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憂鬱な朝 / Yūutsu na asa #1
Blue Morning, Vol. 1
At only ten years of age, Akihito Kuze suddenly inherits the Kuze viscountship after his father’s death. The family's capable butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi, takes over the task of raising the boy, serving as his tutor. However, the handsome and intelligent Katsuragi, well respected even among the aristocracy, remains cool towards his charge. Akihito finds himself relentlessly drawn to Katsuragi, frustrated by the distance between them and driven to discover the reasons why.
Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for mature audiences.
Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for mature audiences.
202 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2009
15 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
About the author
Shoko Hidaka
47 books115 followersShoko Hidaka (native name: 日高ショーコ) is a Japanese mangaka unit.
The drawings are by Shoko Hidaka, and the stories are by Takie (タキエ) but the author name is always "Shoko Hidaka".
Dōjinshi Circle: speaker
The drawings are by Shoko Hidaka, and the stories are by Takie (タキエ) but the author name is always "Shoko Hidaka".
Dōjinshi Circle: speaker
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
August 5, 2018
I didn't enjoy this. It is too angsty, and there is too much manipulation/intrigue. Also, I was completely not expecting that .*
That said, I think overall it was objectively well-done, so if those are qualities you enjoy, this book may be for you. If so, come back and tell me whether some thing didn't make sense (for instance, is Katsuragi genuinely committed to furthering the interests of Kuze house? If so why is he preparing the heir so poorly?) or if one just has to wait for the clarity in a later volume.
The art and historical setting seemed solid.
*Click if you want a trigger warning.
That said, I think overall it was objectively well-done, so if those are qualities you enjoy, this book may be for you. If so, come back and tell me whether some thing didn't make sense (for instance, is Katsuragi genuinely committed to furthering the interests of Kuze house? If so why is he preparing the heir so poorly?) or if one just has to wait for the clarity in a later volume.
The art and historical setting seemed solid.
*Click if you want a trigger warning.
May 18, 2017
Esta serie tiene mucho, mucho, potencial, como siempre es un primer tomo y yo, me quedo un poco esperando situarme.
Hidaka Shoko creo ha hecho un trabajo muy interesante en este manga y ya está posicionado como una de mis futuras compras.
Hidaka Shoko creo ha hecho un trabajo muy interesante en este manga y ya está posicionado como una de mis futuras compras.
May 9, 2018
Excelente traducción de Ana María Caro que me ha hecho reconciliarme con este manga que abandoné allá por el su tercera entrega.
Tengo 6 tomos de SuBLime y probablemente me compre la edición española, merece la pena leerlo en nuestro idioma, de verdad, hay unos matices que jamás vas a apreciar en la versión en inglés.
Tengo 6 tomos de SuBLime y probablemente me compre la edición española, merece la pena leerlo en nuestro idioma, de verdad, hay unos matices que jamás vas a apreciar en la versión en inglés.
January 1, 2019
Rereading this reminded me this is on of the better BL series out there and also fucking gorgeous. (Despite having been released in 2009! She's definitely gotten even better since then, but this is so good already.)
Edited on 1/1/2019: re-reading this because I finally got the final volume and I want to be able to savour it. Managed to read it without looking up any words, phew. (There were some bits about the nobility I didn't understand but oh well.)
Edited on 1/1/2019: re-reading this because I finally got the final volume and I want to be able to savour it. Managed to read it without looking up any words, phew. (There were some bits about the nobility I didn't understand but oh well.)
December 31, 2013
It's a bit dark and mysterious...and different. I really like it! The translation is good and the story is easy to follow. The artwork is pretty, but the sex isn't explicit.
The story revolves around a young viscount, Akihito Kuze, and his butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi, who has been put in charge of the house until Akihito becomes of age. All Katsuragi seems to care about is advancing the Kuze name, and all Akihito wants is Katsuragi...so there is tons of tension and unrequited love...and a bit of mystery.
I've already ordered Vol 2 and 3!
The story revolves around a young viscount, Akihito Kuze, and his butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi, who has been put in charge of the house until Akihito becomes of age. All Katsuragi seems to care about is advancing the Kuze name, and all Akihito wants is Katsuragi...so there is tons of tension and unrequited love...and a bit of mystery.
I've already ordered Vol 2 and 3!
June 2, 2021
Why did everyone rate this so high? That was rape.
January 8, 2025
El anhelo de Akihito en ese final fue desgarrador y emocionante. Me encanta como con solo este primer tomo ya estoy picada por saber qué me espera en los siguientes, en especial cómo progresa la relación de los protagonistas.
August 25, 2016
"From the beginning, Katsuragi's been everything to me. I know he will never acknowledge me as a man worth being with. I know he will never fall in love with me. But I love him, I can't live without him. If only Katsuragi would always stay by my side. I won't ask for his heart. But if I can be forever with him, I'll do anything for him." -- Akihito
I really like Hana wa Saku ka/Does The Flower Bloom?, another great work from Hidaka-Sensei. And I know this one has a great m/m romance too. But, aside from its good plot and viscount x butler's love story in Taishō era, Yuuutsu na Asa (Blue Morning) is labeled as one of a depressing manga. And that's the reason why it was on my to-read list for several months, as I was keep waiting and waiting for the right time to read it, lol. Well, I'm not that fond of tragedy or depressing story. And it's really painful to watch when Akihito have to keep begging love and seeking attention from Katsuragi...while the latter's keep giving him cold shoulder and it seems Katsuragi's heart remains unwavering...
July 9, 2024
Interesting starting point and lovely art. I'm looking forward to learn everything about this society, their secrets and the implications of the relationships among everyone.
August 11, 2019
Actually I can’t have just to focus on their relationship, but the story itself which takes place in Japan’s Taisho era; their social environment and political settings were too far beyond from my first expectation. The author sure did a lot of works into historical researching.
Many people seemed to feel stressed out of this work because of its angsty atmosphere between two protagonists and their surroundings, but I would like to recommend for those who wanting some nice historical-based BL story.
I would say that 「憂鬱な朝」is the best BL out of my fav list ever :)
Many people seemed to feel stressed out of this work because of its angsty atmosphere between two protagonists and their surroundings, but I would like to recommend for those who wanting some nice historical-based BL story.
I would say that 「憂鬱な朝」is the best BL out of my fav list ever :)
February 28, 2019
Very serious, angsty, historical drama. Lovely artwork. This saga starts off with ten year old Akihito arriving to inherit his estranged fathers place as viscount. There he meets his butler and guardian Tomoyuki, who has his own deep dark secrets. This volume we see how calculating and manipulative politics and social standings are of that time era. And the effects of the harsh environment has on Akihito as a young adult. The real relationship is just starting.
September 30, 2019
I'm looking forward to the next volume
August 14, 2021
Not really liking the age gap relationship, it’s rather forced….
January 3, 2026
Un premier tome plutôt sympa même si je déplore la scène de v**l. Vraiment, c’est hyper rare les BL sans cette première scène où le consentement n’existe pas et c’est très problématique. De plus, les personnages ont dix ans d’écart ce qui est un peu dérangeant mais on peut le comprendre car cela se passe à une autre époque en revanche dans ce premier tome l’un d’eux est mineur… Encore une fois, je sais qu’à cette époque les mentalités étaient différentes donc on va dire que « ça passe ». J’espère que dans les prochains tomes le consentement sera bien plus présent.
La relation est pleine de manipulation et n’est pas équilibrée. Le plus jeune est clairement obsédé par le plus âgé d’une façon pas du tout saine…
Sinon, l’intrigue n’est qu’à son début mais elle est plutôt intéressante. À voir comment cela évolue.
La relation est pleine de manipulation et n’est pas équilibrée. Le plus jeune est clairement obsédé par le plus âgé d’une façon pas du tout saine…
Sinon, l’intrigue n’est qu’à son début mais elle est plutôt intéressante. À voir comment cela évolue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2023
He començat aquesta sèrie amb moltes ganes per les bones crítiques que he llegit, però m'ha costat connectar-hi. Suposo que el period drama no ajuda en el meu cas (pel gran xoc de valors i creences) ni tampoc que la relació entre els protes sigui tan tèrbola, amb tant de secretisme. Veurem com avança...
March 13, 2022
Tenía muchas ganas de comenzar con Blue Morning, un yaoi poco común dentro del BL, ya que no cuenta la típica historia de amor, sino los entresijos de las altas posiciones sociales y oscuros secretos. También hay romance, por supuesto. La tensión entre los protagonistas bien resuelta es el gran aliciente.
May 7, 2021
Bellissima storia ricca di dettagli storici e complicati intrighi familiari.
May 10, 2019
Akihito Kuze inherits the title of viscount at the tender age of ten, on the death of his father. Because of his mother’s frail health, he has always lived with her, apart from his father, who allowed Akihito to stay with her so she wouldn’t be lonely. Having never lived in his father’s home, he’s in for something of a shock on his arrival at the large mansion which is now his and meets the man who is in charge of raising him—butler Tomoyuki Katsuragi. Before he died, Kuze’s father told him to listen to Katsuragi on all things. Akihito is surprised to discover how young the butler is—only eleven years separates their ages. A reception is held in honor of the new viscount, who feels very much out of place. He notices, to his surprise, that most of the people there are drawn to Katsuragi, and actually seek him out. What sort of a man is this butler? Confiding to Katsuragi that he has never learned Western manners, the butler covers for him by telling everyone he is ill and sending him to his room.
Katsuragi takes control of Kuze’s education, and Kuze finds him a stern taskmaster. One day he notices a carriage belonging to a wealthy family seems to come to the estate often, bearing Master Shigeyuki. Curious about his reason for being there, Kuze investigates, and witnesses a kiss between Shigeyuki and Katsuragi! He also overhears the other man trying to entice Katsuragi to send Kuze away and come to live in his house! Kuze is overheard and the meeting comes to an end, Shigeyuki taking his leave. Kuze tries to get Katsuragi to explain things to him, but a clear explanation is not forthcoming. He merely asserts his desire for Kuze to be as perfect as possible.
A few years pass. Now seventeen, Kuze is taking classes at a prestigious academy, but he has permission not to sleep in the dorm. Arriving home early one night he learns Katsuragi is with a visitor and not to be disturbed. Kuze disturbs him anyway, only to find him with a woman of the noble class. Katsuragi insists that everything he does is for the Kuze family, even this. He purposely opens the door to reveal the woman’s presence, thus ensuring her cooperation in future matters concerning the Kuze.
Kuze has always sought Katsuragi’s approbation, but there’s more to that now. He finds himself attracted to the man. And when Katsuragi implies that all he has to do is command him to go to Kuze’s room, he will obey. Does he mean what Katsuragi hopes he means?
This is my first time reading this author. I especially enjoy the artwork, it’s very well drawn, and Katsuragi is certainly easy on the eyes. There is so much more here than the average yaoi manga, wheels within wheels, and I find myself as confused as Akitio at times. I’m sure things will become clearer as we go along. Katsuragi is indeed an enigma. He entered the service of Kuze’s father when he was nine, and was told in no uncertain terms not to go to the Katsuragi house ever again, which he hasn’t. Akihito particularly doesn’t understand this, especially now that Katsuragi’s father is in failing health. He begins to ask questions, and even arranges a meeting with Katsuragi’s older brother, who is in banking.
Kiku has been the housekeeper for the Kuze household since before Akihito’s arrival, but she is older now and in ill health, so has left their service. She is the only servant left from the time of Katsurago’s arrival, the only one that knows about him. But what does she know?
Katsuragi drives Akihito crazy with his cold, inflexible exterior, and yet Akihito wants nothing more than to please him. What will it take to get through to the man? Ordering someone isn’t the same as having them want to do it. Will he be able to make Katsuragi want him the way he wants the butler?
I enjoyed this volume very much and look forward to reading more of the series.
Katsuragi takes control of Kuze’s education, and Kuze finds him a stern taskmaster. One day he notices a carriage belonging to a wealthy family seems to come to the estate often, bearing Master Shigeyuki. Curious about his reason for being there, Kuze investigates, and witnesses a kiss between Shigeyuki and Katsuragi! He also overhears the other man trying to entice Katsuragi to send Kuze away and come to live in his house! Kuze is overheard and the meeting comes to an end, Shigeyuki taking his leave. Kuze tries to get Katsuragi to explain things to him, but a clear explanation is not forthcoming. He merely asserts his desire for Kuze to be as perfect as possible.
A few years pass. Now seventeen, Kuze is taking classes at a prestigious academy, but he has permission not to sleep in the dorm. Arriving home early one night he learns Katsuragi is with a visitor and not to be disturbed. Kuze disturbs him anyway, only to find him with a woman of the noble class. Katsuragi insists that everything he does is for the Kuze family, even this. He purposely opens the door to reveal the woman’s presence, thus ensuring her cooperation in future matters concerning the Kuze.
Kuze has always sought Katsuragi’s approbation, but there’s more to that now. He finds himself attracted to the man. And when Katsuragi implies that all he has to do is command him to go to Kuze’s room, he will obey. Does he mean what Katsuragi hopes he means?
This is my first time reading this author. I especially enjoy the artwork, it’s very well drawn, and Katsuragi is certainly easy on the eyes. There is so much more here than the average yaoi manga, wheels within wheels, and I find myself as confused as Akitio at times. I’m sure things will become clearer as we go along. Katsuragi is indeed an enigma. He entered the service of Kuze’s father when he was nine, and was told in no uncertain terms not to go to the Katsuragi house ever again, which he hasn’t. Akihito particularly doesn’t understand this, especially now that Katsuragi’s father is in failing health. He begins to ask questions, and even arranges a meeting with Katsuragi’s older brother, who is in banking.
Kiku has been the housekeeper for the Kuze household since before Akihito’s arrival, but she is older now and in ill health, so has left their service. She is the only servant left from the time of Katsurago’s arrival, the only one that knows about him. But what does she know?
Katsuragi drives Akihito crazy with his cold, inflexible exterior, and yet Akihito wants nothing more than to please him. What will it take to get through to the man? Ordering someone isn’t the same as having them want to do it. Will he be able to make Katsuragi want him the way he wants the butler?
I enjoyed this volume very much and look forward to reading more of the series.
May 4, 2019
Este manga es, en realidad, un drama de época, dejando de lado su parte yaoi clara y evidente. Blue Morning nos adentra en una compleja historia ambientada en el Japón de la restauración Miji a principios del siglo XX. Es la época cuando Japón se está occidentalizando.
La historia también refleja la evolución que ha ido teniendo Akihito desde los diez años. Sí es cierto que hay varios saltos temporales que no se reflejan pero que tú los intuyes por como pasan las cosas. Es decir, no te viene el típico "5 años después" sino que la propia narración de indica que han transcurrido unos cuantos años.
Hidaka refleja la ambición de la aristocracia y un mundo de intrigas palaciegas. Pero también dota su historia de un cierto misterio, que no se aclara en este primer tomo pero que algo se puede intuir. Katsuragi tiene un gran secreto, ¿cuál será?
Además también refleja la imposible o difícil historia de amor entre Ahikito y Katsuragi. Esta relación es ya complicada desde el comienzo, donde se aprecia una clara reticencia por parte de Katsuragi que ronda el odio y el hastío. Además el mayordomo se tiene que prostituir con otros miembros de la aristocracia para que Kuze crezca. A esto se le une que la única escena sexual de este primer tomo parezca más una relación sexual de amo - esclavo. Pero no es así, ya que Akihito sí le ama realmente. Otra cosa buena que tiene es que la trama sexual no es lo más importante en esta historia.
A estos dos personajes principales se les suma una gama muy amplia de secundarios, casi todos pertenecientes a la aristocracia y nobleza del Japón, pero que son también importantes para la trama.
El dibujo es muy bonito y me gusta mucho la forma que tiene Hidaka de mostrar las expresiones faciales de los distintos personajes. La edición también es muy bonita. Tiene una sobrecubierta donde se muestra a los dos protagonistas y la primera página del tomo también está a color. Lo único malo es que el color rosa de la portada despinta, pero con la sobrecubierta encima no se nota.
En definitiva, es una historia apasionante donde hay un claro ejemplo de la ambición de la aristocracia por subir de escalafón y de poder. Sus personajes están muy bien definidos, conseguidos y con una muy buena evolución. Y aunque es de género yaoi, el manga no se centra exclusivamente en eso, dando además toques de misterio. Super recomendable.
Más en mi blog La Gran Biblioteca de David (https://lagranbibliotecadedavid.blogs...)
La historia también refleja la evolución que ha ido teniendo Akihito desde los diez años. Sí es cierto que hay varios saltos temporales que no se reflejan pero que tú los intuyes por como pasan las cosas. Es decir, no te viene el típico "5 años después" sino que la propia narración de indica que han transcurrido unos cuantos años.
Hidaka refleja la ambición de la aristocracia y un mundo de intrigas palaciegas. Pero también dota su historia de un cierto misterio, que no se aclara en este primer tomo pero que algo se puede intuir. Katsuragi tiene un gran secreto, ¿cuál será?
Además también refleja la imposible o difícil historia de amor entre Ahikito y Katsuragi. Esta relación es ya complicada desde el comienzo, donde se aprecia una clara reticencia por parte de Katsuragi que ronda el odio y el hastío. Además el mayordomo se tiene que prostituir con otros miembros de la aristocracia para que Kuze crezca. A esto se le une que la única escena sexual de este primer tomo parezca más una relación sexual de amo - esclavo. Pero no es así, ya que Akihito sí le ama realmente. Otra cosa buena que tiene es que la trama sexual no es lo más importante en esta historia.
A estos dos personajes principales se les suma una gama muy amplia de secundarios, casi todos pertenecientes a la aristocracia y nobleza del Japón, pero que son también importantes para la trama.
El dibujo es muy bonito y me gusta mucho la forma que tiene Hidaka de mostrar las expresiones faciales de los distintos personajes. La edición también es muy bonita. Tiene una sobrecubierta donde se muestra a los dos protagonistas y la primera página del tomo también está a color. Lo único malo es que el color rosa de la portada despinta, pero con la sobrecubierta encima no se nota.
En definitiva, es una historia apasionante donde hay un claro ejemplo de la ambición de la aristocracia por subir de escalafón y de poder. Sus personajes están muy bien definidos, conseguidos y con una muy buena evolución. Y aunque es de género yaoi, el manga no se centra exclusivamente en eso, dando además toques de misterio. Super recomendable.
Más en mi blog La Gran Biblioteca de David (https://lagranbibliotecadedavid.blogs...)
August 13, 2024
On my 3rd or 4th re-read of this book...and it is still beautiful, still wonderful, and still makes me feel all gushy.
The build-up of the relationship, the underlying tension for the first half of the book, and the way Katsugari doesn't obviously age but the small things remind you how young he must have been when Akihito was little, are all special little nuances I love.
Yes, there is potential dub-con if you squint, but I think considering Katsugari's character, he'd be more than willing and able to shove Akihito off and tell him where to shove it, if he wanted to. Yes, I do think he went through with it out of duty to the Kuze name, at first, but in the panels that followed the first kiss, I feel like I can see his confusion over Akihito's obvious affection and how he doesn't want it to be like this, but he's been pushed to his limits. I feel like we can see the conflict in Katsugari. But the one panel that really seals the deal for me - proving this is more than duty and that Katsugari is knocked sideways by what happened - is the panel of the morning after, when he's in his dishevelled clothes, outside the house, looking like his entire world has been shaken. Then, his conversation with the Countess reveals it more starkly, because even she can see the change in him.
Knowing what follows - as I've now read all but the final book - I feel like this is the start of something beautiful beginning to form. For Akihito, his passion made a nightmare of something he'd dreamed of for so long, but he can't let it go because he feels it's the only way Katsugari will ever be his, and he's so helplessly in love, so helplessly sheltered from love and passion, that he doesn't know how to properly express it. Not surprising, considering his two role models: his father and Katsugari, who are both a bit two-faced about affection. But it's also the beginning of Katsugari opening his eyes to his listless, orderly life and how he's never known the kind of passion Akihito shows him before, and how it's completely shaken his life, his feelings, and his beliefs.
Ugh, so much UST and amazingness to come...I can't wait for the final volume.
The build-up of the relationship, the underlying tension for the first half of the book, and the way Katsugari doesn't obviously age but the small things remind you how young he must have been when Akihito was little, are all special little nuances I love.
Yes, there is potential dub-con if you squint, but I think considering Katsugari's character, he'd be more than willing and able to shove Akihito off and tell him where to shove it, if he wanted to. Yes, I do think he went through with it out of duty to the Kuze name, at first, but in the panels that followed the first kiss, I feel like I can see his confusion over Akihito's obvious affection and how he doesn't want it to be like this, but he's been pushed to his limits. I feel like we can see the conflict in Katsugari. But the one panel that really seals the deal for me - proving this is more than duty and that Katsugari is knocked sideways by what happened - is the panel of the morning after, when he's in his dishevelled clothes, outside the house, looking like his entire world has been shaken. Then, his conversation with the Countess reveals it more starkly, because even she can see the change in him.
Knowing what follows - as I've now read all but the final book - I feel like this is the start of something beautiful beginning to form. For Akihito, his passion made a nightmare of something he'd dreamed of for so long, but he can't let it go because he feels it's the only way Katsugari will ever be his, and he's so helplessly in love, so helplessly sheltered from love and passion, that he doesn't know how to properly express it. Not surprising, considering his two role models: his father and Katsugari, who are both a bit two-faced about affection. But it's also the beginning of Katsugari opening his eyes to his listless, orderly life and how he's never known the kind of passion Akihito shows him before, and how it's completely shaken his life, his feelings, and his beliefs.
Ugh, so much UST and amazingness to come...I can't wait for the final volume.
October 14, 2020
Estos mangas nos cuentan la vida de Akihito, un niño que a los 10 años, tras morir su padre, es nombrado vizconde en Tokio. A su cargo queda Tomoyuki, el mayordomo joven que anteriormente había sido el pupilo del padre de Akihito.
Le enseñará todo lo que él sabe, le hará más culto, más elegante y sobre todo le enseñará a tratar con un mundo despiadado que Akihito no conoce y para ello deberá ser demasiado desagradable y serio. Pero, los años pasan, y la relación entre ellos se hace más de igual a igual; quizás demasiado para la sociedad en la que viven.
Estos mangas son fantásticos, enganchan muchísimo porque te sientes con ganas de saber como evoluciona la relación que tienen los dos, y como poco a poco van sintiendo el uno por el otro. También me gusta cuando se vuelve al pasado, son momentos en los que se descubre detalles que no sabíamos.
Los gráficos describen genial a los personajes, el ambiente opresivo de las clases altas y la intimidad de la relación de ambos de puertas para adentro.
Es un manga que te enseña la hipocresía, la corrupción y la venganza de las altas esferas y de la sociedad en general, aunque se tenga que traicionar a la propia familia. La presión de los jóvenes por ser los mejores, por casarse con la mejor dama aunque suspiren por si amigo más fiel.
Con ganas de seguir leyendo este manga y de ver como se soluciona la tensión que tienen los protagonistas. Si te gustan los mangas, los libros lgtb y las relaciones secretas, este es tu libro
Le enseñará todo lo que él sabe, le hará más culto, más elegante y sobre todo le enseñará a tratar con un mundo despiadado que Akihito no conoce y para ello deberá ser demasiado desagradable y serio. Pero, los años pasan, y la relación entre ellos se hace más de igual a igual; quizás demasiado para la sociedad en la que viven.
Estos mangas son fantásticos, enganchan muchísimo porque te sientes con ganas de saber como evoluciona la relación que tienen los dos, y como poco a poco van sintiendo el uno por el otro. También me gusta cuando se vuelve al pasado, son momentos en los que se descubre detalles que no sabíamos.
Los gráficos describen genial a los personajes, el ambiente opresivo de las clases altas y la intimidad de la relación de ambos de puertas para adentro.
Es un manga que te enseña la hipocresía, la corrupción y la venganza de las altas esferas y de la sociedad en general, aunque se tenga que traicionar a la propia familia. La presión de los jóvenes por ser los mejores, por casarse con la mejor dama aunque suspiren por si amigo más fiel.
Con ganas de seguir leyendo este manga y de ver como se soluciona la tensión que tienen los protagonistas. Si te gustan los mangas, los libros lgtb y las relaciones secretas, este es tu libro
May 17, 2021
My rating might change depending on how the rest of this series goes, but this first volume was absolutely excellently put together. It's everything Servant & Lord tried to do but couldn't accomplish - either due to the length or the author's storytelling maturity.
This is not, so far, a happy story. I hope it will be by the end, but the fact that there are seven volumes to go makes me worry a fair amount about how much angst will be packed in, and how many obstacles this relationship will face. I don't know if I'll like them all - I don't particularly like how things went down there the end of this volume - but it's written in a way that makes sense within the context of their story, their upbringing, and the society as a whole. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.
The art is beautiful: great character designs, detailed backgrounds and settings, and a real sense of being grounded in a particular time and place. It feels properly historical, yet not "old" - all of the family structures are immensely complicated but easy enough to unravel as Akihito is learning about his status and how he's meant to fit into the world around him.
Katsuragi is a wonderfully written character, and I want to learn so much more about him. He's ruthless and uses every bit of himself, from his brain to his body, to get exactly what he wants, but there's so much pain layered underneath his unruffled exterior. I'm hoping that Akihito will break down some of those barriers over time - without breaking him in the process.
This is not, so far, a happy story. I hope it will be by the end, but the fact that there are seven volumes to go makes me worry a fair amount about how much angst will be packed in, and how many obstacles this relationship will face. I don't know if I'll like them all - I don't particularly like how things went down there the end of this volume - but it's written in a way that makes sense within the context of their story, their upbringing, and the society as a whole. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.
The art is beautiful: great character designs, detailed backgrounds and settings, and a real sense of being grounded in a particular time and place. It feels properly historical, yet not "old" - all of the family structures are immensely complicated but easy enough to unravel as Akihito is learning about his status and how he's meant to fit into the world around him.
Katsuragi is a wonderfully written character, and I want to learn so much more about him. He's ruthless and uses every bit of himself, from his brain to his body, to get exactly what he wants, but there's so much pain layered underneath his unruffled exterior. I'm hoping that Akihito will break down some of those barriers over time - without breaking him in the process.
February 22, 2020
I work at a library and there was some concern about content with this one (specifically pedophilia or grooming a young child), so I got to preview it.
Apparently in Japan, it's a thing for women to write books about male homosexuals, but it's geared towards women (thanks, husband, for that information; he's a wealth of knowledge on all things Japan). I don't particularly get it, but ok. This book just confused me more than anything. It's a true manga, so for us westerners, everything's backwards. It took me 5 more minutes than I'd like to admit to get the hang of how it was supposed to be read. But even after I got the hang of it, it was still super confusing. It was often difficult to ascertain who was saying what, due to random word bubbles on the panels. However, the characters were very distinctively drawn (sometimes I have a hard time with B&W illustrations), so that was good. The world was just very confusing and I didn't get a lot of references, but I think I would have gotten it more if I was Japanese or at least more familiar with the culture.
Content wise, there's no pedophilia or grooming, although that was a definite rape scene if I ever saw one (the 17 year old master of the house starts the moves on the butler who is 11 years older, but the butler just lies there and doesn't participate in the sex). Plus it's weird that the kid is having sex with the guy who basically raised him from ages 10-17, but that might be a western culture thing (?). I didn't like it, but there's really nothing that will prevent this book from being in our library.
Apparently in Japan, it's a thing for women to write books about male homosexuals, but it's geared towards women (thanks, husband, for that information; he's a wealth of knowledge on all things Japan). I don't particularly get it, but ok. This book just confused me more than anything. It's a true manga, so for us westerners, everything's backwards. It took me 5 more minutes than I'd like to admit to get the hang of how it was supposed to be read. But even after I got the hang of it, it was still super confusing. It was often difficult to ascertain who was saying what, due to random word bubbles on the panels. However, the characters were very distinctively drawn (sometimes I have a hard time with B&W illustrations), so that was good. The world was just very confusing and I didn't get a lot of references, but I think I would have gotten it more if I was Japanese or at least more familiar with the culture.
Content wise, there's no pedophilia or grooming, although that was a definite rape scene if I ever saw one (the 17 year old master of the house starts the moves on the butler who is 11 years older, but the butler just lies there and doesn't participate in the sex). Plus it's weird that the kid is having sex with the guy who basically raised him from ages 10-17, but that might be a western culture thing (?). I didn't like it, but there's really nothing that will prevent this book from being in our library.
July 23, 2020
A slow start to a great series.
I've read the Blue Morning series before and I'm rereading since getting a hold of the final volume.
The thing about Blue Morning is that it's not quite a slow burn romance, with a heavy focus on the external events surrounding the characters. Centered around the time Japan was transitioning from a feudal system to a more modern culture of commercialism, there's a great deal of politics, intrigue, and power plays involved.
Personally, I love that! I love how detailed the backgrounds are, and I love following the intricate maneuvering of various characters through twists and turns to gain the upper hand. In service of that, this first book really serves most to set up the characters, plot, and setting, so there is little work done on the chemistry. Honestly, we only really get a couple of kisses and that's about it. But what the series sacrifices in a slow start it makes up for later when things get really interesting.
I'd say if you're looking for a BL that has some story to it, then do read at least a book or two more.
That being said, if you're looking for something with less plot and more action, then maybe give this a miss. Things definitely get steamy in later books, but my favourite aspect has always been that the characters are characters--it always feels like they're motivated but their individual lives and desires that I like how, despite their wishes, there is a degree of realisation that duties, and the reality of their circumstances, limit what kind of lives they can live.
I've read the Blue Morning series before and I'm rereading since getting a hold of the final volume.
The thing about Blue Morning is that it's not quite a slow burn romance, with a heavy focus on the external events surrounding the characters. Centered around the time Japan was transitioning from a feudal system to a more modern culture of commercialism, there's a great deal of politics, intrigue, and power plays involved.
Personally, I love that! I love how detailed the backgrounds are, and I love following the intricate maneuvering of various characters through twists and turns to gain the upper hand. In service of that, this first book really serves most to set up the characters, plot, and setting, so there is little work done on the chemistry. Honestly, we only really get a couple of kisses and that's about it. But what the series sacrifices in a slow start it makes up for later when things get really interesting.
I'd say if you're looking for a BL that has some story to it, then do read at least a book or two more.
That being said, if you're looking for something with less plot and more action, then maybe give this a miss. Things definitely get steamy in later books, but my favourite aspect has always been that the characters are characters--it always feels like they're motivated but their individual lives and desires that I like how, despite their wishes, there is a degree of realisation that duties, and the reality of their circumstances, limit what kind of lives they can live.
July 11, 2022
This was a pretty good introduction to the series, I found a lot of the parts confusing for the first 3 chapters and it really only made sense in the end, looking forward for the story to come together in future volumes.
June 10, 2013
This was very enjoyable, a pretty good start to a series, except for a few things. First off, it focused far too much on ranks and such. Secondly, the major put-off, was that it seemed everyone realized Akihito's feelings for Katsuragi except Katsuragi. Thirdly, everyone seemed to realize what Katsuragi was really upto, except for Akihito. I suppose love can blind you to what's going on right in front of you.
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Akihito's father has passed on, and Akihito is left in Katsuragi's care. But, he knows nothing of Katsuragi's past or what sort of guy he really is, as Akihito is only a child of 10 at that time.
We are led on a journey through Akihito's younger adolescent years, but not far enough to see him become an adult. We see him develop feelings for Katsuragi, an inevitable fate. He also finds out the truth about Katsuragi, and makes him so unfillable promises, all in the heat of passion. A fire between them burns blazingly, but Akihito always seems to have slight regrets when he pursues it. He needs to realize that the way he went about is the only way,
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This volume was provided to me as an eManga by SuBLime--a division of VIZ Media--via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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Akihito's father has passed on, and Akihito is left in Katsuragi's care. But, he knows nothing of Katsuragi's past or what sort of guy he really is, as Akihito is only a child of 10 at that time.
We are led on a journey through Akihito's younger adolescent years, but not far enough to see him become an adult. We see him develop feelings for Katsuragi, an inevitable fate. He also finds out the truth about Katsuragi, and makes him so unfillable promises, all in the heat of passion. A fire between them burns blazingly, but Akihito always seems to have slight regrets when he pursues it. He needs to realize that the way he went about is the only way,
--------------
This volume was provided to me as an eManga by SuBLime--a division of VIZ Media--via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
August 25, 2017
Hidaka Shoko memang veteran di genre BL. Kelihatan dari karya-karyanya, terutama yang ini. Seluruh-seluruhnya dari karya ini terkesan stabil, mulai dari plot, gaya gambar, sampai karakteristik. Pembaca rese seperti saya yang acapkali fokusnya tersebar ngecekin salah dialog, salah panel, salah gores, dsb jadi bisa bener-bener fokus ke ceritanya.
Seorang veteran emang gak bisa diremehkan. Good job, Hidaka Sensei. Suka banget sama karya ini--yang selalu bikin saya ngomentarin kedua tokohnya: "Terserah kalian, deh. TERSERAH!", saking frustrasinya ngeliatin mereka.
Dan, terutama, saya emang pada dasarnya suka banget sama cerita-cerita zaman Taisho. Jadi, yah, ini beneran "slurp" banget buat saya.
Duh, saya kepengen fangirling "kyaa kyaa" seperti biasa, tapi cerita ini terlalu dark, angsty dan berat buat bisa difangirling seperti itu. Saya jadi fangirl emo dulu untuk beberapa lama, sepertinya.
Btw, awalnya saya baca ini via mangascan, tapi karena dialognya banyaaaak, pakai bahasa bangsawan pula, dan scanlation-nya gak terlalu bagus, saya jadi capek mata dan otak. Begitu ada yang jual buku orisinalnya dengan harga miring, sampai jilid terbaru pula!, saya gak pakai banyak pikir, langsung beli. PUAS SEKALI.
Seorang veteran emang gak bisa diremehkan. Good job, Hidaka Sensei. Suka banget sama karya ini--yang selalu bikin saya ngomentarin kedua tokohnya: "Terserah kalian, deh. TERSERAH!", saking frustrasinya ngeliatin mereka.
Dan, terutama, saya emang pada dasarnya suka banget sama cerita-cerita zaman Taisho. Jadi, yah, ini beneran "slurp" banget buat saya.
Duh, saya kepengen fangirling "kyaa kyaa" seperti biasa, tapi cerita ini terlalu dark, angsty dan berat buat bisa difangirling seperti itu. Saya jadi fangirl emo dulu untuk beberapa lama, sepertinya.
Btw, awalnya saya baca ini via mangascan, tapi karena dialognya banyaaaak, pakai bahasa bangsawan pula, dan scanlation-nya gak terlalu bagus, saya jadi capek mata dan otak. Begitu ada yang jual buku orisinalnya dengan harga miring, sampai jilid terbaru pula!, saya gak pakai banyak pikir, langsung beli. PUAS SEKALI.
May 20, 2017
I actually like this manga and enjoyed reading it from start to finish. This is obviously not for everyone, if you don't like homosexual relationships or non-consensual romances ( it's really a fantasy ) then I would not recommend this to you. It also contains some explicit content, like uhh.... well I don't think I need to say it but I think you get the idea.
The art is nice to look at, and the story focuses on a historical time period if you like history-related stories. This volume mostly focuses on the plot and less on the relationship, which is good because most yaoi mangas don't do that and it gets pretty boring seeing the same thing over and over again.
I think this volume did have some character development ( or maybe I'm getting it mixed up with vol.2 because I'm reading it online ) but if I had to be honest, all the characters are original and seemed realistic. This manga is memorable and stands out from almost every yaoi I've read because the characters aren't stereotypical and the manga takes place in a different setting/time period.
The art is nice to look at, and the story focuses on a historical time period if you like history-related stories. This volume mostly focuses on the plot and less on the relationship, which is good because most yaoi mangas don't do that and it gets pretty boring seeing the same thing over and over again.
I think this volume did have some character development ( or maybe I'm getting it mixed up with vol.2 because I'm reading it online ) but if I had to be honest, all the characters are original and seemed realistic. This manga is memorable and stands out from almost every yaoi I've read because the characters aren't stereotypical and the manga takes place in a different setting/time period.
December 2, 2019
Deeply angsty master/butler yaoi romance.
It's like the anti Black Butler. This one's set a bit later, pre-war and our Butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi is really complicated. He's alooof, cruel, manipulative and seduces men and women alike if he thinks it will further the family's power base. From this volume I have a hard time seeing how his Master Akihito Kuze can possibly fall in love with him. I get that Akihito is alone but honestly - Katsuragi is a slave driver, clearly has his own agenda, is secretive, promiscuous and manipulative. I just don't get the attraction. If it is lust based that doesn't really come across either, the sex scene isn't hot and indeed feels more like rape. It's definitely rough, both our leads sporting bruising afterwards. Family and political dynamics are as complicated as our leading man. Maybe this series will come into its own in subsequent volumes, but I must say this first volume didn't grab me. Artwork is solid but by no means the best in the field.
It's like the anti Black Butler. This one's set a bit later, pre-war and our Butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi is really complicated. He's alooof, cruel, manipulative and seduces men and women alike if he thinks it will further the family's power base. From this volume I have a hard time seeing how his Master Akihito Kuze can possibly fall in love with him. I get that Akihito is alone but honestly - Katsuragi is a slave driver, clearly has his own agenda, is secretive, promiscuous and manipulative. I just don't get the attraction. If it is lust based that doesn't really come across either, the sex scene isn't hot and indeed feels more like rape. It's definitely rough, both our leads sporting bruising afterwards. Family and political dynamics are as complicated as our leading man. Maybe this series will come into its own in subsequent volumes, but I must say this first volume didn't grab me. Artwork is solid but by no means the best in the field.
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