Manga Review: Changes of Heart Volume 1
It’s not often that I read a Josei series—not for lack of wanting to—it’s just most series that I think might be Josei turn out to be Seinen instead. Demographics aside, when I saw the cover to Changes of Heart and read the official summary, I felt like this was one series I wanted to check out since it sparked my interest.
Official Summary
After being dumped by her boyfriend, Koyori went to her longtime friend Hijiri's house to drink away her sorrow...and ended up spending the night with him! Not only that, he tells her he loves her—and she's not sure how to reconcile the new development with someone she's known since they were kids. After all, the stakes are high—if things don't work out, she'll hurt one of her closest friends. And to make matters worse, her ex wants to patch things up...? Koyori needs to figure out what she wants, before she loses it all.
Quick Information
Story and Art: KUJIRA
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Published: May 3, 2022
Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Drama
Rating: 18+
Series Status: Complete
Review
Childhood friends to lovers is a trope that I don’t get tired of seeing. This can come in different forms, like a super slow burn where one side has been unrequited all this time or the need of a fake relationship. Friends to lovers just brings that extra depth to a relationship.
Changes of Heart starts off after Koyori is dumped by her boyfriend and talks to her best friend since childhood, Hijiri about her dating woes. The conversation takes a turn and they have a passionate one night stand. The next morning, Koyori feels awful about potentially ruining their friendship and feels as if their relationship has become awkward.
Well… this is not exactly true since Hijiri was one who proposed they take a different step in their relationship. The two have been close friends since childhood, and the reader gets to see flashbacks of their younger selves and how they’ve always supported one another. Hijiri’s feelings toward Koyori have changed over time and he found himself falling in love with her as more than just a friend. Koyori’s initial hesitation toward reciprocating Hijiri’s feelings stems from not wanting to lose him as a friend.
As both main characters are adults in a consensual physical relationship, scenes of them sleeping together are shown.In my opinion, this is done tastefully, with the artwork focusing on emotions and character growth instead of the act itself. You can clearly see these characters care about one another.
Now, not everything is perfect. People may find some things problematic in between its pages with drinking involved in the first panel and some may view the start as dubious consent. So proceed at your own risk and again be mindful of the 18+ rating.
I love the softer art style. Emotions are shown beautifully whether it’s a full face blush or a soft smile. It goes perfectly with the tone of this manga. Not to mention there are some panels with really hilarious embarrassed faces.
I think one of the things I like most about this story is the way both characters value each other as important people in their life first and foremost. Koyori especially is afraid of making any changes and ruining the relationship they have for something that might or might not pan out long term. Honestly that is pretty terrifying and relatable. People do seem to fall in and out of love quickly, but a good friend? That's irreplaceable. However, being friends and lovers are not mutually exclusive concepts and over the course of this volume our two main characters start to see that.
The story has cute moments along with a heartfelt message that left me wanting to read the next volume of this series. It is also unfortunate that this series is only able to be purchased digitally as it has no physical release. That may put off some folks, and I admit this problem had me dragging my feet initially. However, I’m glad I took the chance to read this volume. I think for any reader who enjoys friends to lovers and two people trying to make a relationship work, this manga is for you.