Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
40(40%)
4 stars
28(28%)
3 stars
32(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
I didn't (and still don't!) understand anything of Go, other than it's a matter of gaining / maintaining territory.

To be honest, Go is an extremely complex game. The rules and strategies involved are so intricate that it's no wonder it's difficult to understand.

I have to admit that it is a very difficult game to understand though, so it wouldn't probably work well in a shounen manga to explain everything.

Although they did attempt it a few times, but I got lost.

What I did like though, was Sai.

He was a fascinating character with a mysterious background.

And while the manga ended quite abruptly, he was the catalyst that spurred a strong rivalry between Hikaru and Akira.

This rivalry added a lot of excitement and drama to the story.

I think at the end of the day, that's what matters the most.

The intense competition and the growth of the characters as a result of it.

It made the manga truly engaging and memorable.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Sports manga are truly my jam.

They have this unique ability to draw you in and make you feel every emotion that the characters are going through.

And when you add a supernatural element to it, it just takes the whole experience to a whole new level.

It becomes the best combination ever.

I have a particular series that I just loved.

I remember watching the anime and being completely hooked.

Then, one day, I saw it in my library and I just HAD to read the whole series.

The story was so engaging and the characters were so well-developed that I couldn't put it down.

It was like I was living in their world, experiencing their struggles and triumphs right along with them.

Sports manga with a supernatural twist are definitely my favorite and I can't wait to discover more amazing series like this one.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I was initially a bit skeptical about the theme of this manga, which was the go game, a subject that I knew absolutely nothing about.

However, as I delved into the story, I was pleasantly surprised. The narrative was crafted with such finesse and the characters were so well-developed that I found myself completely captivated.

Currently, I am in the midst of reading the third book, and I am still thoroughly enjoying myself. The author has managed to make the complex world of go accessible and engaging, even for someone like me who had no prior knowledge of the game.

I look forward to seeing how the story progresses and how the characters continue to grow and evolve. This manga has truly exceeded my expectations and has become one of my favorites.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I've always held the view that any game has the potential to be captivating when in the right hands. After completing the first volume of Hikaru No Go, I not only learned the rules but also engaged in several games of Go against an online computer. I'll admit, I'm somewhat easily swayed, but this manga is truly excellent and Go is an incredibly interesting game.

I have a partiality for chess simply because I've known its rules for a long time and have played it more frequently. Although I lack skill, I still enjoy the game and even find pleasure in watching it at times. I'm eager to learn Go. Regardless of the game you prefer, be it chess, Go, shogi, checkers, Stratego, or others, I believe you'll discover something special in Hikaru No Go. It does a remarkable job of capturing a spirit that permeates all games. You can call it passion, 'fighting spirit', love, or whatever you like. It's present in this series.

Hikaru is a great character. He's a bit mischievous and initially has no idea what Go is. Sai is the ghost who shares consciousness with Hikaru after a particular incident. For now, these two are the main characters, and everyone else seems to be supportive and recurring in some way. The worst thing you might find here is that Hikaru may take jokes too far, but he voices his own dissatisfaction with himself, so he's aware of it.

You won't learn Go simply by reading this manga. There are some mentions of the rules and some basic teachings shown towards the end that demonstrate the application of the rules. I entered with no knowledge of the game (in fact, I thought it was another name for shogi) and came out happy. The joy stems from the reactions of the characters and the level at which they're playing. Many times, they measure the skills of the players involved or at least attempt to put their level of play into perspective. It creates a neat little scene regardless of what's happening.

This is another older series that I've only heard positive things about. I would love to check out the rest of it at some point. It's precisely what I was looking for when I wasn't even searching. I've been binge-reading some Shonen manga, and many of them have an action flair, whereas here I can relax with action that's more about finesse.

I believe Takeshi Obata is the same artist who worked on Death Note (I'm not sure which one came first), and I wouldn't have been able to guess. There are perhaps some similarities in hair and shading once you notice... But that's amazing! If you can distinguish your works in such a way, it's worthy of praise. Heck, I can't even draw the same stick figure twice. I don't think the art is revolutionary, but in a series where facial expressions are equivalent to an action sequence, I'd say it's fantastic. It's also interesting that both works the artist has worked on are inherently different from the typical action/adventure styled Shonen. Kudos!

July 15,2025
... Show More
Quick manga is an excellent choice for younger audiences who are just getting used to the world of manga.

It contains no inappropriate content, making it a very PG and enjoyable read.

Even though I usually prefer more violent or dark manga, I have found myself thoroughly enjoying this series.

What's more, it offers valuable knowledge about Go and piques interest in board games in general.

This is something that is fairly lacking in most books and shows today.

It provides a unique opportunity for readers to learn about a new and interesting subject while also being entertained.

Overall, I would highly recommend this manga to anyone looking for a fun and educational read.

Whether you're a fan of manga or just looking for something new to try, this series is definitely worth checking out.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I often reread this serial.

Hho.

The artwork of Obata sensei here allows us to see his development until he became as cool as in Death Note and has endured until Platinum End now.

It started so well. The intense passion, and then the appearance of a rival that developed into a desire to delve deeper.

Each stage of Obata sensei's work shows his growth and evolution as an artist. From the early works with a certain charm to the more refined and complex styles in Death Note and Platinum End, we can observe the progress and innovation.

The storylines and character designs in these serials also attract a large number of fans. The conflicts and competitions between characters add excitement and tension to the plot, making readers eager to know what will happen next.

Overall, Obata sensei's works are a wonderful exploration of the world of manga, and I look forward to seeing more of his excellent creations in the future.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is just a placeholder -

I've read all the volumes of Hikaru no Go over the weekend. However, adding each of them feels like overkill.

I really had a great time reading this manga. I believe that there is something in the teaching aspect that Hikaru no Go presents that deeply resonates with me.

It's truly, truly fun. The story is engaging, and the characters are well-developed. The way the game of Go is presented and the growth of the main character, Hikaru, is really interesting to follow.

I can't wait to see what else this manga has in store for me.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I haven't read a large number of sports manga. The reason is that I'm not overly enthusiastic about real-life sports. However, Hikaru no Go has truly appealed to me up to this point.

Why do I have such a strong liking for it? Well, I really like Sai. He serves as a source of comic relief, yet he is also extremely passionate and highly skilled in his job or hobby. So far, I don't have any complaints about Hikaru either. Even though his personality type isn't typically my favorite, he still manages to hold my interest. Additionally, the art in Hikaru no Go is clean and crisp, always clear and easy to understand.

I also just really enjoy stories about ghosts, I suppose. Maybe it's the element of mystery and the supernatural that吸引 me. In Hikaru no Go, the presence of Sai as a ghost adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the story. It makes me eager to find out what will happen next and how Hikaru will interact with Sai as the story progresses.
July 15,2025
... Show More
[4.5 stars] Review on the whole series.

I first became aware of Hikaru no Go during my middle school days. At that time, it was quite popular in my country. However, I had no inclination to pick up this manga until a dear friend of mine told me that it was his all-time favorite and shared with me its significance to him. Additionally, I had been a huge fan of Obata-sensei since Bakuman. So, one day, I went to look up other works of the sensei, and there was Hikaru no Go! I was truly astonished! And I knew without a doubt that I had to read this manga.

The manga was so captivating that I couldn't put it down. I stayed up all night reading and picked it up whenever I had free time. Believe me, I knew nothing about Go, yet I was still deeply attracted to it. The manga wasn't created to teach us how to play Go but rather to convey its meaning to all the players and those who love it.

Throughout the entire series, I could experience a wide range of emotions. Even though I couldn't fully understand every match, I could still sense how it was progressing, who had the advantage, and who was about to turn the tables. The authors did an outstanding job of pulling the readers into the matches. The tension was palpable, the players felt real, and the whole world of Hikaru no Go seemed both incredibly real and miraculously unique, unlike many other mangas.

It was fascinating to observe how Obata-sensei's art style evolved with each chapter. In the early chapters, the drawings had a distinct 90's Jump look, but as time went on, they became more unique, sharp, and profound. I also admire Yumi Hotta-sensei's writing skills and knowledge of Go. All of the matches were amazing, and the players' skills were expertly portrayed. It requires masterful skills and in-depth knowledge of Go to create such an outstanding manga about it.

Moreover, all of the characters are passionate, amazing, and believable. The competitive yet supportive relationships between them make Hikaru no Go an extraordinary manga. It's impossible not to fall in love with all of them as we witness their love for Go, their unwavering commitment to fair play, and their respect for each other, while also constantly striving to prove themselves.

The ending is open, and many people find it unsatisfactory. For me, I believe that Go and Go players will always persevere. This is just the beginning for them and merely a chapter in the history of Go. There will always be new generations inheriting the passion from the previous ones. As Hikaru Shindou said: "The reason I play Go inside me is clear: To link the far past to the far future."

July 15,2025
... Show More

Wow! It's been a long time since I watched "Hikaru no Go"! I saw the anime ten years ago. I really liked it. I also learned how to play Go.


On the way back from the station, I accidentally saw the complete set and bought it. But it was a good thing! It's really fun! Although I know the story, there's still something exciting about it.


I'm so glad I found this. It brought back a lot of memories. I can't wait to read it again and relive those wonderful moments.


Maybe I'll even try playing Go again. Who knows, maybe I'll improve my skills this time.


Overall, it was a great find and I'm looking forward to enjoying "Hikaru no Go" all over again.

July 15,2025
... Show More

A rather interesting and at times quite serious story that revolves around the Japanese board game Go. There is a child named Hikaru who is a bit of a misfit. One day, he discovers an old Go board. To his surprise, a ghost appears, who happens to be an ancient master of Go and seems to have a certain connection with him. The ghost desires him to play the game in a particular way. With the ghost's remarkable expertise, Hikaru reluctantly begins to show natural talent as an amateur player. However, this catches the attention of a professional player, which eventually leads to trouble.

The story unfolds with Hikaru facing various challenges and conflicts as he tries to navigate his newfound skills and the expectations placed upon him by the ghost and the professional player. It explores themes such as identity, passion, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of Go.

Overall, it is a captivating tale that combines elements of mystery, adventure, and the beauty of the game of Go, making it an engaging read for both fans of the game and those who enjoy a good story.

July 15,2025
... Show More
What I love about the world of manga is its variety.

There is almost a manga for everything and on every sport.

Well, yes, there is also a manga about Go, drawn by Obata (famous for Death Note).

The first volume flies by and it is a pleasure, instilling a pleasant drop of curiosity towards what is considered one of the most complex games in the world, namely Go.

Hikaru doesn't care about Go at all, but one day the spirit of Fujiwara no Sai enters his life. Fujiwara no Sai was a Go teacher during the Heian period and had previously inhabited the body of the greatest player of all time. The spirit's eagerness to return to playing pushes Hikaru to approach Go, and he even manages to defeat what is a real promise, as well as the son of a man who aims for the Hand of God.

This manga not only introduces the game of Go in an interesting way but also tells a story of growth and discovery. It shows how a person can be influenced by something unexpected and gradually develop a passion for it. The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging, making it a must-read for manga lovers and those interested in learning about Go.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.