Welcome to The Avocado’s weekly discussion of Japanese pop culture! With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, you might be looking for something romantic to read. Maybe something with some humor. Something like a romantic comedy, for example. Am I maybe just using an arbitrary day on a calendar to promote another romance manga? Okay, yes. But if you are looking for something fun and fluffy to read right now, you might want to check out Let’s Do It Already by Aki Kusaka! Honestly, I avoided starting this series at first because of the title, but I kept hearing great things about it so I figured why not give it a shot.1 It’s on the Viz Manga app, so it was easy to start reading. And I’m glad I did because it’s very sweet and cute and funny!
Originally published in Margaret magazine, the series is complete in Japan with 9 volumes. The English translation is up to volume 3. The story begins with Yuri and Keiichiro’s mutal love confession, so we have an established couple. BUT, they have a problem. Keiichiro’s family traditions forbid them from holding hands, hugging, kissing, etc until he’s 18. It’s a bit silly, but this premise allows for some pretty hilarious scenarios as the two navigate their relationship and find ways to be close without breaking any rules. But what really hooked me was how the mangaka depicts the romantic moments. Too often when I read romantic comedies I’m left wanting more romance, but this really feels like the perfect balance!
From page 2, volume 1. So if you like your romance to start with a mutual confession, then this is the manga for you!
What about you all? Do you have a romantic comedy you recommend? Let us know!
And, as always…
What have you been watching/reading/playing/eating/listening to lately?
Happy Wednesday! 👹