This Is a Lovestory / Это история о любви / Kore wa Koi no Hanashi

This Is a Lovestory (Kore wa Koi no Hanashi) is a heartwarming and unique manga that tells the story of Shinichi Utsuki, a 31-year-old writer, and Haruka Morimoto, a 10-year-old girl. The manga, which was first published in 2010, follows their journey of friendship, love, and self-discovery. The story begins when Shinichi moves to a countryside village to find inspiration for his new novel. Soon after his arrival, Haruka comes to his house asking him to take care of a stray cat. Shinichi sees an opportunity and decides to use Haruka as a model for the main character of his romantic novel. As the story progresses, we witness Shinichi and Haruka's relationship develop and evolve. Despite their significant age gap, they form a deep bond and friendship. Haruka, being an innocent and carefree child, brings joy and refreshes Shinichi's monotonous life. Shinichi, on the other hand, becomes a mentor-like figure for Haruka, guiding her and supporting her dreams. As the story unfolds, we see the two characters face various challenges and obstacles. Shinichi, who has always been emotionally closed off, starts to open up to the possibility of love and new relationships. He begins questioning his beliefs and starts to confront his past traumas, allowing himself to heal and grow. Haruka, on the other hand, begins to understand the complexities and emotions of love as she grows older. Her admiration and affection for Shinichi start to shift into something deeper, which raises questions about the nature of their relationship. The manga beautifully explores the themes of love, friendship, and the blurred lines between them. What sets This Is a Lovestory apart is its subtle and gentle storytelling. The manga manages to balance the innocence of childhood with the complexities of adult emotions, resulting in a heartwarming and bittersweet narrative. The art style perfectly captures the emotions of the characters, bringing them to life on the pages. In addition to the main storyline, This Is a Lovestory also touches on other important themes such as family, self-acceptance, and finding one's purpose in life. The supporting characters are well-developed and contribute to the overall richness of the story. Overall, This Is a Lovestory is a beautifully written and illustrated manga that explores the intricacies of love and friendship. It delves into the complexities of human emotions, showing that age is just a number when it comes to forming meaningful connections. Whether you're a fan of romance or looking for a heartwarming read, This Is a Lovestory is definitely worth checking out.