Twinkle Stars
| Company type | Manga series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manga publishing |
| Founded | June 5, 2007 |
| Founder | Natsuki Takaya |
| Defunct | January 20, 2011 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Manga volumes, audio drama CD |
, alternatively titled Twinkle Stars Like Singing a Song, is a Japanese shōjo manga series created by Natsuki Takaya, the author of Fruits Basket. The manga was serialized by Hakusensha in the magazine Hana to Yume from 5 June 2007 until 20 January 2011, spanning eleven volumes published under the Hana to Yume Comics label. In North America, the series is distributed by Yen Press. Additionally, an audio drama CD adaptation was released in Japan on 24 February 2010.
Plot
On her eighteenth birthday, Sakuya Shiina, who leads her high school’s star-gazing club, receives a pink dress from Chihiro, an enigmatic boy who unexpectedly appears at her celebration. Initially assuming Chihiro is a friend of her guardian Kanade, Sakuya soon realizes that Kanade mistakenly invited him, believing Chihiro to be her boyfriend. Although Kanade feels offended, Sakuya becomes curious about Chihiro. When they meet again while discussing stars—Sakuya’s favorite being Alphard, the brightest star in Hydra—Chihiro abruptly states his dislike for her and vanishes. The situation grows more complicated when Chihiro enrolls as her classmate at school. Gradually, Sakuya’s affection for him intensifies, and Chihiro begins to reveal more of himself.
Characters
- (audio drama)
- The protagonist of the story who lives with Kanade near the seaside and works part-time at her friend Yuuri’s family shop. She left her home due to emotional abuse and lack of support from her stepmother. Passionate about stars and encouraged by her teacher, Sakuya meets Chihiro on her eighteenth birthday and develops romantic feelings toward him. Her close companions include Hijiri Honjou and Yuuri Murakami.
- (audio drama)
- A mysterious youth who unexpectedly appears at Sakuya’s birthday party despite being unknown to both her and Kanade. He gradually warms up to Sakuya and falls for her, recalling his first love Sakura from middle school. Chihiro displays jealousy over Sakuya’s friendship with Yuuri.
- (audio drama)
- Sakuya’s cousin and guardian who took her in after her father abandoned her. Coming from a strict family background, Kanade was disowned and now lives independently as a university student and potter. Initially lazy and somewhat difficult, he depends on Sakuya but eventually assumes responsibility by working in construction.
- (audio drama)
- Sakuya’s protective friend employed part-time at his family’s shop where she also works. Though he initially bullied Sakuya, he later empathizes with her circumstances. Yuuri harbors romantic feelings for Sakuya, is sensitive about his height despite athletic achievements, and disapproves of Kanade for taking advantage of Sakuya.
- (audio drama)
- Sakuya’s affluent and protective friend who serves as class president. Known for both beauty and an imposing demeanor, Hijiri owns property including the land where Yuuri’s family shop stands. She originally has unreturned feelings for Kutani but later develops mutual affection with Saki.
- (audio drama)
- The longtime butler of the Honjou household devoted to Hijiri despite enduring her often stern treatment. Cheerful and attuned to Hijiri’s moods, his loyalty stems from being rescued by her during a difficult period in his life.
- Homeroom teacher and math instructor who sponsors the Star-gazing Club. Supportive of Sakuya and teased by Yuuri about his height. Kutani has a girlfriend and is known for frequently misplacing his glasses.
- Yuuri’s elder brother who manages the family shop where Sakuya works. He acts in a parental role toward Yuuri while maintaining traditional customs despite Yuuri’s age. Known as gentle but with a past involving youthful altercations.
- Chihiro’s first love from middle school who was bullied due to wealth and emotional vulnerability leading to a suicide attempt. Hospitalized in Tokyo, she eventually regains consciousness and contacts Chihiro.
- Chihiro’s uncle who took him in after his mother abandoned him. Hoping that moving away from Tokyo will alleviate Chihiro’s emotional struggles, he supports his integration into high school life socially and emotionally.
Manga
Twinkle Stars, created and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya, was serialized in the shōjo manga publication Hana to Yume by Hakusensha from 5 June 2007 until 20 January 2011. The narrative is compiled into sixty-five chapters, which have been gathered into eleven tankōbon volumes released under the Hana to Yume Comics label.
Initially, the English-language rights were held by Chuang Yi in Singapore, with distribution across Australia and New Zealand managed by Madman Entertainment. Following Chuang Yi's closure in 2014, Yen Press secured the North American license in 2015 and subsequently issued five omnibus editions between 2016 and 2018. Beyond these regions, Twinkle Stars has been licensed internationally, including in France (Delcourt), Germany (Carlsen Comics), Italy (Panini Comics), Spain (Norma Editorial), Brazil (Panini Comics), and Taiwan (Tong Li Publishing).
Audio drama
An audio drama CD adaptation of Twinkle Stars, produced by Marine Entertainment, was launched in Japan on 24 February 2010. The plot focuses on Sakuya and her companions during their last summer holiday before graduating high school. The script was developed from an original storyline by Takaya.
Reception
Che Gilson, writing for Otaku USA, commended Twinkle Stars as a "well-crafted romantic drama" that features "endearing female characters, appealing male counterparts, effective pacing, and emotional depth." He emphasized Takaya’s talent in visually conveying the characters’ feelings but also pointed out resemblances to her earlier work Fruits Basket, particularly the inclination toward more passive female leads.