by Angela Solis

Last year, Viz Media decided to release the licensed manga version of this novel, and it was called Socrates in Love. Now, I'm kind of wondering why they used that title when there's really no reference to Socrates in the story. Viz also handled the translated version of the novel, also bearing the same title. I acquired a copy of the manga recently despite my reservations towards the story.
The story isn't that unique. It is about middle school and high school sweethearts Aki Hirose and Sakutaro Matsumoto. They faced a very difficult situation when Aki was confined in the hospital and was later diagnosed with leukemia. The couple has to struggle to stay in their relationship despite Aki's slim chance of recovery. Kinda like A Walk To Remember, no?
The story is really common, however, Katayama knew who his target audience well, and that is why the book managed to be a best-seller. It was a tearjerker, like any other Shoujo. I have to admit, I cried while reading the manga. I think the best part of the story (I'm only talking about the manga, by the way) is that it gives you the idea or bringing you to that time of how it really feels to be in love. However, the joys of love sometimes come with a price, and in this story, Sakutaro lost his girlfriend Aki.
I am also worried about the translation of the manga, since I'm not really fond of Viz (I think Tokyopop and Del Rey do better when it comes to translating). I am not sure if the true content of the novel (or the manga) has been translated well from Japanese to English. Although I just noticed that they retained the Japanese honorifics in the manga, so I think that's good.
If you are not a fan of tearjerking stories, then do not read this (though I must admit that I am, sometimes). For avid manga readers, I recommend this, but again, if you do not like sad stories, do not pick this up.
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1According to the 2004 article of Japan News Online, Sekachu reached 3.2 Million sales, surpassing the record of Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood.
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