Some issues: the comedic segues were at times rocky and the men chasing after an adolescent-looking girl is a little troubling.
However, the series is at it's strongest when it focuses on the internal life of Takemoto, the earthy protagonist we can relate to in contrast to Hagu's ethereal nature.
The metaphor of the bicycle turning and (SPOILER ALERT AHEAD) the ending scene with Takemoto professing his love to Hagu is just beautiful.
He expresses his love from a place of such strength. Having just completed his spiritual journey (bike riding to the top of Japan), he knows himself better and knows that regardless of the outcome, he has worth and he has to express his love for Hagu. This is an incredibly mature character study. When he says I love you and she says thank you, it leaves me breathless. If the show ended here, it would still be a great ending. However, I REALLY LIKE part two.
(See my review for Honey and Clover II after you've finished).
