By Courtney
Lately, I’ve been feeling romantic. I married the man I loved for the last nine years a month ago, and I have had rose-colored glasses on ever since. Before the wedding, I was anxious and barely read. When I did read, it was snippets of smut that I could follow without paying too much mind to the characters or plot. I didn’t want to feel too much or dig deep and risk emotionally overwhelming myself before the big day. Now that I’m married and the anxiety has ebbed, I have been craving something more substantial and sweet. That’s where Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! comes in.
This BL manga series was an instant classic with anime fans when it premiered in January 2024. Although the books have been around since 2018, and the live-action drama was released in 2020, many people found their introduction through the animation. I hadn’t been in the mood for something this wholesome until now. I mostly looked past this title for more salacious and spicy stories when starting a new manga or anime.
You might be curious: How can a story with the word ‘virginity’ in the title be wholesome? Well, let me tell you! This series is all about communication and self-esteem, following the main character’s journey to be understood by himself and others. He learns social skills, gains bravery, and breaks out of his shell to build a more fulfilling life. In short, it’s incredibly wholesome.
The story is set in Tokyo at a company where our characters work together. On the morning of Adachi’s thirtieth birthday, he awakens to find that an urban legend in Japan is true. If you stay a virgin until you are thirty, you will be blessed with special powers. He discovers that his new ability to read the mind of anyone he touches is a curse rather than a gift. That is until it helps him reveal that his coworker Kurosawa is in love with him. This launches a journey of self-discovery and *spoiler alert* leads to multiple “happy endings.”
Having just finished the anime, I can confidently say that I’m a huge fan. As they say, “The biggest zealot is a convert.” So, from now on, I will be collecting Adachi and Kurosawa merchandise and preaching their good names. I will be collecting the manga and watching the live-action. If the art style or storyline feels a little soft for you right now, just wait for a moment in your life when you need this kind of soul food.
I feel fed on true love in my personal life and in my fictional consumption. There is nothing quite like a couple exchanging rings at the end of a story. My heart did that particular flutter at the end of episode twelve when you see the two love birds seal the deal in their matching suits. I looked down at the ring on my hand and thought that sometimes love wins and romance has its day. Thankfully, life has momentary intermissions from the anxiety when you can enjoy a good story and remember just that. On to the next romantic read – what will yours be?
Yours in Deep Delusion,
Courtney