Kiss/Hug

Kiss/Hug is a shojo manga anthology series written and illustrated by Mitsuki Kako, published in Japan in the late 2000s. Kako is well-regarded in the manga industry for her focus on emotionally driven, often bittersweet romantic narratives that cater to a younger female demographic. The series serves as a collection of short-form stories that explore the delicate complexities of early romantic encounters, characteristically highlighting the author's signature soft, expressive art style and focus on internal monologues.

The design and thematic direction of the series were crafted to resonate with readers looking for evocative, character-centric romance rather than lengthy, sprawling epics. By compiling these individual narratives into a single volume, Kako provided a curated look at her creative range during an active period of her career. Upon release, the work was received as a quintessentially sentimental shojo offering, solidifying Kako's reputation for capturing the ephemeral nature of teenage love and affection.