Megumi Morino’s popular shōjo manga series, A Condition Called Love (Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai), is slated to end in just three more chapters, bringing the heartwarming romance to a close. The announcement came from Kodansha’s Monthly Dessert magazine, signaling the nearing conclusion of the series that began in December 2017.
Manga to Take a Brief Hiatus Before Final Chapters
Fans eager for the next installment will need to exercise a bit more patience, as A Condition Called Love will take a one-issue break. The manga will not be featured in the next issue of Monthly Dessert, scheduled for release on April 24. However, the final three chapters will follow, promising a concluding arc filled with resolution and heartfelt moments.
A Look Back at ‘A Condition Called Love’
A Condition Called Love has captivated readers with its sweet and relatable narrative. The story centers around Hotaru Hinase, a 16-year-old high school student who has always been content with a life surrounded by friends and family, without much thought given to romance. That is, until she encounters Hananoi-kun.
The Umbrella That Started It All
One snowy day, Hotaru witnesses her schoolmate, Hananoi-kun, experiencing a difficult public breakup. Showing a simple act of kindness, she offers him her umbrella. This seemingly small gesture sets off a chain of events that drastically alters Hotaru’s perspective on love.
A Sudden Confession
To Hotaru’s surprise, Hananoi-kun approaches her the very next day and boldly asks her out. This unexpected confession throws Hotaru into a world she never anticipated, leading her to question everything she thought she knew about love and relationships.
Themes of First Love and Personal Growth
The manga beautifully explores themes of First Love, emotional development, and the significance of mutual understanding. Hotaru and Hananoi’s journey emphasizes the importance of empathy, respect, and individual growth within a relationship.
Hotaru’s Transformation
Hotaru’s character arc is particularly compelling as she navigates her newfound feelings for Hananoi-kun. Her sincerity and honesty resonate with many readers, making her a relatable and endearing protagonist.
Hananoi’s Intense Affection
Hananoi-kun’s character is equally intriguing. Despite his good looks and intelligence, it is his intense yet genuine love for Hotaru that adds complexity to his personality. His unwavering dedication and care for Hotaru leave a lasting impression, even if his expressions of love can sometimes be overwhelming.
Critical Reception and Awards
A Condition Called Love has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success:
- Kodansha Manga Award: Won the Best Shōjo Manga award in 2021 at the 45th annual Kodansha Manga Awards.
- Circulation: Boasts over 4 million copies in circulation, including digital copies, demonstrating its widespread popularity.
However, the anime adaptation, while anticipated, faced some criticism:
- Anime News Network: Listed the anime series as one of “The Worst Anime of 2024”.
- Character Concerns: MrAJCosplay criticized the character “Hananoi” for being “harmful or invasive,” also pointing out animation errors.
The Creative Force Behind the Manga: Megumi Morino
The talented Megumi Morino is the writer and illustrator behind A Condition Called Love. Morino launched the manga in December 2017, in Kodansha’s Monthly Dessert magazine, and has since captivated audiences with her storytelling and artistry. She is also known for her previous work, Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty.
Anime Adaptation
An anime television series adaptation of A Condition Called Love, produced by East Fish Studio, aired from April 4 to June 20, 2024, on TBS and its affiliates. The series was directed by Tomoe Makino, with scripts written by Hitomi Amamiya and character designs by Akiko Satō.
Theme Songs
The anime featured memorable Theme Songs:
- Opening Theme: “Kimi no Sei” (君のせい, lit. “It’s Your Fault”), performed by Sexy Zone.
- Ending Theme: The Japanese version of “Every Second,” performed by Mina Okabe.
Streaming
Crunchyroll streamed the series outside of Asia, including the Middle East and CIS.
Availability in English
North American fans have been able to enjoy A Condition Called Love thanks to Kodansha USA Publishing, who began publishing the manga in English digitally in 2020. The company released the first compiled book volume physically in English in January 2023, and released the 12th volume on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Kodansha will publish the manga’s 17th volume on May 13.
Final Thoughts
As A Condition Called Love approaches its conclusion, fans can anticipate a heartfelt and satisfying resolution to the love story of Hotaru and Hananoi. With its exploration of first love, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships, Megumi Morino’s manga has left a lasting impact on the shōjo genre.
