Hoteri Hotette First Kiss

Hoteri Hotette First Kiss - Manga Review

Kerstin (lostinmanga.de) Manga
03/04/2025 8:04pm 4 minute read

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Mangaka Coco Uzuki and I didn’t have the best start a few months ago. “False Angels, True Love?” unfortunately didn’t captivate me as much as I had hoped in the first volumes, especially considering the big hype and sales figures in Japan. Accordingly, I was skeptical about how I would feel about her short story collection. Spoiler: It didn’t flop.

“Hoteri Hotette First Kiss” was published in Japan from April to August 2022 in the shojo magazine Dessert, which also features her first official series “False Angels, True Love?”. In the US market, the license is held by Seven Seas.

How was it?

Hoteri Hotette First Kiss is an anthology that explores the theme of the first kiss through four different stories. Each episode follows a protagonist who gathers the courage to express her feelings openly, each finding her own path to discovering love. The collection combines classic shojo tropes with a charming lightness, making it feel both nostalgic and modern.

The first story, “Special Occasions”, opens the anthology in a romantically subtle way. It tells the tale of a student who falls in love with her older classmate from the calligraphy club. The plot is woven with small, meaningful moments that make the emotional tension between the characters palpable. Particularly touching are the scenes where the protagonist secretly observes her crush's gestures and words, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. The theme of calligraphy underscores the precise and gentle development of her feelings, although it might feel a bit abstract for readers without a connection to the subject.

The second story, “Miyabi and Miyabi”, plays with the contrast between a model student and her younger classmate. Their meetings at a “secret hideout” give the plot a playful atmosphere. The chemistry between the two characters is sweet, though the male protagonist's personality comes off a bit flat. Nonetheless, the story charmingly portrays the hesitant development of a romance, making it a pleasant and light read.

The undisputed highlight of the anthology, however, is the third story, “Double Glasses”. It stands out with its humor and vibrant portrayal of emotions. Two bespectacled characters fall in love, experiencing an enchanting and unconventional romance filled with charming details. The female protagonist captivates with her vivid imagination and her straightforward way of expressing her feelings. Particularly endearing are the small mishaps, such as the clinking of glasses during their first kiss attempt, making the story even more authentic and likable. The chemistry between the two characters is lively, making you root for them as their relationship unfolds.

The final story, “Full of Me, Full of You”, rounds off the collection with a surprising twist. The narrative brings a fresh dynamic to the anthology and remains memorable with its mix of lightness and emotion. Although the plot is somewhat predictable at times, it manages to deliver a sweet and humorous ending, providing a satisfying conclusion.

What makes Hoteri Hotette First Kiss particularly special is the attention to detail and the versatility of its protagonists. Each of them is unique and portrayed with such warmth and authenticity that readers can easily relate to them. Especially inspiring is their courage to reveal their feelings and take the initiative - an aspect often neglected in many shojo mangas. On the other hand, the male characters do not always manage to keep up, as some of them come across as flat or stereotypical. However, this does not diminish the charming dynamics that develop in the stories.

Despite the brevity of each story - around 50 pages each - they feel complete and well-rounded. Seven Seas will be publishing the short story collection in a large format.

Is it worth reading?

Overall, Hoteri Hotette First Kiss is an adorable collection of short stories that will delight fans of romance. Each story offers its own charm and showcases different facets of first love, ranging from humorous to deeply emotional.