Ones to Watch - 'Sasaki and Miyano': The Definition of "Doki-Doki"

This is just one of the great lines from the latest Shonen ai to appear on Crunchyroll that has managed to steal the collective heart of the anime community in just a few months time. Based on Sho Harusono's ongoing boys love manga of the same name, Sasaki and Miyano has quickly become one of the most popular and well-regarded BL series to date, due to the unbridled sweetness of its main couple and how their touching relationship is portrayed in both print and animated form. An intimate love story that can be played a thousand times over without tire, Sasaki and Miyano is a wonderful addition to the Yaoi catalogue that every anime fan should watch for its honest story-telling, bubble-gum romance, and overall moving heart.

Disclaimer:

The media, art, and music used in this post are not mine. All rightful credit goes to the original creators.

***SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT***

What is Sasaki and Miyano?

Sasaki and Miyano (Official Artwork)

Synopsis

Yoshikazu Miyano is a well known otaku fudanshi, or a male who has a strong passion for BL or boys love manga. When Miyano one day crosses paths with upperclassman Shuumei Sasaki and the two become friends thanks to a BL manga exchange, Miyano begins to come out of his shell and Sasaki is more than happy to oblige in listening to and partaking in Miyano's strange but satisfying hobby. Sasaki quickly realizes, however, that he has fallen head over heels for Miyano and his strong, romantic feelings are becoming harder and harder to hide every time the two of them are together. When Sasaki suddenly confesses Miyano agrees to give their relationship some thought before giving Sasaki an answer, but as Sasaki waits and the two continue to grow closer, will Miyano be able to determine - let alone face - what it is he truly feels for Sasaki before its too late?

Sasaki and Miyano: Official Trailer

Main Cast & Characters

Sasaki Shuumei   

(JP: Yusuke Shirai / EN: Kellen Goff)

The first half of the series main couple, second-year student Shuumei Sasaki's world is turned upside down when he one day meets Miyano - a cute, somewhat feminine underclassman who loves BL manga. Sasaki stands out from his peers due to his tall height, carrot-top hair, multiple piercings, and well-known delinquent school status. Unlike Miyano, Sasaki is outgoing, popular, and overprotective. He is unafraid to declare his feelings for Miyano on multiple occasions and patiently awaits Miyano's decision regarding the status of their relationship.

Miyano Yoshikazu  (aka. "Mya-chan" or "Mya") 

(JP: Soma Saito / EN: Joshua Waters)

The second half of the series main couple, first-year student Yoshikazu Miyano has always been afraid and embarrassed to speak of his love for BL in public. This all changes, however, when he meets Sasaki - an upperclassman whom he not only grows to admire but who is also willing to listen and read BL manga along with him. Though his status as a "fudanshi" is well known to his friends and classmates, Miyano has always been seen as effeminate due to his short height, long black bangs, feminine facial features, and pat-able head. In opposition to Sasaki, Miyano is mature, quiet, and remains cool under pressure - except in situations involving Sasaki himself. 

Hirano Taiga  

(JP: Yoshisugu Matsuoka / EN: Brandon McInnis)

A second-year student and fellow classmate of Sasaki's, Taiga Hirano serves as the series ultimate wingman to both Sasaki and Miyano. Hirano advises both of his friends in order to ultimately help them realize what they're feeling, bring them together, and in the end become a couple. Hirano stands out due to his piercing blue eyes and blond hair, which he dyes regularly due to school rules. Though he can be firm at times, those who know Hirano well see him as a big softie who is very perceptive of those around him and will do whatever he can to help someone who is struggling.

Jiro Ogasawara 

(JP: Yuuki Ono / EN: Jonah Scott)

Yet another classmate of Sasaki's, Jiro Ogasawara is seen as the "bad-boy" on campus due to his blue streaked hair and brutally honest personality. Ogasawara stands apart from his classmates due to the devotion he has for his girlfriend who also heavily partakes in BL media. While he may come off as hard and unapproachable Ogasawara appears supportive of Sasaki and Miyano's relationship, though he may not be able to pick up on the romantic undertones as he is more focused on his own relationship and the BL material that may stand in his way.

Masato Hanzawa

(JP: Yuma Uchida / EN: Brendan Blaber)

Known simply as "chairman" for much of the series, Masato Hanzawa serves as a good friend and mentor to Miyano who helps him realize what his feelings for Sasaki truly are. Given one of the best monologues in the entire series it becomes clear that Hanzawa has a deep admiration and slight crush on Miyano himself, though he is ultimately able to put his own feelings aside so Miyano and Sasaki can be together. Hanzawa has swooping brown hair, a lovable smile, and an eccentric personality that not only has the power to unite everyone together but also brings a smile to ones face no matter the situation.

Kuresawa Tasuku 

(JP: Ryohei Arai  / EN: Kayleigh McKee)

One of Miyano's closest friends and classmates, Tasuku Kuresawa is in his own words "an extremally dedicated boyfriend". Indulging Miyano's BL hobby as his girlfriend also heavily partakes in BL media, Kuresawa is able to be honest with Miyano about what he observes between him and Sasaki and how their relationship to a typical BL plotline cannot be ignored. Set apart from the others by his black rimmed glasses and book-smarts attitude, Kuresawa aims to help Miyano as best he can while wishing nothing but happiness for whatever comes to pass between him and Sasaki.

Tashiro Gonsaburo 

(JP: Mitsuhiro Ichiki / EN: Yung-I Chang)

The last of the main cast and Miyano's classmates, Gonsaburo Tashiro serves as the series comic relief who typically cracks jokes to relieve the obvious tension in the room. While given the least amount of screen time, Tashiro is a good friend to Miyano who is also able to see the obvious romantic implication between him and Sasaki, and plants early seeds in Miyano's mind that Sasaki might see him as something more than just a friend.

Romance, Representation & What it means to "fall in love"

Sasaki (left) and Miyano (right) final scene (S1; Ep 12)

Those with knowledge of the BL genre know it to be full of many stereotypes and tropes that are often be seen as harmful or unhealthy. Thankfully, Sasaki and Miyano strays far from these narratives due to its refreshing stance on the definition of romance and what it means to fall in love. Unlike other Shonen ai or Yaoi series, Sasaki and Miyano is unique in the fact that its male leads do not strictly focus on the gendered aspects of their relationship until the final moments of the series first season. While Sasaki's feelings are more apparent than Miyano's, the two fall in love with one another for who they are rather than approaching their relationship from a strictly gendered lens. This is further enhanced narratively when Sasaki openly admits that he has never been into guys and Miyano counters this by admitting that he's only ever had a crush on a girl. Despite their past preferences, the feelings Sasaki and Miyano experience when they are together ultimately makes them so happy that they never want to be apart. The level of understanding, vulnerability, and respect shown between Sasaki and Miyano is incredibly heartwarming to see, as they both constantly take each others feelings into account, do everything they can to avoid hurting each other, and are willing to wait to see if their friendship might be something more. This approach to a more natural love story ultimately allows Sasaki and Miyano's relationship to bloom in a beautifully organic and "fairy-tale" way that is often not seen in BL manga - let alone anime.  While the answer to the "will they, won't they" question may seem obvious early on, every interaction between Sasaki and Miyano is genuine and simply heartfelt to watch. By changing ones perception of romance and what it means to be with someone you truly care for, Sasaki and Miyano stands as an adorable and heartfelt story that simply allows its characters to fall and stay madly in love.

Aside from the series wholesome romantic implications, Sasaki and Miyano joins an elite list of truly great series that centers around characters within the LGBTQ+ community. With such representation in anime only coming to the forefront within the last decade, series like Sasaki and Miyano are great to see being brought into the mainstream media as experiencing these stories is now more important than ever. One of the most positive aspects to come out of releasing more BL series is each shows high level of success among viewers, regardless of their identity, sexuality, or personal preferences. This makes the series all the more special as it is becoming more and more important to see characters who are struggling with their own identities, thoughts, and feelings. By having a favorite character, or even voice actor, tell you through an anime that what you're feeling is okay, normal, and something to be celebrated, viewers are given the opportunity to come to terms with their own struggles and may be inspired to take the next necessary steps in their own lives.

No matter your beliefs or preferences, Sasaki and Miyano's love story has become the textbook definition of a sugar coated, cotton-candy, storybook romance that you just might want to have on repeat.

Miyano: 

"Chairman, what do you think it means to have feelings for somebody?"

Hanzawa: 

"Well, it's tricky. I have to imagine it's different from person to person. For starters, it means wanting to do things for someone. To spend time with them. Desire to hold their hand. Desire to be by their side. Wanting to kiss them. Wanting to hold them. Wanting them all to yourself. But I think, the main sign is if you can't get the thought of someone out of your mind, it probably means you're in love."

(Episode 8: I Realized)

English Dub Version

 

Sasaki and Miyano: "I like you" Scene (Subtitled)

Sub vs. Dub & Why you should watch BOTH

If the anime community is known for one thing, it is the endless and often ruthless Sub vs. Dub debate. While some series are better in the original Japanese than in English (and vise versa), both the Japanese and English dubbed versions of Sasaki and Miyano are worth watching for entirely different, charming reasons. 

While the chemistry between Sasaki and Miyano's voice actors in both versions is superb and holds strong throughout the series short run, each of the language versions takes a distinct approach in how Sasaki and Miyano are portrayed as characters and a future couple. The Japanese version feels more serious and adult due to how Sasaki and Miyano constantly address each other appropriately due to their difference in age. This makes the series seem more thrilling and unexpected, as opposed to the English dub which goes an entirely different and surprising route. Unlike the original language version, the dub leans heavily into the cute and comedic aspects of the series which makes the English version appear more chaotic but also a lot of fun. The feel for the series overall vibe is entirely defined by the choice of voice actor for Sasaki, with Kellen Goff's take on Sasaki being shown as overly cute and adorable while Yusuke Shirai's Sasaki is more cool and reserved. While both casts do excellent work, it is clear from the start just how much fun the English voice cast had when recording the series. Kellen Goff (Sasaki), Joshua Waters (Miyano), Brendan Blaber (Hanzawa), and Brandon McInnis (Hirano) deliver standout performance in the English dubbed version, with Jonah Scott (Ogasawara) and Y. Chang (Tashiro) trailing not far behind. The English dub also shines brilliantly in its surprisingly smart and self-aware script. Knowing full well that it is a boys loves series, the English translation for Sasaki and Miyano uses, references or pokes fun at the very language, appropriations or judgments one might face in the real world by enjoying media from the BL genre. The scripts ability to be current leaves viewers of the dub with some truly hilarious, relatable and quotable lines delivered with such vigor or seriousness that one can't help but smile or laugh out loud. No matter the language, Sasaki and Miyano is worth every minute of its run time and is sure to evoke some powerful emotions through some truly incredible performances.

Sasaki and Miyano: Miyano's Confession & Kiss Scene (Japanese)

Sasaki and Miyano: English Dub Moments (Part I)

(YouTube Channel: Micah Kane)

Sasaki and Miyano: English Dub Moments (Part II)

(YouTube Chanel: Micah Kane)

   

Music

Sasaki and Miyano: OP Theme ("Blink" by Miracle Chimpanzee)

Aside from its lovable characters and romantic premise, Sasaki and Miyano also shines bright in the use and effect of its music. The opening theme by Miracle Chimpanzee sets up the nature of the series excellently through an adorable, catchy song and collection of stunning visuals that highlight the emotional arc of Sasaki and Miyano's relationship. The series soundtrack, composed by Kana Shibue, adds much to the shows emotionally charged premise, with tracks such as "Sasaki and Miyano: Main Theme" "Be Attracted", "I want to touch it", and "Never give up" being standouts in a soundtrack full of moving and articulative music. The score only further elevates the delicate yet powerful emotions felt by both the characters and viewers throughout the series, thanks to its collection of stunning piano melodies and rich, textural orchestral moments that add a great deal of whimsy, innocence and longing to an already tender plotline. Available in full on both Spotify and YouTube, the soundtrack to Sasaki and Miyano is sure to leave an impression that will make your heart sing (pun intended).

3. Sasaki and Miyano: Main Theme (Disc 1; OST)

10. Be Attracted (Disc 1; OST)

14.  I want to touch it (Disc 2; OST)

16. Never give up (Disc 2; OST)

Animation

While not as impressive as the series music or premise, the animation style of Sasaki and Miyano is also worthy of praise due to its unique use of strongly defined character shots, detailed backgrounds, and brilliant use of of both color and lighting. Shots such as those seen in the collection below are just a glimpse into the art style the series flips between, with some shots likening more to traditional anime drawings, while other more closely resemble paintings or are just as cute as the characters themselves. The series character designs are also unique in this manner, as each character in the main cast is animated with the same quality of beauty and detail, regardless of their primary or secondary cast status. The series backgrounds also pay a great amount of attention to detail and often hint at what both Sasaki or Miyano are feeling in situations when they are together and apart. These background shots are only further enhanced by warm, vibrant colors and lighting effects that make many scenes metaphorically and literally glimmer. While some might find this art style to be overly-cute or distracting, the overall look of Sasaki and Miyano is just as beautiful as its characters and the relationships they share.

Selected shots from Sasaki and Miyano (2022)

Conclusion

Put simply, Sasaki and Miyano is a must watch for anime fans of realistic romance, sweltering sweetness, and LGBTQ+ representation. A story of first love, perseverance, and understanding, Sasaki and Miyano is a beautiful, romantic gem that should not be ignored due to its BL categorization and ties. If given the chance to shine, Sasaki and Miyano is sure to capture your heart. 

(#lifegoals - Miyano)

Links:

Watch Sasaki and Miyano on Crunchyroll: http://www.crunchyroll.com/

Listen to Sasaki and Miyano (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9KI3uGOBYA&list=PL_uk3U3fIrcadtiui8EwXipvEFPWPdCWn

Alternate Anime Recommendation: given (2019) - Yaoi, Music