Usui. Volume 3 Cover Art Cropped, Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon, Seven Seas Entertainment.
Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon – Information
Author of Story: Shio Usui
Chapter Count: 4 volumes, around 20 chapters
Status: Completed
Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon Seven Seas Entertainment page
Content Warnings
These content warnings do not reflect the contents of the review below; only the literary work itself.
- Mild depictions of misogyny
- Mild depictions of homophobia
Spoiler Disclaimer
This recommendation post may contain small plot spoilers for review purposes. Any major spoilers are hidden by default and are able to be revealed via click or tap.
Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon – Plot Summary
As the title reads, this week’s manga recommendation is a story between two asexual women. Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon is a very calm and uncomplicated shounen story that follows two adults as they learn to better understand themselves and what it is they desire from themselves, relationships, and eventually, each other.
First we have Uno Hinako, who tries again and again to appear “normal” by dating men—but can’t seem to ever feel happy around these potential partners, and even occasionally feels grossed out by physical touch. She feels pressured by others to quickly fall in love, or else she may end up alone forever.
Then there’s her older coworker, Asahi Sato, who is very busy taking care of her younger sister on her own, and doesn’t even think of romance as something she’d ever consider.
Once these two make an unexpected connection, they begin to form a unique relationship that is difficult for either of them to understand—but what they do know is that they enjoy each other’s presence.
Usui. Volume 1 Cover Art, Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon, Seven Seas Entertainment.
Why You Should Read Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon
Plot:
This manga has an easygoing story that doesn’t have much drama or conflict, and instead focuses on the inner battles within a small cast of characters. The plot feels appropriately paced as the two protagonists grow a stronger bond past simply being coworkers, and unintentionally form a special place in each other’s hearts.
Although Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon does not explicitly use the term “asexual,” it does strongly suggest this orientation through the protagonists’ own words and actions. I think this aspect of the story was especially enjoyable, as it isn’t a perspective I see often in romance manga.
However, some readers may interpret these characters as aromantic as well, which I think can just be left up to individual opinion.
I find it unnecessary to try and label these characters to an exact definition, as both sexuality and romantic orientation is a spectrum—and it’s not like the characters themselves can tell us how they feel, haha. That’s sort of the best part of this series: Seeing these two characters accept themselves without the need for labels or society’s approval.
Also, I do think what is considered to be “romantic love” or “romantic behaviors” can vary from person to person. I personally interpreted the characters thoughts, behaviors, and interactions to be romantic even without the presence of nonsexual intimacy (kissing, hugging, etc.), but other readers may conclude that they are two aroace individuals in an exclusive platonic relationship.
I think any interpretation is fine, as long as you enjoy the story. ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡
This actually isn’t the first time I’ve recommended a manga with aro or ace characters, as I have reviewed I Want to Be a Wall previously. Similarly to that story, I think readers will enjoy Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon, which depicts love, relationships, and sexualities through different perspectives.
It does feel a bit more intimate and emotional than I Want to Be a Wall—obviously due to the nature of the characters’ relationships—while still portraying the struggles these individuals face in a society that pushes a singular norm.
Anyway, it may be a short series, but I enjoyed it regardless. The relationship between the two protagonists was very lovely, and I enjoyed seeing them grow both as a pair and as individuals!
I also really think the donuts theme was very cute, especially considering the nature of the relationships and character growth portrayed in the story. It feels very fitting! ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
Characters:
I don’t have tons to say about each character due to the length of this series, but I’ll give a short opinion on each:
Starting with Asahi, I really enjoyed her design and personality. She is the quiet and calm type, who sincerely cares for her sister and has a strong sense of responsibility. I especially liked that the story suggested she liked cute or sweet things, which gave her a little bit of a gap moe effect, haha.
Uno’s character got a bit more screen time in this series. At first I was worried she wouldn’t be very likable to me personally, but she really grew on me. I don’t tend to like characters who are very self-depreciating, but I really enjoyed seeing Uno’s character growth.
This growth leads her to become more comfortable in her own skin, speak her thoughts more honestly, and live more happily—even before a solid relationship is formed with the other protagonist.
There are a few other characters in the series who play important roles, especially in terms of the main relationship, but I don’t want to spoil too much!
Art:
The art style of this series wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t anything incredibly unique. I didn’t feel as though it was necessarily needing improvements; the artist is definitely talented in all aspects—proportions, environments, clothing—but it could have just been a bit more interesting or different, I guess.
If I had to describe it, I would say it gives off a bit of a mature impression with a touch of cuteness sprinkled in here and there!
Usui. Volume 4 Cover Art, Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon, Seven Seas Entertainment.
Any Cons?
This series doesn’t really have many bad aspects to it. I have a feeling some individuals may find it boring or uneventful, or may be disappointed with the lack of physical affection. I personally found this aspect refreshing, considering there are plenty of romances out there that depict physical relationships.
If you’re looking for a series that is very physically romantic, this isn’t it. However, if you’re okay with a story that explores the more emotional side of love and relationships, you may enjoy this series!
One other sort of random complaint I have about this series involves Uno’s self-depreciation towards the beginning of this series… It was less about how she acted, and more about how the manga depicted it.
Minor spoiler here: Occasionally, it makes it seem as though Uno is talking to another physical version of herself, or seeing a ghost of herself haunt her. Only a handful of times do we see this, which makes it feel incredibly random and unfitting to the rest of the story, in my opinion.
Lastly, while I really enjoyed the build-up of the main relationship in the story, it does feel as though it ends abruptly. I would have liked to see more of Uno and Asahi, and what their relationship would have looked like in the future… but that wasn’t included, sadly.
Final Thoughts
This series was a nice, heartwarming read that I enjoyed on a suitably quiet, rainy day. It depicted a lovely relationship between two women, who found themselves happier in each other’s presence.
It was a very sweet portrayal of an adult GL, and was a refreshing read overall. I think individuals who are interested in an asexual GL romance will really enjoy this cute and short series!
Disclaimer: Any images used for this blog are for illustrative purposes only, are not owned by me, and are under ownership of the artist or publisher.
Images Credit: Usui, Shio. Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon, Seven Seas Entertainment, 2021.
