Rice balls are a staple food in Japan because they are easy to make and very portable. These common eats are found in various manga, but I was introduced to the term onigiri through the series Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya.

All in all this was a bit of a disappointment. Having a soft spot for Kare Kano, I was hoping that this anthology would be much more than it is. As it turns out, it will probably sit on my shelf collecting dust.

This one stands out to me because it's the first time that Risa notices that Otani is a "guy". Up to this point she hasn't considered him as datable material. Funny how holding his hand triggers it.

The most popular summer festival is known as Obon, which celebrates remembering one's ancestors. The date of the celebration varies from region to region, but most temples hold festivities in mid-July or mid-August.

So I figured it was time to explain my rating systems. Recently added is a romance rating. I decided this might help readers determine how appropriate a book may be for any audience. The following are the romance ratings: Cuddly – Sweet and innocent. Maybe a chaste kiss or two. Steamy – Sizzling romance that may imply intimacy between...