Saturday, March 14, 2026

Review for Jil Hashikura's "HONEY BEE & LEMON BALM" Volume 1.

 

HONEY BEE & LEMON BALM Vol 1
Boys Love, Slice of Life, Yakuza

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jil Hashikura

RELEASE DATE:
April 7, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888777589

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Kaoru Mitsuya is a down on his luck, former yakuza. Yuichiro Shirouzu is a florist in the entertainment district. Kaoru discovers Yuichiro unconscious in an alley and helps him return to his shop. Yuichiro offers him both a job and a place to stay. Kaoru finds himself falling in love with his beautiful employer. Will he confess to Yuichiro? And how does Yu feel towards Kaoru?

Kaoru and Yuichiro’s personalities complement each others. Kaoru is rough-around-the-edges and abrasive. Yuichiro is calm and often clueless. I like how Yu tries to help Kaoru turn his life around. My heart melted when he held an impromptu birthday party for him. I adore how protective Kaoru is towards Yu, especially once he finds out about his frailty.

This manga is such a wholesome yet fun read! Some parts had me laughing (especially Ryo’s interaction with Kaoru. I can see those two becoming friends). There are no sex scenes – which I am totally fine with. The story and its progress does not call for it. I am glad it was not mired down with it.

I will be buying a copy for my collection when it is released. This is totally a keeper. I cannot wait for the next installment!


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