The Untouchable Midori-kun: A Sparkling Dive into Idol Romance and Hidden Vulnerabilities
For any seasoned manga enthusiast, the "Idol" subgenre within the Shojo demographic is a familiar landscape. However, every so often, a series comes along that tweaks the established tropes just enough to offer a fresh, heart-pounding experience. *The Untouchable Midori-kun* (known in Japan as *Sawaranu Futari no Midori-kun*), written and illustrated by the talented Misaki Gotou, is a quintessential example of modern Shojo excellence. Serialized in the prestigious *Sho-Comi* magazine, this manga balances the glitz of the entertainment industry with the raw, awkward reality of teenage intimacy.
The Plot: When the "Prince" Has a Secret
The story follows Midori, a high school girl who, like many her age, is deeply devoted to her favorite idol. Her world revolves around "Midori-kun," the charismatic and seemingly perfect member of a popular boy band. To the public, Midori-kun is the ultimate "Prince"—charming, untouchable, and flawlessly handsome. For our protagonist, he is a distant star, a source of comfort and inspiration from afar.
However, the "untouchable" nature of Midori-kun is not just a marketing gimmick or a metaphor for his celebrity status. Through a series of unexpected events, the female protagonist discovers a shocking truth: the idol Midori-kun has a severe physical and psychological aversion to being touched by women. Whenever a female makes physical contact with him, he breaks out in hives or suffers from intense physical distress.
This "allergy" to women is a career-ending secret in an industry built on fan service, hand-shaking events, and the illusion of romantic availability. Fate intervenes when the two Midoris are thrust into a situation where the female lead becomes the only person who might be able to help him navigate this condition. What follows is a delicate, secret relationship where the boundaries between "fan and idol" and "boy and girl" begin to blur.
Demographic and Target Audience
*The Untouchable Midori-kun* is firmly rooted in the Shojo demographic. It utilizes the classic "sparkling" art style characteristic of *Sho-Comi*—large, expressive eyes, floral backgrounds during emotional peaks, and a heavy focus on the internal monologue of the female lead. While it appeals to younger readers dreaming of a romance with their favorite celebrity, it also resonates with older readers who enjoy the "secret identity" and "forced proximity" tropes.
Core Themes and Analysis
1. The Deconstruction of the "Idol" Image:
One of the most compelling themes is the contrast between the public persona and the private self. The manga explores the immense pressure placed on idols to remain "perfect." Midori-kun’s condition serves as a physical manifestation of the walls celebrities must build to protect themselves, and the irony that his "untouchable" brand is actually a debilitating secret.
2. Consent and Physical Boundaries:
Unlike many older Shojo titles that might gloss over personal space, this manga places physical boundaries at the center of the narrative. Because Midori-kun literally cannot be touched, every hand-hold or accidental brush of the shoulder carries immense weight. It teaches readers about the importance of comfort levels and the slow build of trust in a romantic relationship.
3. The "Fan" Perspective:
The female protagonist represents the ultimate "fangirl" fantasy, but with a grounded twist. She has to reconcile the "Prince" she saw on stage with the vulnerable, struggling boy she meets in person. Her journey is one of moving past idolization toward genuine, empathetic love.
Why You Should Read It
If you are looking for a manga that combines the high-stakes drama of the Japanese entertainment world with a sweet, slow-burn romance, *The Untouchable Midori-kun* is a must-read. Misaki Gotou’s artwork is breathtaking, capturing the kinetic energy of a concert stage just as effectively as the quiet, tension-filled moments in a school hallway.
It is a story about healing, the courage to show someone your "unpolished" side, and the transformative power of a connection that transcends the screen. Whether you're a veteran otaku or a newcomer to Shojo, this series offers a heartfelt look at what happens when the star you've been chasing finally reaches back.
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