Doukyuusei

Add to My List

Add to Favorites

Alternative Titles

Japanese: 同級生

More titles

Information

Type: Manga

Volumes: 1

Chapters: 6

Status: Finished

Published: Jul 25, 2006 to Jul 27, 2007

Genres: Boys Love, Slice of Life

Theme: School

Serialization: Opera

Authors: Nakamura, Asumiko (Story & Art)

Statistics

Score: 8.31¹ (scored by 17,494 users)

¹ indicates a weighted score.

Ranked: #280²

² based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded.

Popularity: #429

Members: 36,152

Favorites: 1,369

Resources

Wikipedia

8.31

Ranked #280Popularity #429Members 36,152

MangaOperaNakamura, Asumiko (Story & Art)

Add to List

Volumes: /1

Chapters: /6

* Your list is public by default.

Edit
Synopsis

Hikaru Kusakabe is an ordinary teenager; he has a band, smokes, goes to parties, and enjoys his youth to the fullest. His classmate Rihito Sajou, on the other hand, is his complete antithesis; Rihito is an honor student who is always at the top of the class, and he received a perfect score in his high school entrance exam.

During rehearsal for a chorus festival, Kusakabe notices that Sajou is not singing and offers to help him practice. They start meeting every day after class to train. Because of this, even with completely different personalities, the two boys begin growing closer and developing feelings for each other.

With the pressure of the last year of high school, students are faced with the looming decision of their future. Along the way, these two boys will need to learn about their own feelings, all while supporting each other and growing together.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Edit
Background

Doukyuusei was published digitally in English as Classmates by Digital Manga Publishing on April 29, 2014, and in print as Classmates: Dou kyu sei by Seven Seas Entertainment on June 4, 2019; in Polish by Waneko and in Spanish by Tomodomo Ediciones on November 14, 2014.

Edit
Related Manga

Sequel:	Sotsugyousei
Side story:	Doukyuusei: Gold Ring & Silver Ring
Adaptation:	Doukyuusei (Movie)

More characters
Characters

Kusakabe, Hikaru

Main

Sajou, Rihito

Main

Hara, Manabu

Supporting

Arisaka, Satoshi

Supporting

More reviewsReviews

Dec 10, 2014

Cryptic-senpai

Recommended

I tend to stay away from BL manga, primarily because of that completely ridiculous notion that I should apparently find guy-on-guy rape titillating. So when I stumbled upon a manga that contained yaoi but, to my knowledge, none of that garbage, I naturally became quite excited and couldn't help but jump straight into it. Doukyuusei is a shounen-ai manga (or yaoi, if you prefer to call it that way, as I do; there isn't any sexual content, for your information, although there are some kiss scenes) by Nakamura Asumiko. The story follows Kusakabe Hikaru and his meeting with Sajou Rihito at the all boys' school ... they attend together, and the development of their relationship.

The main issue with Doukyuusei's first chapter is that we are thrust right into the story. This leaves us feeling disoriented with the setting and the characters. We aren't even sure who the main characters are at first and who is narrating the story, nor are we given an introduction to tell us what our primary protagonist's name is. What makes things even more confusing is the odd way the dialogue is organized. It is quite difficult to discern who is talking and following conversations is nearly impossible the first time around. The panels are quite haphazard and it definitely isn't a manga for the type of reader who doesn't think, not because of its deep subject matter (it's quite simple, really) but because of the abstract way it is constructed. Time leaps are pretty poorly written, and, overall, piecing out how events take place is more a matter of figuring it out from characters' conversations than actually seeing them happen.

Well, that all sounds pretty negative so far. And I even gave Doukyuusei a pretty good score. Is there anything positive to say about a manga that is more abstract (and not in a good way) than anything in its method of storytelling? The good news is that the majority of the issues I've outlined are mainly in the first chapter. The subsequent instalments are far more comprehensive and pleasing to read. Perhaps the author was trying out a new style, or perhaps I got used to the way the manga was written. Either way, I very much liked reading Doukyuusei, flaws and all.

It doesn't really have an over-arching plot, aside from the unfolding of Sajou and Kusakabe's love affair. It is a slice of life told mainly from either of their viewpoints, with a one time dip into the mental processes of Hara, their music teacher. That doesn't change the fact that Doukyuusei is absolutely, incorrigibly, completely adorable. It's a very light manga, and while there is the occasional teasing of deeper psychological issues, it's mainly fluff and the perils of growing up and figuring out what you want to do that the manga focuses on. Despite not being particularly jaw-dropping or amazing, it's definitely a stellar manga for a genre rife with cliches and general unpleasantness.

The characters are very much human, both likeable and irritating at various moments. We may not learn a lot about them and there may not be a lot as far as development goes, but they feel realistic. Reading the manga, we discover their quirks and thoughts and personalities, even if their backgrounds are only revealed little by little. Neither Sajou nor Kusakabe feel typical to me, so I don't think they're all too cliched. They may seem like your standard yaoi leads to those who are more seasoned with the genre, however. Kusakabe is a fairly happy-go-lucky student who is a part of a band. Sajou is a serious, studious young man who consistently has quite good grades. The only problem is that he's pretty bad at singing. This is the aspect that draws our two main characters together, just by chance.

Since Doukyuusei is a romance, it is important to know that their relationship rolls along at a pretty even pace. It doesn't seem forced, nor does it play out as simple pandering. It's a quiet sort of relationship shoved forward by raging hormones. The characters are pretty comfortable with the relationship as is, even if Sajou is quite endearingly awkward about it. It makes sense given his natural inclination toward introversion, after all, and it's not as if he's completely against his relationship with his classmate. He might be an awkward turtle, but the romance is consensual, a nice change for the subject matter.

This brings us to the art. Nakamura Asumiko's drawing style is highly stylized and original, and almost immediately recognizable. It is pretty, but somewhat difficult to get used to at first. While not necessarily detailed, there is a certain artistry to the wispy, pencil-like strokes that make up the drawings of her characters. The backgrounds, however, are rather lacklustre in comparison. Sparse and only vaguely detailed, if even that, the cream of the crop is definitely Nakamura's character designs, which are fluid and original.

Doukyuusei is a short yaoi manga well worth your time, even if you're not usually into the genre. As I mentioned before, it doesn't have any themes of molestation or abuse between Sajou and Kusakabe, and it is definitely a fresh, welcome addition to the genre.

Open

Gift

Jan 25, 2016

kellyneki

Recommended

So, this is my very first review. Whether it is enjoyment or disappointment that I experience, I feel that I do not need to review what I have read or watched with others. Contemplating the work itself and how I felt about it to myself is good enough for me. However, this manga in particular made me feel something I haven't felt in a long time, and when one feels so passionate about something, whatever that something may be, they feel the need to share it. They feel that it is absolutely necessary for everyone to know about it. That is how I feel ... about Doukyuusei. Only finishing this manga about 10 minutes ago, it has left me in a daze. I feel bubbly and happy, as if I were in the 3rd grade, playing in the back yard with my brother on a hot summer day.

Now, I have read a lot of BL manga before. I am not going to deny the fact that I enjoy this genre. However, very rarely, at least for me personally, do I stumble upon a BL that makes me cry and feel so attached to it's story and characters.

Firstly, I must address the art in this manga. At times while reading, I would simply stare at the art for minutes. The art is so unique and interesting. I have never seen a style like it ever before. Just viewing the art made me feel some sort of way. At times, there was no need for words to be spoken. The character's expression and body language would express whatever they needed to say clearly.

Story wise, I wouldn't say that I haven't seen some parts of this manga in other BL manga before. I think that at one point in the manga the author mentioned that they meant to include some cliches. So yes, the plot is not something that complex and the story is not something that I haven't seen before. However, for some reason, it was amazing to me. The two main character's developing relationship and love for one another was steady and gentle. The story although not extremely deep for some reason gave me a feeling of joy and warmness. I think the way it flowed and the author's portrayal of an imperfect, high school love is what made it worth reading.

Regarding the characters, I think they were elegant, quirky, but also realistic. I really enjoyed the contrast between the lovers. One being an outgoing musician while the other being a introverted scholar. The way their relationship clashed at times and also flourished was extremely fascinating to witness.

My enjoyment for this manga exceeds the bounds of just simply enjoying something. This manga made me feel like a kid, witnessing two lovers just being in love and searching for a way to reach one another. I myself felt love for the characters being together, rooting them on whenever they talked. Overall, I highly recommend this manga to anyone wishing for a sweet story about two high school students slowly falling in love. I hope that more people will see how truly outstanding this manga is.

Open

Gift

Jun 8, 2016

Sir-up

Mixed Feelings

I read the manga and it was pretty bad. The story moved on way too quickly. The main characters and their relationship didn't get the time to properly develop or even be properly introduced. As soon as something started to "calm down", something new and bigger would happen right away. I really missed more of the peaceful and cute scenes that would allow us to really get to know the characters, story and setting better. Some of the scenes were very unique and interesting. But the moments could always somehow be easily ruined. Not all of them were though, luckily.
Overall it was an adorable story ...

Open

Gift

More stacks

Interest Stacks

Lesser Known Manga Recs

by Suzu-kun22

20 Entries · 37 Restacks

₊˚ʚ ᗢ₊˚✧ ﾟ.cute.₊˚ʚ ᗢ₊˚✧ ﾟ.

by cringecorekid

17 Entries · 16 Restacks

Realistic BL Manga

by Jini-chan

50 Entries · 228 Restacks

More recommendations
Recommendations

View All

More news
Recent News

North American Anime & Manga Releases for June

Here are the North American anime & manga releases for June Week 1: June 4 - 10 Anime Releases Black Lagoon (incl. The Second Barrage & Roberta's Blood ...read more

Jun 3, 2019 6:11 AM by Sakana-san | Discuss (6 comments)

Q3 2018 Anime & Manga Licenses [Update 9/22]

In this thread, you'll find a comprehensive list of anime and manga licensed in the third quarter (July-September) of 2018. Summer 2018 anime which were license...read more

Jun 30, 2018 3:51 AM by Kineta | Discuss (13 comments)

More discussions
Recent Forum Discussion

Poll: Doukyuusei Chapter 6 Discussion AlexSadist-sama - Dec 29, 2011	7 replies	by selenia13 »» Apr 18, 2021 10:48 AM
Poll: Doukyuusei Chapter 3 Discussion AlexSadist-sama - Dec 29, 2011	1 replies	by ravioliqueen »» Jan 31, 2021 7:43 PM
Extra AlexSadist-sama - Dec 29, 2011	0 replies	by AlexSadist-sama »» Dec 29, 2011 5:25 AM
Poll: Doukyuusei Chapter 5 Discussion AlexSadist-sama - Dec 29, 2011	0 replies	by AlexSadist-sama »» Dec 29, 2011 5:05 AM
Poll: Doukyuusei Chapter 4 Discussion AlexSadist-sama - Dec 29, 2011	0 replies	by AlexSadist-sama »» Dec 29, 2011 4:57 AM

Doukyuusei
Classmates
Edit

What would you like to edit?

Alternative Titles

Information

Statistics

Resources

Edit
Synopsis

Edit
Background

Visit MALxJapan
MALxJapan -More than just anime-

Edit
Related Manga

More characters
Characters

More reviewsReviews

Interest Stacks

More recommendations
Recommendations

More news
Recent News

More discussions
Recent Forum Discussion

MoreTop Anime

MoreTop Airing Anime

MoreMost Popular Characters

DoukyuuseiClassmates Edit What would you like to edit? SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links

Alternative Titles

Information

Statistics

Resources

EditSynopsis

EditBackground

Visit MALxJapan MALxJapan -More than just anime-

EditRelated Manga

More charactersCharacters

More reviewsReviews

Interest Stacks

More recommendations Recommendations

More newsRecent News

More discussionsRecent Forum Discussion

MoreTop Anime

MoreTop Airing Anime

MoreMost Popular Characters

Doukyuusei
Classmates
Edit

What would you like to edit?

Edit
Synopsis

Edit
Background

Visit MALxJapan
MALxJapan -More than just anime-

Edit
Related Manga

More characters
Characters

More recommendations
Recommendations

More news
Recent News

More discussions
Recent Forum Discussion