In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Volume 2 and 3 Review

Fans of Mika Yamamori are currently spoiled for choice as both Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet (published by Yen Press) and In the Clear Moonlit Dusk are in the midst of being published in English. Today I’m here to check in with the latter of the two, to find out how the plot is progressing. 

As we reunite with Yoi and Ichimura, we find Yoi proposing to Ichimura that they date as an experiment to see how they both feel. Ichimura naturally wants to know what the trial will entail and how far it can go; will they hold hands, hug or even kiss? Flustered by his questions, Yoi tells Ichimura she’ll get back to him and then quickly flees the scene. Not only is she embarrassed by the questions, but she doesn’t understand why she asked him to date her at all. 

In the end, Yoi comes back to Ichimura with a contract, stating that the two will date for anywhere between two weeks and a month but anything physical will be prohibited and they must keep their relationship a secret from others. Additionally, should either of them develop romantic feelings for a third party then they will terminate the deal immediately. 

Ichimura is happy to agree to all of Yoi’s terms and afterwards, the two quickly decide on their first date. Together, they try on new outfits, enjoy some snacks and spend a cosy evening at a nearby amusement park. Yoi is left wondering if any of this really constitutes a date, especially when rather than try on girly outfits, she picks out more masculine clothing. Of course, Ichimura is just happy to spend the day with her as someone he’s grown fond of and even introduces himself to her father after walking her home. 

Volume 2 is about seeing these two characters figure out what love and romance are while growing closer to each other. Having always been seen as a prince, this is the first time Yoi has had the opportunity to fall in love with someone and understandably she can’t figure out what Ichimaru sees in her. This is only made worse by the fact he says he could stare at her face forever. 

The two have quite a few miscommunications but the thing I really appreciate is that nothing is left hanging. Yes, things might get awkward at school for a couple of days while they work out their feelings, but nothing is left to fester unaddressed. Nothing feels like unnatural drama either, this is a romance that’s very relatable and true to life. 

Moving into Volume 3 their relationship is more stable, with Yoi slowly realising that she is in fact in love with Ichimaru. She’s even willing to hold hands with him now and wants to kiss him but hasn’t worked up the courage to go through with it, despite the agreement stating otherwise. They’re nearing the end of the trial too, which means Yoi must decide if she wants to officially date him or not. 

However, a spanner is thrown into the works with the introduction of a new part-timer at her father’s restaurant called Takuto Ohji. Just like Yoi, Takuto is handsome and has a reputation for being a prince due to his kind actions and name that isn’t too far off ‘ouji’, the Japanese word for a prince. Because of this, he can empathise with Yoi’s struggles and she finds him easy to talk to. Unfortunately, when Ichimaru finds out about him, he becomes incredibly jealous and that causes a new rift to form between him and Yoi. With the time limit almost up, will they be able to patch things up or could this be the end of their relationship for good?

Personally, while I like Ohji as a character I’m not particularly fond of having him as a potential love interest. It’s clear he does have feelings for Yoi, which gives validity to Ichimaru being jealous, but all the same, I enjoy In the Clear Moonlit Dusk the most when it’s about Yoi and Ichimaru figuring out their feelings. I’m hopeful that, sooner rather than later, one of our two main characters will tell Ohji about their relationship so he can move into a supporting role rather than being a rival or obstacle in their path. 

These three volumes have shown us that mangaka Mika Yamamori has the skills to deliver a perfectly enjoyable romance series without throwing anything else into the mix. But at the same time, it’s a staple in the creator’s other series to have a second love interest, so perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised. Whatever the case, I’m rooting for Ichimaru and looking forward to what will happen in Volume 4 as their contract comes to an end! 

As previously mentioned, In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Volumes 2 and 3 come to the West thanks to Kodansha and continue to be translated by Jessica Latherow with lettering by Lys Blakeslee. Both releases read well and have helpful translation notes included at the back of the book. They both open with some eye-catching colour spreads, which is a real treat. 

Volume 4 of the series was released at the beginning of June and Volume 5 is currently scheduled for an English release in July. So, there’s still plenty to look forward to here. 

Overall, In the Clear Moonlit Dusk remains a charming romance manga. It’s rewarding to watch these two characters grow closer to one another while figuring out what it means to fall in love for the first time. While the events of Volume 3 are a little too stereotypical for my liking, that certainly doesn’t take away from the strengths of the series otherwise. 

Our review copies from Kodansha were supplied by Diamond Book Distributors UK.