There is a sort of trope or subcategory of wholesome age-gap romance where the older protagonist seems to be waiting on the high school girl to graduate or come of age before acknowledging their feelings or confessing their love. In this pure love story (think Amaama to Inazuma/Sweetness & Lightning) there may be no hint of sexual attraction or romantic interest on the part of the older, responsible adult. It's as if the adult protagonist never had an erotic thought in her life until suddenly our ingenue is 18 and a high school graduate. Himawari-san is one of those stories that never gives us theexplicit image of two lovers in a passionate embrace, but develops the emotional foundation for our imaginations to build upon.

Himawari-san is an age-gap love affair between our young bookstore owner and a high school girl almost six years her junior. The reader should be reassured that there is nothing predatory or improper in Himawari-san's behavior. Her responses to Matsuri are entirely appropriate.There is no fan service, no love scene. It is the most wholesome romance possible from Matsuri's one-sided confessions to innocent sleepovers and trips to the beach. It is not just a "slow burn" romance. There does not even seem to be the possibility of a kiss. Yet the love between these two is what drives the story and keeps the reader coming back for over a hundred chapters.

This is a true slice of life yuri story. If you are not a fan of slice of life, then perhaps you should look elsewhere for your next manga. Don't expect a fast moving or passionate love story. But if you are patient and persistent, Himawari-san will reward you with a memorable romance that spans 13 volumes and 13 years of Sugano Manami's career. In the world of manga, it is a masterpiece.