Say I Love You (manga)

Say I Love You is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kanae Hazuki. It was serialized in Kodansha's shōjo manga magazine Dessert from February 2008 to July 2017, with its chapters collected in 18 volumes. An anime adaptation by Zexcs aired from October to December 2012. A live action film adaptation premiered in July 2014.
In North America, the manga was licensed by Kodansha USA. The anime series was licensed by Sentai Filmworks.

WWW kc.kodansha.co.jp/content...

Plot

Mei Tachibana, a reserved high school student, has avoided close relationships due to a childhood experience with former friends whose behavior left her distrustful of others. Her life changes when Yamato Kurosawa, a popular classmate, shows interest in her. As their friendship develops into a romantic relationship, Mei gradually gains the confidence to form new connections with others.

Characters

;Mei Tachibana
;Yamato Kurosawa
;Asami Oikawa
;Takeshi Nakanishi
;Aiko Mutō
;Masashi Tatekawa
;Kakeru Hayakawa
;Chiharu Ogawa
;Megumi Kitagawa
;Kai Takemura
;Rin Aoi
;Ren Aoi
;Nagi Kurosawa
;Daichi Kurosawa
;Miki Arai
;Mei's Mother

Media

Manga

Written and illustrated by Kanae Hazuki, Say I Love You was serialized in Kodansha's shōjo manga magazine Dessert from February 23, 2008, to July 24, 2017. Kodansha collected its chapters in 18 volumes, released from August 11, 2008, to September 13, 2017. An additional 19th volume was released digitally on August 25, 2022.
The manga has been licensed for English release in North America by Kodansha USA.

Anime

An anime adaptation by Zexcs began premiered on Tokyo MX October 6, 2012. The series later aired on tvk, BS11 and AT-X. It was later licensed by Sentai Filmworks for release in North America. The opening song is "Friendship" by Ritsuko Okazaki and the ending theme is "Slow Dance" by Suneohair. The limited edition of the eleventh manga volume, released on July 24, 2013, was bundled with an original animation DVD.

Film

The wraparound jacket band of the 11th volume of the manga announced in 2013 that a live action film was greenlit for release in 2014. The film was both directed and written by Asako Hyuga. Haruna Kawaguchi and Sota Fukushi were cast as Mei Tachibana and Yamato Kurosawa respectively. Additional cast members include Tomohiro Ichikawa as Kai Takemura, Rika Adachi as Aiko Mutō, Tasuku Nagase as Takeshi Nakanishi, Rima Nishizaki as Asami Oikawa, Ryōsuke Yamamoto as Masashi Tachikawa, and Alissa Yagi as Megumi Kitagawa. Asako Hyuga is directing and writing the film. The film was released in Japan on July 12, 2014. Its main theme song is "Happily" by One Direction.

Reception

The manga has sold over 5.3 million copies by July 2014. The film earned at the Japanese box office.