide in particular. But it's a very nostalgic read for me.
I had discovered it at a time that was quite complicated for me, and oddly, I had fallen totally in love with the story, despite the difficulty, despite the characters of whom I don't necessarily support what they say/do.
And despite the flaws, despite what I don't like...
It's always a crush. I'm still in love.
My opinion has not changed. I still don't like the same things. And I still love the same things.
I cannot recommend it to everyone, given the subjects. But if you can handle the cws, don't hesitate !
April 21, 2025
Un po' troppo drama quindi 3 stelline. Inoltre sarà perché An e Daigo hanno 17 anni e sono immaturi, ma sarebbe bastato comunicare e chiedersi scusa invece di questo dramma inutile. Fuji che scappa me lo ero già immaginato a 'Chi l'ha visto?' invece era a fare il vagabondo. La storiella con la signora più grande di lui non la sto capendo, spero non succeda nulla avendo lui 17 anni ancora nel manga.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2021
Ohhh, young love… so sweet but so confusing.
I’m still enjoying this series so much. I love that the characters feel so real. I truly understand why each character is doing what they are doing. This series has relatable real life situations and not just catty shojo drama.
I’m still enjoying this series so much. I love that the characters feel so real. I truly understand why each character is doing what they are doing. This series has relatable real life situations and not just catty shojo drama.
August 31, 2018
This series has made me cry three times now and it’s only volume four. It’s almost too realistic. Everyone’s pain just flows off the page and you can’t help but hurt for them.
May 29, 2019
So many things are falling apart!! It makes me want to cry. I hope things get resolved soon.
June 8, 2019
This first part had me cracking up. It was so funny. The second half was more serious and it ended kind of sad.
April 8, 2021
4.5 stars.
November 26, 2021
I really like all the side stories but I just don’t care about Ann and Daigo’s impending breakup so this one took forever to want to finish
April 26, 2022
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
April 5, 2023
I wonder if I can't stand Daigo because he reminds me of my own previous relationship.
March 10, 2024
had to wait until I was mentally stable enough to read this volume because I remembered what was coming, but then the only translation I could find online was awful 😭😭😭
March 22, 2024
NO ! STOP IT ! No more miscommunication !
August 17, 2024
Viz manga app, ch 7-8. Omg I knew it was coming but, THE PAIN.
February 19, 2023
I loved this but I lost count of how many times I screamed “OH MY GOD PLEASE COMMUNICATE TO EACH OTHER!” in my head. Still great though!
March 6, 2017
There's a lot going on in this one, but it's not my favorite so far. The ending was pretty okay, but the rest of the in-between was just heartbreaking.
November 13, 2021
when I saw the cover of the first volume I thought this series would be a light fun read but actually it's really angsty and dark... but still compelling, as evidenced by how much I cried while reading this volume🥲🥲🥲
February 19, 2017
When I began reading manga (which was only two months ago), I never expected to read something that was truly touching. I thought it would all be fun and cute. This series changes my mind completely about the type of manga I like. Sure, I enjoy reading funny manga like Special A or cute manga like Fruits Basket, but I enjoy reading manga with a realistic story line and deeper meaning much more. It’s just better that way. That’s what this series was for me and I can only hope I’ll find more like it.
The artwork is a little muddier than I like. I’m more partial to defined drawing, rather than the scratchy drawing so often found in shoujo manga. I think it’s meant to give a more dreamy quality, but I just find it a bit on the annoying side. Since I liked this series so much, I’m willing to put that complaint aside.
The character development in this series is just unreal. I didn’t think manga was capable of that kind of thing. I couldn’t have been more wrong in that assumption. Ann’s development throughout the series is heartbreaking and incredibly realistic, considering her age. She goes through so many of the screw-ups and indecision that comes with being a girl in her teens or early twenties. I felt that I could relate to her throughout most of the series because I have gone through a lot of the same things. Daigo has a tendency to be a little more hard-headed, but it definitely the more mature of the two. He makes no secret of his complete devotion to Ann, even when she’s too messed up to realize what’s in front of her. He’s unwavering and therefore a more static character. However, this doesn’t hurt the series, as it is about Ann growing up, not Daigo. The situation Fuji and Shika find themselves in is a little more dramatic. They too are developing characters and both do a lot of growing up. Their search for their true identities is one that gives the series a bit more intrigue. They both learn a lot they didn’t know about themselves along the way.
This is certainly the best written manga I’ve come across. If you’re into manga, or are thinking of trying it out I highly recommend this series. It’s definitely girly shoujo manga, but it’s got a great story.
The artwork is a little muddier than I like. I’m more partial to defined drawing, rather than the scratchy drawing so often found in shoujo manga. I think it’s meant to give a more dreamy quality, but I just find it a bit on the annoying side. Since I liked this series so much, I’m willing to put that complaint aside.
The character development in this series is just unreal. I didn’t think manga was capable of that kind of thing. I couldn’t have been more wrong in that assumption. Ann’s development throughout the series is heartbreaking and incredibly realistic, considering her age. She goes through so many of the screw-ups and indecision that comes with being a girl in her teens or early twenties. I felt that I could relate to her throughout most of the series because I have gone through a lot of the same things. Daigo has a tendency to be a little more hard-headed, but it definitely the more mature of the two. He makes no secret of his complete devotion to Ann, even when she’s too messed up to realize what’s in front of her. He’s unwavering and therefore a more static character. However, this doesn’t hurt the series, as it is about Ann growing up, not Daigo. The situation Fuji and Shika find themselves in is a little more dramatic. They too are developing characters and both do a lot of growing up. Their search for their true identities is one that gives the series a bit more intrigue. They both learn a lot they didn’t know about themselves along the way.
This is certainly the best written manga I’ve come across. If you’re into manga, or are thinking of trying it out I highly recommend this series. It’s definitely girly shoujo manga, but it’s got a great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews