Telework Yotabanashi
Home Office Romance

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Yotabanashi—the perfect phrase that encapsulates the essence of this manga, yet frustratingly there’s not an equivalent word in English that captures its meaning.

Yotabanashi generally carries a negative connotation, but it could be neutral as well. Whether it is describing a meritless gossip, a far-fetched story, or a trivial anecdote depends entirely on context. And depending on your perspective, Telework Yotabanashi could be all three of those things.

The story is narrated by future Nokoru, reminiscing on what is perhaps the turning point of his life. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic when his company started a work from home scheme that led him to meeting Natsu, ... his archaeology post-grad neighbour. To say that he has low self-esteem and lives a mundane life before their fated encounter would be an understatement. He was conventionally unattractive and was never hit on, he works at a terrible company at a job that drains him. Over the 20 chapters, Natsu aggressively makes advances towards Nokoru and pulls him out of that life.

I won’t claim that the romance and dialogue between Natsu and Nokoru is authentically Japanese, but even if it is not, it is at least honest. Things occasionally do get awkward, and as with all things miscommunication do happen, but they are always sincere and frank towards each other and untangle every situation as the adults they are. I think what I want to say is that they display emotional maturity, which cannot be said about a majority of romance manga out there.

This emotional maturity is supported by the author’s amazing art. Especially the facial expressions of the characters, which are diverse and subtle yet vivid.

The manga could have gone on a lot longer, talking about their adventures around the world in detail. But, as Nokoru said, this was nothing but a yotabanashi. He had a story in mind he wanted to tell, and while it might be trivial, it might not interest you, it might seem implausible, but this is the story of how he met his wife.

I just feel sad knowing that I won't see more of these characters again...

MAL wants me to add more fluff to this review, however there's not much to say.
The manga goes to the point, it is short and sweet. Made me feel comfortable whilst reading it.
As you've realised, I love the interaction between the protagonists. It was a breath of fresh air to have adult characters that quickly realise what they want, each-other. There was no time wasted with an unnecessary drama arc or an extra lover to compete against. The hardships of an adult life brought all the ingredients required to make this work.
I ... am writing this review after finishing the manga and I don't know yet what I am feeling. This could be a 8/10, or a 10/10, or even a 5/10, but I wanted to write a few words about this before the clock ticks and this manga just becomes another small blur in the memories of my boring and fast passing life.

Thanks.

My biggest issue with this manga is the reason why I think it's so good.

It's because it's so short.

This series was just criminally short, but it was so refreshing to see a story that you know was fully fleshed out before a single panel was even drawn. The author had a vision, and completed the vision with momentum and expertise.

Every chapter was told as a normal romance would have been told. The thing that makes this stand out is the lack of silly tropes and misunderstandings. It was short, sweet, to the point, and beautiful.

I wish it was longer, but at the same time I ... don't. Both options just feel like paradise to me..