Double Vol. 02

Double Vol. 02. Winner of Excellence Award in the Manga Division of the 23rd Japan Media Arts Festival in 2020!

Scatterbrained Takara Takarada is an undiscovered genius actor who fully embodies every character he plays— but this genius can only be brought forth by his best friend and fellow actor, Yuuji Kamojima, who cares for Takara even as he envies him for his innate talent. With Yuuji’s guidance, Takara manages to deliver a knockout performance for his first television role. But when the two of them audition for the same role in a film by an esteemed director, new fault lines are exposed in their relationship.

As a newcomer to the world of television crews and movie stars, Takara’s passive ambitions begin to stir, even as his continued dependence on Yuuji creates problems on the set. Meanwhile, Yuuji keeps covering for Takara’s weaknesses…

How long will he be content to stay in the shadow of his best friend?

Series Overview: Yuujin Kamoshima and Takara Takarada are fellow actors in the same theater troupe who live next door to one another, with similar day to day lives.

Though they aren’t exactly close friends, when Yuujin is cast as Takara’s double, he sees first hand his extraordinary acting skills and is blown away. From that moment on, he’s determined to help him succeed and support him in his dream of becoming a world renowned actor, even if Yuujin has to be in his shadow. But as the acting world begins to take notice, that’s easier said than done…

Biographical Notes:

Ayako Noda is a Japanese manga creator known for her seinen titles, including Double, Around, Ikazuchi Tooku Umi ga Naru, Sennetsu, and Watashi no Uchuu. She also publishes Boys Love titles under the name Niboshiko Arai.

Title Notes:

Won the Excellence Award in the Manga Division of the 23rd Japan Media Arts Festival in 2020.

Seinen series for older readers about following your dreams and finding yourself.

Ongoing series that explores the difficulties of maintaining a friendship with someone you’re in direct competition with.

A great title for anyone who works or is interested in the theater industry, with references to Shakespeare, Russian playwrights, and classic Japanese film.

More details on Ayako Noda:

Ayako Noda’s Twitter Page

More works by Ayako Noda