As an avid scholar of the medium, it is a pleasure to dissect the works of Sōichirō Yamamoto, a mangaka who has arguably perfected the "teasing" subgenre of romantic comedies. While many recognize him for *Teasing Master Takagi-san*, his work *When Will Ayumu Make His Move?* (*Sore de mo Ayumu wa Yosetekuru*) offers a refreshing, stoic reversal of that dynamic that is equally compelling.
The Premise: A Game of Hearts and Shogi
The story centers on Ayumu Tanaka, a first-year high school student and former kendo practitioner who has made a sudden, life-altering decision: he has joined the school’s unofficial Shogi Club. His motivation, however, isn't a sudden passion for Japanese chess, but rather his deep-seated infatuation with the club’s president and sole member, Urushi Yaotome.
Ayumu is a master of the "poker face." He is blunt, honest, and frequently drops devastatingly romantic compliments with a completely deadpan expression. Urushi, a second-year student who is as skilled at Shogi as she is easily flustered, is convinced that Ayumu likes her. She constantly tries to bait him into admitting his feelings, only for her traps to backfire as Ayumu’s unwavering sincerity leaves her red-faced and defeated.
The hook of the series lies in Ayumu’s self-imposed vow: he has sworn to himself that he will not confess his love to Urushi until he manages to beat her in a fair game of Shogi. Since he is a beginner and she is a seasoned player, this creates a "slow-burn" dynamic where every chapter is a step toward an eventual "checkmate" in both the game and their relationship.
Demographics and Genre
*When Will Ayumu Make His Move?* is a Shonen manga, originally serialized in Kodansha's *Weekly Shōnen Magazine*. While it falls firmly under the Romantic Comedy and Slice of Life umbrellas, it distinguishes itself from the typical "harem" Shonen tropes. Instead, it focuses on a grounded, wholesome, and character-driven narrative. Its appeal is broad, often crossing over into the Seinen territory due to its mature handling of restraint and the quiet, contemplative nature of its pacing.
Key Themes and Narrative Depth
1. The Metaphor of the "Move"
The title itself is a clever play on words. In Shogi, a "move" (*te*) is a strategic advancement. In Japanese romance, "making a move" carries the same weight. The manga masterfully intertwines the technical progress Ayumu makes on the Shogi board with his emotional growth. Every time he learns a new strategy, he gets closer to his goal of standing as an equal to Urushi.
2. Honesty vs. Vulnerability
Ayumu represents a unique protagonist who is "aggressively honest." He doesn't hide his admiration for Urushi, yet he refuses to cross the final line until he feels he has earned the right through his own merit. This creates a fascinating theme of self-discipline. Conversely, Urushi struggles with the vulnerability of being liked, hiding behind her seniority and her skill at the game to maintain a sense of control.
3. The Beauty of the Mundane
As a "Slice of Life" masterpiece, the manga excels at finding tension in the smallest moments—a shared walk home, a rainy afternoon in the clubroom, or the subtle shift in atmosphere during a summer festival. It captures the essence of "Seishun" (youth) without relying on over-the-top drama.
Supporting Cast and World-Building
While the core of the story is the "will-they-won't-they" between Ayumu and Urushi, the world is fleshed out by a charming supporting cast. Characters like Takeru Kakuryu (Ayumu’s childhood friend) and Sakurako Hinamori provide a parallel romantic subplot that mirrors the main duo’s tension but with a different, more "hypnotic" flavor. These subplots prevent the Shogi-centric premise from feeling repetitive and add layers to the high school setting.
Conclusion for the Reader
For fans of "wholesome" manga, *When Will Ayumu Make His Move?* is an essential read. It avoids the frustration of many rom-coms by having a protagonist who knows exactly what he wants and a heroine who is clearly reciprocative, even if she’s too shy to admit it. It is a tactical battle of wits where the ultimate prize isn't a trophy, but a confession. Whether you are a Shogi enthusiast or simply a fan of well-crafted character dynamics, Yamamoto’s minimalist art style and sharp dialogue make this a standout series in the modern Shonen landscape.
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