Slow Start

Slow Start is a Japanese four-panel manga series written and illustrated by Tokumi Yuiko, which began serialization in Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara magazine in 2013. The series emerged from the popular 'kirara' style of slice-of-life manga, which typically centers on the gentle, everyday interactions of high school girls. The narrative follows Hana Ichinose, a girl who missed her high school entrance exams and starts a year late, navigating the social anxieties of being a year older than her peers.

Tokumi Yuiko's design for the series is characterized by a soft, rounded aesthetic that emphasizes the domestic and interpersonal nature of the setting. The character designs were crafted to evoke a sense of warmth and understated comedy, reflecting the story's focus on healing and personal growth rather than high-stakes drama. Upon its release, the manga was well-received within the community for its relatable depiction of social awkwardness and was eventually adapted into a television anime by A-1 Pictures in 2018.