Honey Bee & Lemon Balm brings together a florist and an ex-yakuza who couldn’t be any more different. But when the florist offers salvation, the ex-yakuza would be a fool to refuse.
About Honey Bee & Lemon Balm
Honey Bee & Lemon Balm is a manga series by Jil Hashikura, published in English by Kodansha. In it, a former yakuza Kaoru Mitsuya is in bad shape. He’s just been released from prison for taking the fall for the higher ups in the gang. On his way out, he gets jumped by some punks. When things don’t seem to be getting any better, he lands upon a beautiful person laying out in an alleyway. That person turns out to be florist Yuichiro Shirouzu. Yuichiro decides to offer Kaoru a job and a place to live, while remaining oh so mysterious. As Kaoru and Yuichiro work together and grow closer, Kaoru can’t help but to fall for this cutie pie of a florist.
My Thoughts
Honey Bee & Lemon Balm is sweet. Tooth achingly sweet. I was instantly on Kaoru’s side the moment I saw him getting beat up in that alleyway because man, his life is so hard already. When he spots Yuichiro and believes he is a woman, instantly this soft side is brought out of him and brings him to a full stop. What’s even better is that when he learns that Yuichiro is a man, he’s still just as captivated. The more Kaoru gets to know Yuichiro, the harder he falls.
What I really appreciate about this story is how meeting Yuichiro is changing Kaoru’s life. Yuichiro is the nicest and sweetest man, so thoughtful and caring. He does have a health condition, but he’s still very capable. Up until meeting Yuichiro, Kaoru doesn’t feel proud about the life he’s been living. Involved in a gang, he’s always been taking advantage of and not valued. That changes when Yuichiro starts showering Kaoru with care. Kaoru starts feeling like maybe his life doesn’t have to be a dead end. Caring for Yuichiro and working in the flower shop has given Kaoru a new lease on life and it’s all for the better.
Aside from the cuteness of Yuichiro and Kaoru, this story has some side characters that up the ante and bring a lot of humor to the story. Filled with silly misunderstands, heartfelt moments, and even a stake out mission?!?, Honey Bee & Lemon Balm is perfect. I can’t wait for the next volume!
Where to Buy Honey Bee & Lemon Balm, Volume 1
Honey Bee & Lemon Balm, Volume 1
Mangaka: Jil Hashikura
Translator: Adrienne Beck
Letterer: Adnazeer Macalangcom
Editor: Cayley Last
Publisher: Kodansha
Honey Bee & Lemon Balm, Volume 1 is available for preorder and will be available on April 7, 2026.
Thank you to Kodansha and NetGalley for the ARC!
