Yankee-kun to Hakujou Girl
Love's in Sight!

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Girlfriend with an added element is probably a genre of its own at this point.

This is another one in my line of manga I began reading from a strange time. A cute story that doesn't do much to separate itself from the typical clichés of old times. Strange guy meets interesting girl, shenanigans ensue. However, the author was two steps ahead on this one. A story about a blind girl and a perceived delinquent can't just be carried about a will they / won't they. These are two different worlds, with clear problems on both sides, and the story doesn't try to ignore them. ... The story starts to head into real life much more than the usual romance deal, and it's delightful to find something like it.

Having a job while having a scar on your face, while being blind, the real life circumstances that come with those elements. Low wages, future opportunities, how to make a date captivating for somebody who can't see, how does a blind person move about in the world, work out? It asks the questions, and answers them with empathy, with love and care for the subject, and doesn't try to romanticize a disability for the sake of it. These are people with vastly different perspectives coming to terms with each other, and dating because they like slowly get to like each other. It goes beyond the simplicity of a relationship waiting to happen, and focuses on a world these characters might live in.

Not only are the protagonists great, but their friendships, and the hardships they experience because of whom the protagonists are. The main female lead's older sister being one of my favorite characters who's got a whole story for herself. The hardships of taking care of a sister who can't take complete care of herself for over a decade. The loneliness and lack of personal connections she sacrificed for something nobody asked of her. And characters being understanding of such situations feels so fresh and nuanced. Not all characters immediately enter conflicts, most resolve them because they communicate. It's just a nice level of positive realism.

I could keep praising for a while, but it isn't perfect. The art's pretty simple, repetitive, even if the story's enjoyable to go along with it. Some arcs drag, even if the message needs to be there, and others end too quickly to be as impactful as they could be. Specially the moments of unrequited love, and how to endure those relationships beyond the feelings they had. It's brushed aside for other little stories.

Overall, a good manga, with a great message and characters that aren't just cookie cutter tropes. Everybody has their life, aspirations, desires, problems, loves, rejections, experiences, and nobody exists for the sake of another. Sure, the manga uses the title as an interest piece, but it isn't all that's there. Beneath the superficial idea, there's a soul that I haven't found in all these kinds of romance manga.

7.3/10. A good, slice of life, with real life sprinkled in.

I'm a near blind person myself, with eyesight slightly better than that of the heroine of this manga (but really, our impairments are so different that it's pointless to compare.) I've been around a lot of other blind people with varying level of impairment when working with disability organisations and such, so my knowledge of visual impairment is pretty broad, and I'm writing this review to note that I was honestly floored with how much research the mangaka has clearly done- the accuracy of the visually impaired characters and the overall themes surrounding disability and the way Japanese society treats those who differ from the ... norm is really impressive for such a comfy read, especially considering it manages to stay so comfortable while realistically and delicately tackling topics that often lean to the heavier side.

I didn't go into it expecting much, I'll admit. You don't see a lot of manga featuring blind characters that could actually exist in real life and I picked it up for the cute style, not because I care if I'm well represented in a manga about a high school dropout trying to court himself a moeblob. But I found my expectations quickly subverted, because it nailed pretty much everything, from the accommodations a blind person might need and actual impairments themselves, to just the day-to-day of someone living with a disability, and the societal issues inherent to being disabled. I also really enjoy Yukiko as a character, independent of her disability- nobody in this manga exists solely as what holds them back, and the titular hakujou girl herself is no different. She's got a strong personality that makes her ooze with cuteness, and her fierce, often insistent independence is both very refreshing and more reflective of an actual blind person than the woobified white cane clad pitycripples you often see blind people (and disabled people in general, really,) represented as.

There are a million reviews singing the praises of the sugary sweet, light-hearted romance, so although I do love Morio and Yukiko's relationship I won't bore you to death rattling off specifics of my adoration. All the aspects of this manga that don't have to do with disability are just as splendid, as a matter of fact! But I rarely write reviews in earnest, or about media that deserves an earnest review, so I feel more qualified to simply discuss the bits that I know best. And something I know very well is that I think that this is a really fantastic social commentary and an educational, thoroughly enjoyable read. I hope my specialist input is of service to anyone wondering about the accuracy of information!

Yankee-kun to Hakujou Gaaru is one of those manga you check out in your relaxing times and smile occasionally at the wholesome events it puts together. I would consider this more of an impression than a review as forty chapters are not sufficient to form a complete review.

Story: This is basically the tale of a delinquent boy who, on one day meets a girl with blurry eyesight. The entire story revolves around their interactions, which are a delight to watch. Most of the chapters are crafted in a slice of life form, with some occasional drama and backstory (of both main characters and side characters) ... which are actually touching. There is a hint of seriousness within all the light-hearted events that takes place, which draws the reader in. The comedy does not feel forced, nor is it the main highlight of any chapter. The chemistry between our leads feels very natural and as of late, although there is no gigantic progress in romance, the reader won't feel too impatient.

Art: The artstyle is simplistic and the expressions are cute. It could have been a 4-koma format manga, if not for some deep character based drama. There is ample attention given to background only if the characters have something to do with it.

Character: This is, by far, the best aspect of the manga. The delinquent is a really likable lad, and his character is not defined solely by his delinquent nature; sufficient explanation has been given for his turning into one of them. Our main girl, besides being ridiculously adorable, is much more than just a moefication incarnate. She is quite strong-willed and empathetic. The story is often driven by the presentation of her own thought processes in daily life, and that is quite an enriching experience each time it happens. The side characters gradually become more two dimensional as the story unfolds. I was slightly surprised at the development of a certain character, which was a delicate affair handled maturely by the mangaka.
There are actually other visually impaired teenagers who have been introduced too, and they have been very likable characters so far.

Enjoyment: This is a manga for all to enjoy, if you are into slice of life and light-hearted romance with occasional depth. The cuteness factor is high and you'll find yourself chuckling during many interactions of our MCs.

The chapters are not that big, nor they are totally disconnected. One wouldn't get too restless if they catch up to the latest chapter. Those who enjoy casual reading and feel-good story will love it...