Honey Lemon Soda centers on Uka Ishimori, a high school freshman seeking a fresh start for herself. In middle school, Uka was bullied by her peers on a constant basis. She received the mocking nickname of “Stony” for how she would freeze up when confronted. Uka chooses to attend Hachimitsu High School when an unknown boy encourages her to not give up on herself. His cool demeanor and blond hair reminiscent of lemon soda leaves a deep impression upon Uka. He is everything that she is not; that she wishes she could be like.
At Hachimitsu, this boy becomes Uka’s classmate: Kai Miura. Their first interaction at school is Kai accidentally spraying a bottle of lemon soda all over her. Right in front of everyone in front of the school gates. Defying Uka’s expectations, one of Kai’s friends immediately jumps to help get her dry and makes Kai apologize. Later in class, both Uka and Kai are in their gym clothes rather than their normal uniforms. Kai claims to the teacher that they both got covered in soda. Did Kai change so Uka wouldn’t be singled out?
Soon afterwards, an unlikely friendship forms between Uka and Kai. Despite how blunt and cold he may act, Kai goes out of his way to try to help Uka. He encourages her to speak up for herself, whether to make new friends or ask for help. Uka is able to begin cracking her shell and form genuine bonds with Kai and the rest of their classmates. In turn, Uka becomes someone that Kai can let his guard down around – something he doesn’t do with his other friends. It isn’t long before Uka realizes that her feelings towards Kai are more than platonic.
From Pages to Screen
The anime industry, much like other media, goes through trends and phases. Most recently, there has been a flood of stories involving the main character being thrust into a fantastical other-world. These isekai stories have been flooding the anime scene not only in fantasy, but in romance stories especially. In that way, a modern, slice-of-life high school romance like Honey Lemon Soda is as refreshing as its namesake.
Honey Lemon Soda is adapted from the manga of the same name, written and drawn by author Mayu Murata. The animation is headed by J.C.Staff, whose previous adaptations include One Punch Man and Sugar Apple Fairy Tale. It is a rare shoujo manga adaptation; its target demographic is girls in middle and high school. Contrary to how most anime adaptations tend to be of shounen manga; intended for middle to high school aged boys.
Manga and anime in the romance genre are often miscategorized into shoujo based solely on the fact they are romances. While many are, including Honey Lemon Soda, that is not a requirement for a shoujo work. As much as Honey Lemon Soda is about the romance between its two leads, it’s equally a coming-of-age about friendship. Its central message is about regaining confidence in oneself and how a positive community can help foster self-love.
From “Stone” to “Gemstone”
Honey Lemon Soda is, indeed, as sweet as the name indicates. Although, it does not shy away from the difficulties that girls like Uka face in school settings. She is othered for her shy nature and social awkwardness and thus a target of ridicule. Uka is subject to this bullying for so long that she believes it to be an undeniable truth about herself. Throughout the series, she is able to slowly rebuild her confidence in herself; to believe she is worthy of love.
Uka and her story tell other young girls that they are not alone in their strife. That they, just like Uka, deserve happiness and love – romantic and platonic alike. They have it in themselves to crack the shell of their rock to reveal the gemstone within themselves. They are not alone nor do they deserve to be alone in this world. Change for the better is always possible if they invite the possibility inside.
Kai himself exists as both a fantasy and an ideal to young female and male viewers alike. He’s the cool guy at school who takes interest in the wallflower Uka and pushes her to be more assertive. Not once does he try to make her uncomfortable on purpose, only leading her to a brighter path. Though, despite his aloof demeanor, he is awkward in his own ways – some of which he hides by acting cool. Kai grows as a person alongside Uka through their developing bond. She changes him just as much as he changes her.
A Splash of Sweetness
Uka and Kai are both teenagers finding their way in their world. Though they may stumble and fall, they are constantly learning more about themselves and those around them. In a world that is becoming increasingly more callous, it’s important for teenagers to have narratives like Honey Lemon Soda. Narratives that tell them there is no shame in asking for help; to take that first step. No one can thrive all on their own. So, don’t be afraid to take a helping hand or extend one yourself.
For those new to watching anime, Honey Lemon Soda is a perfect launching point. As much as it is about and for high schoolers, it can just as easily be enjoyed by adults, too. It strikes a perfect balance between the sweet and the bitter of ordinary life. Honey Lemon Soda’s grounded approach to its story, characters, and romance are refreshing among the over-saturation of isekai romance. It’s a sweet taste that can’t be beat.
Honey Lemon Soda is licensed by the anime streaming service Crunchyroll and new episodes premiere on Thursdays. It is set for one cour of twelve episodes this anime season. Five episodes are already out as of the time of writing. An English dub of Honey Lemon Soda is being produced and is airing alongside the subtitled version.
Interested in Japanese media outside of the realm of anime? Check out my previous article about Shout! Factory bringing Kamen Rider Kuuga and Kamen Rider Ryuki to YouTube!
