Sono Koi wa Ichigo no You ni

Sono Koi wa Ichigo no You ni, known in English as After the Rain, was serialized in Big Comic Spirits beginning in 2014. Created by mangaka Jun Mayuzuki, the series explores the delicate, poignant relationship between Akira Tachibana, a high school student and former track star, and Masami Kondo, a middle-aged restaurant manager. The narrative departs from traditional romance tropes by focusing on the characters' shared sense of stagnation and the quiet, introspective ways they help one another rediscover their passions.

Mayuzuki’s design for the series is noted for its expressive, cinematic paneling and a distinct visual style that emphasizes the physical stillness and interiority of the protagonists. The manga received critical acclaim for its mature handling of its premise, avoiding sensationalism in favor of an atmospheric, character-driven study of human connection. Its reception was strong enough to inspire both an anime adaptation and a live-action film, further cementing its status as a notable entry in the seinen demographic.