December 16, 2024

Parental advisory:

Mentions of suicide.

The first volume of Hikaru no GO was truly great. I finally managed to take the time and read this remarkable series. The story of Hikaru no GO revolves around a middle school boy named Hikaru. One day, after approaching the GO board in his grandfather's attic, he is possessed by a ghost called Sai. The ghost haunts the GO board due to his deep love for the game of GO. Sai had committed suicide after being wrongly accused of cheating during a game of GO in front of the emperor, which completely ruined his reputation as a GO master. Now, he haunts the board that has been passed down through generations in Hikaru's family. The last descendant who could sense Sai's presence unfortunately died from an illness before fulfilling Sai's biggest wish - to participate in a special tournament for GO players. The volume follows Hikaru as he delves deeper into the game of GO, faces challenges from various players, and gradually begins to develop an appreciation for it. In the beginning, Hikaru is a bit of a rascal. He almost sold his grandfather's GO board without permission, which I didn't like at all. Throughout volume 1, he has a tendency to be bratty and refuses to help Sai, believing that GO wasn't for a kid like him. However, he eventually starts to show more interest in GO. I do wish that a bit more of Hikaru's life before being possessed by Sai was shown. Also, I feel a sense of pity for Akira who loses to Hikaru, a kid who didn't even care about the game of GO before being possessed. Hikaru only plays GO because he will get sick if Sai is upset by his refusal. Meanwhile, Akira studies hard to become a professional GO player, while Hikaru is only doing it because he is forced to by Sai. I'm eagerly waiting for Hikaru to realize his mistakes, take the game of GO more seriously, and view Sai as an ally rather than a nuisance. Hikaru does apologize whenever he accidentally behaves rudely towards his elders and is very respectful to his family. Clearly, he is actually a decent kid who just tries to act like a delinquent and sometimes goes too far. Most of the time, though, he is quite funny. As I read this volume, I discovered that Hikaru has a better understanding of GO than he thinks. During a children's tournament for GO players, he noticed that one of the contestants made a wrong move without the assistance of Sai. He was also able to play against Akira's father with little help or instructions from Sai. This is significant progress! He is learning to appreciate other players after competing against Akira and his father. I truly hope he takes the game more seriously from now on. I'm really looking forward to reading the next volume.

Hikaru is merged with the spirit of an ancient master of the game of Go.

This was an extremely interesting start to a series. Hikaru, at the beginning, is a bit too brash and inconsiderate for my personal taste. However, I firmly assume that he will surely grow up and mature as the series progresses.

I myself am currently trying to learn to play Go, and that's precisely why I picked up this book on a sudden whim. I found the concept and the story quite engaging.

After reading the first book, I am now eager to read the second book in the series. I am curious to see how Hikaru's character develops further and how his journey in the world of Go unfolds.

I believe that the second book will offer more insights into the game of Go and also provide more exciting adventures and challenges for Hikaru.

I'm looking forward to delving deeper into this fascinating series and seeing where it takes me.

This was a re-read for me.

I remember reading this story back in high school when it was still in the process of being translated.

Even now, as an adult, it remains a highly enjoyable read.

It has vividly reminded me of the intense passion I had when I first began to learn Chess and Go.

The manga series gets off to a great start, filled with excitement and engaging plotlines.

I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who has a love for manga.

Whether you are a seasoned manga enthusiast or new to the genre, this series is sure to capture your attention and keep you entertained from start to finish.

It offers a unique blend of strategy, adventure, and character development that makes it truly stand out.

So, if you're looking for a great manga to add to your collection, give this one a try.

You won't be disappointed.

This time, I decided to pick up "Hikarunogo" again. I remember reading it when I was a junior high school student. Back then, I was really into battle manga, so "Hikarunogo" seemed rather boring to me.

However, recently, for some reason, I gave it another chance. And to my surprise, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it.

Ordinarily, "igo" (the game of Go) doesn't hold much appeal for young boys and girls. If someone were to mention "igo" to you, would you be eager to read about it? I know I wasn't. But after reading "Hikarunogo", I was completely attracted by this word and the fascinating world it represents.

If you want to have a similar experience, I highly recommend that you give "Hikarunogo" a try right now! You might be pleasantly surprised, just like I was.

This is truly an extremely cute manga centered around the game of "Go" (also known as Baduk and Wei-qi).

I have a genuine fondness for the manner in which the character becomes engaged in the game. It is highly creative and captivating.

I am inclined to give the next book or two a try. However, if I still do not find myself truly invested in the characters and their fates throughout the series, I will likely decide to discontinue following the series.

It remains to be seen whether the subsequent installments will manage to draw me in further and keep my interest piqued. Only time will tell if this manga will become a long-term favorite or simply a passing fancy.

This part is quite good. Although the ending is a bit annoying as it gives Sai directly without a word of goodbye: "(( But upon reconsideration, it is still very good.

I just remembered that when playing the game yesterday, the main character in the game, Sai, always made me want to read it again.

Sai's character is very charming. His actions and words in the game are full of personality.

Even though the ending was a bit sudden, it didn't affect my overall impression of this part.

I really like the story and the characters in this game, and I'm looking forward to playing more in the future.

Grades: 7 to 12
Genre: Manga, Sport/Game

One day, while rummaging in his grandfather's attic, Hikaru Shindo discovers a Go board. It is a traditional Japanese board game, and there is a mysterious blood stain on it. Fujimara no Sai, a former champion Go player, is now a ghost who has been haunting the board for years. Sai refuses to move on in the afterlife until he performs the "Hand of God," an extremely difficult Go move.

In an effort to placate Sai, Hikaru visits a Go parlor and allows Sai to use his body to play Go against another young Go player, Akira Fujisaki. Akira is the son of a professional Go player and dreams of becoming a pro himself. He is shocked and humiliated when someone his own age defeats him.

Hikaru develops a passion for playing Go himself. When he enters middle school, he joins the Go club and begins to build his skills with the help of the friends he makes there. Sai becomes an excellent Go tutor for Hikaru, and a strong bond forms between them. Akira and Hikaru become rivals in their pursuit of being the best Go player in Japan.

Although this manga is based on a game, it reads like many popular sport mangas, centering around the various matches that Hikaru participates in on his journey to be the best. However, it lacks the life-or-death scenarios or the screaming crowds. Additionally, the reader does not need to be familiar with Go to understand the game, as they learn about it along with Hikaru. This manga is also unique in that the reader can follow Hikaru's growth from an elementary school student to a young adult. Obata's detailed art style is well-suited for this manga, allowing the reader to actually witness the changes in the characters as they age.

A review for the entire series:

This manga is truly one of the best. I have repeated reading it for more than 20 times since I was in middle school. It is extremely inspiring.

I have never felt that it was the end. There is always a glimmer of hope in my heart that the story can continue and they can reunite again somehow.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging. It has a unique charm that keeps pulling me back.

Each time I read it, I discover something new and gain a deeper understanding of the story and the characters.

This manga has had a profound impact on me and has become an important part of my life.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves manga or is looking for an inspiring story.

If you would have told me that this book is only about a game where people do nothing but sit there and yet it is SO exciting... DARN!! Why didn't I read it when it was famous in my town 20 years ago?! I am very glad I picked it up now.

This book has truly been a revelation. It shows that even the simplest of concepts can be turned into a thrilling and engaging story. The author's ability to make the readers feel as if they are part of the game, sitting on the edge of their seats, is truly remarkable.

I have found myself completely immersed in the world of the book, unable to put it down. The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good read. It doesn't matter if you are into games or not, this book will appeal to a wide range of readers. So, if you haven't already, pick up this book and get ready to be amazed!

This review is for the series.

The series is a captivating sports manga centered around the Chinese board game go. Hikaru discovers an old go board in his grandfather's attic. Interestingly, he is the only one who can perceive the blood stains on it, and definitely the only one who can see Sai, a Heian-era go player who hovers over Hikaru's shoulder, fretting because Hikaru refuses to play go. However, it's not Sai who ignites Hikaru's interest in go. Instead, it's Touya Akira, a player of Hikaru's own age. From the moment Hikaru meets him, Touya's drive, passion, and even his scornful hair-flicking captivate Hikaru.

I am absolutely smitten with this series. The characters are all such endearing dags. Then there are the pictures of Touya in his perfectly pressed school uniform, with his hair blowing back in the imaginary wind and a go stone dramatically held between two fingers - they are just so daggy in the best way. It's truly fantastic. Although I don't claim to know the genre extremely well, compared to the other manga I've read which are often about superheroes and tortured souls, Hikaru and the Go Club offer a refreshing change. And I simply love it. Moreover, the art is incredibly gorgeous.

What truly makes this series, though, is the dynamic between Hikaru and Touya. Their rivalry is intense and fierce, yet it's not about crushing the other. Instead, it's about being obsessed with the game, moving forward, and basically being in love with each other in a sense. Touya awakens Hikaru's love for go and instills determination in his sunny disposition. Meanwhile, Hikaru is the only one who can make the perfectly-pressed and well-behaved Touya Akira lose his composure, yell, and wave his arms around. They are simply perfect together.

5 sao

"Standard" is the most accurate word to describe this manga series. The content is standard, and the drawing style is also standard. However, not everything that is exemplary can make people love and cherish it as much as this series has done. Because in addition to those perfect elements, it also has a "soul" inside (oh, both the dark and the bright meaning :p).

P/S: This time, Kim's reprint is extremely beautiful and of high quality. The important thing is that rereading it really makes me want to follow the story further. Therefore, I have decided to collect the whole series again (once more ^_^), even though I have almost given up on manga lately :D

This manga stands out not only for its precise and exemplary aspects but also for the intangible essence it holds. The standard content provides a solid foundation, while the standard drawing style gives it a recognizable and appealing look. Yet, it is the presence of that "soul" that truly sets it apart. It has the ability to engage readers on a deeper level, making them eager to know what happens next. The reprint by Kim further enhances the overall experience, with its beautiful presentation and high quality. Despite having almost abandoned manga recently, the allure of this series is too strong to resist, leading to the decision to collect it all over again.

Count me in for the rest of the series. (Emy, this is your fault.) I am truly excited to follow along with the remaining installments. Emy, you have somehow managed to pique my interest to such an extent that I simply cannot miss out on what comes next. It's as if you have cast a spell on me, making me eager to see how the story unfolds. I have a feeling that each new part will bring something unexpected and thrilling. Whether it's a new twist in the plot, a deeper exploration of the characters, or a breathtaking revelation, I'm ready for it all. So, Emy, here I am, committed to being a part of this journey until the very end. Let's see where this series takes us!