What do you think?
Rate this book
The Flower That Seems to Truly Dance
"No one can know about these feelings. But at least I can think of you while I dance."
It's the 16th year of the Showa era (1941), and Soutarou Kuramoto, the son of a distinguished family, is returning from his studies abroad with something on his mind. As a child, he told his best friend, Haroumi Asuma, "I hate the way you dance".
Determined to apologize, he visits Haroumi, but the young man — now a renowned dancer — deftly avoids him. Or perhaps there's another reason why he won't meet with Shoutarou...?
Set in an era where connecting with the person you love wasn't easy, a reunion with a childhood friend allows a long hidden love to bloom.
It's the 16th year of the Showa era (1941), and Soutarou Kuramoto, the son of a distinguished family, is returning from his studies abroad with something on his mind. As a child, he told his best friend, Haroumi Asuma, "I hate the way you dance".
Determined to apologize, he visits Haroumi, but the young man — now a renowned dancer — deftly avoids him. Or perhaps there's another reason why he won't meet with Shoutarou...?
Set in an era where connecting with the person you love wasn't easy, a reunion with a childhood friend allows a long hidden love to bloom.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2023
17 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 9, 2023
I wasn't ready for a war romance but I loved it in the end and the art is absolutely stunning.
August 31, 2025
oh wow. This is such a gem and I wish it is more popular. The historical background, the connection, the art. All of it is truly cinematic.
July 9, 2024
Childhood regrets sometimes reveal feelings more true than rational thinking later on. “The Flower that Seems to Truly Dance” by Saki Tsukahara shows that a young boy’s admiration for his friend’s dancing is more than merely a childhood acquaintance and his nascent realization of his real feelings causes him to reject his friend cruelly to avoid having to face them.
Soutaro Kuramoto is thinking about his betrayal of his childhood friend, Haruomi, on his way back from Europe where he spent a large part of his childhood because his father was working in Germany. The setting is Japan in the Second World War and so this Japanese manga shows how the war affected Japanese people as opposed to a more European-centric story, which has been the norm in western literature. Fortunately, there is very little discussion of actual politics in the manga and focus is placed squarely on how the war affects the characters.
Haruomi performs onnagata, which is when a man performs traditional Japanese dances in the style of geishas. Soutaro is fascinated by his dancing both as a child and adult so he spends the beginning of the book trying to make up for his childish, offhand remark that he hates Haruomi’s dancing. With adulthood he comes to realize the true nature of his feelings for Haruomi but is trapped in a politically advantageous engagement. Most of the story revolves around the main couple coming to terms with their childhood rift and learning that the reason for the fallout was, ironically, because they were attracted to each other.
Soutaro has been protected from being drafted into the military because of his engagement to the general’s daughter, but chooses to break this engagement in order to be free to love Haruomi. He says, “I’d rather be with you than receive Sawamura’s protection” (p. 173). The price of his freedom is that he is forced into the war as a soldier in the last months of the war. The choice feels real and Haruomi’s fears about Soutaro serving as a soldier are universal. Fearing for the lives of loved ones, serving as soldiers, is sadly ever relevant.
Haruomi’s dancing is so profound, because he is thinking of Soutaro when he dances. This gives his movements an inner beauty that is based on the yearning for someone dear to his heart. The reunion scene is therefore particularly poignant in that their feelings are expressed non-verbally through dance even before they both see each other. Haruomi is performing at a hospital for wounded soldiers one of which is Soutaro. The cover art for this short Japanese manga is achingly beautiful and the storytelling is light but heartfelt. The premise of both the onnagata and the war helps this manga stand out, but it is the relationship of the main couple that is memorable.
Soutaro Kuramoto is thinking about his betrayal of his childhood friend, Haruomi, on his way back from Europe where he spent a large part of his childhood because his father was working in Germany. The setting is Japan in the Second World War and so this Japanese manga shows how the war affected Japanese people as opposed to a more European-centric story, which has been the norm in western literature. Fortunately, there is very little discussion of actual politics in the manga and focus is placed squarely on how the war affects the characters.
Haruomi performs onnagata, which is when a man performs traditional Japanese dances in the style of geishas. Soutaro is fascinated by his dancing both as a child and adult so he spends the beginning of the book trying to make up for his childish, offhand remark that he hates Haruomi’s dancing. With adulthood he comes to realize the true nature of his feelings for Haruomi but is trapped in a politically advantageous engagement. Most of the story revolves around the main couple coming to terms with their childhood rift and learning that the reason for the fallout was, ironically, because they were attracted to each other.
Soutaro has been protected from being drafted into the military because of his engagement to the general’s daughter, but chooses to break this engagement in order to be free to love Haruomi. He says, “I’d rather be with you than receive Sawamura’s protection” (p. 173). The price of his freedom is that he is forced into the war as a soldier in the last months of the war. The choice feels real and Haruomi’s fears about Soutaro serving as a soldier are universal. Fearing for the lives of loved ones, serving as soldiers, is sadly ever relevant.
Haruomi’s dancing is so profound, because he is thinking of Soutaro when he dances. This gives his movements an inner beauty that is based on the yearning for someone dear to his heart. The reunion scene is therefore particularly poignant in that their feelings are expressed non-verbally through dance even before they both see each other. Haruomi is performing at a hospital for wounded soldiers one of which is Soutaro. The cover art for this short Japanese manga is achingly beautiful and the storytelling is light but heartfelt. The premise of both the onnagata and the war helps this manga stand out, but it is the relationship of the main couple that is memorable.
May 1, 2023
CW: War, Fear of Losing a Loved one
This was such an emotional read! If you're looking for a BL with themes of war and lost love, I recommend this.
This was such an emotional read! If you're looking for a BL with themes of war and lost love, I recommend this.
May 3, 2022
Dibujo precioso e historia disfrutable aunque tira bastante de tópico.
December 1, 2024
Art: 5*
Plot: 5*
Pacing: 4*
Overall: 5*
Similar recs: Atonement, 鬓边不是海棠红
Haruomi is a Kabuki onnagata actor who no longer dances because of an incident when he was a child. His best friend at the time, Soutaro, told him in a fit of anger that he hated his dancing. Now all grown up, Haruomi is a teacher at the local geisha teahouse while Soutaro has come back from abroad as a businessman. However, something has been weighing on Soutaro's heart all these years: He regrets lying to Haruomi because, in fact, he has always loved to see him dance.
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did, but the war plot took me by surprise. I studied and worked extensively on the topic of Kabuki and pre/postwar Japan, so this manga fits right up my alley. Haruomi's story is touching; from a famous Kabuki actor to a teacher, and then to a cheap performer for the American forces, his journey represents a whole generation of people oppressed under the postwar American Occupation. As for Soutaro, he goes from being a successful businessman who is given a contract to aid in the war effort, to a nobody who has lost everything and ends up being drafted at the very end of the war.
"I'm going to live my life the way I want to."
"None of that will matter if you go off to war! How can I dance for you if you're gone?"
The manga depicts the realities of war in 1944-45 with frequent air raids, bombings, and forced conscription. Through all of this, Haruomi and Soutaro struggle not only to survive, but also to be honest with one another. Love in a time of war is always a difficult thing, but even more so for two men who are torn by their social duties. Soutaro is stuck in an arranged marriage, and Haruomi refuses to admit, even to himself, that he has always loved his childhood best friend. The two are continuously torn apart by social circumstances and by the war. When they finally admit to how they feel, Soutaro is drafted and sent to the warfront with little hope of returning home. We then see Haruomi's heartbreaking and steady decline from a glorious young master to a broken man as he starts to lose hope that Soutaro will return safe and sound.
"I know if would be for the occupying forces, but they're always looking for Japanese cultural performances for the parties the upper echelons put on. It'd be good money, so you could live more comfortably."
"I can't dance for those people. Soutaro might be suffering somewhere. I can't dance when I have no idea how he's doing!"
For such a short story, it definitely packs an emotional punch. Tsukahara gives us a sensitive portrayal of a period of unease and the loss of "old Japan" in favour of a postwar westernization. Haruomi even says at one point that he has no place in this new world since all the dance halls are now interested in jazz music and western dances. His beautiful craft is no longer appreciated, hence why he is made to dance to entertain the American soldiers in a parody of his culture. Haruomi and Soutaro lose everything, yet it is their bond that keeps them going despite the loses.
The manga ends on a hopeful note, yet it also ends with the beginning of the American Occupation. Knowing history, this is not the end of the suffering for these characters. Even though the war is over, Tokyo will be destroyed again by the Americans during this period, this time through napalm carpet bombing, leading to thousands of more unnecessary deaths and the near annihilation of the ancient capital. Whether Haruomi and Soutaro live peacefully after the end of the manga is unknown, which makes their temporary happiness all the more bittersweet by knowing what is to come.
Plot: 5*
Pacing: 4*
Overall: 5*
Similar recs: Atonement, 鬓边不是海棠红
Haruomi is a Kabuki onnagata actor who no longer dances because of an incident when he was a child. His best friend at the time, Soutaro, told him in a fit of anger that he hated his dancing. Now all grown up, Haruomi is a teacher at the local geisha teahouse while Soutaro has come back from abroad as a businessman. However, something has been weighing on Soutaro's heart all these years: He regrets lying to Haruomi because, in fact, he has always loved to see him dance.
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did, but the war plot took me by surprise. I studied and worked extensively on the topic of Kabuki and pre/postwar Japan, so this manga fits right up my alley. Haruomi's story is touching; from a famous Kabuki actor to a teacher, and then to a cheap performer for the American forces, his journey represents a whole generation of people oppressed under the postwar American Occupation. As for Soutaro, he goes from being a successful businessman who is given a contract to aid in the war effort, to a nobody who has lost everything and ends up being drafted at the very end of the war.
"I'm going to live my life the way I want to."
"None of that will matter if you go off to war! How can I dance for you if you're gone?"
The manga depicts the realities of war in 1944-45 with frequent air raids, bombings, and forced conscription. Through all of this, Haruomi and Soutaro struggle not only to survive, but also to be honest with one another. Love in a time of war is always a difficult thing, but even more so for two men who are torn by their social duties. Soutaro is stuck in an arranged marriage, and Haruomi refuses to admit, even to himself, that he has always loved his childhood best friend. The two are continuously torn apart by social circumstances and by the war. When they finally admit to how they feel, Soutaro is drafted and sent to the warfront with little hope of returning home. We then see Haruomi's heartbreaking and steady decline from a glorious young master to a broken man as he starts to lose hope that Soutaro will return safe and sound.
"I know if would be for the occupying forces, but they're always looking for Japanese cultural performances for the parties the upper echelons put on. It'd be good money, so you could live more comfortably."
"I can't dance for those people. Soutaro might be suffering somewhere. I can't dance when I have no idea how he's doing!"
For such a short story, it definitely packs an emotional punch. Tsukahara gives us a sensitive portrayal of a period of unease and the loss of "old Japan" in favour of a postwar westernization. Haruomi even says at one point that he has no place in this new world since all the dance halls are now interested in jazz music and western dances. His beautiful craft is no longer appreciated, hence why he is made to dance to entertain the American soldiers in a parody of his culture. Haruomi and Soutaro lose everything, yet it is their bond that keeps them going despite the loses.
The manga ends on a hopeful note, yet it also ends with the beginning of the American Occupation. Knowing history, this is not the end of the suffering for these characters. Even though the war is over, Tokyo will be destroyed again by the Americans during this period, this time through napalm carpet bombing, leading to thousands of more unnecessary deaths and the near annihilation of the ancient capital. Whether Haruomi and Soutaro live peacefully after the end of the manga is unknown, which makes their temporary happiness all the more bittersweet by knowing what is to come.
November 22, 2024
Sweet story of childhood friends leaving on bad terms and reconnecting in adulthood. The setting happening over war time was an interesting addition to a pretty straight forward friends to lovers plot. It made the longing more impactful. Overall good easy read.
January 4, 2026
Nothing’s truly better than a historical bl so gorgeously and aesthetically drawn, so I’m putting this on the list of my treasured bl’s to. I mean, have you seen Haruomi? Have you truly seem him?! Ugh, I’m just happy that they’re finally happy in the end! You really got to trust Saki Tsukahara’s magic for pining if you want a slow burn boy’s love. Trust me, it’s always worth it. I was already impressed by Replay’s evocativeness, and I knew I would love this one too wholeheartedly—that was before I even learn that it is actually set in world war ii era in japan—now that spice made it even better!
January 6, 2024
Me gustó mucho! Fue una historia muy bonita y me encanta que esté ambientado durante la segunda guerra mundial ya que le da un toque muy especial a la trama. Me encantó la historia, tan lindos. Lloro brillitos
March 27, 2024
Very enjoyable historical bl.
December 1, 2024
3.5 rounded up for historical bl with happy ending🌟
December 31, 2024
Adoro las historias que trascurren durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial y que acaban BIEN. Sufro, pero lo justo.
May 11, 2022
Los dramas de época son algo que siempre me han gustado, sobre todo dentro del género de la romántica. En el BL no iba a ser menos. Si mi manga favorito es Blue Morning es por algo, y no solo porque sea un drama de época y romance entre señorito y mayordomo, es por lo lograda que está la ambientación y la delicadeza narrativa a la hora de exponer la trama. En La flor que parecía bailar, si bien tenemos un romance entre dos amigos de la infancia, ambos señoritos de buenas familias, comparte con Blue Morning el ser un manga con una narrativa delicada y un dibujo exquisito ambientado en un momento histórico bien marcado e integrado en la trama.
Años 40 en Japón, Sôtarô Kuramoto, el hijo de una familia noble, regresa a Japón después de nueve años en Alemania por cuestiones laborales de su padre. En su cabeza solamente hay una idea: reencontrarse con Haruomi Asuma, su amigo de la infancia que bailaba como Onnagata, actor que que hace el papel de una joven mujer en obras teatrales. Sôtarô se peleó con Haruomi, diciéndole una burda mentira: que no le gustaba su forma de bailar cuando, en realidad, siempre le ha fascinado. Queriéndose disculpar, ahora que está de regreso, acude a su encuentro, pero lo confunden con un chico que busca trabajo y él, temiendo el rechazo de Haruomi, decide seguir con el engaño e infiltrarse como un chico llamado Ichimura. Camuflando su auténtica identidad con la de un sirviente, Sôtarô intentará acercarse a Haru para poder pedirle perdón.
Lee toda la reseña en: https://unabibliotecaentremundos.blog...
Años 40 en Japón, Sôtarô Kuramoto, el hijo de una familia noble, regresa a Japón después de nueve años en Alemania por cuestiones laborales de su padre. En su cabeza solamente hay una idea: reencontrarse con Haruomi Asuma, su amigo de la infancia que bailaba como Onnagata, actor que que hace el papel de una joven mujer en obras teatrales. Sôtarô se peleó con Haruomi, diciéndole una burda mentira: que no le gustaba su forma de bailar cuando, en realidad, siempre le ha fascinado. Queriéndose disculpar, ahora que está de regreso, acude a su encuentro, pero lo confunden con un chico que busca trabajo y él, temiendo el rechazo de Haruomi, decide seguir con el engaño e infiltrarse como un chico llamado Ichimura. Camuflando su auténtica identidad con la de un sirviente, Sôtarô intentará acercarse a Haru para poder pedirle perdón.
Lee toda la reseña en: https://unabibliotecaentremundos.blog...
July 27, 2020
"The Flower That Seems To Truly Dance summary:
1941, Japan. Kuramoto Soutaro, the heir to the wealthy Kuramoto family, has returned from living overseas to the country of his childhood, wishing desperately to reconcile with his estranged childhood friend, Asuma Haruomi, the heir to a family of onnagata in the Red Light District of Tokyo, who has grown into a dancer of beauty and reknown during the years of their separation. Driven by the desire to see Haruomi’s dancing once more, and to finally apologize to him, Soutaro conceals his identity and takes work as a servant at the exclusive restaurant Tachibana, where Haruomi occasionally dances."
Beautiful and tasteful in the dancing, costumes, and meetings per chance. I can see this will be a slow burn romance.
1941, Japan. Kuramoto Soutaro, the heir to the wealthy Kuramoto family, has returned from living overseas to the country of his childhood, wishing desperately to reconcile with his estranged childhood friend, Asuma Haruomi, the heir to a family of onnagata in the Red Light District of Tokyo, who has grown into a dancer of beauty and reknown during the years of their separation. Driven by the desire to see Haruomi’s dancing once more, and to finally apologize to him, Soutaro conceals his identity and takes work as a servant at the exclusive restaurant Tachibana, where Haruomi occasionally dances."
Beautiful and tasteful in the dancing, costumes, and meetings per chance. I can see this will be a slow burn romance.
May 22, 2022
Me ha encantado!! Diría que incluso se ha convertido en mi tomo único BL favorito, la historia está muy bien desarrollada en un solo tomo, cosa que muchas veces no ocurre debido a que solo se queda en un tomo, pero en este caso lo han hecho de maravilla, no falta nada! Los personajes son muy buenos y también están muy bien desarrollados.
Sôtaro y Haru son monisimos, tienen una química buenísima y tienes ganas de verles juntos desde el principio.
La ambientación está súper bien lograda, la mangaka sabe meterte en el mundo del Japón de los años 40 a la perfección.
Y maravilloso lo del mapache 🤭
Sôtaro y Haru son monisimos, tienen una química buenísima y tienes ganas de verles juntos desde el principio.
La ambientación está súper bien lograda, la mangaka sabe meterte en el mundo del Japón de los años 40 a la perfección.
Y maravilloso lo del mapache 🤭
October 6, 2024
Über diesen Manga bin ich beim Stöbern gestolpert. Und was soll ich sagen? Er hat mich überrascht. In vielerlei Hinsicht. Manchmal sollte man wohl doch lieber die Beschreibung lesen... *hust*
Die Geschichte spielt eigentlich über einen längeren Zeitraum und das ist eigentlich für einen Einzelband schon eine ziemliche Kunst. Damit habe ich wirklich nicht gerechnet. Zumal mir die Epoche selbst immer unheimlich schwer fällt, da sie emotional wie menschlich ein wirklich düsteres Kapitel menschlicher Geschichte ist.
Das Hauptszenario spielt während des zweiten Weltkrieges, wobei die Geschichte der Protagonisten schon viel früher beginnt und auch nach Ende des Krieges endet. Es ist eine ziemliche Achterbahnfahrt der Gefühle, auf die ich mich unbewusst mit diesem Manga eingelassen haben. Dennoch geht es hier wirklich um Gefühle, nicht um reine Leidenschaft.
Die beiden jungen Männer haben jeweils einen schweren vor und hinter sich. Doch als sie dann die Möglichkeit haben, tatsächlich zusammen zu sein, passiert das, was sie nicht wirklich wollen. Selbst Haru, der zerbrechlichere Charaktere von beiden, ist bereit dafür Opfer zu bringen. Doch Sou hat sich entschieden und so geht er den Weg, den er gehen muss, um frei zu sein... frei zu tun, was er möchte. Und um mit dem zusammenleben zu können, den er wirklich von Herzen liebt.
Es gibt so einige sehr angespannte Szenen in dieser tragischen Geschichte und man hofft und hofft mit Haru gemeinsam. Doch wird letztlich all sein hoffen und beten helfen oder wird das Leben einen grausamen Weg für ihn bereithalten?
Tja, das werde ich ganz sicher nicht verraten. Aber eines kann ich sagen. Der Manga hat mich emotional berührt und mitgerissen. Inmitten von Chaos scheint hier doch eine Blume zu blühen. Doch wird sie unter all dem Chaos untergehen oder zeigen wie widerstandsfähig sie wirklich ist?
Der Zeichenstil hat mir ebenfalls sehr gefallen. Er war sehr schön ausgestaltet. Die Zeichnungen angemessen fein und sauber umgesetzt. Die Panels waren sauber und gut strukturiert. Genau das, was man sich bei einem gut durchdachten und zeichnerisch ebenso gut umgesetzten Manga wünscht. Für jemanden, der hier eine sehr erotische BL-Story erwartet, dürfte allerdings das Buch sehr enttäuscht zusammenklappen. Denn das ist in der Situation, in der die beiden Protagonisten leben, nur zweitranging. Vorranging sind ihre Gefühle und ihr Umfeld.
Eine wirklich emotional schöne, aber auch fordernde Geschichte. Gerne werde ich von der Mangaka mehr lesen, wenn mir wieder etwas über den Weg läuft. ;)
Die Geschichte spielt eigentlich über einen längeren Zeitraum und das ist eigentlich für einen Einzelband schon eine ziemliche Kunst. Damit habe ich wirklich nicht gerechnet. Zumal mir die Epoche selbst immer unheimlich schwer fällt, da sie emotional wie menschlich ein wirklich düsteres Kapitel menschlicher Geschichte ist.
Das Hauptszenario spielt während des zweiten Weltkrieges, wobei die Geschichte der Protagonisten schon viel früher beginnt und auch nach Ende des Krieges endet. Es ist eine ziemliche Achterbahnfahrt der Gefühle, auf die ich mich unbewusst mit diesem Manga eingelassen haben. Dennoch geht es hier wirklich um Gefühle, nicht um reine Leidenschaft.
Die beiden jungen Männer haben jeweils einen schweren vor und hinter sich. Doch als sie dann die Möglichkeit haben, tatsächlich zusammen zu sein, passiert das, was sie nicht wirklich wollen. Selbst Haru, der zerbrechlichere Charaktere von beiden, ist bereit dafür Opfer zu bringen. Doch Sou hat sich entschieden und so geht er den Weg, den er gehen muss, um frei zu sein... frei zu tun, was er möchte. Und um mit dem zusammenleben zu können, den er wirklich von Herzen liebt.
Es gibt so einige sehr angespannte Szenen in dieser tragischen Geschichte und man hofft und hofft mit Haru gemeinsam. Doch wird letztlich all sein hoffen und beten helfen oder wird das Leben einen grausamen Weg für ihn bereithalten?
Tja, das werde ich ganz sicher nicht verraten. Aber eines kann ich sagen. Der Manga hat mich emotional berührt und mitgerissen. Inmitten von Chaos scheint hier doch eine Blume zu blühen. Doch wird sie unter all dem Chaos untergehen oder zeigen wie widerstandsfähig sie wirklich ist?
Der Zeichenstil hat mir ebenfalls sehr gefallen. Er war sehr schön ausgestaltet. Die Zeichnungen angemessen fein und sauber umgesetzt. Die Panels waren sauber und gut strukturiert. Genau das, was man sich bei einem gut durchdachten und zeichnerisch ebenso gut umgesetzten Manga wünscht. Für jemanden, der hier eine sehr erotische BL-Story erwartet, dürfte allerdings das Buch sehr enttäuscht zusammenklappen. Denn das ist in der Situation, in der die beiden Protagonisten leben, nur zweitranging. Vorranging sind ihre Gefühle und ihr Umfeld.
Eine wirklich emotional schöne, aber auch fordernde Geschichte. Gerne werde ich von der Mangaka mehr lesen, wenn mir wieder etwas über den Weg läuft. ;)
April 24, 2023
Soutarou Kuramoto fue inseparable del hermoso bailarín Haruomi Asuma mientras eran niños, hasta que en un arrebato le dijo que odiaba su baile. Ambos se distanciaron y cuando la familia de Soutarou se mudó a Alemania, la amistad acabó definitivamente. Tras varios años, regresa a Japón dispuesto a pedirle perdón por aquella mentira. Pero los albores de la segunda guerra mundial y lo que la familia acaudalada de Soutarou espera de él, hace que ambos deban conformarse con una amistad, a pesar de estar enamorados.
Después de la tensión y lloradera con Fort of Apocalipse necesitaba algo dulcecito y justo ayer Renta! anunció este romance histórico con hermosa portada y drama asegurado.
La mangaka nos da un vistazo de cómo era la vida para los bailarines tradicionales antes de que las modas occidentales inundaran Japón. En un tiempo revuelto por la amenaza de guerra, los sentimientos de dos muchachos que se aman resultan casi irrelevantes, pero son precisamente esos sentimientos los que les dan fortaleza y les permiten seguir adelante en medio de la incertidumbre. Haruomi baila pensando en su amado, mientras Soutarou renuncia a una vida cómoda como prometido de la hija de un militar importante, y va a la guerra tras romper el compromiso. Y es el amor mutuo lo que les permite reconstruir sus vidas tras perder sus hogares y soportar la ocupación estadounidense.
El romance es lento, pero la trama está llena de matices complejos, y las páginas están repletas de hermosas postales y sentimientos, primero de incertidumbre ante cómo reaccionará el otro cuando se reencuentren, luego una amistad tímida, desamor por el mutuo amor no correspondido (hay que confesarse para saber si el otro te corresponde, y ambos temían demasiado perder su amistad como para atreverse a dar el primer paso), luego tristeza al tener que separarse por la guerra, y felicidad al reencontrarse. Hay todo un carrusel de emociones que bien te hace llorar y luego sonreír de felicidad por los protagonistas.
Recomendado para los que gusten de un romance lento pero hermoso, que va más allá del típico instalove o los malentendidos tontos. Aquí el drama es muy realista.
¿Qué Disfruté?
El arte hermoso y la historia tan compleja.
¿Qué Prefiero Olvidar?
La mangaka nos hace sufrir casi hasta el último momento.
DISPONIBLE EN Renta!
Después de la tensión y lloradera con Fort of Apocalipse necesitaba algo dulcecito y justo ayer Renta! anunció este romance histórico con hermosa portada y drama asegurado.
La mangaka nos da un vistazo de cómo era la vida para los bailarines tradicionales antes de que las modas occidentales inundaran Japón. En un tiempo revuelto por la amenaza de guerra, los sentimientos de dos muchachos que se aman resultan casi irrelevantes, pero son precisamente esos sentimientos los que les dan fortaleza y les permiten seguir adelante en medio de la incertidumbre. Haruomi baila pensando en su amado, mientras Soutarou renuncia a una vida cómoda como prometido de la hija de un militar importante, y va a la guerra tras romper el compromiso. Y es el amor mutuo lo que les permite reconstruir sus vidas tras perder sus hogares y soportar la ocupación estadounidense.
El romance es lento, pero la trama está llena de matices complejos, y las páginas están repletas de hermosas postales y sentimientos, primero de incertidumbre ante cómo reaccionará el otro cuando se reencuentren, luego una amistad tímida, desamor por el mutuo amor no correspondido (hay que confesarse para saber si el otro te corresponde, y ambos temían demasiado perder su amistad como para atreverse a dar el primer paso), luego tristeza al tener que separarse por la guerra, y felicidad al reencontrarse. Hay todo un carrusel de emociones que bien te hace llorar y luego sonreír de felicidad por los protagonistas.
Recomendado para los que gusten de un romance lento pero hermoso, que va más allá del típico instalove o los malentendidos tontos. Aquí el drama es muy realista.
¿Qué Disfruté?
El arte hermoso y la historia tan compleja.
¿Qué Prefiero Olvidar?
La mangaka nos hace sufrir casi hasta el último momento.
DISPONIBLE EN Renta!
January 9, 2024
Absolutely beautiful art. It reminds me of Blue Morning, Vol. 1 - the historical setting, the restrained longing, the delicate art and detailed backgrounds. Really gorgeous in a lot of ways.
It's not perfect; I had trouble understanding the timeline, since they "had their fight" when Haruomi cut his hair the day after the dance where Soutarou called him cute and gave him a hairpin. But they looked really young there - definitely not the 16/13 or 17/14 when Soutarou left Japan with his family. Did they really not talk for those intervening years? I doubt it. So I'm just confused about when the division actually happened.
I'm also not entirely sure why Soutarou had to give up his family business at the end, or how they're making a living; is he doing freelance architectural work, or setting up his own business? Was he disinherited by his family because he chose to take a male lover? He was in Germany with his father, but his father never actually appeared in the story, so it's pretty hard to tell what his family life was like. And what about Haruomi's family? They'd trained him in the dancing when he was a child, so they must have been fine with his career choices.
Beyond those smaller narrative questions, this really was a beautiful story. The pacing wasn't rushed and covered a good amount of time and emotional development, despite being limited to a single volume. And it's very interesting to see WW2 from a different perspective, with the fear and the devastation that others were cheering back home. I'm glad this had a happy ending; it would've been very easy to go the sad route once Soutarou broke off his politically-smart engagement and was sent off to the battlefield. But sometimes we just need the stories where people come back, safe and healthy and whole, and build new lives out of the ruins.
It's not perfect; I had trouble understanding the timeline, since they "had their fight" when Haruomi cut his hair the day after the dance where Soutarou called him cute and gave him a hairpin. But they looked really young there - definitely not the 16/13 or 17/14 when Soutarou left Japan with his family. Did they really not talk for those intervening years? I doubt it. So I'm just confused about when the division actually happened.
I'm also not entirely sure why Soutarou had to give up his family business at the end, or how they're making a living; is he doing freelance architectural work, or setting up his own business? Was he disinherited by his family because he chose to take a male lover? He was in Germany with his father, but his father never actually appeared in the story, so it's pretty hard to tell what his family life was like. And what about Haruomi's family? They'd trained him in the dancing when he was a child, so they must have been fine with his career choices.
Beyond those smaller narrative questions, this really was a beautiful story. The pacing wasn't rushed and covered a good amount of time and emotional development, despite being limited to a single volume. And it's very interesting to see WW2 from a different perspective, with the fear and the devastation that others were cheering back home. I'm glad this had a happy ending; it would've been very easy to go the sad route once Soutarou broke off his politically-smart engagement and was sent off to the battlefield. But sometimes we just need the stories where people come back, safe and healthy and whole, and build new lives out of the ruins.
July 8, 2023
After being away for several years, Soutaro is finally returning to Japan. With his return, he hopes to make amends with his childhood friend, Haruomi.
Haruomi is a talented dancer, coming from a long line of onnagata. When Haruomi and Soutaro were younger, Soutaro loved to watch Haruomi dance.
But as they got older, the two grew apart.
Sotarou is the son of a wealthy family who hoped he would go to work oversees and marry. With World War II looming, that became impossible.
The war changed many things and attitudes. In Haruomi’s case, Japan needed soldiers rather than dancers. His art was a dying one.
Some unkind words were exchanged the last time Sotarou and Haruomi spoke.
Now that Sotarou is back, he’d like to apologize and rekindle the relationship he had with Haruomi.
But, will these two be able to make amends? Or, are some wounds too deep?
This is a beautiful story.
Set against the backdrop of WWII, two men hope to reconnect and move forward—together. Truly, this is a more thoughtful and conscientious story than what typically is found in this genre—which I find really refreshing.
As an American, I always find it enlightening and profound to hear stories from Japan that are set during the war. Even these more lighthearted tales provide a lot of insight into the humanity of these people and the concerns that were prevalent at the time.
Anyway, as far as the romance goes, it’s absolutely heartbreaking. So tender and so moving! The character development in this story is on another level. So much consideration was clearly invested into the personalities of the main characters and into their complicated relationship.
As for the *spice*, it’s light. This is a story more focused on emotional intimacy.
Definitely recommend for readers interested in a short queer, historical romance story~
Haruomi is a talented dancer, coming from a long line of onnagata. When Haruomi and Soutaro were younger, Soutaro loved to watch Haruomi dance.
But as they got older, the two grew apart.
Sotarou is the son of a wealthy family who hoped he would go to work oversees and marry. With World War II looming, that became impossible.
The war changed many things and attitudes. In Haruomi’s case, Japan needed soldiers rather than dancers. His art was a dying one.
Some unkind words were exchanged the last time Sotarou and Haruomi spoke.
Now that Sotarou is back, he’d like to apologize and rekindle the relationship he had with Haruomi.
But, will these two be able to make amends? Or, are some wounds too deep?
This is a beautiful story.
Set against the backdrop of WWII, two men hope to reconnect and move forward—together. Truly, this is a more thoughtful and conscientious story than what typically is found in this genre—which I find really refreshing.
As an American, I always find it enlightening and profound to hear stories from Japan that are set during the war. Even these more lighthearted tales provide a lot of insight into the humanity of these people and the concerns that were prevalent at the time.
Anyway, as far as the romance goes, it’s absolutely heartbreaking. So tender and so moving! The character development in this story is on another level. So much consideration was clearly invested into the personalities of the main characters and into their complicated relationship.
As for the *spice*, it’s light. This is a story more focused on emotional intimacy.
Definitely recommend for readers interested in a short queer, historical romance story~
February 25, 2023
I love The Flower that Seems to Truly Dance. It is a beautiful drama about a man who falls in love with a dancer and circumstances that try to drive them apart. It explores character's longing for each other in a world where it is hard to be together and the uncertainty and fear of being in a country at war. It also touches upon themes of holding onto beauty when people around you are wanting to leave it in the past and embrace violence. The characters are so compelling and feel very real. Both their feelings and struggles are portrayed in a very grounded yet moving way. I was immediately invested in their bond but also understood their fears and hesitancy. Soutarou loves Haruomi and is so supportive of him. Yet Soutarou is afraid that his romantic feelings could ruin their friendship and hurt Haruomi . It's such a painful but beautiful sentiment and one I can relate to personally. Haruomi also loves Soutarou but feels insecure in his love and is afraid of rejection. Also something I can relate to. The art is so beautiful and emotive. Some of the panels felt so poignant that I had to stop reading and just look at their expressions. Despite the strong emotions conveyed the art is very subtle and comforting somehow. Overall I loved this beautiful story and would love to read more by the mangaka. The song I chose for this is Fever by Judas Priest.
"Then one night I walked
I heard your body talk
I saw a shooting star
In some magnetic trance
Our beating hearts would dance
And crash down from afar
Oh, how strange fate is"
"Then one night I walked
I heard your body talk
I saw a shooting star
In some magnetic trance
Our beating hearts would dance
And crash down from afar
Oh, how strange fate is"
April 8, 2023
Tomito de amigo invisible, menos mal que me lo regalo mi hermana y no mis tíos, porque lo creía puro y al final hay sexo (aunque mi familia sabe lo que leo, no hace falta que lo vean).
Okey, tomito precioso sobre dos tontos muy tontos enamorados el uno del otro, pero que creen que el otro le odia por un malentendido de hace tiempo y años de distanciamiento, es un tomo muy cuqui donde se ve que ambos chicos se tienen ganas.
Sotaro y Haruomi son amigos desde niños, compañeros cercanos, Sotaro solía ir a ver bailar a Haruomi en los espectáculos, pero tuvieron un malentendido y Sotaro le dijo a Haru que odiaba como bailaba a pesar de ser mentira, tras eso no se pudo disculpar, ya que destinaron a su padre en el extranjero y se mudó, provocando un distanciamiento forzado entre los dos que solo hizo que ambos creyeran que el otro le detestaba. Años más tarde, Satoru volvió a Japón y para intentar encontrarle finge ser un trabajador en una casa para así poder verle de nuevo, y aunque la mentira funciona, al final el mismo revela la verdad. Pero obvio no pueden ser felices, Satoru está prometido con una mujer y además están en plena 2.ª Guerra Mundial y los aviones amenazan a la población civil mientras los hombres temen que les llegue la cartilla de reclutamiento.
¡Qué mala soy para los resúmenes!
El tomo es autoconclusivo, no es muy emocionante, pero para pasar la tarde está bien, hay un poquito de angst, porque tú ves que se quieren y ellos son más ciegos que una roca. No sé que más decir del manga, ¿lo habéis leído?
Okey, tomito precioso sobre dos tontos muy tontos enamorados el uno del otro, pero que creen que el otro le odia por un malentendido de hace tiempo y años de distanciamiento, es un tomo muy cuqui donde se ve que ambos chicos se tienen ganas.
Sotaro y Haruomi son amigos desde niños, compañeros cercanos, Sotaro solía ir a ver bailar a Haruomi en los espectáculos, pero tuvieron un malentendido y Sotaro le dijo a Haru que odiaba como bailaba a pesar de ser mentira, tras eso no se pudo disculpar, ya que destinaron a su padre en el extranjero y se mudó, provocando un distanciamiento forzado entre los dos que solo hizo que ambos creyeran que el otro le detestaba. Años más tarde, Satoru volvió a Japón y para intentar encontrarle finge ser un trabajador en una casa para así poder verle de nuevo, y aunque la mentira funciona, al final el mismo revela la verdad. Pero obvio no pueden ser felices, Satoru está prometido con una mujer y además están en plena 2.ª Guerra Mundial y los aviones amenazan a la población civil mientras los hombres temen que les llegue la cartilla de reclutamiento.
¡Qué mala soy para los resúmenes!
El tomo es autoconclusivo, no es muy emocionante, pero para pasar la tarde está bien, hay un poquito de angst, porque tú ves que se quieren y ellos son más ciegos que una roca. No sé que más decir del manga, ¿lo habéis leído?
March 16, 2024
Hoy vengo a hablaros de este manga BL histórico. Ya sabéis que me encanta la novela ambientada en la II Guerra Mundial. Pues imaginar, si es un BL ambientado en esa época.
En esta historia nos encontramos a dos amigos, Sotaro, hijo de un gran comercial que se va de Japón durante un tiempo para aprender sobre la empresa de su padre. Pero antes de partir, le dice a su mejor amigo Haruomi que no le gusta como baila. Algo que es todo mentira. Porque Sotaro está enamorado de esa forma tan especial de bailar. Al cabo de los años, Sotaro vuelve a Japón, y se encuentra que Haruomi ya no es Onnagata por lo que le dijo antes de irse. Así que intenta convencerlo de que fue todo mentira y le demuestra sus verdaderos sentimientos. Todo esto con la II Guerra Mundial como fondo.
Lo que más destaco es la ilustración es muy bonita. Cuida mucho los detalles tanto de los paisajes como de la indumentaria y tocados de las geishas y meikos.
La historia entre los dos personajes es muy bonita. Además que se cuenta muy bien a pesar de ser un tomo único. Tiene una evolución muy buena y creíble. Aunque cae en el cliché de las historias de época de los matrimonios concertados y de las amistades especiales entre personas de mismo sexo.
La ambientación de la guerra parece que es algo que está ahí de fondo pero es algo importante en el trascurso de la historia porque es lo que va decidiendo la situación de los personajes y en la toma de decisiones, en ocasiones precipitadas y dolorosas para todas las partes implicadas.
Es una historia en partes tierna y bonita. Pero también dura.
En esta historia nos encontramos a dos amigos, Sotaro, hijo de un gran comercial que se va de Japón durante un tiempo para aprender sobre la empresa de su padre. Pero antes de partir, le dice a su mejor amigo Haruomi que no le gusta como baila. Algo que es todo mentira. Porque Sotaro está enamorado de esa forma tan especial de bailar. Al cabo de los años, Sotaro vuelve a Japón, y se encuentra que Haruomi ya no es Onnagata por lo que le dijo antes de irse. Así que intenta convencerlo de que fue todo mentira y le demuestra sus verdaderos sentimientos. Todo esto con la II Guerra Mundial como fondo.
Lo que más destaco es la ilustración es muy bonita. Cuida mucho los detalles tanto de los paisajes como de la indumentaria y tocados de las geishas y meikos.
La historia entre los dos personajes es muy bonita. Además que se cuenta muy bien a pesar de ser un tomo único. Tiene una evolución muy buena y creíble. Aunque cae en el cliché de las historias de época de los matrimonios concertados y de las amistades especiales entre personas de mismo sexo.
La ambientación de la guerra parece que es algo que está ahí de fondo pero es algo importante en el trascurso de la historia porque es lo que va decidiendo la situación de los personajes y en la toma de decisiones, en ocasiones precipitadas y dolorosas para todas las partes implicadas.
Es una historia en partes tierna y bonita. Pero también dura.
May 5, 2023
This story was very touching and romantic. There is a epic feeling to this story and it has a delicate mood about it, like any moment the flower could wilt. It was so beautiful.
The story is set in 1941 in Japan, so this is during WWII. Our leads are a Geisha dancer from a child and his best friend who is a wealthy aristocratic land owner. The two were best friends as kids and they had a falling out. The rich one loves to watch the other dance.
Now our MC is looking to see his friend dance again. We get to see the beauty of the Geisha world. It's too bad we can get a real sense of the dancing. For years, Memoirs of a Geisha was one of my favorite books. It was stunning, that world. This story reminded me of that.
This is a love story, so the two leads have to find a way around their old wounds and finally come together and what happens. War. They are bombing the city and the rich man has to join the army. The book glosses over this so we don't really feel the anxiety and loss of these two from each other.
This book touched me. There was a feeling of romance. I think it's that one of them was also an artist. Having something to bring joy to people, even in times of crisis. I want to own this story. It was beautiful and well told. I need to find my by this author.
The story is set in 1941 in Japan, so this is during WWII. Our leads are a Geisha dancer from a child and his best friend who is a wealthy aristocratic land owner. The two were best friends as kids and they had a falling out. The rich one loves to watch the other dance.
Now our MC is looking to see his friend dance again. We get to see the beauty of the Geisha world. It's too bad we can get a real sense of the dancing. For years, Memoirs of a Geisha was one of my favorite books. It was stunning, that world. This story reminded me of that.
This is a love story, so the two leads have to find a way around their old wounds and finally come together and what happens. War. They are bombing the city and the rich man has to join the army. The book glosses over this so we don't really feel the anxiety and loss of these two from each other.
This book touched me. There was a feeling of romance. I think it's that one of them was also an artist. Having something to bring joy to people, even in times of crisis. I want to own this story. It was beautiful and well told. I need to find my by this author.
June 14, 2025
"The Flower that seems to truly dance" is a war romance story about two young men living through the end of World War II.
Haruomi is an orphan who makes a living dancing at a geisha house(though it seems his parents may have given him up to the geisha house)meets Shoutaro who is amazed by Haru's beautiful dancing.
They quickly become friends however because of Shou's father's work and the war Shou moves to live in Germany with his father for around 9 years.
Years later he returns to Japan hoping to rekindle his relationship with Haru after their fight before he had left.
Haru now teaches children traditional Japanese dance.
Shou pretends to be a new worker at the geisha house to get closer to Haru and apologize.
Events occur that separate these two:
An older woman's father who tried to force Shou to marry his daughter and of course the war itself.
I was worried that this story would end in tragedy but fortunately there was a good ending.
I only wish this story was longer and that there were more discussions and explanations in regards to why Shou was missing during the war and where he was before his return.
I also wanted Haru to be able to re-purchase his prized kimono that he had to sell.
Other than the annoying older woman who was trying to force Shou into marrying her the story was lovely despite having many bleak moments.
Haruomi is an orphan who makes a living dancing at a geisha house(though it seems his parents may have given him up to the geisha house)meets Shoutaro who is amazed by Haru's beautiful dancing.
They quickly become friends however because of Shou's father's work and the war Shou moves to live in Germany with his father for around 9 years.
Years later he returns to Japan hoping to rekindle his relationship with Haru after their fight before he had left.
Haru now teaches children traditional Japanese dance.
Shou pretends to be a new worker at the geisha house to get closer to Haru and apologize.
Events occur that separate these two:
An older woman's father who tried to force Shou to marry his daughter and of course the war itself.
I was worried that this story would end in tragedy but fortunately there was a good ending.
I only wish this story was longer and that there were more discussions and explanations in regards to why Shou was missing during the war and where he was before his return.
I also wanted Haru to be able to re-purchase his prized kimono that he had to sell.
Other than the annoying older woman who was trying to force Shou into marrying her the story was lovely despite having many bleak moments.
August 17, 2023
This story was so beautiful it had me in tears. Two young friends, one of whom is an amazing traditional Japanese dancer, have a falling out and part ways. However, through the years they never forget each other, and the dancer even keeps the lovely flower hair clip that his friend gave him. After a number of years, with Japan on the brink of WWII, the friends reunite, and after a series of awkward encounters and the war sending them once again on different paths, both men realize that if they are lucky enough to come out of the war alive, they never want to live without each other.
Being a white, cisgender, woman, I always seek out books from voices that are different from my life experience. Honestly, that's the entire point of reading for me. I want to see life through as many different lenses and experiences as possible. If you only read what you know, you can never hope to understand, love, and empathize with people who have very different life experiences.
Being a white, cisgender, woman, I always seek out books from voices that are different from my life experience. Honestly, that's the entire point of reading for me. I want to see life through as many different lenses and experiences as possible. If you only read what you know, you can never hope to understand, love, and empathize with people who have very different life experiences.
June 24, 2024
Historical fiction is a tried and true sub-genre when it comes to romance and the same goes for anime and manga. One doesn’t have to look far to find martial arts, traditional weapons, samurai, kimono, traditional dance and all sorts of things associated with the Japanese aesthetic. For many of us that rich culture is exactly why we love these mediums so much. So to find a Boy’s Love manga sitting right in the middle of that historical and cultural context is a real treat - especially when the mangaka goes the extra step to make it fit in with what was considered acceptable at the time and how actual queer people might have found a place to exist in a world with different ideals and expectations.
Read the full review at Well, Are They? A Queer Review blog:
https://wellarethey.blogspot.com/2024...
Read the full review at Well, Are They? A Queer Review blog:
https://wellarethey.blogspot.com/2024...
January 6, 2025
Es una historia bonita con un slow romance ambientado durante la guerra en japón, además es un friends to lovers que se separaron por malentendidos cuando eran pequeños. Y disfruté del manga, aun así le falto algo para engancharme totalmente.
Creo que me hubiera gustado más romance entre los protagonistas, y de esa forma disfrutar más su encuentro una vez que admiten sus sentimientos. Aunque tiene sentido que el libro se enfoque en aspectos más políticos y de la vida de cada protagonista por separado.
De todas formas fue bastante original tener como protagonistas a un bailarín tradicional y un arquitecto. Respecto al estilo de dibujo, me encantó, es bien clásico y funciona perfecto para la historia.
De Saki Tsukahara leí Replay y me encantó (que también tiene un romance entre amigos), así que creo que es una mangaka para recomendar sí o sí. Estaré revisando sus otros mangas.
Creo que me hubiera gustado más romance entre los protagonistas, y de esa forma disfrutar más su encuentro una vez que admiten sus sentimientos. Aunque tiene sentido que el libro se enfoque en aspectos más políticos y de la vida de cada protagonista por separado.
De todas formas fue bastante original tener como protagonistas a un bailarín tradicional y un arquitecto. Respecto al estilo de dibujo, me encantó, es bien clásico y funciona perfecto para la historia.
De Saki Tsukahara leí Replay y me encantó (que también tiene un romance entre amigos), así que creo que es una mangaka para recomendar sí o sí. Estaré revisando sus otros mangas.
March 5, 2025
Encontré este manga en una librería de libros usados, no sé quien lo haya donado pero mi infinita gratitud a quien lo haya dejado ir.
Ha sido precioso, he sufrido porque todo el libro mi mente sacando las cuentas de que año era y al no darte meses específicos sufría. Una ambientación preciosa que te deja vislumbrar los efectos de la segunda Guerra en Japón, lo sufres, pero la construcción de los personajes, la relación de los protagonistas hace que todo valga la pena al final. Hay una escena en medio del manga *spoilers* donde hay un bombardeo y Sotaro sale en busca de Haruomi y me mata, sufro todo el caos, la preocupación, es increíble como plasma todo en tan pocos paneles, cuando se separan en esa escena es full sufrimiento, pero me alegra que a pesar del caos hayan terminado bien. ;-;
Ha sido precioso, he sufrido porque todo el libro mi mente sacando las cuentas de que año era y al no darte meses específicos sufría. Una ambientación preciosa que te deja vislumbrar los efectos de la segunda Guerra en Japón, lo sufres, pero la construcción de los personajes, la relación de los protagonistas hace que todo valga la pena al final. Hay una escena en medio del manga *spoilers* donde hay un bombardeo y Sotaro sale en busca de Haruomi y me mata, sufro todo el caos, la preocupación, es increíble como plasma todo en tan pocos paneles, cuando se separan en esa escena es full sufrimiento, pero me alegra que a pesar del caos hayan terminado bien. ;-;
November 11, 2025
In 1941, childhood friends reunite when Soutarou Kuramoto returns to Japan having been overseas for years. Haroumi Asuma is a famous dancer known for his delicate style and beautiful costumes. Before leaving Japan, Soutarou is afraid that he hurt Haroumi's feelings by giving him a woman's hair ornament and telling him he doesn't like the way he dances, which is untrue. Both realize their long-suppressed feelings while surviving the war, considering their futures, and reconnecting.
There's a little bit of spice, but really, it's about their story. I've actually read 3-4 times, most recently digitally, the cover was so different. When I realized that I already knew this story, I just happily read it again anyway.
There's a little bit of spice, but really, it's about their story. I've actually read 3-4 times, most recently digitally, the cover was so different. When I realized that I already knew this story, I just happily read it again anyway.
March 2, 2023
This pandered to me so much that despite a little bit of rushed ending I'm giving it five stars. Historical setting is already a huge plus, but it has "I've-always-loved-you-but-something-happened-and-we've-been-apart-until-now-and-now-we-have-a-new-chance" trope, I'm a sucker for that. And it wasn't like either of them were on fence about their love for each other, they just didn't think the other felt the same. Plus it has very beautiful art!
Like I mentioned, I think the final chapter condensed things a little too much when the other chapters had been building up things beautifully but overall I loved it.
Like I mentioned, I think the final chapter condensed things a little too much when the other chapters had been building up things beautifully but overall I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews