Aiko 🍀 Zero reviewed Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki's Conjecture, Vol. 1 by Mikage Sawamura (Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki's Conjecture, #1)
Urban Legends, Mystery, and Bromance
5 stars
(2023/09/23-2023/10/10)
To preface, I'll repeat some things I've said before, along with some additions. I've always been interested in reading the light novel and/or manga but I kept putting it off until I forgot (very common for me lol). I found the manga again by chance so I read it on a whim and it was so fun! I also enjoyed reading the light novel, as it has a smooth and easily readable prose despite its density, and some nice details (cultural and not) that aren't in the manga. I knew it was something I'd like. I should've read it sooner.
I'm not exactly a folklore buff, but I've always been interested in Japanese urban legends, and this story scratches that itch. Combine that with mystery (another genre I love) and handsome men, this story has my attention. I also like that I can learn more about Japanese culture and …
(2023/09/23-2023/10/10)
To preface, I'll repeat some things I've said before, along with some additions. I've always been interested in reading the light novel and/or manga but I kept putting it off until I forgot (very common for me lol). I found the manga again by chance so I read it on a whim and it was so fun! I also enjoyed reading the light novel, as it has a smooth and easily readable prose despite its density, and some nice details (cultural and not) that aren't in the manga. I knew it was something I'd like. I should've read it sooner.
I'm not exactly a folklore buff, but I've always been interested in Japanese urban legends, and this story scratches that itch. Combine that with mystery (another genre I love) and handsome men, this story has my attention. I also like that I can learn more about Japanese culture and folklore along the way. Honestly, this story made me wish I took up urban legends for my thesis instead, as hard as it could be.
"Is this phenomenon caused by humans or actual supernatural beings?" is the the main topic of exploration in this volume. While most of the answers turn out to be less fun, the other possibility - that it's an actual supernatural phenomenon - remains very real, especially with what the two male leads experienced in their childhoods. The suspense that never goes away with each case keeps me glued to the book.
The bromance is the cherry on top. The two male leads' relationship is as interesting as their investigation. Their banter feels natural and endearing to see. The end of the book showed that they're more similar than they initially appeared due to their similar past experiences/trauma, which can foster a deeper connection than with others (this is especially true with Naoya, who kept people but Takatsuki away). Their relationship can develop in several directions and I'm eager to find out.
I love some other topics explored in this volume as well. Humans fear the unknown, so they interpret things even if it's not realistic. Humans lie as naturally as they breathe, but is it all bad? These are all interesting food for thought.
I saw someone said it's a spin to ghost hunter/buster genre, and that might be a pretty good way to put it. It's still largely grounded in reality and the main characters don't do anything too outlandish, but that's why this story feels "real" and that is the charm.