#tenkoi in hachiouji

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Series: Hachioji Meibutsu: Tengu no Koi Artist: Nanao Tomo Publication: ‘Tenkoi’ manga volume #2 (12/2023) Details: ComicZin Exclusive Bonus Illustration Card Source: Scanned from my personal collection

[kahixxi]

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Just a reminder that the first volume of Nanao Tomo's The Hachioji Speciality: Tengu's Love comes out in English from Yen Press this week. I already double-dipped on the Japanese volumes, but I'm going back for more with the English volume too.

While a lot of series captivate me with their plot, Hachioji Meibutsu: Tengu no Koi grabbed my attention with its beautiful retro-tinged art and has continued to hold my interest with its atmosphere.

So why is this series such a highlight in the current ASUKA magazine lineup? I've tried to breakdown my thoughts (albeit sleepily) on why I like this title and why other readers might be keen to give it a shot now that it's enjoying an English-language release.

The series description from Yen Press describes the series as follows:

"Can a determined tengu bride change a lonesome bachelor’s ways? Well, it’s not like he’s got much of a choice— ’cos she’s already moving in! Young systems engineer Kotarou has had to make his own way in life. Nothing remains of his early childhood before he was orphaned—nothing except his grandparents’ antique house in Hachioji and memories of Hime, the winged spirit girl he’s come to dismiss as a youthful flight of fancy. But after his return to Hachioji and reunion with Hime, it becomes impossible to deny the existence of his fine, feathery friend—especially given that she’s declared they’re getting married at second sight!"

Which makes it sound like you're signing up for a typical 90s-style magical girlfriend series and, well, to an extent you are. Hime is beautiful, powerful and innocent in the ways of the human world. Kotarou on the other hand is somewhat average, cynical human who now finds himself saddled with an otherworldly bride. Hijinks ensue!

What I think helps Tenkoi differentiate itself from other series with similar setups (aside from the stunning art) is that it gives both the reader and the characters time to breathe, to be in each other's company, and exist without needing constant jokes. There's this ancient peace to Hime's village and a gentleness in her exchanges with Kotarou, even as a gaggle of her relatives argues around them.

Even the gag moments have a beauty and sense of pacing about them that's hard to find these days. We actually get the space to see Hime interact with the vacuum, for example. What so many titles might have condensed into 3 panels at best is expanded here, allowed to sit, presented to us for enjoyment. I just love that about Tenkoi, there is no real rush even when the series is moving Hime and Kotarou's relationship forward.

There's a willingness in Tenkoi to sit with difficult moments, mundane moments, humorous moments and moments of affection. To let each have its time to unfurl, to let us savour them all.

There's also an appreciation of the Hachioji region and the way the local population interact with the natural and spiritual world despite being in a suburban location (though this comes up a bit more by the second volume).

Another thing I like is that while there are a few gags about Kotarou being entranced by and touching Hime's wings (which she says are off-limits) overall Kotarou is a decent guy. While initially unsure about the situation he supports Hime in leaving the village for her own sake, aiming to empower her rather than to score himself a tengu bride. While at one point in the first volume he gets frustrated by just how hard it is to hide a lively tengu from the world, he soon sees the error in his ways and again pledges to support Hime in whatever she chooses to do.

It's just nice to see a male lead who can be wrong, admit he was wrong, and strive to make things right with the people around him in such a mature way? He sleeps on it and is like fuck, I was an asshole my life is better with her in it and immediately gets his shit together. Some leads can go dozens of volumes without figuring out that much so it was nice to see that corner turned early on in the series.

I should mention that food is an important part of how love is expressed in this series and a big part of how Hime begins to learn about the human world, so if food is a major trigger for you then Tenkoi might be best avoided. However, there are minimal other warnings I can think of for those considering starting the series (aside from consent being established regarding Hime's wings).

Tenkoi is still ongoing in ASUKA (which is published bi-monthly these days) so there's only two print volumes right now. There's enough little moments in this lushly rendered and atmospheric supernatural love story that it could go for many years at its current clip, but whether that happens remains to be seen.

Right now though I enjoy Tenkoi for being a simple story told well and with heart. If you're not looking for major plot innovation and are happy to just spend time in the presence of these characters experiencing simple joys in Hachioji, then this is a title I recommend.

(Also Hime is super cute, I adore her.)

[hotwaterandmilk]

Series: Hachioji Meibutsu: Tengu no Koi Artist: Nanao Tomo Publication: ‘Tenkoi’ manga volume #1 (09/2022) Details: Bonus Illustration Card Source: Scanned from my personal collection

[kahixxi]

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This is just me posting in the middle of the night that I would die for Hina in Oshi ni Amagami. I finally checked out the first volume (another one of those recent releases I'd ordered) and it was a lot of fun!

Hina is an otaku vampre who moves to Japan to live her otaku dream. She just wants to get merch and visit events, but things take a turn when she meets her neighbour Amanatsu, who happens to look like her favourite character from a vampire anime (much to his own chagrin). Although Amanatsu doesn't want anything to do with Hina and her obsessions at first, he might actually need her more than he realises...

When the rest of my store exclusive papers arrive I'll have to scan them in a batch, the art is super cute! I hope Suzuki can keep up the energy and heart in this one, because it has a lot of potential. I would also like to see Amanatsu become worthy of THE otaku vampire queen because Hina as a heroine truly has my heart.

[kahixxi]

Source: Tenkoi in Hachioji by Yoshi Tsukizuki

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General updates

I received a bunch of stuff in the mail today that I'm so excited to scan and share (also photograph, since there's a few acrylic stands in the mix too). A mix of new stuff and some old stuff, all cute!

I don't have much else in storage after this month because I'm preempting having to leave my job by ceasing all but the most essential spending, so I'll have to try and make this content last a while.

Hime from Tenkoi in Hachiouji

The prospect of not having a stable job while being disabled with rent/meds/bills to pay at my age is honestly quite terrifying. The welfare system in Australia is woeful and my previous brush with it left me destroyed emotionally & financially, so I really need to find a role I can transition into with a minimal gap. Much easier said than done when you have a limited physical capacity, sadly.

Anyway, I'm going to keep trying my best because I have to pay for Pop Up Parade Hoshino Ruri in November. A non-pervy, non-garbage Nadesico figure in 2023? What a world we live in!