A manga by Junko Ike portrays Mei Sengoku, a cool girl who excels in kendo in order to become stronger, which makes her have no time to fall in love at all until a girly boy named Shirou Fuji confesses his romantic feelings to her. Unfortunately, Mei Sengoku does not accept them but later, as they become close friends, she starts falling for Shirou Fuji.
I remember the first time reading this manga with my twin sister during our freshman year of college when we wanted to relax. It is one of the most delightful manga reads for me and my twin sister. Since Valentine's Day is coming up, this manga will boost the mood for Valentine's Day! Here are five reasons why.
1. It is a shojo manga
Shojo mangas are known for their romantic stories and most importantly, the main heroine ends up with the main guy at the end. Usually, shojo manga helps make the main couple official. Lots of drama and romance are intertwined in shojo manga. For "Mizutama Honey Boy," the drawings gives a lighthearted tone to me every time I read it. Also, this manga shares the common trait of the shojo manga that I enjoy seeing are the pretty flowers and sparkles every time a character says something touching with a nice expression on their faces as well as the bishojo and bishonen look in the manga.
2. It's a funny, slice of life and romantic manga story
Away from all the serious action and complicated manga, this manga is nice to read when you want something amusing and romantic. It's nice to see the characters interacting in the modern life that is relatable. Although it may have some drama, but the drama is usually short and gives a good result at the end. In addition, it also has great, unexpected comedy with the characters, Mei Sengoku, Shirou Fuji and especially Shirou Fuji's rival, Nanao.
3. There's a unique title of the manga
The title is also what struck me and my twin sister. We have wondered what "mizutama" means. Therefore, we look up the English translation on the internet. When we find out that "mizutama" means polka dot, we found that the most adorable title. Then, throughout the manga, there is actually a reason why the manga is called, in English translation, "Polka dot Honey Boy." The reason is related to Shirou Fuji. After reading the manga and finding out the reason, it brings out the joy in reading the manga which makes you also want to ship Mei Sengoku and Shirou Fuji. Plus, this manga title is really unique.
4. Hello, women empowerment!
One of my favorite things that this manga has is women empowerment, which I always love from any work. Mei Sengoku is strong and brave. She saves both male and female characters whenever they are in trouble. Also, Shirou Fuji falls in love with this type of woman, Mei Sengoku. He also wears dresses and supports women even though he is boy. Shirou Fuji knows the feelings of how women are thinking and understands them. Not only does Shirou Fuji treat Mei Sengoku nicely and fairly, but he also treats other women equally and takes care of them, too.
5. Mei Sengoku and Shirou Fuji
Mei Sengoku, the tough and masculine-like girl being coupled with a girly boy, Shirou Fuji who wears pretty dresses is a fascinating couple to ship. Shirou Fuji is able to do the things that Mei Sengoku cannot do which are baking, cooking, and knitting. He is always happily wanting to bake and cook food for Mei Sengoku. Their moments of intimacy are wonderful and exciting to read. Their interactions are lovely and they help each other grow. Also, they get along pretty well. They are always together and they do not make the pages boring at all. It is always so fun whenever they are together.
They are very comfortable with each other and they learn things about each other that they never knew. Despite the fact that Shirou Fuji is a girly boy, he shows some of his masculinity side to Mei Sengoku in order to show that his romantic feelings for Mei Sengoku are real and genuine. This makes you want to cheer for Shirou Fuji as well! Then, when Mei Sengoku realizes that she indeed develops the same romantic feelings for Shirou Fuji and wants to confess, you want to cheer for her too!
I hope "Mizutama Honey Boy" becomes an anime soon.
Don't miss out on this romance story between Mei Sengoku and Shirou Fuji!
