“Given” is a Japanese manga created by Natsuki Kizu, serialized in the magazine Chéri+ since 2013 and compiled into eight tankōbon volumes by Shinshokan. It revolves around four students forming an amateur rock band and explores their intertwined romantic relationships: between electric guitarist Ritsuka Uenoyama and vocalist Mafuyu Satō, and bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji.
The series has been adapted into various formats, including an audio drama in 2016, an 11-episode anime TV series in 2019, a 2020 anime film, and a live-action TV drama in 2021. Notably, the anime aired on Fuji TV’s Noitamina block, marking the first boys’ love (BL) series to do so. The manga is available in English through SuBLime, a joint initiative by Viz Media and Animate, while the anime and film are accessible internationally via Crunchyroll.
CHARACTERS
- Mafuyu Satō is a 16-year-old high school student and the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Given. He possesses a natural singing talent and quickly learns guitar and songwriting skills. Despite his shy demeanor, he becomes emotionally expressive when performing. Mafuyu’s past includes the suicide of his former boyfriend Yuki, which leads him to suppress his emotions. He also cares for a Pomeranian named Kedama.
- Ritsuka Uenoyama, also 16 years old, is Given’s lead guitarist. Skilled and experienced in guitar playing since childhood, he initially loses his enthusiasm for music. However, his passion reignites as he forms a closer connection with Mafuyu. Ritsuka has a kind personality but can come across as stoic and bullish to others, and he’s relatively inexperienced in matters of love.
- Haruki Nakayama, 22 years old, is Given’s bassist and bandleader. Friendly and sociable, he often mediates within the group due to being its oldest member. Haruki harbors feelings for Akihiko, eventually leading to them dating.
- Akihiko Kaji, a 20-year-old college music student, serves as Given’s drummer. Akihiko majors in violin performance and has expertise in various instruments. Experienced in romantic relationships, he lives with his ex-boyfriend Ugetsu but realizes his growing affection for Haruki, leading to their relationship.
- Other notable characters include Yuki Yoshida, Mafuyu’s late boyfriend whose suicide deeply affected him; Ugetsu Murata, Akihiko’s ex-boyfriend and roommate; and Yayoi Uenoyama, Ritsuka’s sister who previously had feelings for Akihiko.
STORYLINE
Initially, the storyline centers on Ritsuka and Mafuyu’s bond, charting the band’s genesis and their journey towards their inaugural live show. Subsequently, the focus shifts to Akihiko and Haruki’s dynamic as the band gears up for a significant music festival. Presently, the manga continues with its ongoing third arc, delving into the evolving relationship between Hiiragi and Shizusumi.
The first arc revolves around the burgeoning connection between Ritsuka and Mafuyu, tracing the band’s inception and the buildup to their debut performance. Transitioning into the second arc, the spotlight shifts towards Akihiko and Haruki’s relationship dynamics as Given prepares for a pivotal music festival. As the narrative progresses, the manga’s current focus lies on Hiiragi and Shizusumi’s evolving bond in its ongoing third arc. Ritsuka, a high school student and guitarist, encounters Mafuyu, a reserved classmate, and becomes his guitar mentor. Discovering Mafuyu’s exceptional singing talent, Ritsuka invites him to join their band. Through their musical collaboration, they confront Mafuyu’s grief over his late boyfriend Yūki, culminating in an emotionally charged performance that solidifies their romantic connection. As Ritsuka and Mafuyu embark on their relationship, the band “Given” is formed, paying homage to Yūki’s memory.
Meanwhile, Given gains momentum with their online presence but faces internal turmoil as Haruki grapples with his unrequited love for Akihiko, who is entangled in a complex relationship with his ex, Ugetsu. Tensions escalate until Akihiko moves in with Haruki, leading to a confrontation that prompts Akihiko to end things with Ugetsu. Despite setbacks, the band’s camaraderie prevails, and Akihiko eventually confesses his feelings to Haruki, marking a new chapter in their relationship.
