An Overview of “Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” Manga and Its Popularity
“Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” is a widely popular manga series that revolves around the themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. It was written and illustrated by Hideyoshico, and its serialization began in 2009. The story follows the lives of two high school boys, who meet by chance in Udagawachou, a bustling street in Shibuya, Tokyo. Along with their circle of friends, they navigate the complexities of their relationships, including their feelings towards one another.
The manga is known for its realistic portrayal of same-sex relationships in Japan. It tackles sensitive issues such as homophobia, self-acceptance, and societal pressure, providing a refreshing take on LGBTQ+ representation. It also explores the different dynamics of love and friendships, highlighting the importance of communication, trust, and mutual understanding. The characters are well-developed, relatable, and flawed, making them all the more endearing to readers.
The manga’s popularity can be attributed to its relatable themes, excellent storytelling, and beautiful artwork. It has been praised for its profound messages and emotional depth, garnering a loyal following among readers worldwide. Its popularity has also led to the production of a live-action movie adaptation in 2015, directed by Ryuta Tazaki and starring Tsubasa Honda and Kentaro Sakaguchi as the main leads.
“Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” is a standout manga series that continues to captivate readers with its thought-provoking themes and heartfelt storytelling. Its impact on the representation of LGBTQ+ issues in Japan cannot be understated, and it remains a beloved work of art that inspires and resonates with readers from all walks of life.
Plot Summary
“Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” is a manga written by Hideyoshico. The story revolves around high school student, Sajou Manabu, who is secretly in love with his beautiful classmate, Kamishiro Yuu. Manabu has been admiring Yuu from afar and has always been too nervous to confess his feelings. One day, while out in Tokyo’s Udagawachou district, Manabu bumps into Yuu on the street. This unexpected meeting leads to an unlikely friendship, and Manabu’s feelings for Yuu continue to grow.
The story is set in Tokyo’s Udagawachou district, which is known for being a hangout spot for the LGBTQ+ community. As their friendship deepens, Yuu reveals to Manabu that she is a lesbian and is in a relationship with another girl. Despite the news, Manabu continues to support and care for Yuu, hoping that one day she will reciprocate his feelings. However, Yuu’s relationship takes a turn for the worse, and she finds herself in a difficult position.
The manga deals with themes of unrequited love, coming of age, and the struggles that LGBTQ+ individuals face. It portrays the challenges of coming out and finding acceptance in a society that traditionally sees homosexuality as taboo. The story highlights the importance of love, friendship, and the power of acceptance.
Overall, “Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” is a heartwarming story that delves into the intricacies of love and relationships. It is a captivating read that showcases the beautiful diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and the struggles that many individuals face. The manga is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a poignant, heartfelt story.
Main Characters
Makoto Kowata: Makoto is the protagonist of the story. He is a gay man in his early twenties who is very reserved and introverted. He works at a small bookstore, which is where he meets his love interest, Kiyoshi. Makoto is an incredibly thoughtful and kind person, but he struggles to express his feelings and often feels overwhelmed by his emotions.
Kiyoshi Saionji: Kiyoshi is the other main character in the story. He is a university student who is studying to be a lawyer. He is openly gay and very outgoing. Kiyoshi is immediately drawn to Makoto’s quiet and reserved nature, and the two begin a relationship. Unlike Makoto, Kiyoshi is very confident and self-assured. He is often the one who pushes Makoto to express his feelings and open up more.
Taichi Nagae: Taichi is a co-worker of Makoto at the bookstore. He is a straight man who is very interested in Makoto and often asks him out on dates. However, Makoto is not interested in him romantically. Taichi provides a foil for Kiyoshi, as he is more assertive and pushy in his pursuit of Makoto.
Throughout the story, the main characters grapple with issues related to their sexuality, including coming out, dealing with rejection, and navigating relationships with people who do not understand or accept their homosexuality. The manga is a sensitively written exploration of the complexities of queer love, and the characters are relatable and nuanced.
Art and Illustrations
“Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” manga is known for its stunning art and illustrations. The manga is drawn by the popular and talented artist Hideyoshico. The illustrations are detailed and realistic, and the characters are drawn with care and precision.
The manga utilizes a wide color palette with soft and pastel tones, giving the manga a dreamy and surreal feel. The background is often depicted in intricate detail with a lot of attention paid to the architecture. The drawings and the quality of the characters’ expressions in the manga are phenomenally intricate, affecting each character’s personality and their surroundings.
The characters are incredibly expressive, and their emotions are conveyed with great effect. The characters express themselves in many different ways, from their facial expressions to their body language. The art and illustrations beautifully convey the complex emotions and feelings of each character.
The character designs are stunning and unique, each engaging and distinctive. The manga’s attention to clothing detail is also remarkable, with clothes that are well drawn and cleanly defined, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the manga. The characters’ clothing also reflects their personality and their relationships, bringing an added layer of depth to the story.
One of the manga’s most notable art aspects, which is especially on point, is the handling of mature content. The way the mangaka handles such content offers the reader a keen sense of what is happening without necessarily being explicit about it. The author uses great care, avoiding explicit content and keeping the manga at a soft 13+ rating.
Standout elements that make “Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” manga a remarkable collection are the creativity of language, atmosphere, and visual watercolor-effect backgrounds. The background art and settings add depth and realism to the manga’s world, creating a subtle background that affects the overall mood of the manga.
In conclusion, “Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” manga is a masterpiece of art and illustration. The attention to detail in the art and the characters’ expressions enriches the story, conveying the emotions and experiences that make the manga a compelling read. The art and illustrations make this manga a must-read, even for those who may not be fans of this genre.
Publication and Reception
Published in 2012, Udagawachou de Mattete Yo is a yaoi romance manga written and illustrated by Hideyoshico. The manga was serialized in The Hana to Yume, a manga magazine published by Hakusensha. It was later compiled into two volumes and published by Hakusensha in Japan.
Since the manga’s release, it has received high praise from readers for its soft and emotional story that touches upon themes of love and self-acceptance. Its unique storytelling and beautifully drawn scenes have caught the attention of audiences, securing a dedicated fan base in Japan and internationally.
When the official English version of the manga was released in the United States by digital manga publisher SuBLime in 2017, fans of the manga worldwide were ecstatic. The manga was also licensed and published in French, German, and Chinese markets a few years later.
The manga was met with high praise from the international audience as well. Fans worldwide appreciated the delicate and poignant storyline, as well as the art style and the well-constructed characters that added depth to the story.
One of the most significant appeals of the manga is its portrayal of same-sex relationships, which sparked conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. The manga not only explores the romantic and psychological aspects of same-sex relationships, but also touches upon the social and cultural implications of being gay in Japan.
In addition to its artistic and narrative merits, Udagawachou de Mattete Yo also became well-known for depicting the suburban district called Udagawachou in Shibuya, Tokyo in detail. Numerous fans have reported that the manga has inspired them to visit the town and look for the places mentioned in the story.
Overall, Udagawachou de Mattete Yo has been received with high praise from both Japanese and international readers for its unique storytelling, emotional depth, art style and depiction of same-sex relationships. The manga has made important contributions to the yaoi and LGBTQ+ genre, putting a spotlight on representation and paving way for more authentic and heartwarming stories to be told.
Live-Action Film
“Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” was adapted into a live-action film in 2015. The film is directed by Akiko Ohku and stars Hirofumi Arai as the character of Udagawa. The story revolves around Udagawa, a closeted gay man who falls in love with a boy named Sora who lives in his neighborhood. The film explores their relationship and the hardships that come with being in love with someone of the same sex.
Live-Action TV Drama
“Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” was also adapted into a live-action TV drama in 2017. The show stars Ryusei Yokohama as Udagawa and Ryo Yoshizawa as Sora. The drama stays true to the original manga and explores the same themes of love, acceptance, and coming out. The drama was well-received by fans of the manga and is considered to be a faithful adaptation of the original story.
Manga Spin-Off
A manga spin-off titled “Udagawachou wa, Kashiramoji ni Kodomo o Katteru” (Udagawachou Babysitters) was released in 2016. The story follows Udagawa and Sora as they navigate their relationship and become caretakers for a baby. The spin-off explores the day-to-day life of the couple in a more lighthearted way than the original manga. It was a fun addition to the series, showing the domestic side of Udagawa and Sora’s love.
Conclusion
“Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” has had several adaptations and spin-offs, which has helped to expand the story and reach new audiences. The live-action film and TV drama have brought the story to life, and the manga spin-off has given fans more insight into the lives of the characters. All of the adaptations and spin-offs stay true to the original story and have been well-received by audiences. “Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” is a touching story about love, acceptance, and the difficulties that come with being true to oneself.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a manga that portrays the complexity of human relationships while also exploring themes of societal expectations and self-discovery, then “Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” is definitely a series you should consider checking out. The manga, written and illustrated by Hideyoshico, follows a group of young people living in Tokyo’s Udagawachou district as they navigate their way through various relationships and personal struggles.
With its realistic and relatable characters, “Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” manages to capture the complications that can arise when trying to understand your own desires and sexual orientation in a society that often puts pressure on individuals to conform to certain expectations. The series’ exploration of same-sex relationships and the emotional turmoil that can arise from hidden desires makes it a poignant and insightful read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.
Additionally, the series’ beautifully detailed artwork and well-crafted dialogue help to create a sense of intimacy and emotional depth that draws you into the characters’ lives. Whether it’s the budding romance between the reserved and introverted Sakiyama and the outgoing and assertive Udagawa, or the struggles faced by the closeted and conflicted Fujiwara, “Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” manages to handle these complex relationships and difficult themes with care and sensitivity.
Overall, “Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” is a must-read for fans of romance and drama manga who want a series that tackles serious topics with tact and realism. With its deep understanding of human emotions and its nuanced exploration of complex relationships, this manga is one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
So, if you’re looking for a manga that isn’t afraid to delve into the complexities of the human heart, “Udagawachou de Mattete Yo” is definitely a series that you don’t want to miss. Give it a chance and let yourself be swept up in the emotional journey of its characters. You won’t regret it.