Kare Kano Volume 14

In volumes 11-13 of "Kare Kano", Chrissy Schilling apparently did additional translation work and included all of the Japanese honorifics to "Kare Kano". For a title as deeply rooted in Japanese culture as "Kare Kano" is, I feel the honorifics need to be left in because it shows how the various characters relate to each other. As such, those volumes were much richer to me as a reader who enjoys learning more about Japanese culture and ways of thinking. With volume 14, Chrissy is gone and with her the honorifics are also gone in favor of a more domesticated American approach to the translation. So while the story is still good as we learn about Arima-kun's real mother, the richness and the unique Japanese way of things are lost. To me, this is a really unfortunate thing since I find "Kare Kano" are really good series. I know some folks think that anything remotely Japanese should be removed from manga or anime, but I would not be one of these people. As to the story, watching Yukino-san and Arima-kun continue their relationship is always a treat. Arima-kun having to work through his own darkness while at the same time having to deal with the woman who gave birth to him and abandoned him was very interesting. And Tsuda-sensei's little extra's through the manga and at the end are always a hoot. Bottom line: another good story in the "Kare Kano" series, but the lack of honorifics removes something special from the series in my opinion.

Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances, Vol. 13 is the beginning of the Arima Arc and we start to see a different side of Arima that he is trying to keep from Miyazawa. I love it! We finally get to see inside of Arima's head and why he works so hard!