There’s always something healing about the little country town. It’s always an escape for people who are burnt out and need a break from their life in the Big City™. It’s one of my favorite tropes because it makes so much sense, but borders on the line between realistic and out of reach. When done right in romance manga, it makes me swoon, thinking of two worlds colliding, being just what each person needs.
About In Love’s Key, Reprise
In Love’s Key, Reprise is a boy’s love manga by Guri Nojiro, published in English by Kodansha. In it, Kiri is a famous conductor who’s been sent to his hometown, Hokkaido, to rest. He’s been having a hard time and, as a result, is taking it out on his team. His reputation is starting to sour, and he needs a break from it all.
Upon arriving in Hokkaido, Kiri meets Osamu, a local man who is set on helping Kiri out. Kiri is apprehensive, but starts letting his guard down around Osamu and working through the pain and frustration in his heart. They both grow closer and find ways to heal the past and move forward together.
My Thoughts
Kiri and Osamu are adorable, and it’s easy to root for them as soon as they meet. But aside from the romantic aspect, what I truly enjoyed from this story was something I did not expect. Through Kiri’s story, we are witnesses to his learning of this universal lesson: you cannot run away from yourself. Despite escaping to the country to rest, Kiri is still struggling with the same dismissive attitude that landed him in hot water before.
In Hokkaido, Kiri has to do the work to process how his past and feelings of loneliness have led him to where he is today. Osamu is a big help, of course, but ultimately it is up to Kiri to be vulnerable and let someone in so he can begin to heal his wounds. This lesson was so beautifully done in this story, and it makes this love story so much deeper.
Where to Buy In Love’s Key, Reprise
In Love’s Key, Reprise
Mangaka: Guri Nojiro
Translation: Jessica Lange
Letterer: Elena Pizarro Lanzas
Editing: Alexandra McCullough-Garcia
Publisher: Kodansha
Thank you to Kodansha and NetGalley for the ARC!
This sounds like such a sweet story!!