In a world where women are no longer born, the state instigated a feminizing program. Among the candidates was the protagonist Masaomi's friend Kenji.
2 Volumes (Complete)




The idea behind the story is really interesting, especially because the sex change is forced and the characters are actually grappling with what that means emotionally and trying to understand how they fit into the world now. There are two main issues I have with the story though-- 1. The kids are sexualized a lot, and it's uncomfortable. It feels very loli-like. 2. The ending is abrupt and unsatisfying. It feels like the manga was canceled and the mangaka couldn't finish telling their story.
It's weird, and not just because its a genderswap story (Which are always kinda convoluted). The interactions between the characters are bizarre and not very believable frankly. I get what they were trying to go for here, but it doesn't come across well.
This is a well written coming of age story. Yes, it has a forced sex change plot device, but it takes it seriously and really manages to capture the turbulent range of emotions and uncertainty that would be expected from the circumstances. Most notably, it really nicely portrays the "how do I perceive myself now / how have others have changed their perception of me" juxtaposition. There are multiple characters and each of their dynamics with the MC allows for different viewpoints on this topic as well as really nice and subtle character development. The development of each of these relations is the driving force of the story, but yet each is never fully explored. Each relationship is brought far enough to have gotten something meaningful out of it, but never really completed. This, and especially the conclusion of the manga, can leave a somewhat unfinished aftertaste. There was so much potential for further development. But at the same time, I'm not certain it would have been better that way. The way it is, it feels like life. Connections are made, people grow and learn new things about themselves, but most relationships are rarely ever fully explored in life. And this manga seemed to me to capture that aspect. Yes, more could have been done with the story, but it wasn't necessary, which greatly added to the realism of this slightly melancholic manga.
It one of those series where no one can really say what they really want to say. It was a decent story but the ending leaves much to be desired. In the end
several of the characters just disapear without ever making contact again. Although the main character did make contact after 15 years. The sister never did show up again. Why would someone just vanish never to talk to thir friends or family again.
The art is pretty good and the story is decent. Its just too short. This is one I would have liked to see taken further. The emotional confusion and all the characters dealing with physical and emotional changes was interesting. I wish this one had been 4-5 volumes instead of 2. At least it had a better end then many other shorts that feel too rushed or end too abruptly.