Yamamori. Volume 5 Cover Art, In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Kodansha.
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk – Information
Author of Story: Mika Yamamori
Chapter Count: 8 Volumes, 32+ chapters
Status: Ongoing
Check out the official Kodansha page for In the Clear Moonlit Dusk
Content Warnings
These content warnings do not reflect the contents of the review below; only the literary work itself.
- Briefly mentions mature topics on occasion
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.
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk – Plot Summary
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk (also known as Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki in Japanese) is a romance series written by Mika Yamamori. This gender-bender story focuses on two characters who are known as the “princes” of their high school: first year Yoi Takaguchi and second year Kohaku Ichimura.
Yoi, the main protagonist, is a tall, handsome girl with a deep voice. She is frequently mistaken for a boy and called “Prince” because of her appearance. She even gains the attention of her female classmates, although unintentionally.
Due to these factors, she often thinks that cute things don’t suit her or that boys have no interest in her because she doesn’t truly fit what she thinks a “girl” should be like.
The main plot of the story begins when Yoi runs into Kohaku, the school’s rumored rich boy (who also has been nicknamed “Prince”) by coincidence. For Kohaku, this meeting sparked an immediate interest. He quickly begins to pursue Yoi, even if to just see her beautiful face a bit more.
Yoi is surprised and put off by Kohaku’s advances since she’s not used to attention from boys, yet still doesn’t seem to totally hate his presence—after all, he seems to notice a side of her that others haven’t. These two high schoolers, unsure about their feelings for each other, decide to trial-date as a “test” for their true emotions and compatibility!
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk is a very cute romance with a first-love trope, so look forward to plenty of sweetness and fluff!
Yamamori. Volume 1 Cover Art, In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Kodansha.
Why I’ve Enjoyed In the Clear Moonlit Dusk
Plot:
As you can tell, this story is very “prince” themed! I think this theme is an important part of the characters and their personal identities. It plays nicely into the series, since the story seems to push a message about being who you are without worrying about other people’s opinions or expectations of you—if anything, it sort of parodies the usual “prince” trope often found in shoujo.
This manga series also features a gender bender trope of sorts. Although gender bender tropes aren’t necessarily new, I like how this story approaches it quite a lot—with Yoi simply being herself. It really helps round out that message I mentioned above. Yoi is very cute, pretty, cool, and handsome all at the same time—qualities that are all perfectly fine no matter your gender identity.
Alongside some important character growth, this shoujo focuses on the romance quite a lot and sets a pretty good pace despite the “trial dating” trope. For readers who enjoy romances that don’t rush things but still keeps progress moving consistently, In the Clear Moonlit Dusk is a great choice!
There is a bit of hesitation at first in the classic shoujo fashion, but you can still enjoy an established relationship in this manga early on that progressively builds in an appropriate amount of time. The slower early developments give the characters time to figure themselves out and what they want out of the relationship!
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk takes such a sweet and realistic approach to romance. Although the main characters look and sometimes act mature, they are still high school students. They are both learning to navigate their new feelings, and take things step by step together.
I really love that both Yoi and Kohaku struggle with their emotions a bit, and are even a little dishonest in the beginning. It feels realistic for a first true love experience where you sort of fumble your words, say things you don’t mean, and don’t really understand your feelings or desires at first.
I particularly like that the author gives equal attention to both Yoi and Kohaku throughout the story as they experience these things, too.
The author also skillfully portrays the characters’ less appealing (but still relatable) sides of their personalities, such as stubbornness, cheekiness, and jealousy. It feels more realistic than the perfect-protagonist vibe that some shoujos give off, while still delivering a plot that’ll keep you interested.
Overall, this manga series has a sweet romance that progresses naturally, features significant character growth, and combines a mix of shoujo tropes and realism quite well!
Characters:
A huge highlight of this manga is that the characters are very lovable and surprisingly realistic. Firstly we meet Yoi: A gorgeous, studious, and prince-like girl who puts up a strong, almost tsundere front. She’s got a strict idea of what a girl should be like… something that sort of hinders her character growth and progress at first.
Yoi really struggles to accept her new feelings around Kohaku and is also very hesitant to try new things during their trial relationship. She can’t seem to believe that someone would possibly fall for her, and therefore is afraid to face her growing feelings. While she has a lot of trials to endure, Yoi truly becomes the cutest when she’s finally able to be honest!
Luckily, Kohaku helps tear those walls down and allows Yoi to flourish as her true self. Kohaku seems like a rude playboy at first, but actually turns out to be rather sincere. He may be a bit blunt, but it’s obvious he’s very interested in Yoi. He just takes a bit of time to realize just how much he’s into her!
He seems like he has struggled in relationships before, as many girls must have tried to get to him simply because his family has money. Therefore, he struggles to truly do things “the right way” when it comes to Yoi. However, his sincerity and honestly helps their relationship build up to be stronger and stronger.
Yoi and Kohaku have strengths and weaknesses that match up well. Yoi is earnest, sweet, and has no secret intentions when involving herself with Kohaku (like other girls seem to). She’s a bit insecure, but strong enough to keep trying. Unfortunately, her inner battles about her emotions and insecurities cause her to be a bit tsundere-ish. She just can’t be honest about her feelings!
Kohaku on the other hand does not care about others’ opinions of him, which is a significant trait for his character. He is much more straightforward, simply liking what he likes. He even admits that he’d like Yoi regardless of whether she was a girl or a boy.
However, he is a bit too laid back at times, such as when he offers to trial date Yoi. He doesn’t take things too seriously at first, but quickly begins to realize through his new feelings that he needs to put in more effort with a honest girl like Yoi.
Seeing these two characters grow both individually and in their mutual relationship is so gratifying! They are so stinkin’ cute, and seeing them slowly work out their feelings is just so exciting!
Art:
The art throughout In the Clear Moonlit Dusk feels beautiful and polished. I love when manga artists really take the time to detail their characters. It allows you to admire the art more often and enjoy the story more overall! Personally, I really like the panels that detail the eyes or hair a bit more—especially Yoi’s eyes.
Also, the main characters are simply gorgeous. It’s nice to see more short-haired female protagonist representation, and the male lead’s character design is delightfully rough and handsome. It’s a nice contrast next to Yoi’s very put-together look. They’re even more stunning when together!
Any Cons?
One thing about the In the Clear Moonlit Dusk manga that some readers may dislike is that Yoi seems super nervous and not very confident in herself for much of the series. She’s very hesitant about relationships from the start, and doesn’t really believe that any guy would have interest in her. Even when things progress, she has a fair amount of struggle.
I feel like this could be a realistic take on a high schooler’s first love experience, but many people may find this character’s personality trait annoying. Just a small warning!
Yamamori. Volume 4 Cover Art, In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Kodansha.
This manga also has a bit of a second male lead, and this character is probably the most annoying type of love rival: the kind that starts making moves once things start getting official between the main characters. I didn’t hate his character at first, but he became intrusive and annoying.
I understood that his character was used for pushing progress between Yoi and Kohaku, but I just don’t really like when authors use that method. Luckily, he doesn’t get too much focus for too long.
(￣ω￣;)
For the last possible con, I wanted to mentined that In the Clear Moonlit Dusk focuses only the main relationship and romance, and not much else. It’s a very sweet romance that features individual and romantic growth for the two main characters. If you’re looking for a manga that includes plot outside of romance, this story may not be the best choice—it’s 100% romance!
Final Thoughts
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk has been such an enjoyable read. I’ve enjoyed the slow-growing feelings between the two stunning protagonists and the really sweet, fluffy romance!
The absolutely stunning art style is really just the cherry on top, making this lovely romance even better! If you’d love a beautifully illustrated shoujo with super exciting character growth, be sure to check this manga series out!
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: Yamamori, Mika. In the Clear Moonlit Dusk. Kodansha, 2020.
