Namaikizakari

I dropped this at chapter 48. It's a shame because this manga had so much potential to be amazing but was ruined by unnecessary drama and lack of character development. At first everything was good, the story was progressing well and I liked all the characters. But then the second leads started to interfere and it honestly was just so stupid. Like there was literally no need for them to exist in the story. It was also really annoying how Yuki took so long to accept his confession, like girl you know you like him, why tf are you hesitating so much to date him? Anyways after they finally got together the rest of the chapters should have just been cute moments developing their relationship and maybe a sneak peak into their future life. But it's clear that it's being dragged by the creator for cash.

I haven't finished this manga but I feel like I need to give my opinion on it as I am rigth now in the middle of it.
Namaikizakari is a decent manga. But there is'nt anything outstanding about it or really special according to me. Even though some argue that the manga has special features which are not present within the usual shoujo genre. Since the heroine has a different personality than most shoujo heroines. She doesn't have that appaling heroine personality and isn't "cheery go lucky". It's refreshing I agree, but there needs to be a character development for her. When it comes to her relationship with Naruse. She keeps on distancing herself from him and that angers me.

I could see how the relationship between the two would work though. Since Naruse finds the struggle to get her enjoyable, but it's not that intresting to read a manga where the one of the characters give more than the other. But maybe the manga will develop their relationship to the next level later on (i dont think so sadly). Even if that's the case i still think it's a bit too late. But I still think this manga will be enjoyable for some. Personally I should stick to more passionate shoujo romances. Those who just feel the thirst for some classical shoujo should read this.

Namaikizakari. The new Maid-Sama...?!

Right. Even by just checking this manga out, you are wondering if it can satisfy that empty hole in your heart that Maid-Sama ripped open. Or you're not. But one thing's for sure... yeah, Namaikizakari has it's flaws but it's damn entertaining. Something special? Only in the comedy and the characters.

Story: 7
Love, love, love, y'all! Though, you've probably already guessed that's what it's about. Even so, the female MC's continuous denials and the male MC's determination lead to a boat load of sweet, cute, and hot moments.

Art: 7
Nothing special. There's a ton of yummy boys for female readers though ;)

Character: 8
Lovely characters. Their personalities are incredibly fleshed out. It does go along the common shoujo route (with yer MC, yer lover, yer beach, yer rival, and the under-developed friend) but this manga varies a bit. The other characters are more subtle, the "underdevelped friend" actually becomes well-developed, the main character and her lover are strong and unique... even the rival gets some me-time and realizes it won't work out. And then, of course, the beach isn't even a beach. They're people — actual, real people — and not used stick figures that have popped up before in other mangas of the same kind.

Enjoyment: 8
Right. So, I may be biased on this one... but hear me out! This is among the first mangas I have ever had the will to actually finish. Even the more popular mangas out there that have it all don't appeal. Since I'm more used to anime with its bright, flashy colors and, of course, animation... yeah, mangas never sit too well. No, Namaikizakari isn't something special. No, it won't earn an award for having good life lessons. The romance isn't utterly realistic and nor is the plot in general. However. It has to be very special to hold my attention throughout. And the author may not have a talent for unique plots, but damn the humor makes me laugh every time. Sometimes, manga isn't about teaching life lessons and shattering your heart... sometimes it's purely for the enjoyment. I think Namaikizakari is one of those manga, and it did its job well.

Overall: 8

Here comes the comparison you've been dying to know: How does it compare to Maid-Sama? While Maid-Sama is more slicey-lifey (has more slice of life elements), Namaikizakari still has it's fair share. However, Maid Sama focuses on Misaki's development toward males and Namaikizakari doesn't have a clear development toward... well, anything — except accepting one's feelings. "*GASP* well there goes another manga! Just going to delete this one!" Please don't. Because although Namaikizakari isn't a deep tragedy slice of life, the story is well executed. And even though absolutely nobody can hold a candle to Usui, Namaikizakari might be the first step to letting that go anyway.

I think as has been mentioned that this series has been running for too long. Every now and again the author likes to put something like, "And they progressed, a few more millimeters." They haven't progressed and honestly the biggest reason is that whoever is making this doesn't want to end. They made a character to forever challenge our two main cast and it is the most frustrating thing in the world.

Once Shizuka is introduced, the plot is almost always the same. I'm quickly going to tell you a bit about this psychopath. Maybe this is a running theme I wasn't expecting but this dude if full on creep.

Spoliers ahead.

So our two main characters fall in love yadda, yadda. I personally enjoyed this part and so, for various reason, decided to keep their relationship a secret, mostly Yuki not wanting to actually admit that she had fallen in love with Shou.Then Shizuka gets introduced, of course, he knew Shou and hates his guts. This means that at some point he falls in love with Yuki too.

I can't really complain about this plot. Sure, cliche, but it turns out pretty well. Shizuka at this point is a weird dude but for the most part a classic antagonist there to challenge Yuki and Shou's relationship.

The story continues with their years at high school hoping to win to continue playing basketball together. At some points Shizuka is defeated in their 4th year and Shou gets to finally let people know of his relationship with Yuki. This is the point where I believe Shizuka should have been done with their story.

At this point, Yuki, who is one year older, is in college and Shou joining her. Then, of course, Shizuka joins the same school. I couldn't help but sigh in frustration. A few more characters are introduced but from here on out the plot is so samey. Shou and Yuki have been dating for almost three years at this point but Shizuka continues to pursue Yuki. To an extreme. Always stumbling upon her, randomly kissing, her harassing her. There was a good plot point where Yuki straight up tells Shizuka that she is in love with Shou and always will be. I thought this might be the end and maybe Shizuka would stop being so creepy and move on but nope. Fifty chapters later its still the same and Yuki is a problem here too. The inability to say no, in 117 chapters this flaw is still there.

Instead of developing their relationship through the battering of time, Shizuka is used instead. Over and over, over and over and I don't think its going to change any time soon. That's my biggest complaint. The side characters have moved on and formed their relationship but Shizuka is still pinning for Yuki and causing problems.

I think at some point, the story had a chance to move from teenage fantasy to an actual story about the struggles of romance and love but it never quite moves from that point.

hmm I love it, of course I just started, hmm actually I read it to vol 4 but I wasn't hmm convinced to read it more, but few days ago i started read again and I can say now I like it, but not yeas as my such favorite heart melt lol.
Overall there is action, adventure, romances xx is it anything more that you expect here? for me it is great so far.
Art it is pretty great detail and characters are pretty great. Specially Naruse, Shou, i love it, and it is shame that guys can't exist in real world :(
what can I say. Machida, Yuki is okay, but again thinking is opposite from her action, which i don't like that, but she is more strong in mentally way so I hope she would't get to Hakamada, Shizuka and later she will decided to back to Shou, because I swear i will drop the manga.
This really makes annoying when you have clear expectations, but when it is comes over thinking and actions, this not sticky together.
I will add more later when I will find out more about it, so far I really enjoy to read it and I really want to love it this all story to the end.
Yes it keeps you in emotion that what will happen next, but there are moments that I really want to skip for next page. Sometimes it is too much off boring things, but I don't say I don't like it, but for someone it would be really boring,but still it keeps you to keep going to the next page, at least I will want to get to the end. So keep reading xx Thanks

Well what can I say...its just the cutest thing I've ever read. Seriously its demonically cute! There was one point where it the cuteness level just started to explode, I just threw my laptop and hid under my blanket...its that cute. =^.^=
In all seriousness though the story as well as the characters are very enjoyable and will definitely have you laughing and smiling.The art is pretty good definitely high up there. I really recommend reading this manga I managed to read it pretty quickly as it just draws you in to continue reading. Highly recommended 10/10. ^-^
A must read in my eyes.

This will be the first review I'm writing for such a good manga. Well enjoy reading! Haha~

I enjoyed reading this! Namaikizakari is definitely one of your "not so typical" type of manga where girls are usually stupid. Hahaha just saying but yeah it's true.
Yuki is just your average girl trying to focus only on her studies and on the club she's managing. Well, being the first born child in the family, she's like taking full responsibility of her siblings. Being a mature kind of girl she is, getting annoyed or irritated at simple things won't do anything good to you. With that attitude, she seemed to notice everyone around her and says directly what she think could help. So everyone at the clubs thinks she's scary and strict while she herself just want to be someone who's responsible.
Naruse on the other side's somewhat opposite to what Yuki is. He's your typical good looking and popular dude. Girls follow him everywhere; a girl margnet they say. And a total brat, I should add.
While Yuki's been noticing everyone, the only thing Naruse's been noticing was her.
I like how the affection goes to Yuki from Naruse and it's like a different taste to a manga where a boy's trying his hard to make this girl confess to what she's been holding inside her. Your kind of story where a day-to-day life basis is present. A must read manga that will surely give you an excitement in a romantic way.

The way how the author wrote it with some humor is great. And the fact that you're not only looking forward for the love story but there's also some sports action into it. This is the first manga I've read with that genre actually. And I liked it.

Keep it up you awesome author! and pls update as fast as you can! hihi lots of love ~

This manga deserves a little bit more attention. 8/10

I personally view this to be a little bit focused on the romance more than the basketball aspect but they are similarly cliche in the romance plot and basketball rivalry part.

But what stood out in this manga is the character progress and also the enjoyment I felt reading through it and relating with the characters.

Story: 8/10 Art: 9/10
This manga is basically a coach-ace player kind of relationship. Although there's a lot of cliche, the progress is fast and the scenes still deliver the exciting romance feels~

Character: 9/10
And this is what I would like to focus on.

The most interesting part of this manga is on the smooth progression of the characters in terms of relating with all those happening around them - love, family, basketball, rivalry - and in that process, the flaws of each character are presented and what I like the most is the characters action to answer those flaws they discovered

Despite the iron-will and independent persona, Yuki is aware that she has to change and improve on herself to add Shou in her life that's already filled with responsibilities. Aside from this, I found Yuki's tsundere moments a bit cute and not disastrous, because it's evident that she is trying to become more honest but sometimes, she just can't lol

Shou is still an intriguing character for me because although he looks almost perfect (looks, grades, coolness, ability), he's just not and again for the same reason that the story presented the character's awareness of their flaws. As for the character progress, I found his patience to be the most freaking adorable in this manga because he was a playboy and technically speaking, he will lose a lot of time with Yuki once she graduates. Aside from that, I think there's still more to see with Shou's character on how Yuki got his attention and on his motivation towards basketball.

Enjoyment: 9/10
So for the reason above, I really enjoyed this manga and I'm even rereading this when I'm lazy to start a new one. The romance feels are still spot on and the main characters are still adorable throughout the drama, comedy and romance in this manga.

Omg I actually love this manga so much, I think it might be my favourite ever at this moment. Everything about it is just totally for me, the art the story the characters– LOVE.

I love how there's a balance between the romance and the plot, and it doesn't feel like "filler" chapters. It's so cute, fun, sweet, funny, and hot all at the same time and I cannot wait to finish this manga.

I love watching the growth and development of both the plot and the characters, I feel like this manga really goes in depth in the story behind the characters and I know some people complain about the beginning being slow for them to realise their feelings– but it just added to the anticipation!! Besides, 20-30 chapters goes by pretty quickly ;-)

I'm so looking forward to more chapters, I can't wait for the releases!!

Personally, when I read romance shoujo, I am constantly looking for characters such as these in the manga. I loveeeee the dynamics between shou and yuki because yuki totally reminds me of myself. Shou is the classic mysterious guy that you find out little by little as the story goes on. But the dynamics between the two and their development is why I gave it a 10.

The story would have gotten a 10 from me however it seems that many other shoujo's with a tsundere character seems to have similar plot lines however, the story was able to capture it in an entirely different way.

The art work is really good too but again, it's very similar to others however you can see how touching some scenes are based on the art.

I super enjoyed this manga to the point where I'm hunting down blogs and looking to possibly find the scans in other languages because it's just so good! So overall it's definitely a 10!!!!!!!! However, this manga is still on going and my heart is shattered by this lol. Wishing to find the latest chapters!!!!