Kurosaki. Volume 3 Cover Art Cropped, Ui x Kon, Shogakukan.
Ui x Kon – Information
Author of Story: Minori Kurosaki
Chapter Count: 17 volumes
Status: Completed
Content Warnings
These content warnings do not reflect the contents of the review below; only the literary work itself.
- Lost of loved ones
- Neglect
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.
Ui x Kon – Plot Summary
Ui x Kon follows a sort of strange but still interesting premise. It follows a girl named Kurage Ui, who enrolls in a particular high school that assigns two students together into each dorm room—with the intention of future marriage, once the freshmen fulfill their 3 years of school.
Ui was left alone after her parents passed away, and so she joined the school with hopes of finding a beloved person.
However, this strange high school was created by an even stranger couple, who wants to create the world’s best wedding. Not only will the young couple with the best wedding marry at the time of graduation, but they will also take ownership of the academy—becoming very wealthy in more ways than one. Wow!
However, gaining this title isn’t easy, as they all must compete against each other in a variety of romantic games and trials.
The creators of the academy, who happen to be owners of a successful software and hardware company, started this school program in order to test their newest invention: A matchmaking system known as “Destiny.” It utilizes biological data to create the best romantic matches for the students.
Even with all this special data, poor Ui finds herself paired with a boy named Kon, who cares more about the money and less about the marriage!
This premise sounds super cheesy right? Well, it is—but it is still fun to read unique shoujo romcoms like this from time to time. I definitely would have loved this series back when I first got into manga; the maturity level of Ui x Kon reminds me a bit of Shugo Chara.
It’s a great option for younger readers who are just getting into romance shoujo—or anyone who just wants a soft, youthful romance to enjoy!
So if you’re looking for something unique and a bit fairytale-like, this could be a good pick. I’d also advise not to judge it too quickly at the beginning. This cute series turns out even better than I could have imagined, as I found myself really enjoying this wholesome romance.
Kurosaki. Volume 5 Cover Art, Ui x Kon, Shogakukan.
Why You Should Read Ui x Kon
Plot:
The plot of this series is obviously sort of eccentric at first glance—and very predictable. However, I don’t exactly hate that sort of thing. Admittedly, I love that sort of thing!
I really like fairytale-like stories with cheesy, over-the-top romances and happy endings. (｡♥‿♥｡) If you like this sort of thing too, then you will enjoy this adorable manga. You may also enjoy Choking on Love, another cheesy romance with an older cast.
Although Ui x Kon is cheesy, this shoujo doesn’t just copy all of the usual cliches you typically find in a high school romance manga. Instead, it offers some weird but unique reworkings of the usual things—second leads, jealousy, school festivals, and so on.
Additionally, there aren’t really any super frustrating tropes in this manga, such as constant miscommunication or unnecessary drama. It’s actually a very easygoing read, with a cute slow burn romance and some comedic elements that keep things fun.
The main duo are very different personality-wise, and most of the series’ conflict arises from those troubles. This opposites-attract trope is what keeps the plot and romance interesting, as the main characters have to overcome their own personal obstacles while also navigating the school’s trials, exams, and other activities.
Even though the story is predictable at times, especially with the school’s trials, it was still enjoyable to read. I was a bit put off by the strange start, but I later found myself excited by how cute and wholesome the plot turns out to be.
This manga ends up being a really sweet, youthful romance. The romance builds slowly but ends up being adorably mushy and so, so cute! Readers looking for a lighthearted and fluffy high school romance will likely enjoy Ui x Kon!
Being made for a younger audience, this manga often puts focus on the characters learning to be honest and stay true to their feelings. This sweet and youthful aspect of the romance keeps the story feeling wholesome and fluffy!
Characters:
The main duo consists of two characters who couldn’t be more different. The innocent and honest Kurage Ui, and the clever and calculating Kougami Kon. Ui wants nothing more than to fall in love and be happy, but Kon has plans to instead fake their relationship and win the prize.
The difference in their personalities really reflects throughout the competition and games that the students often find themselves competing in. Kon is obviously serious about winning because he wants money, but Ui doesn’t make things easy for him.
Although she’s serious about growing closer in their relationship, Kon’s cleverness is often what pushes their winnings ahead in terms of physical results.
Ui is frequently seen as powerless and useless by their classmates, but her earnest personality—and determination to make this potential love succeed—gets its time to shine! She may be the heroine often in need of saving, but Ui doesn’t ever give up, and is strong enough to stand up for herself and others. Therefore, I really liked her character’s bold determination and honesty.
Actually, both Ui and Kon get some great character growth throughout the story. Although the romantic aspects are very fluffy and more on the pure side, Ui x Kon surprisingly portrays some mature concepts of respecting your significant other’s values and developing a strong trust in your relationship.
It was nice to see these characters change and become stronger!
Lasly, in addition to the main two characters, there are a lot of side couples that you will grow to love and root for! They are all very different and have unique couple dynamics, so the supporting cast of this manga is actually a fun bunch.
Art:
The art style of this series isn’t bad at all, and I do think it’s very cute—but it seems to change quite a bit after only a handful of volumes. I’m unsure if the style change was a personal choice by the artist, or if it was to signify the characters getting older.
However, they had only grown barely a single year older by the time I noticed the change. Regardless, I actually liked the change in style, so this wasn’t a huge problem. The art style after the change is a bit more polished and looks more correct, in my opinion.
Kurosaki. Volume 7 Cover Art, Ui x Kon, Shogakukan.
Any Cons?
This story is obviously a bit fairytale-like with its unique premise and the way the story is set up (featuring very eccentric trials in a school and also some unique adult characters).
The main characters may have trials and tribulations in terms of romance, but they often overcome problems quickly and with ease. Some readers may not like this perfect set-up.
However, if you’re someone who prefers an easygoing story without much struggle or conflict, this may be a nice read for you!
In other words, if you’re looking for something realistic, serious, or mature—this manga isn’t it. However, if you’d like a more lighthearted, fun, and cute romance, this could be the one for you.
Final Thoughts
Although Ui x Kon is ongoing, I have really enjoyed it so far. I think it is super cute, fun, and delightfully cheesy. It’s also rather appropriate, so I think it could be a great introduction to romance shoujo for younger readers!
However, no matter your age, romance is for everyone—so read whatever makes you happy! ♡
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: Kurosaki, Minori. Ui x Kon, Ribon Magazine, Shogakukan, 2019.
