I Think Our Son Is Gay Review
by Okura
*Affiliate link — I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Take
- A mother gently suspects her teenage son is gay — and quietly creates space for him to come out
- Warm, funny, and deeply kind — the most wholesome manga about sexuality you'll ever read
- Hiroki's hopeless attempts to hide his crushes are both relatable and hilarious
Who Is This Manga For?
- LGBTQ+ readers looking for warm, positive representation
- Parents who want to understand their children's experiences
- Anyone who loves family dynamics done right
- Readers who want comedy that comes from kindness rather than mockery
Content Warnings & Age Rating
Age Rating: T (Teen) Content Warnings: LGBTQ+ themes
Yu's Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story Depth | ★★★★★ |
| Art Style | ★★★★☆ |
| Character Development | ★★★★★ |
| Accessibility for Non-Japanese Readers | ★★★☆☆ |
| Reread Value | ★★★★☆ |
Story Overview
Tomoko Aoyama notices that her teenage son Hiroki gets starry-eyed whenever he talks about his 'friend' Daigo. She doesn't ask directly — she just quietly creates an environment where Hiroki knows he can be honest when he's ready. The manga follows daily family life through Tomoko's perspective, watching Hiroki's transparent attempts to pretend he's not hopelessly in love with his classmate. His younger brother Akiyoshi is also on to him. Everyone waits, patiently and lovingly, for Hiroki to trust them with his secret.
Characters
Tomoko is a magnificent protagonist — her love for her son is unconditional and expressed through action rather than declaration. She's funny and a bit oblivious about other things, which makes her quiet perceptiveness about Hiroki more touching. Hiroki is endearing in his hopeless transparency. The family dynamics feel absolutely real.
Art Style
Okura's art is clean and expressive — the comedy comes through in character expressions and reactions. The warm, domestic setting is rendered with the right level of detail to feel lived-in without being cluttered.
Cultural Context
Japan's relationship with LGBTQ+ visibility is complicated — more acceptance than stereotypes suggest, but less than many Western countries. The manga's approach — a mother who accepts immediately and simply waits for her son to feel safe — reflects the reality many Japanese LGBTQ+ individuals navigate.
What I Love About It
I have never read a manga that made me want to call my parents immediately and tell them I love them. The central insight — that sometimes love means creating space rather than asking questions — is one of the most emotionally intelligent things I've encountered in manga. Tomoko doesn't need Hiroki to come out to her. She just needs him to know she'll love him when he does.
What English-Speaking Fans Say
I Think Our Son Is Gay has an overwhelmingly positive reception internationally, frequently cited as one of the most wholesome and emotionally resonant manga about LGBTQ+ themes. LGBTQ+ readers and parents of LGBTQ+ children both report finding it meaningful. The comedy is universally praised.
Memorable Scene ⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Spoiler Warning: A moment late in the series where Tomoko overhears something that makes her son's feelings undeniable, and her internal monologue reveals exactly how much she already knew and how long she's been waiting — with complete, unconditional love — is one of the most moving passages in recent manga.
Similar Manga
- My Brother's Husband — LGBTQ+ representation in family drama context
- Seven Days — LGBTQ+ romance
- A Silent Voice — Family drama and emotional growth
Reading Order / Where to Start
Start from Volume 1. Complete at 5 volumes — perfect for one reading session.
Official English Translation Status
Status: Complete Publisher: Square Enix Manga Volumes Available in English: 5 of 5
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Exceptionally warm and kind storytelling
- Tomoko is a wonderful character
- Complete at 5 volumes
- Universal appeal despite LGBTQ+ focus
Cons:
- Very low stakes — not for readers wanting plot
- Short at 5 volumes
Format Comparison
| Format | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paperback | Amazon | Square Enix Manga edition — all 5 volumes |
Where to Buy
You can find I Think Our Son Is Gay on Amazon:
👉 Buy I Think Our Son Is Gay on Amazon
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*Affiliate link — I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Written by
Yu
Manga Enthusiast from Japan
I grew up in Japan and manga literally saved me during a tough time in elementary school. My English isn't perfect, but my love for manga is real — and I want to share it with you.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.