[ This review covers volume 1 of Pink Candy Kiss. Content warnings: Discussions of sexuality, possible infidelity, familial drama | Spoilers: Mild]
Just when Takara thinks her boyfriend is going to propose, he breaks up with her instead, claiming that she’s never “possessive of him.” Possessive is a loaded word, but in this context, I think the intended meaning is that she just isn't that into him. She doesn’t obsess over him or act particularly interested in the way a romantic partner traditionally might.
Takara doesn’t fall to pieces, but she does begin to question why she can never seem to get excited in a relationship. Maybe love is supposed to be kind of boring? Soon, she reconnects with a childhood friend and classmate, Ema – and sparks fly. As they grow closer, Takara begins questioning everything she thought she knew about her own sexuality, but the biggest hurdle to a romantic relationship with Ema is that she’s already married to a man.
The Story:
For much of this first volume, Takara is spiraling, lost in her thoughts as she tries to figure out who she is and why she feels the way she does toward Ema. Locked away in her own Pandora’s box are feelings she once had for Ema and now that they’re reunited all those emotions rush back with full force.
Takara struggles with her own identity. She recalls that her first crush was on a boy and that she’s dated men in the past, so how could she possibly fall in love with a woman? Takara doesn’t yet come to a definitive conclusion on her own identity. But one thing is for certain, she is in love with Ema. Maybe she always has been.
One thing I found interesting is the moment when Takara reflects on reading manga when she was young, trying to find herself and figure out the feelings she was having. But instead of clarity or comfort, those stories made her feel like her emotions were “just a phase” and left her feeling “dirty” instead of seen. This moment of reflection really shows how important it is to have genuine representation of LGBTQ+ characters in media, instead of hollow and sometimes exploitative depictions. It’s important to have honest portrayals that allow real people to see themselves and feel a little less alone.
On the other side of the story is Ema, whose point-of-view is less fully explored.
We know that she’s married to a man, but it seems to be a one sided relationship. Through a bit of backstory, we learn that growing up, Ema’s home life was unstable. Her mother filled her with a lot of self-doubt. While I can’t say for certain, the narrative seems to indicate that Ema may have married young, partially as a means to escape her difficult family situation. Years later, she still seems uncertain of her ability to stand on her own, and that keeps her tethered to her husband.
You can’t help but feel a little sorry for Ema’s husband. He clearly adores her and tries to support her. At one point, he laments that she never opens up to him the way she does with Takara. He may even be slightly jealous at that moment. It’s not entirely clear whether Ema loves him (she doesn’t say either way), but what is obvious is that she feels trapped and codependent in her relationship. She’s yearning to discover who she really is and to stand on her own two feet. If there was ever a romance blossoming between her and her husband, it seems to have wilted. Meanwhile, her connection with Takara is clearly mutual, and it’s not just in Takara’s head.
Takara and Ema have great chemistry.
Their conversations are natural and endless, and they’re deeply attuned to each other’s emotions. Around her husband, Ema reverts to the timid, withdrawn version of herself Takara remembers from childhood. But alone with Takara, Ema becomes vibrant, more confident in her voice and presence. It’s hard not to root for them, even knowing Ema’s husband is perfectly kind.
If I have one criticism of this volume, it’s that the story ends basically in the same place it began. Takara’s inner monologue circles the same thoughts, and the plot meanders which might not appeal to every reader. But for those who see themselves in Takara, the introspective, searching tone may feel like a breath of fresh air.
I also want to highlight the mangaka’s afterword, which beautifully explains her intentions in writing this series. This isn’t a fanservice-driven story; it’s a sincere exploration of women and sexuality, and I deeply appreciate that.
Overall, I thought this was a pretty solid read, with compelling characters and a fairly high stakes plot. You just know the narrative is about to get dramatic real fast. Also, it’s always great to see manga that feature adult characters, which is fairly rare at least in U.S. releases. For that reason alone, I’d say it’s worth picking up, but it’s also just a lovely story that’s steeped in honest emotion.
The Art:
The artwork beautifully captures the female gaze. There are many close-ups of soft expressions, parted lips, and delicate hands; all intimate details that show Ami Uozumi understands her target audience. The linework is gentle and romantic, with flowing curves that enhance the emotional tone of the story. I only wish there were more background details or at least less empty space in the panels. Overall, the visuals do an excellent job of supporting the narrative.
The Deets:
Pink Candy Kiss is an ongoing Yuri/Josei series in Japan. There is currently four volumes out and a fifth on the way. The English release is being published by VIZ Media. Volume 1 is available now, and Volume 2 is scheduled for release on July 1, 2025.
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