ANYWAY i'll finish this list cause i should have done it ages ago then i'll write something actually about the new year...
beginning the year tying up lose ends. fair enough.
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TYPICAL PLOTS IN A SHOJO MANGA.
5.First date
And this is a HUGE issue, causing much drama and indecisiveness, such as "what outfit do i wear?" "how can i impress him" "i don't want to embarrass him" with usually him/her being late to meet up, but that's ok because waiting shows how much you love each other.
actually this probably happens in real life, but hey, i guess romance works like that. Some parts have to be true. although the cause for lateness is usually late wake ups, or something unfortunate like preparing younger brothers for school, doing family laundry or missing buses.
beginning the year tying up lose ends. fair enough.
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TYPICAL PLOTS IN A SHOJO MANGA.
These are EVERYWHERE. In almost any manga you read, you are guaranteed to find at least one of these occurrences. don't laugh at how ridiculous they are, i didn't make it up ok?
1. an accidental kiss
In the shojo manga world, this happens more often than me not understanding what is going on in chemistry class (which unfortunately is almost every lesson.) As the name suggests, an accidental is kiss is where the two characters either move or fall over just to hit lips with each other entirely by chance. For example, one might turn around in a crowded train, fall forward onto some random who just happens to be a handsome boy and accidental lock lips with him. Whoops. But hey, it's a pleasant surprise right? Not for everyone who saw it coming though...
2. A school cultural festival.
Specially mentioned for the category "school life," this event, I guarantee, will happen in almost every 2nd manga you read. Or almost all. Pretty much. A school cultural festival, however, does not even celebrate traditional Japanese culture as you would expect it too. Rather, it has cool stands like maid cafes and animal cosplay cafes and class plays where the main girl character dresses up as something ridiculously cute-Alice in wonderland etc a princess (SWITCH GIRL) Actually, any type of cosplay event. Because cosplay brings out the best in people. (Y)
ie. perfect legs, cute faces and wonderful opportunities for fan service.
3. A school trip
Most often to place like kyoto or nara, cause all schools are in tokyo, this is because, apparently, "you loose control on a school trip and develop relationships", and thus it is the perfect time to confess your love. HOT SPRINGS, hiking where the main girl char gets lost in the foliage cos their teachers in shojo manga world are so useless, temples and praying for marriage/red string of fate
4. The main character gets saved from being raped.
Tired of how your relationship with your boyfriend seems to be getting worse? How he seems to not be paying attention to you? Or did you just have a fight with him? Never fear, your (not-so)friendly neighbourhood rapist is here! So just as you're about to go home, picture this; it's dark, it's late. You're all alone in the streets. Recently, you've been hearing on the news a rapist is around, but don't worry, nothing will happen to you! NOT. suddenly, out of nowhere, an ugly fat guy with lots of pimples pounces! it's the rapist! and obviously, you have no strength to fight him off. As he is about to pull your clothes off, a tear runs down your cheek as you cry out for someone-kun, your beloved boyfriend who you'd much rather be spending time with. But don't worry, dum-dah-dah-dah! Someone-kun arrives, and thoroughly punches the rapist out, threatening him never to come near you again (forget about calling the police, that's not romantic, that's just sensible). In tears, he asks you if you're all right. shaking by your experience, you can only nod, too scared to even stand. He sweeps you into his arms, and you have a passionate kiss, relationship fixed, because all guys have nightingale syndrome or something.
5.First date
And this is a HUGE issue, causing much drama and indecisiveness, such as "what outfit do i wear?" "how can i impress him" "i don't want to embarrass him" with usually him/her being late to meet up, but that's ok because waiting shows how much you love each other.
actually this probably happens in real life, but hey, i guess romance works like that. Some parts have to be true. although the cause for lateness is usually late wake ups, or something unfortunate like preparing younger brothers for school, doing family laundry or missing buses.
6. Kiss in the rain
Again, an adorable cliche that probably happens in most forms of romance comedies. Don't know how a day can start so beautifully sunny for the main to wear a scanty summer dress then end in a thunderstorm where the mains huddle up in a park/church and hide and come out when it drizzles and share a romantic kiss.
Again, an adorable cliche that probably happens in most forms of romance comedies. Don't know how a day can start so beautifully sunny for the main to wear a scanty summer dress then end in a thunderstorm where the mains huddle up in a park/church and hide and come out when it drizzles and share a romantic kiss.
7. possessive pets with personalities that hate humans especially girlfriends/boyfriends
Not to mention, causing embarrassing issues like pulling up/dow skirts/shirts/dresses etc to expose underwear. And why are the pets so possessive anyway? Although some dogs are insane (cough roger's rapist dog) it's not because they love their master sooooooo much they see anyone else as a threat/ Its just a bit stupid.
Not to mention, causing embarrassing issues like pulling up/dow skirts/shirts/dresses etc to expose underwear. And why are the pets so possessive anyway? Although some dogs are insane (cough roger's rapist dog) it's not because they love their master sooooooo much they see anyone else as a threat/ Its just a bit stupid.
8. visiting the boyfriend/girlfriends parents who embarrass said boyfriend/girlfriend with baby photos
Although I honestly have to say, if a 13 year old brought their girlfriend home after a long date of amusement parks and ice creams, to meet the parents, i rather thought the response would be "WTF YOU'RE 13 YEARS OLD AND YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND???" rather than "awww she's sooo cute, you should see my boy's baby photos where he's in the bath and he's naked, isn't that soooo adorable???" Seriously. Who does this? My parents would probably sit the guy down and start interviewing him. "how old are you?" "what do you believe in?" "what political party do you support?"
"what do you want to do when you grow up?" "What were your yearly results?" Not this "awwwww you're sooo adorable together! Did you have fun on your date??? OooohAlysha's naked baby photos???" ... Actually thinking about this, I'm kind of glad they wouldn't do that.
side note: why does everyone have these naked-baby-in-the-bath-photos??? seriously. Where did this custom begin? how? when people were like "i have a baby, it's naked and in the bath, i should take pictures of it and risk damaging my camera through water damage for the sake of snapping some awfully embarrassing yet potentially adorable photos." ???? who thinks like that?
Although I honestly have to say, if a 13 year old brought their girlfriend home after a long date of amusement parks and ice creams, to meet the parents, i rather thought the response would be "WTF YOU'RE 13 YEARS OLD AND YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND???" rather than "awww she's sooo cute, you should see my boy's baby photos where he's in the bath and he's naked, isn't that soooo adorable???" Seriously. Who does this? My parents would probably sit the guy down and start interviewing him. "how old are you?" "what do you believe in?" "what political party do you support?"
"what do you want to do when you grow up?" "What were your yearly results?" Not this "awwwww you're sooo adorable together! Did you have fun on your date??? OooohAlysha's naked baby photos???" ... Actually thinking about this, I'm kind of glad they wouldn't do that.
side note: why does everyone have these naked-baby-in-the-bath-photos??? seriously. Where did this custom begin? how? when people were like "i have a baby, it's naked and in the bath, i should take pictures of it and risk damaging my camera through water damage for the sake of snapping some awfully embarrassing yet potentially adorable photos." ???? who thinks like that?
9. Love interest tutors girl to do well in exams
Because obviously, the main love interest is so perfect in every way, that when he finds out his girlfriend is getting 20's in her exams and has to stay behind for summer school so they can't spend any time together, he frantically uses his top-of-the-school study style to immediately push her up to 90% or higher.
And this study regime usually involves late nights at his house, late nights at her house, falling asleep while being tutored, etc etc etc. And of course, the 'rewards' for doing well in practise papers; the kisses on the cheek, on the lips on the forehead, on the hand, literally anything. Except food of course. Because rewards always involves kissing. or slightly more than that. whatever.
Because obviously, the main love interest is so perfect in every way, that when he finds out his girlfriend is getting 20's in her exams and has to stay behind for summer school so they can't spend any time together, he frantically uses his top-of-the-school study style to immediately push her up to 90% or higher.
And this study regime usually involves late nights at his house, late nights at her house, falling asleep while being tutored, etc etc etc. And of course, the 'rewards' for doing well in practise papers; the kisses on the cheek, on the lips on the forehead, on the hand, literally anything. Except food of course. Because rewards always involves kissing. or slightly more than that. whatever.
10. "i'll definitely get you to fall in love with me!"
I find this quote a bit ridiculous. Usually at the beginning of a manga where a class clown/playboy/gangster type comes on to the protagonist (not the slut, cause that would just make her jump on him lol) and she refuses his advances. At which point, he usually either does a dramatic pose or pushes her against the wall and cries "i'll definitely get you to fall in love with me!" Supposedly this is supposed to display his ultimate sincerity and effort towards her, but quite frankly i think it's more demanding, potentially stalkerish and very childish.
But that's how Japanese women like their men.
I find this quote a bit ridiculous. Usually at the beginning of a manga where a class clown/playboy/gangster type comes on to the protagonist (not the slut, cause that would just make her jump on him lol) and she refuses his advances. At which point, he usually either does a dramatic pose or pushes her against the wall and cries "i'll definitely get you to fall in love with me!" Supposedly this is supposed to display his ultimate sincerity and effort towards her, but quite frankly i think it's more demanding, potentially stalkerish and very childish.
But that's how Japanese women like their men.
11. Get kidnapped by a bunch of angry guys for angering them in a stupid way
Eg. You're in a shopping mall, and you see a bunch of gangsters trying to steal something. Being the good, noble, stupid person you are, you tell this large group of scary looking, muscular, gangster-like males to shove off, saving the store owner maybe $10 bucks, of which he probably gets shoplifted everyday, since his security is so bad. The group, infuriated, move away. You think you've saved the day, problem, solved. You walk away.
Nup.
Because suddenly out of the blue while you're walking down the street the same group of gangster guy grab you and decide to 'give you trouble', usually in the form of naked photos or something equally ridiculous. Where then the boyfriend or the soon-to-be boyfriend will come in and save her.
Discussing this with michelle, she correctly pointed out that these guys could potentially get life sentences due to aggravated sexual assault in company. just saying.
Eg. You're in a shopping mall, and you see a bunch of gangsters trying to steal something. Being the good, noble, stupid person you are, you tell this large group of scary looking, muscular, gangster-like males to shove off, saving the store owner maybe $10 bucks, of which he probably gets shoplifted everyday, since his security is so bad. The group, infuriated, move away. You think you've saved the day, problem, solved. You walk away.
Nup.
Because suddenly out of the blue while you're walking down the street the same group of gangster guy grab you and decide to 'give you trouble', usually in the form of naked photos or something equally ridiculous. Where then the boyfriend or the soon-to-be boyfriend will come in and save her.
Discussing this with michelle, she correctly pointed out that these guys could potentially get life sentences due to aggravated sexual assault in company. just saying.
12. Exes are manipulative, bullying twits
You know, from personal experience, ex relationships can be perfectly civil. So painting the ex as a crazy physco bitch who hires rapists to attack the new girlfriend is a bit over the top.
You know, from personal experience, ex relationships can be perfectly civil. So painting the ex as a crazy physco bitch who hires rapists to attack the new girlfriend is a bit over the top.
13. Fan clubs for the male love interest
"Do you really think you're good enough for blah-sempai? How dare someone like you just go out with him like that? Don't you know he belongs to everyone?"
"OMG IT'S BLAH-SEMPAI! KYAAAAAAA!"
And yes, this is not about some actor or singer, this is for some regular boy in the high school. wtf. Just because a guy is good looking, does not mean there's a horde of screaming fan girls who get angry when he gets a girlfriend. At least, not publicly anyway.
"Do you really think you're good enough for blah-sempai? How dare someone like you just go out with him like that? Don't you know he belongs to everyone?"
"OMG IT'S BLAH-SEMPAI! KYAAAAAAA!"
And yes, this is not about some actor or singer, this is for some regular boy in the high school. wtf. Just because a guy is good looking, does not mean there's a horde of screaming fan girls who get angry when he gets a girlfriend. At least, not publicly anyway.
14. Amusement Parks
The best places for dates, apart from zoos and aquariums. Apparently. Actually i don't see that as a bad thing, but they always go to the haunted house so the girl can be scared out of her wits and jumps on the guy for support, and somehow finish the day on the Ferris wheel.
The best places for dates, apart from zoos and aquariums. Apparently. Actually i don't see that as a bad thing, but they always go to the haunted house so the girl can be scared out of her wits and jumps on the guy for support, and somehow finish the day on the Ferris wheel.
15.They get married in the end
(you will have noticed that i'm just writing things as they come to mind, so it's not in order)
Really, no offence, how many couples in 8th grade actually end up marrying? Or, even worse, 6th grade? (yes i have seen that one. yes it is adorable, but also slightly weird.)
(you will have noticed that i'm just writing things as they come to mind, so it's not in order)
Really, no offence, how many couples in 8th grade actually end up marrying? Or, even worse, 6th grade? (yes i have seen that one. yes it is adorable, but also slightly weird.)
16. Conflict of love interests
The rich boyfriend's father owns a company, and he has a fiance. The beautiful childhood friend comes back declaring her love. The ex appears (for either side). Some random beautiful transfer student attempts to snatch him away. It's all for the drama and we know they won't end up together. :)
The rich boyfriend's father owns a company, and he has a fiance. The beautiful childhood friend comes back declaring her love. The ex appears (for either side). Some random beautiful transfer student attempts to snatch him away. It's all for the drama and we know they won't end up together. :)
17. The main love interest buys her a gift
Maybe a necklace, maybe a hair pin. Something small and probably cheap, unless he's some rich guy with a family line of hotels. It doesn't matter though, cause you'll think it looks awesome due to sparkles and bubbles.
Maybe a necklace, maybe a hair pin. Something small and probably cheap, unless he's some rich guy with a family line of hotels. It doesn't matter though, cause you'll think it looks awesome due to sparkles and bubbles.
18. Protagonist loses said gift and spend a whole night looking for it
And she probably lost it due to her nobly helping someone out or because some bitches stole it. And she'll spend a whole night, especially during rain or snow, to find this object. And then, of course, she'll get sick. Which leads to my next point.
And she probably lost it due to her nobly helping someone out or because some bitches stole it. And she'll spend a whole night, especially during rain or snow, to find this object. And then, of course, she'll get sick. Which leads to my next point.
19. Fevers and illness
"They say that when someone is sick they become enchantingly beautiful..."
Um, hell no. Being sick is gross. Your nose gets all red, stuff drips out, your eyes are puffy, when you speak you sound like you're a man/dying, your sweaty, your hair clings to your forehead, and no one wants to get near you, except your parents. Maybe.
Not so in shojo manga. In shojo manga, being sick means getting a fever, where your sweat glistens prettily and your eyes are somehow bigger than usual. Due to the heat, your face is flushed, but that's alright, it looks like a mild blush. Sick makes you pale, so your skin is lighter, clearer, shinier than ever. You can talk normally and usually you require congee and ice packs, which of course, your parents don't provide you with, but your boyfriend does. And he usually kisses her too, because she's so sick she can't wake up and he has to pass her water through mouth-to-mouth, or because she's just "so damn cute when she's flushed." Oh, and when the ordeal is over, you can even lose weight because you did nothing but sleep.
Being sick in shojo manga seems like the way to get guys. Who needs beauty treatments! Just get sick!
"They say that when someone is sick they become enchantingly beautiful..."
Um, hell no. Being sick is gross. Your nose gets all red, stuff drips out, your eyes are puffy, when you speak you sound like you're a man/dying, your sweaty, your hair clings to your forehead, and no one wants to get near you, except your parents. Maybe.
Not so in shojo manga. In shojo manga, being sick means getting a fever, where your sweat glistens prettily and your eyes are somehow bigger than usual. Due to the heat, your face is flushed, but that's alright, it looks like a mild blush. Sick makes you pale, so your skin is lighter, clearer, shinier than ever. You can talk normally and usually you require congee and ice packs, which of course, your parents don't provide you with, but your boyfriend does. And he usually kisses her too, because she's so sick she can't wake up and he has to pass her water through mouth-to-mouth, or because she's just "so damn cute when she's flushed." Oh, and when the ordeal is over, you can even lose weight because you did nothing but sleep.
Being sick in shojo manga seems like the way to get guys. Who needs beauty treatments! Just get sick!
20. Beach
Mostly fan service, because the beach is where you can walk around half naked and it doesn't matter. (Y) More importantly, female readers want to see the male protagonists solid, muscular but slim body with no shirt on and just some board shorts.
Beach is always, real life and in shojo manga, preceded by dieting. But in shojo manga, dieting also means instant breast increase and instant waist decrease. Just like to point it out, it doesn't work that way. But hey, being that scantily clad means people get:
Mostly fan service, because the beach is where you can walk around half naked and it doesn't matter. (Y) More importantly, female readers want to see the male protagonists solid, muscular but slim body with no shirt on and just some board shorts.
Beach is always, real life and in shojo manga, preceded by dieting. But in shojo manga, dieting also means instant breast increase and instant waist decrease. Just like to point it out, it doesn't work that way. But hey, being that scantily clad means people get:
21. Nosebleeds
Some how in Japan, nosebleeds basically mean "DUDE YOU'RE THINKING OF SOMETHING DIRTY HAWHAWHAW" or that someone is just too damn attractive.
I get nosebleeds cause of heatstroke. What about you?
Some how in Japan, nosebleeds basically mean "DUDE YOU'RE THINKING OF SOMETHING DIRTY HAWHAWHAW" or that someone is just too damn attractive.
I get nosebleeds cause of heatstroke. What about you?
22. Valentines & white day
A huge deal in Japan, where girls give chocolates to people they love on Valentine's, and guys can reply be giving chocolates on white day. Actually a normal sort of thing, but it's blown into a HUGE DEAL, because blah-sempai has to bring 3 garbage bags worth of chocolate back home.
A huge deal in Japan, where girls give chocolates to people they love on Valentine's, and guys can reply be giving chocolates on white day. Actually a normal sort of thing, but it's blown into a HUGE DEAL, because blah-sempai has to bring 3 garbage bags worth of chocolate back home.
23. Christmas & new year
Christmas in Japan, as I understand it, is not an actual public holiday. However, the spirit of Christmas is still there, because everyone still celebrates it, according to shojo manga. And so, Christmas must be spent with your boyfriend as a romantic occasion for two; watching snow sculpture events, christmas couple specials, home made buche noels, etc etc.
Christmas in Japan, as I understand it, is not an actual public holiday. However, the spirit of Christmas is still there, because everyone still celebrates it, according to shojo manga. And so, Christmas must be spent with your boyfriend as a romantic occasion for two; watching snow sculpture events, christmas couple specials, home made buche noels, etc etc.
24. Part time jobs to make money for dating
Dating. It's an expensive enterprise. Having to buy presents, pay for dates can take a lot out of an ordinary high schooler's wallet. Naturally one would need a part time job to supplement this. Oh drama.
Most of the time our protagonist will find herself in shady places such as maid cafes, cosplay cafes, even beach side bikini cafes, because as previously mentioned, cosplay brings out the best in you. If they manage to secure themselves at an ordinary supermarket cornerstore or fast food store, they usually will have a mean manager, a bitchy co worker, or have a school that doesn't allow part time jobs, and much drama is established from that.
Dating. It's an expensive enterprise. Having to buy presents, pay for dates can take a lot out of an ordinary high schooler's wallet. Naturally one would need a part time job to supplement this. Oh drama.
Most of the time our protagonist will find herself in shady places such as maid cafes, cosplay cafes, even beach side bikini cafes, because as previously mentioned, cosplay brings out the best in you. If they manage to secure themselves at an ordinary supermarket cornerstore or fast food store, they usually will have a mean manager, a bitchy co worker, or have a school that doesn't allow part time jobs, and much drama is established from that.
25. Bubbles, flowers, sparkles and feathers
Not exactly a plot function, but they are essential to any manga. Functioning as a backdrop effect more than anything else, bubbles, flowers, sparkles and feathers indicate when moments are sweet, when someone is good looking, when people are happy, etc. Simply put, they set the mood.
26. Parks are always available and nearby for your convenience
Need somewhere to cry? A secret meet up location? A mood setter? Somewhere to finish a date? Or do you simply need to shelter from the rain? All parks are handy and close to main characters houses, located just for your convenience. Take use of swings for when you are depressed, hidey hole shelter things for cover and secrecy, and pagodas and benches for a romantic feel.
27. Kissing wounds
When our female protagonist gets hurts, the boyfriend will always be there to kiss it better. Or if it's a burn, to suck on it. Dunno why, it just does.
AND that's all i can think of for now.
Have a good day kids
Need somewhere to cry? A secret meet up location? A mood setter? Somewhere to finish a date? Or do you simply need to shelter from the rain? All parks are handy and close to main characters houses, located just for your convenience. Take use of swings for when you are depressed, hidey hole shelter things for cover and secrecy, and pagodas and benches for a romantic feel.
27. Kissing wounds
When our female protagonist gets hurts, the boyfriend will always be there to kiss it better. Or if it's a burn, to suck on it. Dunno why, it just does.
AND that's all i can think of for now.
Have a good day kids
