I kindly received a digital galley of Tamaki & Amane without any prior knowledge of the author or the plot—I simply saw that it was a one-shot and was drawn to the artwork.


The story has a slightly retro vibe to it (though maybe that’s just my interpretation), which I found charming and fitting for the reflective tone of the narrative. What stood out most to me was the concept: exploring the many forms love can take through different relationships between characters who share the same names.


It’s a bittersweet collection of stories—some leaning into the tragic, others more subdued—but there’s often a flicker of hope that lingers, and that made it all the more touching. The manga feels thoughtful and emotionally mindful, inviting readers to reflect on how love and human connection evolve over time.


I later found out the author, Fumi Yoshinaga, is also behind Ōoku: The Inner Chambers, which I’ve heard great things about—especially its recent Netflix anime adaptation. I’ll definitely be checking that out soon.