Koharu Inoue’s romantic comedy manga, “Kimi no Katana ga Oreru Made ~Tsukimiya Matsuri no Koigataki~” (Until Your Sword Breaks: Matsuri Tsukimiya’s Romantic Troubles), has concluded its serialization. The series, which launched in May 2023, captivated readers with its blend of historical setting, action, and comedic romance.
A Love Story Set in the Edo Period
“Kimi no Katana ga Oreru Made” is set in the Edo period and revolves around Tsukimiya Matsuri, a beautiful young woman admired by everyone. However, Matsuri faces a significant challenge: the man she loves, Tsukimiya Yonosuke, doesn’t reciprocate her feelings. Yonosuke sees her as a childhood friend, more like family than a romantic interest.
Matsuri is determined to change Yonosuke’s perception of her. Yonosuke is consumed by a desire to avenge the murder of his former love, willing to sacrifice his life to fight the Shogun. Seeing him consumed by this reckless path of revenge, Matsuri resolves to become his reason for living, hoping to fill his thoughts with herself and divert him from his vengeful quest.
Inoue’s Unique Blend of Genres
Koharu Inoue, the author of “Kimi no Katana ga Oreru Made,” is also known for “The Duke of Death and His Maid”. Like her previous work, “Kimi no Katana ga Oreru Made” showcases Inoue’s talent for blending different genres. The manga combines elements of action, comedy, romance, and historical fiction, creating a unique and engaging story.
The series is published by Shogakukan and serialized on their Sunday Webry platform. As of October 2024, the series has been compiled into at least four volumes.
Themes of Love, Revenge, and Family
“Kimi no Katana ga Oreru Made” explores several themes, including:
- Love: The manga centers around Matsuri’s unwavering love for Yonosuke and her determination to win his heart.
- Revenge: Yonosuke’s quest for revenge against the Shogun drives much of the plot, highlighting the destructive nature of vengeance.
- Family: The strong bond between Matsuri and Yonosuke as childhood friends is a significant aspect of their relationship, influencing Yonosuke’s inability to see Matsuri romantically.
Reception
“Kimi no Katana ga Oreru Made” has garnered mixed reviews from readers. Some appreciate the cute characters and comedic elements. Others find the story and characters enjoyable. The series holds a rating of 6.93 on MyAnimeList.
Where to Read
For those interested in reading “Kimi no Katana ga Oreru Made,” the manga is available on several platforms, including:
- MangaDex
- BookWalker
- Amazon
- eBookJapan
- CDJapan
Koharu Inoue: A Prolific Manga Artist
Koharu Inoue is a Japanese manga artist known for her work in the romance and comedy genres. Besides “Kimi no Katana ga Oreru Made,” her most notable work is “The Duke of Death and His Maid,” which gained significant popularity and even received an anime adaptation. Inoue’s works often feature unique character designs, humorous situations, and heartwarming relationships.
A Fond Farewell
As “Kimi no Katana ga Oreru Made” concludes, fans can look back on Matsuri’s journey with Yonosuke and see if she was successful in becoming his reason for living and diverting him from the path of revenge.