In the postscript of Ikuhana Niiro’s debut book Intimate Days, Niiro has this to say:
“It may be difficult for those of you in the English-speaking world to relate, but this book is composed of characters and stories that often resemble the kinds of people I see here in Japan. I’ll be delighted if you’re able to enjoy the world I’ve managed to convey in this book!!”
Had I read that page prior to starting the book, I think I would have had a different perspective on each of the nine different one-shots, all featured in Comic Kairakuten between 2016 and 2018, as I read. So what did I do? I went back and reread each chapter knowing that, according to the author, these confident, beautiful, and refined women — ranging from college girls to office ladies — were representative of Japanese women in general… I’ll admit it, I was really excited. It’s available on J-List here, and I want to tell you why you should pick it up.
Spanning 197 pages of some of the most varied yet absolutely gorgeous artwork I’ve ever seen in a tankobon, Intimate Days features a lot of different, mostly vanilla, fetishes. Many of the women are inexperienced and are in love with their younger classmate, or their co-worker, or a friend they know online — all completely realistic scenarios. And it slowly, in doujin terms, evolves into these people showing each other how powerful their love truly is. Let’s look at some examples:
The third chapter of the tankobon, Perspective, features a girl who is always hunched over a book. Turns out that she is ashamed of how endowed she is. But, whenever the guy in the story shows up, she’s always happy that he sits near her. Then, finally, he works up the courage to ask her out on a date, and romance ensues. She’s just happy that someone is willing to pay attention to her and doesn’t immediately shy away and make fun of her large breasts.
Another chapter, Special, features an office worker who’s overly professional appearance is the result of her being “on point.” You wouldn’t know it, though, because she has that sort of neutral expression that rarely changes. When the guy asks her to let loose a little and comments on how good she looks, she’s more than ecstatic. Though, again, her expression doesn’t always say it. It’s one of those “resting faces” that makes it hard for people to approach her. For me, that was always something that I really liked — maybe you’ll enjoy it too.
The final chapter, Trigger, features a woman who is really into airsoft guns. I sort of got a Gun Gale Online vibe from the chapter, and when the two lovers end up taking their shared interest further, it turns into quite the cute romp. That’s sort of the overall theme — just good, cute, beautiful sex. Nothing extreme, nothing heavy, nothing overly feels-y, just really clean fun.
If you are looking for something that’s both beautiful and sophisticated from cover to cover, look no further than Intimate Days. Trust me, it’ll be worth the experience. Be sure to pick up this debut work from Niiro (Twitter, Pixiv), available on J-List!
