Io Sakisaka's Sakura Saku

Hey everyone! Hope all is well in your world. Texas weather has mellowed down a little as Fall is here. I am grateful for it even though this season comes with allergies.

Recently, I have found a new hobby. Watching anime and reading manga. Usually, I watch the anime first and then I read the manga. But today's manga is an exception. As far as I know, Sakura Saku has not been adapted into an anime or a drama.

Years ago, I read a Pinkalicious story with a pink clad kimono girl Sakura. In Japanese, Sakura means Cherry Blossom. While browsing at my local library, I came across a manga "Sakura, Saku". The name caught my attention. I got hooked and finished 7 volumes over the weekend. 

Our female lead character Saku Fujigaya is in search of a boy named Ryosuke Sakura. A stranger who helped her and left a note. After receiving this kindness, Saku feels so grateful that she never ignores anyone in need of help. 

At her high school, Saku finds that a boy Haruki Sakura, has an older brother named Ryosuke. Saku approaches Sakura to deliver a thank you note to his brother Ryosuke. And a high school romance brews between our leads Haruki and Saku. But, no surprise, there are confusions and misunderstandings as the plot thickens.

The story revolves around high school classmates, Saku, Sakura, Kotono, Mitoshi, Iryu and how their friendship develops into romantic feelings. For me, it was a nice read. I still don't know the ending. I have yet to find Volumes 8 and 9. I loved how Haruki is proactive and tries to clear any misunderstandings with Saku. Also, all characters are considerate of their friends. I enjoyed reading about Japanese high school festivals. My school didn't have such an event.

A negative character, an ex boyfriend, an LGBTQ character are also part of this manga. Justice is served as Karma gets to the villain later on.

Iryu's family owns a Wagashi store, Japanese sweets that Saku and her grandmother love. And that's how Saku and our 2nd male lead meet.

In every volume, Io Sakisaka shares her personal experiences she had while creating this manga. She also talks about remote working during the pandemic era. I liked reading about the author too. I have seen both anime and drama adaptations of Ao Haru Ride. I love Ao Haru Ride more than Sakura, Saku. I might have even read her another creation, Love Me, Love Me Not. 

So, how do you guys feel about my new post. I would love to know.