by When you try to understand someone else’s feelings, you are first forced to face your own.
What do you really feel? What kind of relationship do you want?
These quiet yet deeply emotional questions lie at the heart of Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki (Beautiful Evening Moon), a shoujo manga by Mika Yamamori that has captivated readers with its delicate psychological storytelling, elegant visuals, and painfully sincere romance. With its long-awaited anime adaptation scheduled to begin airing in January 2026, this beloved work is once again drawing widespread attention.
This article offers a beginner-friendly yet in-depth review of the story, its characters, and why the upcoming anime adaptation is one of the most anticipated shoujo anime releases of the year.
A Highly Acclaimed Shoujo Manga
Serialized in KC Dessert (Kodansha), Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki has earned both critical and commercial praise:
- Grand Prize at the ebookjapan Manga Awards 2023
- Runner-up at the 12th anan Manga Awards
- Ranked No.1 in Recommended Shoujo Manga Chosen by Booksellers Nationwide (2022)
These accolades reflect how strongly the series resonates with readers, especially those who appreciate subtle emotional growth rather than exaggerated drama.
Story Overview: When Two “Princes” Meet
The story begins with an encounter between two students who are both known at school as “princes.”
Takiguchi Yoi
Yoi is a tall, slender, and strikingly beautiful first-year high school girl. Because of her elegant appearance and calm demeanor, both boys and girls call her a “prince.”
However, this nickname is not something she chose—it is a label placed upon her by others. Deep down, Yoi believes she is not suited to being a romantic heroine, and she has long accepted the role others expect her to play.
Ichimura Kohaku
Kohaku is an upperclassman who is also called a “prince.” Handsome, tall, and wealthy, he appears flawless on the surface. Yet unlike Yoi, Kohaku maintains an emotional distance from others and seems strangely indifferent to romance.
When Kohaku meets Yoi, he simply tells her:
“You’re beautiful.”
This single word shakes Yoi’s world. For the first time, someone sees her not as a prince, but as a girl.
A Romance Built on Self-Discovery
Rather than rushing into love, the relationship between Yoi and Kohaku unfolds slowly and naturally.
- Yoi struggles with embarrassment and confusion as she begins to enjoy being seen differently.
- Kohaku, who has never seriously considered romance, finds himself drawn to Yoi without fully understanding why.
Their bond grows through quiet conversations, fleeting expressions, and unspoken emotions. The manga excels at portraying feelings that cannot easily be put into words—hesitation, longing, jealousy, and vulnerability.
This is not a flashy love story. It is a carefully crafted emotional journey
Why the “Prince” Motif Works So Well
One of the manga’s greatest strengths is its use of the “prince” label.
Neither Yoi nor Kohaku wants to be called a prince.
They are shaped by:
- Their appearance
- Social expectations
- The way others project fantasies onto them
When they meet someone who sees beyond those labels, they are forced to confront their true desires and insecurities. This theme resonates strongly with readers who have ever felt misunderstood or boxed into a role they did not choose.
Character Growth That Feels Real
As the story progresses:
- Yoi gradually transforms—from a distant “prince” into someone who allows herself to be a heroine.
- Kohaku softens, losing the aloof charm he initially carried and revealing a more honest, awkward side of himself.
Their changing expressions, subtle shifts in posture, and internal monologues make their growth feel authentic and deeply human.
Latest Developments Raise the Emotional Stakes
The most recent volume introduces a dramatic shift in tone.
After a warm and intimate Christmas, the new school term begins—yet Kohaku suddenly stops coming to school.
- Yoi wants to be relied upon and consulted.
- Kohaku struggles with changes in his personal circumstances that he doesn’t know how to explain.
This marks the biggest challenge yet for the two “princes,” pushing them to face their feelings more directly than ever before.
Why the Anime Adaptation Is So Highly Anticipated
The upcoming TV anime adaptation, scheduled for January 2026, is expected to elevate the story in several ways:
- Voice acting will bring new depth to the characters’ inner emotions
- Facial expressions and pauses will gain even greater nuance through animation
- Supporting characters will feel more alive through sound and movement
Fans are especially excited to hear how Yoi and Kohaku’s quiet voices change depending on whether they are alone, with friends, or with family—an element perfectly suited to anime storytelling.
Who Should Watch This Anime?
Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki is perfect for viewers who enjoy:
- Shoujo romance with emotional realism
- Slow-burn love stories
- Characters who grow through introspection
- Beautiful artwork and subtle storytelling
Even those new to shoujo anime will find it approachable, heartfelt, and deeply relatable.
Final Thoughts
What happens when two “princes” meet?
They fall, hesitate, struggle, and slowly learn to love—not just each other, but themselves.
With its tender emotions, elegant visuals, and sincere exploration of identity, Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki stands as one of the most beautiful shoujo romances of recent years. As the anime adaptation approaches, anticipation continues to grow for a story that gently asks us all to face our own feelings.
