January 1, 2023

An Engaging Non-Conventional Shoujo Story

This was an intriguing and fun first volume which got me interested in the characters and story. ARISA starts with middle school student Tsubasa meeting with her twin sister Arisa for the first time in three years after only keeping in touch through secret letters. Arisa suggests that they switch places and has Tsubasa attend school in her place. This leads to Tsubasa geting caught up in a sinister mystery surrounding Arisa's class. I won't give too many details on the plot as part of the fun of this volume is the many twists and turns it takes you on.

This series is not a romance but rather a mystery thriller story with characters you would expect to see in a shoujo romance manga. The artwork has a really nice mid-thousands shoujo style which creates an interesting contrast with the darker subject matter. If this premise sounds interesting to you, I recommend this series.

ARISA is aimed at younger audiences so there is furigana. The language is also not overly complex, often dealing with school life and other everyday subject matter. If you are still getting the hang of reading in Japanese I recommend trying this series, it's been a great learning experience for me.

Gradings:10
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bilrose7 graded
on April 20, 2025
similar in difficulty toささやくように恋を唄う 1L20
bilrose7 graded
on April 17, 2025
similar in difficulty toあくまであまい私の彼女 1L19
bilrose7 graded
on December 29, 2023
similar in difficulty toルリドラゴン 1L22
bilrose7 graded
on December 12, 2023
similar in difficulty toグレイプニル 1L22
bilrose7 graded
on August 23, 2023
similar in difficulty to東京ミュウミュウ 1L22
bilrose7 graded
on January 1, 2023
bilrose7 graded
on January 1, 2023
easier thanARIA 1L22
bilrose7 graded
on January 1, 2023
bilrose7 graded
on January 1, 2023
similar in difficulty toふらいんぐうぃっち 1L20
bilrose7 graded
on January 1, 2023
easier than惡の華 (1)L18