Sumika Sumire

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WHAT AN UNDERRATED SHOUJO!

Story: 10/10
This manga should be a textbook example on how to properly write shoujo regarding characters, loveline and especially COURTSHIP ETIQUETTE. I was worried that the whole manga will be about Sumire being indecisive while Mashiro will always be at her beck and call (this makes the second male lead from other shoujo look like a fool). But thankfully, the author handles the love triangle really well. Sumire and Mashiro did date and shared many precious moments with each other while Rei respectfully supported Sumire. This is what makes the plot stand out. Throughout, there is no childish tug-of-war or the male ... characters acting possessive and hostile towards each other. Everyone has their chance to express their love and gets the reciprocation they deserve. In a love triangle, one has to go. But the ending is a happy one for everyone involved without making it feel forced for the one being left out.

Characters: 10/10
As I have said, what a textbook example on character buildings. Every character is so humane and mature. Sumire is such a strong and honest person. I love the detail when she revealed her 60-year-old self to Mashiro rather than being evasive. They have good communication and their love was really sweet. Mashiro is a spectacular second male lead. He was direct with his feelings and very considerate of Sumire. If there is a weakness in Mashiro's character buidling, it is that he is too perfect: he always did the right thing the right time. He is a character that NAILS timing:

1) He didn't try to get back to Sumire after she was rejuvenated for the second time, although they met before graduation. He knows the thing between them is too complicated and wants to give both him and her a peace of mind rather than being stubborn like YOU ARE YOUNG AGAIN WHY DON'T WE JUST KEEP DATING.

2) When he reunited with her as an adult, he has good pacing - he appropriately courted her once again rather than acting distant/pretending to have no feelings for her/forcing himself on her.
Although they didn't end up with each other, I believe that he has no regrets. He could calmly move on with another relationship, for he did his best to pursue love and was genuinely reciprocated. He just wasn't her end game, which was fair enough since Rei has always followed Sumi since she was a young kid and selflessly helped her find happiness.

Art: 9/10
Although the art style didn't make a name for itself among other shoujo manga (which was a pity), I think it was good and did justice to the characters. The art style that draws Mashiro really reminds me of Taichi from Chihayafuru. Sumire is convincingly a modest but pretty girl.

Enjoyment: 10/10
In shoujo that involves a love triangle, the ending where the second male lead ends up with someone else always feel undeserved and turns the girl into a "substitute" that pales in comparison to the female lead. This is not the case for Sumika Sumire. I really glad that Mashiro could keep Sumire's image as a sweet and precious time in his youth without ruining his later love life. The story has a really mature approach while still being romantic. The way the author resolves the love triangle in Sumika Sumire is satisfying to me.

Overall: 10/10
It is a shame that Sumika Sumire never earns the popularity it deserves despite being such a sweet, sensible shoujo with magnificient character building. It aches me to see shoujo with male characters who tried hard to act edgy and literally harassed the female lead gets so much hype (aka Namaikizakari, Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, Keishichou Tokuhanka 007,...)