Responses
If anyone labels me an Ichi hater, unfortunately I am not one, I genuinely think he can be very charming and his character design is amazing. Sadly, I think the author missed the mark in character development. To show the sincerity of a character, in spite of his faults, you have to show his inner monologue, his state of mind. However, most times, the author creates a melodramatic situation with very little chance for Ichikawa to redeem himself.
I think it's good to have a less reliable, more realistic kind of boy as the male lead. However, as a reader who has been in hot and cold relationships, I can't help but feel like the male lead is not mature enough for Yoi. Yoi is honest, courageous and shy. She's always doing her best for him, as all shoujo heroines. Yet every trial this couple has makes me lose confidence in Ichikawa. As a rich boy, I understand that his character is designed to be carefree and inconsiderate, but if we look at the entire story in retrospect, most of the problems these two have faced (in a month or two of dating) have all been related to Ichikawa being avoidant, pretending like he doesn't love Yoi, making her reach out to him. The main plot device is Ichikawa's lack of delicacy.
In this sense, I feel like Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki is kind of similar to a josei manga, with how much the male lead is making us see the reality of dating an avoidant and not dependable boyfriend.
I respect the author with all my heart, I think Tsubaki Chou Lonely Planet was an amazing shoujo with a good narrative. The direction and pacing were very good.
Uruwashi however, feels like a concept that took off in popularity without actually fleshing out a storyline. The characters stare into each others eyes in empty places but don't actually form lasting intimacy. Even after dating, they feel like strangers to each other. I hope the upcoming volumes pick up the pace and include better dialogues.