Syu Yasaka’s popular yuri manga series, “How Do I Get Together With My Childhood Friend?” (Japanese title: Doushitara Osananajimi no Kanojo ni Naremasu ka!?), has reached its conclusion with the release of its fifth and final volume. The series, a light and cozy yuri rom-com, follows the story of Minami and Yuzu, two inseparable childhood friends navigating their evolving feelings as they enter high school.
A Heartwarming Yuri Romance Comes to an End
The manga, serialized in Takeshobo’s Storia Dash website since April 2022, has garnered a dedicated following for its sweet and relatable portrayal of first love and the complexities of childhood friendships. The final chapter, chapter 28, was released on January 29, 2025, bringing the story of Minami and Yuzu to a satisfying close.
Synopsis: From Friendship to Love
“How Do I Get Together With My Childhood Friend?” centers on Minami Ikoma and Yuzu Makita, who have been best friends since elementary school. Their close bond is undeniable, but as they grow older, Minami begins to realize that her feelings for Yuzu extend beyond platonic friendship.
Minami grapples with her romantic feelings for Yuzu, especially as she contemplates the possibility of Yuzu dating someone else. The thought of another person sharing intimate moments with Yuzu – waking her up, having lunch together, or even taking baths together – sparks a realization in Minami that her feelings are deepening.
Themes and Tropes
The manga explores familiar themes of childhood friends, first love, and the realization of romantic feelings. It also plays with the popular yuri trope of girls’ love (GL) relationships, offering a heartwarming and relatable story for fans of the genre.
Reception and Reviews
The series has been well-received by readers, who praise its cute and fluffy art style, relatable characters, and sweet romantic development. Some reviewers note the satisfying height difference between the characters, adding to the series’ charm.
Potential Downfalls
However, some fans have expressed mixed feelings about certain plot devices, such as the introduction of a “third wheel” character. Some readers found this trope to be unnecessary and distracting from the central relationship between Minami and Yuzu. Others felt that the manga’s later volumes suffered from “unnecessary dumb drama” and miscommunications. Despite these criticisms, the series is generally regarded as a heartwarming and enjoyable read.
Syu Yasaka: The Author Behind the Story
Syu Yasaka is a Japanese manga artist known for their work in the yuri genre. Besides “How Do I Get Together With My Childhood Friend?”, Yasaka is also the creator of “Monologue Woven For You,” another yuri manga series that has been licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment and translated into English. Yasaka’s works often feature heartwarming stories, relatable characters, and a focus on the complexities of female relationships.
Availability
Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed “How Do I Get Together With My Childhood Friend?” for English release in North America. The first volume was released in March 2024, with subsequent volumes following. The manga is available in both print and digital formats.
Where to Buy
You can purchase “How Do I Get Together With My Childhood Friend?” from various retailers, including:
- Amazon
- Booktopia
- Google Play Books
- Seven Seas Entertainment
Other Works to Explore
Fans of “How Do I Get Together With My Childhood Friend?” may also enjoy Syu Yasaka’s other manga series, “Monologue Woven For You.” Additionally, those interested in similar yuri manga with childhood friend themes may want to check out:
- “I Think I Turned My Childhood Friend Into a Girl” by Azusa Banjo
- “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll be Your Lover! Unless…”
- “I Married My Female Friend”
Final Thoughts
“How Do I Get Together With My Childhood Friend?” is a sweet and heartwarming yuri manga that explores the complexities of first love and the evolution of childhood friendships. While some readers may have reservations about certain plot elements, the series is ultimately a satisfying and enjoyable read for fans of the genre. With the release of its fifth and final volume, fans can now experience the complete story of Minami and Yuzu’s journey from friends to lovers.
