Nice setup for the follow-up to the main story. There is an exciting new tournament taking place between China, Korea, and Japan under 18. This tournament will determine who will join the team. Akira is seeded in the team, but the rest of the spots remain in doubt.

In the meantime, Akira and Hikaru have formed a wonderful competitive friendship. They analyze games together, even though they haven't played against each other in a competition. Through this, they learn a great deal from each other and develop a healthy rivalry.

Isumi is scheduled to play his first game, and he will be facing a very old player (whose name I always forget). There is also a comeback of the crook 7dan player who was defeated by Hikaru. The main theme of this volume is how Hikaru is playing at shodan level, yet his actual level is much higher. It will be interesting to see how these storylines unfold and how the characters progress in their Go-playing journey.

Volume 17 truly seemed like the grand climax of the series, and now we are being treated to the epilogue.

We have a new status quo emerging. Akira and Hikaru are now frenemy rivals, which adds an interesting dynamic. Hikaru has finally started taking pro games seriously and is reaping the rewards with wins.

Everyone is gearing up, filled with the possibility of competing in an international tournament, eager to prove their strength.

It is truly rewarding to witness Hikaru evolving into a proper professional. He is no longer just relying on his potential or reputation. Instead, he is actively engaging in his games and earning the respect of others through his actual play.

This transformation makes the story even more captivating and leaves us eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in this exciting journey.

Gosh, it truly makes a significant difference when you read a manga that doesn't actively loathe you. I might have liked this volume of HnG more simply because it wasn't Descendants of Darkness.

However, it was also an excellent comeback from the past three or so volumes' doldrums and Hikaru's mourning period. It begins with Hikaru and Akira apparently regularly playing against each other in a friendly (and almost childish) competitiveness! The pace is upbeat and exciting, briefly checking in with all of our numerous and widely spread characters. Our friendly beginner dans are all vowing that they'll improve. Yuki is studying hard with Masako, which I'm absolutely thrilled about. Akari is pursuing her own dreams (runs off into the sunset thinking "fight fight fight!" to herself, a++ for chasing your dreams, Akari). And we're teasing a reunion with all our kids who are abroad! It's so nice to get back to the fun parts of Hikaru no Go.

Two other points are worthy of note. First, it was incredibly pleasant to see a professional go tournament break include one panel with two women professional go players discussing child rearing, considering how male-dominated the cast and background usually are; the representation feels great, man. Second, Yumi Hotta's mangaka notes were extremely wonderful this time around. Just her geeking out about how she watches the anime every week and doesn't want to be interrupted, and how hard she has to try in the gameboy advance HnG games.

Hotta's storyline takes a significant turn as Hikaru and his comrades become aware of the upcoming Japan-China-Korea Junior Team Tournament and commence their preparations.

This development introduces a captivating theme of Japanese pride and the confidence in their ability to compete on an international stage.

It is particularly interesting to note that this narrative was crafted and published during the midst of Japan's Lost Decade, a period marked by economic challenges and a sense of uncertainty.

Despite the backdrop of a struggling economy, the story seems to suggest that there is still a glimmer of hope and a belief in the nation's capabilities.

As the characters gear up for the tournament, readers are left to wonder how their skills and determination will fare against the formidable opponents from China and Korea.

The anticipation builds, and one can't help but be drawn into the excitement and drama that unfolds.

Will Hikaru and his team be able to represent Japan with honor and come out victorious? Only time will tell.

# Program BUBU

Program BUBU is an exciting and innovative initiative. It aims to bring about positive change in various aspects.

This program focuses on areas such as education, where it provides new and engaging learning methods. By doing so, it helps students to better understand and retain knowledge.

In addition, Program BUBU also addresses social issues. It encourages community participation and cooperation, which leads to stronger and more connected communities.

The program's activities are diverse and inclusive, catering to people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it's through workshops, seminars, or community events, Program BUBU offers opportunities for everyone to get involved and make a difference.

Overall, Program BUBU has the potential to have a significant impact on society. It is a program that is worth supporting and promoting.

Hikaru and Akira’s friendship has officially reached favorite levels for me!

Their banter is truly the cutest thing in the world. It's like a beautiful melody that never gets old.

But throughout the entire process of reading this volume, I simply couldn't stop thinking. They're all so grown up now!

I'm well aware that this volume is set about three years after the start of the story, yet you can truly perceive just how much they've matured within this volume.

Their characters have developed in such a profound way, and it's both heartwarming and bittersweet.

I'm actually very sad that I'm reaching the end. It feels like saying goodbye to dear friends whom I've come to know and love so deeply.

But I also know that this is just the end of one chapter, and perhaps there are more wonderful stories yet to come for Hikaru and Akira.

I'll cherish the memories of their friendship and growth that I've witnessed in this volume and look forward to whatever lies ahead for them.

Hikaru no Go commences its subsequent major storyline, tantalizing with an international tournament for under 18 players from Korea, China, and Japan. The majority of the focus in this volume centers around the new generation of players. Hikaru and Akira now have a truly genuine friendship that is a sheer delight to witness at long last. Although it is evident that this friendship is born out of rivalry. Isumi has also become a professional now and is playing his very first match against Kuwabara. It is great fun to see the stage being set for this final story arc. The art, as always, remains extremely gorgeous to behold.

Vol. 19 demonstrates that Hikaru no Go still has one last story to convey to us. And it appears that it will be well worth the time invested. It makes us eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in this exciting conclusion of the series.

It seems that after their official game, the relationship between Akira Toya and Hikaru Shindo underwent a significant transformation – they've become frenemies. Shindo would often visit the Meijin's Go Salon to engage in a game with Toya, and more often than not, they would end up arguing.

Even though they might have been friendly and polite off the goban, as soon as a game was in front of them, they would quarrel over the tiniest details of the game.

This tankobon introduces an exciting new tournament, the Japan-China-South Korea Junior Team Go Tournament, known as the Hokuto Cup. In this tournament, a group of young and/or new pros will form a team representing each country.

Not much is known about the tournament as of yet, but we already know that Toya has been seeded into it, which means that Shindo has to battle hard for his spot to represent Japan.

One particularly notable game is the pick-up match between Shindo and Tatsuhiko Kadowaki during Shinichiro Isumi's Shinshodan Match. Kadowaki once played a pick-up game with Sai (through Shindo) and suffered a terrible defeat. That match caused him to delay his entrance to the Pro Exam for one year so that he could train and prepare himself better.

It would be extremely interesting to see how Kadowaki reacts to Shindo playing him now without Sai.

All in all, this is an interesting tankobon. I'm glad that they continued with the story. It seems that the series is finally incorporating International Tournaments, which is great. So far, we have only been treated to the Japanese National Tournaments, and it's about time to introduce international ones. I'm really looking forward to seeing where this Hokuto Cup will lead.

Keep studying

I have thoroughly enjoyed the outstanding Anime series.

As a result, I made the decision to commence reading the books precisely at the point where the Anime series reached its conclusion.

There is a slight overlap from the conclusion of the Anime to the continuation of the Manga series. Nevertheless, the story progresses in accordance with what has been previously presented.

In terms of storyline development, there is nothing overly significant. However, the accuracy of the games and the Go culture within the series is truly excellent!

Takeshi Obata's artwork is a perfect fit for the series and remains excellent throughout.

It enhances the overall experience and brings the story to life in a vivid and engaging manner.

The combination of the well-written story and the beautiful artwork makes this series a must-read for any fan of Anime, Manga, or the Go culture.

It offers a unique and immersive experience that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

Hotta gears up again after the set of supporting character short-tales in the last volume.

With Hikaru now re-committed to Go and actually taking his pro-games seriously, a new set of challenges arises.

The most entertaining moments for me weren't the games themselves, but rather the fact that Hikaru and Akira start meeting at the Go salon to discuss games, especially their own.

The arguments they get into are a nice touch, adding an extra layer of excitement and depth to their relationship.

Watching the supporting characters gear up as they are also all pros now is also highly entertaining.

It's interesting to see how they have developed and grown since becoming professionals, and how they interact with each other and with Hikaru and Akira.

The story continues to unfold in an engaging and captivating way, keeping me on the edge of my seat and eager to see what will happen next.

The relationship between Hikaru and Akira is becoming more and more interesting.

The art in this volume is also fascinating. Although both Hikaru and Akira are still in the third year of junior high school, they look like adults. Where has my lovely Hikaru gone?

In this story, the bond between Hikaru and Akira deepens with each passing moment. Their interactions are filled with excitement and mystery, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats.

The detailed and vivid art style in this volume adds another layer of charm to the story. The characters are drawn with such precision and attention to detail that they seem to come alive on the page.

Even though Hikaru and Akira are still young, their maturity and wisdom are beyond their years. It makes me wonder what kind of adventures and challenges they will face in the future.

Overall, this volume is a must-read for fans of the series. It offers a captivating story, beautiful art, and unforgettable characters that will leave you wanting more.