“Dating can be tough when you nerd out over barbecue. Kenta, a practical pitmaster, looks for a grill-friend in Chihiro, an aloof and faultless business babe…or is she? Scared of being rejected for who they really are, the two of them find comfort in food and each other…and all is well until Kenta must transfer away. With their developing relationship at steak, Chihiro proposes they tie the knot and they marry for better or wurst. Winging a long-distance marriage is one thing, but here's the rub—they barely know each other! It's a rare marriage where all the awkwardness of dating meets a sizzling passion for grilling!” (Kodansha)
At this point, almost every and any Kodansha digital release is worth a shot as the publisher uses the platform for manga which may not hold a broader appeal but fills a unique niche for seasoned manga fans who like variety with an emphasis on titles aimed at mature audiences. Titles like “Burn the House Down” & “My Home Hero“, have proven to be some of the most exciting English titles to be released exclusively digitally. While this is not ideal for collectors of physical media and can prove frustrating, Kodansha's online selections act as quick picks for some of the most exciting and original manga currently available.
Shiori Hanatsuka's, “How to Grill Our Love” fits perfectly within the digital selection of titles on offer from Kodansha, fitting a perfect niche that may not appease all readers but will captivate those who vibe with its mix of wholesome romance and celebration of cuisine (BBQ). Though listed as Seinen on my anime list, the series is better suited for older readers, particularly those in long-term relationships. Though taking place at the start of a relationship, the maturity of both individuals and their bonding over everyday practices resonates with a level of comfort that takes time to develop. This is further reflected in the rather platonic relationship, although depicted as shyness, it places the romance away from passion/sexual desire and instead focuses on a deeper intimacy that comes with familiarity. It is a clever way to establish a deep bond on the simple premise of celebrating food–Kenta and Chihiro come across as authentic despite their relationship being in its infancy.
The romance depicted is enticing enough reason to indulge in the series, but the element of food is similarly explored in a way that reflects the character's ages. Notably, Kenta's love of food, specifically BBQ, comes from a long-standing passion for the culinary art of BBQ and the time and patience it takes to master the skills. As a result of the precise explanation of Kenta's grilling, from the explanation of ingredients to the passion he expresses in explaining the process to Chihiro, the enjoyment of a shared meal comes across as utterly endearing while simultaneously informative. Essentially, the series is as much a celebration of food as it is about new love, and the two mix together beautifully with the storytelling abilities of Shiori Hanatsuka.
Visually, Shiori Hanatsuka's approach reflects the wholesome nature of the story exuding comfort and happiness in a way that compliments both the cuisine and the romance it explores. Looking at the art outside of the story, however, it is not overly impressive and the story plays an essential role in warming up the reader to the rather subdued visual approach. Regardless, for a manga dealing with adult relationships, the art is perfectly suitable and adds the authenticity expressed in exploring realistic romances and mouthwatering BBQ.
Admittedly, “How To Grill Our Love” spoke directly to my own sentiments on various aspects, both my own ideals of what constitutes romance as well as my passion for food. As such, Shiori Hanatsuka's work won't necessarily resonate with a wide audience as there are certain points that could create a disconnect with those not vibing with all the elements, including the rather impromptu marriage of Kenta and Chihiro based solely on their love of eating together (this may change as the series develops). Regardless, there is ample value in “How to Grill Our Love” both as a title that takes a slightly fresh approach to the romance genre while celebrating food with an infectious passion. If anything mentioned here sounds appealing, make sure you give this one a shot.
