Sleeps In Sunbeams's manga / #Nishida Higashi(3)

This is my favourite manga by Nishida Hisashi. Nabeshima and Takeda were such authentic characters, both strong and masculine yet surprisingly vulnerable. Takeda was struggling to accept his infertility and his self identity as a man, as well as grieving for the children he could never father. Add to that his failing marriage and jealousy over Nabeshima’s interest in his wife; he was a lost, angry man. His evolving relationship with Nabeshima was really full of emotion for the reader. Nabeshima was almost tortured by his love for Takeda, but he was so honest and determined to find some spot by the side of the man he loved, I found him to be irresistible. This story was full of feelings, including some that were painful (like the rape scene). I thought the mangaka managed the aftermath of that with respect for both her characters. Nabeshima was devastated by self loathing and remorse. Takeda was no pushover about to let things slide but took a passive aggressive approach initially that left no doubt as to his rage. I really loved that in the end, these two beautiful men made their way to being happy together. It wasn’t an easy journey but they are so good together and it was great to be part of it by reading this wonderful manga.

I loved the tough gritty nature of the MCs in the yakuza story. They weren’t sweet guys but they were perfect together and I agree with other comments about the granny. She was Boss!

I love this mangaka’s work. Her men are so masculine. Whether they are murdering yakuza, dissolute playboys or career salarymen, Nishida Higashi is able to create guys that speak and interact in ways that seem more authentic than the average mangaka. Even the silly jokes are great (“Weiner” ). In this set of stories I loved the intensity that sparked between the first pair, it was the best story besides the wonderful catch up with Shirota and Hime at the end.