Uozumi. Volume 1 Cover Art Cropped, Pink Candy Kiss, Viz Media.
Pink Candy Kiss- Information
Author of Story: Ami Uozumi
Chapter Count: 4+ volumes, 20+ digital chapters
Status: Ongoing
Content Warnings
These content warnings do not reflect the contents of the review below; only the literary work itself.
- Verbal abuse
- Familial conflict
- Anxiety / panic related episodes
- Topics and events involving an affair
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.
This lovely adult GL series has stunningly gorgeous covers and a unique premise that many readers may find enticing. It seems like it won’t be a super long series, but I’m still very excited for it and I’m happy to provide a first impressions review. Let’s jump in!
Pink Candy Kiss – Plot Summary
Pink Candy Kiss follows 33 year old Takara Itosaki—who was recently dumped by her boyfriend. He claims he wasn’t sure if she truly liked him, and that she never acted possessive.
As she recounts the event to her friend with indifference, her friends suggests that perhaps she just hasn’t found “the one” yet. Takara then walks home, thinking about the last 15 years of her dating life, where she never really felt sad after any breakup.
Things don’t take long to brighten up again, though. Later at Takara’s real estate job, a beautiful woman with a quiet voice comes in with the intention of looking for a property.
As they are talking, this woman recognizes Takara, and introduces herself as Ema Nonohara—Takara’s middle school best friend! They exchange contact information so that they can catch up on the last 20 years.
These two immediately hit it off, but Takara notices Ema has changed completely. She has a new last name (in other words, she’s married), a completely different style, and she even acts a bit different, too! Ema seems ecstatic to see Takara, and Takara is happy too, but she can’t seem to get used to this new gorgeous and mysterious version of Ema.
As they spend more time together, Takara begins to experience new feelings around Ema that she hasn’t felt in any of her past relationships—or with anyone, for that matter. She begins to question these feelings, but regardless of what they might mean, all Takara knows is that she wants to be around Ema more and more…
This series has such an exciting start. It definitely feels like the author is going to take us on an emotional rollercoaster, and I can’t wait!
Uozumi. Volume 2 Cover Art, Pink Candy Kiss, Viz Media.
Why You Should Read Pink Candy Kiss
Plot:
The plot of this series kicks off really quickly, but leaves you with a lot of mystery. Why did Ema change so much? What’s the real story between her and her husband? Why does she act so differently around Takara? And why haven’t they reached out to each other all this time?
It’s so exciting to wonder what the author will cook up, especially with the immediate chemistry between Ema and Takara. The romance gives you a bit of suspense along the way, as you desperately want to root for Takara and her blooming feelings, but also cannot easily support the path that this romance would require.
In addition to introducing a questionable yet intriguing romantic premise, the early volumes seem to focus on the theme of discovering yourself later in life.
I really like this aspect of the series, as it’s a pretty realistic take, especially for anyone who grew up around limited ideologies. Takara has some soul-searching to do throughout volume 1, as she struggles with understanding herself and what she feels for Ema.
I often see readers frustrated when series have adult characters who don’t know their own feelings, but I really prefer this portrayal of adults. You don’t just suddenly wake up at a certain age knowing everything about yourself and exactly want you want. Life (and romantic endeavors) are a journey. (´｡• ᵕ •｡) ♡ And Takara’s journey certainly shifts in this volume!
Volume 1 spoilers: Plus, it’s not like Takara is completely oblivious. At one point in the first volume, she remembers her past with Ema, realizes that she was in love, and “apologizes” to her younger self for denying her true feelings. It just demonstrates her growth into adulthood, and that she has indeed fallen for a girl before. From that point on, she simply agonizes over the fact of whether or not she’s still in love.
In terms of the romance so far, there is certainly a lot of yearning. If you love that sort of thing in romance, definitely check out Pink Candy Kiss! Not just yearning, but also what looks like someone truly falling in love for the first time (and hard, too).
It’s so endearing and lovely, it almost makes you forget about the glaring morally questionable obstacle in the way of this cute GL romance. (・・；) But the drama makes things more fun and interesting, too!
Characters:
The characters in this series are super cute. Ema definitely takes on a more soft design, with a cute, stylish haircut and classy clothing. She’s so pretty, and works perfectly for the role she plays in this dramatic love story (the alluring yet unavailable love interest).
Ema seems to be a quiet or reserved person around others, except Takara, which is pretty cute. However, she has a mysterious air about her. I have many questions about her character, her past, and her intentions involving Takara.
Takara on the other hand seems to be designed with a less soft or seductive vibe, and dresses more casual (or perhaps just less flashy). She’s a pretty character, but is also adorably inexperienced in both life and love. Takara seems like a good person with honest intentions, but really struggles with her feelings!
I really like both of their designs, as they feel very fitting for the story. In terms of personality, we still have much to learn about these two!
Art:
The art style of this series isn’t too complicated or detailed, but the character designs are stylish and pretty. I especially like the way the author draws Ema’s facial expressions.
While the art on the inside isn’t what I’d consider super smooth or clean, it is still pretty cute and consistent for the most part. Plus, the volume covers are incredibly gorgeous. I want every single one on my shelf!
Uozumi. Japanese Volume 3 Cover Art, Pink Candy Kiss, Shueisha.
Any Cons?
The main con of this story is obvious… it is a romance involving a married individual, which is morally questionable and likely an uncomfortable topic for many. If you’re okay with some drama, suspense, and excitement, give it a read! If these topics are likely to really bother you, regardless of the reasoning or any sort of justifications the story may contain, I’d suggest you skip out on this read!
More In-Depth Review (Warning: Spoilers!)
Pink Candy Kiss can be considered a bit controversial, as it’s clear that Ema and Takara have feelings for each other, yet Ema is currently married… and to a really nice guy who sincerely loves her.
The story sort of suggests that Ema married simply to escape her mother, who seems to have been unfairly hard on her since childhood.
Takara seems to have been Ema’s “escape” originally, but since they parted in middle school, I guess she had to find a new way to escape the stress. That being her current marriage, a.k.a. the main obstacle for this GL love story.
To add fuel to the fire that is this dramatic romance, Takara’s feelings grow quickly. At the end of volume 1, she admits to herself that she does indeed love Ema, and these feelings only grow stronger and stronger with each volume. But throughout the series, she agonizes over it and even sort of lies to herself, since Ema is a married woman—and Takara hasn’t ever dated a woman before.
It just doesn’t seem like a happy ending will be possible between Takara and Ema, despite how much closer they continue to become. Hario doesn’t deserve to be betrayed, but what’s the truth behind their marriage?
I think it is obvious that their marriage is not a marriage of love at this point, but Ema’s husband is so sincere and genuine that it’s hard to wholeheartedly want them to break up, haha. Plus, a simple break-up for the sake of the story seems too easy and simple. I hope the mangaka comes up with a satisfactory solution!
While nobody should be forced to stay in a marriage they are unhappy in, it’s equally wrong to use a marriage and someone’s feelings for your own benefit. Therefore, I really hope this story works out in a way that everyone can be happy. Volume four really brought the drama and emotion! I can’t wait to see how this suspenseful story plays out as we reach the latter volumes!
Final Thoughts
If you’d like to read a lovely adult GL story with an exciting forbidden love, definitely check out Pink Candy Kiss. This series has lovely characters, an exciting romance, and drama that is likely to ensue. The series is just beginning, but I’ve already got high hopes for it!
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: Uozumi, Ami. Pink Candy Kiss, Viz Media, 2025. Shueisha, 2022.
