Double Vol. 05

Double Vol. 05. Winner of Excellence Award in the Manga Division of the 23rd Japan Media Arts Festival in 2020!

Scatterbrained Takara Takarada is a genius actor whose latest role in the play A Beginner’s Course in Revolution: Hiryuuden has put him squarely back in the acting game. Alongside his costars Yuujin Kamoshima and Aki Imagire, the complexity of their relationships helps deepen their understanding of their roles as opening night approaches.

What does it mean to be the greatest actor in the world? When confronted again by the looming impossibility and contradictions of his ambition, Takara instinctively tries to flee, as he has so many times before. But he doesn’t have far to run, not when Yuujin is no longer content to merely remain in Takara’s shadow, stepping out into a spotlight of his own. And Aki, with her love and her doubt and all-too present practicality of an idol whose days are numbered, remains committed to her goals.

Amidst falling stars and flying rocks, the curtain finally rises…

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