Takane and Hana
I'm re-reading the manga and I have things to say.
People seem bothered by the age gap situation between both characters. However, as an adult (yes, I am one), this is not a deal breaker for me; it never was. In fact, I shipped this couple hard.
To be honest, a relationship with an age gap is something that happens more often than many think. I also believe it's a cultural belief; I've met people who have found each other and love each other deeply with the same age-gap, and even a larger one and they still are together to this very day.
Anyway, back to this manga. Sure, it sounds outrageous for a high-schooler to go out with an adult. But, the characters, especially Takane (despite his brash personality), never tries to take advantage of Hana since he’s not even considering having a relationship with her, he just enjoys her unapologetic mind, and he respects her for being true to herself.
The same goes for her, she understands there is a huge world of differences between them, but instead of feeling intimidated, she learns many things she didn't even imagine would be helpful for her own life experiences. The way Takane often lends his shoulder (again, in his own brash way) for Hana to speak her mind, and how she listens to his advice is wonderful to see, and often gets ignored just by the fact of their age difference. Let's remember, this guy never has had a girlfriend before, and due to life events and his upbringing, he couldn't even keep people close enough to harbor any friendships, and those who have, have stayed because they know he is a really good guy and care for him--Rino, for example.
Takane has little tolerance for people fawning over him, he hates it when people can’t think for themselves. He is bad at expressing his emotions, he is pretty straightforward to a point you think he’s self entitled, but it’s just the fact he’s had to work twice as hard to earn his place, and build the reputation he has because of who he is; some would say he’s a black sheep while other would say he’s just a spoiled brat. He is aware of his privilege, but also has many, many flaws he painfully becomes to learn and accept the more time he spends with Hana.
Hana, on the other hand, is a sensible and very practical girl. She doesn’t pay mind to the status quo and this is reflected in everything she does, for her, ‘whatever fits’ is fine; that’s her philosophy. Takane being the complete opposite, and puzzled by the way she navigates life, annoys her until she understands the value of self-love and appreciation and how to embrace her flaws by turning them into qualities all this, without changing the essence of who she is. She has a big heart, and is considerate, to a point not even Takane can understand why, yet, he loves this about her.
So then, why does nobody talk about Takane's all-time positive attitude? Idk. It's the age gap thing, I guess.
What I love about 'their story' is how they get to know each other (in very funny scenarios). Romance isn’t the first card they play, it’s how they are both too stubborn to quit on proving who’s right. Exhausting, yes, but this expands their concept of friendship, and we get to see how slowly (but surely) they become the best of friends. They look out for each other, surprise each other, and care for each other without feeling forced. Their relationship is organic. They’re very much alike in terms of pride.
Sure, each of them has their own monologue trying to reason their situation, and go by real facts on how this could be an issue to society, affect their careers, reputation, and such, but in the end, they admitted they were not going to find the same connection with anyone else. They started annoying each other to a point of exhaustion, then became trusted friends, then best friends, and then fell in love. It’s truly endearing to see the always aloof Takane opening up to people, yet, Hana became the one he trusted the most.
So, here I am, re-reading this story and falling in love with these two all over again. Not to mention the secondary characters, they're all a fun bunch to follow. And that's that. I just needed to write it because no one I know has read this manga, and as an adult, none of my friends like to read comics or manga, and much to their bad luck, I live for it all.
I have friends and family who share this love story; where there is an even major age difference, and the way they understand each other is really beautiful. So, love (if true and in total consent) in the end, has no age.
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Takane and Hana
18 volumes
Licensed by Viz Media
Hana is a high schooler who ends up replacing her big sister at a marriage interview. Little does she expect that the potential groom, a handsome 26-year-old businessman named Takane, immediately insults her and calls her a gold digger! Furious, Hana throws her wig in his face and leaves.
Against all odds the two end up going on dates on a regular basis. Takane is a rich kid who's much more immature and inexperienced than his good looks and flashy manners suggest, so they find it easy to forget that their ages are ten years apart. But how will these two ever find love when they're so busy teasing each other?
Status in Country of Origin:
18 volumes (completed)
Tags:
Adapted to Live Action
Age Gap
Appearance Different from Personality
Arranged Marriage
Arrogant Male Lead
Bickering Love
Blushing Male Lead
Caring Male Lead
Different Social Status
Easily Embarrassed Male Lead
Height Difference
LGBT Character in Non-Yaoi/Yuri Manga
Love Interests Who Don't Get Along
Male Lead Falls in Love First
Role Reversal
Smart Female Lead
Stolen Kiss
Taking the Place of a Sibling
Teasing Female Lead
Tsundere Male Lead
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New Shojo Beat Releases for April 2024
These volumes will be in bookstores this month.
Kimi ni Todoke: Soulmate vol. 1 by Karuho Shiina **New Series**
Neighborhood Story vol. 2 by Ai Yazawa (creator of Nana)
Rainbow Days vol. 9 by Minami Mizuno
Tamon’s B-Side vol. 3 by Yuki Shiwasu
Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits vol. 9 by Waco Ioka Midori Yuma, and Laruha
Skip Beat! vol. 49 by Yoshiki Nakamura
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