First Love Limited (初恋限定.), also known as Hatsukoi Limited, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mizuki Kawashita.It was serialized in Shueisha's manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from October 2007 to May 2008, with its chapters collected in four volumes. The series depicts vignettes in the love lives of eight girls in middle school and high school.
A drama CD adaptation was released in February 2009, and a light novel in March of that same year.A 12-episode anime television series adaptation produced by J.C.Staff was broadcast from April to June 2009.
Plot
The manga features a series of short stories about eight girls in middle school and high school, plus their classmates and relatives.[3] Each chapter focuses on a different main character. These stories are intertwined and eventually lead to a main story involving most of the cast. A series relating the intertwined stories about the "first loves" of several middle-schoolers and high-schoolers. Each episode tends to focus on a different character, however the developments established during previous episodes continue to play smaller roles in those following. As the series progresses, an array of unusual and unexpected love webs begin to blossom.
Characters
Middle school students
Ayumi Arihara (有原あゆみ)
A second-year middle school student, she initially agrees to date Misao Zaitsu but remains unsettled by his monstrous appearance. Despite this, she displays both compassion and cunning. After Mamoru Zaitsu, Misao’s younger brother, carries her to the infirmary in a way that resembles a fairy-tale prince, she develops feelings for him. She hesitates between Misao, who is devoted to her, and Mamoru, whom she admires. She ultimately rejects Misao, unwilling to abandon her feelings for Mamoru.
Kei Enomoto (江ノ本慧)
Kei, one of Ayumi’s classmates and friends, attracts frequent romantic attention due to her mature appearance and early physical development. She dismisses such advances as burdensome, viewing confessions as meaningless without mutual feelings. Though she openly prioritizes looks in relationships, she maintains a contentious, often hostile dynamic with Etsu Kusuda, vehemently denying any attraction to him. However, when he confesses his feelings, she reciprocates. By the series’ conclusion, she abandons her superficial criteria, embracing inner beauty as the foundation for romance—a shift that astonishes her peers, particularly Rika, who finds the change uncharacteristic.
Koyoi Bessho (別所小宵)
Koyoi, another of Ayumi’s friends and classmates, openly displays a brother complex toward her sibling Yoshihiko, much to his discomfort. When Misao begins spending time with their group, she and Nao Chikura temporarily stop accompanying Ayumi on their walks home. Koyoi views Misaki—the popular girl Yoshihiko admires—as a rival, even referring to her as a "final boss" to overcome. She notably describes Misaki’s physical attractiveness as a "truly evil power."
Rika Dobashi (土橋りか)
Rika, known as "Doba-chan" to close friends, presents as the group’s most level-headed member while frequently engaging in playful teasing. A naturally athletic tomboy with a domineering personality, she shares the same grade as Ayumi. Her friendship with tennis player Haruto Terai develops during their joint training sessions, gradually evolving into romantic attraction. Initially unaware of her own feelings, she gains clarity after Kei explains male perspectives to her. Rika subsequently surprises Haruto with a kiss and openly expresses her attachment—following an incident where several boys ran away, she declares she would "absolutely not accept it" if Haruto did the same.
Nao Chikura (千倉名央)
Nao, another of Ayumi’s classmates and friends, initially resents the attention Kei receives. Like Koyoi, she temporarily avoids walking home with Ayumi due to her fear of Misao. As an art club member, she develops admiration for painter Renjou Yukito after encountering his sakura tree artwork. When Yukito graduates and leaves Japan, the departure leaves her heartbroken. She later grows closer to Hiroyuki Sogabe after learning of his feelings for her, though subtle indications suggest she may retain unresolved feelings for Yukito.
Mamoru Zaitsu (財津衛)
A cheerful aspiring paramedic, Mamoru quickly earns Ayumi’s affection when he helps her to the nurse’s office. Though they share the same class, Ayumi only recognizes him as Misao’s younger brother a day after meeting Misao. Mamoru finds Ayumi unexpectedly intimidating despite her demeanor. His romantic interest lies with neighbor Misaki Yamamoto, who views him as a younger brother. After Misaki rejects him, he joins Kusuda and Sogabe in running away. The experience leads to personal growth when he recognizes how his actions hurt Ayumi.
Etsu Kusuda (楠田悦)
Etsu Kusuda, a short and unattractive friend of Mamoru’s, possesses a crude sense of humor and often unintentionally bores girls to sleep with his weak puns. Though largely indifferent toward Ayumi—aside from a passing interest in seeing her in a cheerleader outfit—he develops an obsessive fascination with Misaki. Despite Kei’s striking appearance, he remains unfazed and frequently clashes with her, their arguments fueled by his "Kappa-like" features and stubborn demeanor. Though he masks his true feelings, he harbors a growing affection for Kei. After impulsively declaring he hates her, he flees with Mamoru and Sogabe in regret. The conflict resolves when he confesses to Kei, who surprisingly returns his feelings.
Haruto Terai (寺井)
Haruto Terai, a tennis club member with limited athletic skill, gradually improves through training with Rika Dobashi. During their sessions, he develops romantic feelings for her, though her teasing behavior and reluctance to hold hands—which she later admits stems from embarrassment—leave him uncertain about her feelings. Their relationship becomes clear when Dobashi unexpectedly kisses him.
Hiroyuki Sogabe (曽我部 弘之)
Hiroyuki Sogabe, a friend of Etsu Kusuda, displays narcissistic tendencies and often entertains unrealistic expectations about romance. He develops feelings for Nao Chikura but presumptuously waits for her to confess to him first. His insecurities surface when Nao shows interest in Yukito Renjou, a graduated artist from their school, prompting him to briefly run away with Kusuda and Mamoru. After openly declaring his feelings for Nao—loud enough for her to hear during the girls’ pursuit—their relationship improves. Later in the series, he cuts his hair in an apparent effort to reform his appearance.
Soako Andou (安藤そあこ)
Soako is a second-year middle school student featured in bonus stories included at each volume’s end in Hatsukoi Limited. Her story begins when arriving late to school without underwear, leading to various difficulties throughout the day. Later on, Mamoru Zaitsu assists her, prompting romantic feelings that distress Ayumi Hasekawa.
Sumire Fudounomiya (不動宮すみれ)
As the Theatre Club president, she is determined to create an outstanding production—her first since assuming leadership. She aggressively recruits Etsu Kusuda for his distinctive facial features, employing persistent tactics including leveraging her physical attractiveness to persuade him.
High school students
Misao Zaitsu (財津操)
Misao Zaitsu has an intimidating appearance that frightens most people, though his childhood friend Misaki Yamamoto is unaffected. Despite his physical strength and frequent fights, he struggles with shyness—unable to verbally confess to Ayumi Hasekawa, he writes his feelings instead. He develops affection for Ayumi after seeing her in his brother Mamoru's class photo. When she admits fearing his appearance, he watches over her silently. Ayumi later acknowledges his sincerity but remains undecided between him and Mamoru.
Yuuji Arihara (有原有二)
Yuuji Hasekawa, Ayumi's older brother, displays rude and inconsiderate behavior toward his sister, often stealing her poorly-made baked goods and invading her privacy. These actions may stem from an unacknowledged sister complex. He shares his schoolmates' fear of Misao Zaitsu and is horrified by Ayumi's interest in him. When Misaki Yamamoto shows romantic interest in him, he initially questions her motives before eventually reciprocating her feelings.
Misaki Yamamoto (山本岬)
Misaki Yamamoto is a first-year high school student and childhood friend of the Zaitsu brothers. Known for her self-assured demeanor, she interacts comfortably with Mamoru and remains unaffected by Misao's intimidating presence. She demonstrates unexpected wrestling proficiency, often announcing techniques during spontaneous matches. Her relationship with Yuuji Arihara develops after an unconventional encounter, challenging her usual composure when confronting romantic feelings. As an only child, she forms a sisterly bond with Yuuji's sibling Ayumi.
Yuu Enomoto (江ノ本夕)
Yuu, Kei's older sister, maintains close friendships with Meguru and Misaki. Outgoing and sociable, she readily befriends others despite frequent male attention. Though seemingly absent-minded, her broad curiosity makes her surprisingly knowledgeable. Her youthful appearance—smaller stature and innocent demeanor—often causes her to look younger than Kei.
Media
Manga
Written and illustrated by Mizuki Kawashita, Hatsukoi Limited was serialized in Shueisha's manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from October 1, 2007, to May 26, 2008.[4][5] The 32 chapters were collected in four volumes, released from February 4 to September 4, 2008.
Volumes
Volumes
Drama CD
A drama CD adaptation was released by Shueisha on February 16, 2009.[10]
Light novel
A light novel adaptation written by Sawako Hirabayasi called Winter Photography (ウィンター·フォトグラフィー) (ISBN 978-4-08-703200-0) was published by Shueisha on March 23, 2009.[11][12]
Anime
The anime television series adaptation was produced by J.C.Staff, written by Mariko Kunisawa, and directed by Yoshiki Yamakawa, with character designs by Tomoyuki Shitaya.[13] The opening theme is "Future Stream" by sphere, and the ending theme is "Hatsukoi Limited" by marble.[14] The series debuted on April 11, 2009, on in Japan on BS11, and completed on June 27, 2009, with the twelfth episode.[15]
The series was licensed for English release in North America by Sentai Filmworks, releasing it on DVD on July 21, 2012.[16][17]
Episodes
Reception
The first volume of First Love Limited reached number 10 on the Tohan list of best-selling manga in the week it was released.[18]
The opening episode was rated 4 out of 5 by Anime News Network's Theron Martin, who described it as "surprisingly funny and even occasionally sweet" despite "a typical set-up and an overused plot device."[19] Carlo Santos rated the episode 2.5 out of 5, saying "this would be a lot more appealing if the plot weren't so cut-and-dried and the characters weren't so transparent."[20] Carl Kimlinger gave it 3 ½, citing the episode's sensitivity to the character's emotions and that the "female cast is downright delectable, the fan-service lovingly animated, and the overall look realistic."[21]
Meguru is a close friend of Misaki and Yuu. A former national swimming champion in middle school and Olympic reserve candidate, she abandons competitive swimming upon entering high school due to self-consciousness about her developing physique. She initially attempts to conceal her body before her friends encourage her to embrace it. While secretly attracted to teammate Gengorou Takei—one of the few not fixated on her appearance—she rejoins swimming as team manager to prevent the club's dissolution. With Takei's encouragement, she eventually resumes competing.
Uemura (上村)
A classmate of Misaki and Yuu, he has aspired to become a manga artist since childhood. While developing a story using Yuu as inspiration, she accidentally discovers his ambition and becomes his primary supporter. His focus gradually shifts from manga creation to pursuing a romantic relationship with her, though he continues facing both artistic challenges and rivals for her attention.
Yoshihiko Bessho (別所良彦)
Yoshihiko Bessho is Koyoi's older brother and a first-year high school student. While Koyoi displays excessive affection toward him, he finds this attention bothersome. He harbors feelings for Misaki Yamamoto, who instead favors his friend Yuuji Arihara. Despite this, they maintain a friendly relationship, with Misaki often confiding in him about Arihara.
Kazuma Chikura (千倉一真)
Nao's older brother shares classes with Yoshihiko Bessho and Yuuji Arihara. Though rarely central to events, he appears moderately popular among female classmates. He finds it troublesome that his sister and her friends (Yoshihiko and Yuuji's younger sisters) frequently cause mischief together.
Gengorou Takei (武居源五郎)
Gengorou Takei, Meguru's upperclassman and childhood swimming companion, persistently encourages her to rejoin competitive swimming. After losing a backstroke challenge intended to recruit her, he ultimately convinces her by confessing his romantic feelings rather than just valuing her athletic ability. His efforts successfully restore Meguru to the team.
Yukito Renjou (連城由紀人)
A former student at Nao Chikura's middle school, now in his final year at the prestigious Kaitei High School. As the creator of the sakura painting that inspired Nao, he forms a connection with her when she discovers his identity. Upon graduation, he departs for overseas volunteer work without notice, leaving only a letter of gratitude and a painting featuring Nao.
Nanoka Kyuuma (久間菜の花)
Nanoka, a first-year high school student, has considered Meguru her swimming rival since middle school. Despite her petite stature—often mistaken for an elementary student—she defeats Meguru in a race, temporarily shaking Meguru's confidence. This encounter ultimately helps motivate Meguru's return to competitive swimming. Nanoka dislikes the nickname "Kyu-chan" that Meguru insists on using.
