“In Meiji-era Japan, sixteen-year-old Maria wishes she can change her appearance. If only her eyes and hair were different, maybe she wouldn't be met with such fear, and maybe her own mother wouldn't be so ashamed of her. But when Maria encounters a handsome yet mischievous boy named Rintarou, her understanding of beauty—and herself—begins to change. To him, Maria's not just pretty; she's straight out of a fairy tale! A historical romance unfolds on the streets of Yokohama…” (Yen Press)
Buy This Title
Taking place during the Mieji era, Kaho Miyasaka is able to capture the romance of the era which saw rich industrialization and cultural change. At the same time, the mangaka also relates the xenophobia that carried anti-western sentiments with a protagonist whose American father has caused great shame within her family. Mixing both the positive and negative attributes of the era, Miyasaka sets the stage for a romance around overcoming prejudice (both through looks and class) with the picturesque backdrop of an evolving Japanese landscape.
The conflict in the series rests with young Maria, who is the daughter of an American and a Japanese mother. Having been abandoned by her father stripping her of identity and acceptance, her blonde hair is seen as an ill omen, making her the target of ridicule and bullying. However, there is a reserved strength in Maria, driven by a desire to learn English to better understand her roots. This troubled background makes the hopeful meeting with Rinotaru seem like fate, as his prominence and acceptance of Maria allows for the confidence boost needed. The plot may be cliché, but Miyasaka navigates the genre with a deep love and understanding of the key components that make historical romance entrancing.
The artwork of Kaho Miyasaka also reflects a passion for the genre, with the cover feeling inspired by Ryoki Ikeda, who helped cement the art-style that would come synonymous with the genre, with titles like “The Rose of Versailles”. Each chapter begins with this picturesque portrait of Maria impeccably dressed and angelic in appearance. While this style does not carry over into the bulk of the story, they frame each chapter wonderfully and really tap into that nostalgic era of manga. While the panel art does not have quite the same impact, Miyasaka captures expression and beauty of her subject with skill. Notably, close ups of Maria's eyes conveys the brimming emotions and struggles of the protagonist in exemplary form. Overall, the beauty of the art lends itself perfectly to the romance genre.
While the first volume teases the relationship between Maria and Rinatarou, the framework for a “splendid Yokohama romance” is set. The series is unlikely to surprise many as it progresses, but in a way that still gives reason for excitement due to a strong narrative and stunning art of its creator. The historical offers the perfect framework to keep focus on the growing relationship through both inherent turmoil and social structure. Ultimately, “Golden Japanesque” offers an ideal escapism into a charming world that fans of romance are bound to fall in love with.
