Blue Morning, Vol. 8 (8)

The time is fast approaching for Akihito’s departure for England, and there is so much to be done, arrangements to be made. Knowing the feudal system is dying, Akihito is building the future of the Kuze house on much firmer foundations, such as the railroad and various industries. He and Katsuragi must fit in as much time together as they can, knowing they will be separated for two long years.Meanwhile, Soichiro has been coerced at least into the arranged marriage he never wanted, his heart belonging to a geisha he can never have. He girds himself to meet his intended, only to find that Katsuragi works in mysterious ways.Their time together drawing to a close, Katsuragi bares his soul to Akihito and tells him two years away from him is too long. In talking to Amamiya, Soichiro expresses his gratitude for what Katsuragi has done for him, and wishes him and Akihito the same good fortune. Akihito has had matching watches made for him and Katsuragi, which he presents to him just before he asks would he like to come to England with him.What will Katsuragi’s response be?This is the final volume of Blue Morning. So much going on, so much up in the air. I grew hopeful and anxious by turns the farther I read. This is the culmination of what Akihito and Katsuragi both have been working toward, even if it didn’t always appear so. This is a story very rich in both plot and character development, as well as beautiful artwork. I invested my heart in the story of these two men, followed their relationship through good times as well as hard times. Cheered, laughed, and cried. I’m sorry the story has come to an end, yet in my heart it isn’t over, and I know it will go on forever.Beautiful finish to a lovely story.

This has an intense storyline, and sometimes you could almost get lost in the dialog, but getting to see it through to the end is well worth it. To see the relationship between Katsuragi and Kuze develop to what it ultimately became was extremely satisfying.

With this Volume 8, the series completes and we have the final arc concerning Akihito doing what is necessary to consolidate the Kuze's position in a world that has left nobility and the Shogunate behind. In this period of the Meiji restoration, industrialization was rampant, those who used to be wealthy land holders were taxed out of existence, and the social structure of Japan was completely changed. In this tumult, Akihito and Katsuragi have to stabilize the Kuze industrial holdings or they risk losing everything - and ultimately each other.Story: Katsuragi has reinvented the spinning factories, providing a safe place for the workers and therefore increasing production output. Even though a disagreement ousted him from the position of CEO, he is still involved with increasing profits of Katsuragi and Kuze holdings. Akihito, meanwhile, has recognized that Kuze will be squeezed out of its industries if Akihito doesn't modernize his vassals. He comes up with a scheme to take the sons of 12 of his vassals to live in England for 2 years and learn more about the best business practices needed for success. He wants to bring Katsuragi with him - a decision that Katsuragi will agonize over.Mangaka Hidaka takes pains here to put both Katsuragi and Akihito into perspective. We have flashbacks that give more insight into the motivations of both characters and also many musings and scenes showing that both Katsuragi and Akihito were raised to be the head of a prestigious house (Kuze) - yet each approached it from very different philosophies. That contrast - the brash and decisive Akihito vs methodical and subtler Katsuragi) is both the attraction that binds the two together and the reason for Kuze's success.The book ends on a great note. At no time does Hidaka turn Katsuragi into a simpering love struck fool; he remains a very private and difficult person through to the last panel. Akihito, meanwhile, returns from England with a lot of shaggy hair - leading to some amusing scenes at the end. Other loose ends from side characters are also nicely tied up, bringing the story to a close.This was a very good series with interesting insight into Meiji era Japan (which began in the 1870s) and how the old guard Daimyo rules were changed dramatically with industrialization and the new social structures dissolving the Shogunate. As well, I greatly appreciated the complex characterizations throughout. It's definitely a series I will reread again in the near future. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

A real page-turner. The art is beautiful. The plot is well-developed. Crisp yet well-detailed. The development of the characters is nothing short of satisfying. One of the things (for there are many) that is remarkable about the entire series is how the characters after so much twists and upended expectations made themselves to be something more. It was a roller-coaster of emotions that will leave readers reeling at every turn. A story that will grip your heart and won't let it go until you see it through. To have found this and read this has been such an exhilarating experience.