Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Sundome

Sundome (すんドめ) is a series written and illustrated by Kazuto Okada, serialized in Akita Shoten's Young Champion magazine from May 2006 to October 2009, spanning 76 chapters collected into eight volumes. The story centers on Hideo Aiba, a passive high school student and member of the school's "Roman Club"—an occult interest group—whose routine existence is upended when the bold and mysterious transfer student Kurumi Sahana joins and imposes a provocative "no penetration" rule on their budding romantic and sexual dynamic, exploring themes of desire, restraint, emotional vulnerability, and personal transformation. The series blends elements with dramatic and psychological depth, earning praise for its unconventional take on romance and sexuality while drawing criticism for its explicit content and uneven pacing in later volumes. Originally published in Japan by , Sundome received an English-language release by starting in 2008, targeting a mature audience rated 18+. The has been adapted into four live-action films from 2007 to 2009 and a six-episode live-action television that premiered on November 1, 2023, on in , directed by Kenichi Kudan and starring Hikaru Yamazaki as Hideo Aiba and Yui Arata as Kurumi Sahana, further extending its cultural reach.

Creation and publication

Development

Kazuto Okada served as the sole writer and illustrator for Sundome, handling all aspects of the manga's creation. His earlier series Kyoukasho ni Nai!, serialized in Akita Shoten's Young Champion from 1994, featured a blend of comedy, romance, and psychological tension, elements that informed Okada's stylistic approach in Sundome.

Serialization and release

Sundome was serialized in Shoten's Young Champion magazine from May 23, 2006, to October 13, 2009, spanning 76 chapters across its run in the bi-weekly publication. The was compiled into eight volumes under the Young Champion Comics imprint, with the first volume published on November 20, 2006, and the eighth and final volume released on November 20, 2009. In 2007, acquired the English-language license for , beginning releases on January 9, 2008, and concluding with the eighth volume on December 14, 2010. The English editions featured original cover art with a minimalist design emphasizing the title and volume number, reflecting the series' mature themes. ISBNs for the initial print run included 978-0-7595-2850-5 for volume 1. reissued the series in new paperback editions starting December 20, 2016, alongside digital availability, using updated ISBNs such as 978-0-316-47116-9 for volume 1; these reprints adopted more illustrative covers closer to the Japanese originals. In , no significant physical re-releases have occurred since the original , though digital versions became available on platforms like beginning March 1, 2013. As of 2025, the series remains in physical format domestically, with access primarily through digital channels.

Story and characters

Plot summary

Hideo Aiba serves as the president of the declining Roman Club at his high school, a group originally focused on the and preserving "boyhood dreams," including a of until graduation. The club's membership has dwindled, leaving Hideo largely isolated in its activities, which revolve around topics like UFOs and the . The narrative shifts when transfer student Sahana, a strikingly attractive and assertive girl, unexpectedly requests to join the all-boys club, disrupting its stagnant routine. quickly establishes a dominant "master-servant" dynamic with Hideo, positioning him as her personal servant and subjecting him to relentless teasing, arbitrary rules—including the "sundome" rule of no or —and conditional rewards that test his and . This relationship introduces elements of and , as manipulates situations during club outings and school life to keep Hideo off-balance while drawing intense attention from other boys. As the story progresses, the club's efforts to recruit new members gain momentum, incorporating activities such as ghost hunts and endurance challenges that highlight Hideo's evolving role. Interpersonal conflicts arise among members, including the addition of Kyouko, a jealous classmate who joins partly to counter Kurumi's influence, leading to heightened tensions and shifting alliances within the group. Hideo undergoes noticeable physical and emotional transformations, pushed by Kurumi to engage in workouts, self-improvement tasks, and increasingly intimate encounters that challenge his limits and foster personal growth. The series builds through these escalating dynamics, with the revelation of Kurumi's underlying health issues adding layers of intensity to their bond and the club's pursuits. Ultimately, the narrative arcs toward a bittersweet resolution, where Hideo confronts the consequences of his experiences, reflecting on maturity, loss, and the club's legacy as high school draws to a close.

Characters

Hideo Aiba is the protagonist and narrator of Sundome, a shy and unremarkable high school senior who serves as the president of the Roman Club, a group ostensibly dedicated to pursuits but primarily focused on preserving the members' virginity until graduation. He is characterized by his lackluster personality and susceptibility to lustful impulses, which lead him into a submissive dynamic with Kurumi Sahana, where he performs demanding tasks in hopes of intimate rewards. Throughout the story, Hideo experiences emotional growth, transitioning from apathy to deeper commitment, including comforting Kurumi during her health decline and leading club efforts to fulfill her personal wishes. His relationship with Kurumi involves intense psychological control and teasing intimacy, resembling a BDSM-like that challenges his boundaries and fosters his development into a more resilient individual. Kurumi Sahana is an enigmatic transfer student who joins the all-male Roman Club, presenting a frail and demure exterior that belies her assertive and sadistic tendencies. Described as a sickly beauty with a doll-like, emaciated appearance, she exerts dominance over Hideo as his self-appointed "master," using sexual frustration and commands to manipulate him while revealing subtle vulnerabilities, such as her deteriorating health. Her interactions with the club introduce tensions, as her presence disrupts the group's dynamics and draws external attention, highlighting her beguiling yet alarming nature that blends sweetness with control. Kurumi's backstory hints at personal frailties, including chronic health issues that influence her relationships and underscore themes of intimacy amid impermanence. The supporting cast enriches the Roman Club's eccentric atmosphere and interpersonal conflicts. Katsu Toshitsuku, the vice-president and Hideo's loyal friend, represents a relatively grounded presence among the members, with interests in UFOs and a desire to move beyond the club's peculiarities upon graduation. He often mediates group tensions but shares in the club's voyeuristic undertones, contributing to the collective frustrations amplified by Kurumi's arrival. Tatsuya Yatsu, an eccentric and cowardly member, fixates on niche fetishes like legs and dolls, adding and highlighting the club's oddball camaraderie, though his role remains peripheral to the central dynamics. Kyouko serves as a rival female interest, a frivolous and large-breasted girl from another class who frequents the club out of jealousy toward Kurumi's influence over the boys. Her short temper and upbeat, third-person speech patterns create lively clashes, particularly with , evolving into a banter-filled tension that provides contrast to Hideo and Kurumi's intense bond. The former club president, a 17-year-old with a prominent , lingers as a peripheral figure, embodying the club's legacy of failed vows after his expulsion due to . O.B., short for "," refers to mentor-like alumni who occasionally intervene, offering guidance amid the club's crises and reinforcing traditions through humorous or cautionary interactions. Yasu acts as an antagonistic peer, embodying external pressures that test the group's unity and Hideo's growth. These relationships collectively drive character evolution, with club tensions and rivalries amplifying the emotional stakes of Hideo and Kurumi's evolving connection.

Adaptations

Live-action films

The live-action adaptations of Sundome consist of a of films directed by Daigo Udagawa, released between 2007 and 2009, which progressively adapt the manga's volumes into low-budget productions emphasizing the story's erotic and romantic tension through live performances. The first film, Sundome, premiered in Japanese cinemas on November 20, 2007, with a runtime of 81 minutes, followed by direct-to-DVD releases for the series. Starring Atsushi Ninomiya as Hideo Aiba and Akane Suzuki as Kurumi Sahana, the production was handled by Total Media Corporation (TMC), focusing on the initial encounters and club dynamics from the source material while condensing timelines to fit the feature length. The sequels continued with the same core cast, including Kana Tsugihara as and supporting actors like Takatsugu Iwama, maintaining continuity in portraying the characters' evolving relationships. Sundome 2 was released on DVD on March 23, 2008, adapting further volumes with a around 70 minutes and highlighting intensified intimate scenarios. Sundome 3 followed on December 22, 2008, also approximately 70 minutes, while Sundome 4: The Final concluded the series with a 2009 DVD release, spanning about 90 minutes and covering the manga's climax, though omitting certain subplots for pacing and altering the ending to differ from the original's impactful conclusion. These films, produced on modest budgets, prioritized the erotic elements with straightforward and actor-driven intimacy scenes, deviating from the manga's illustrated style by streamlining narrative progression across the eight volumes into four installments. In 2017, a duology titled Sundome New and Sundome New 2 was produced, directed by Kazuhiro Yokoyama, introducing fresh and updated production values while revisiting the core premise of Hideo's high school experiences. Sundome New, released on April 22, 2017, with a of 78 minutes, featured Chiaki Hiratsuka as Hideo and Maori Hoshino as Kurumi, produced by and Odessa Entertainment, and incorporated minor contemporary tweaks to dialogue and visuals for a modern audience. The sequel, Sundome New 2, followed shortly after on April 24, 2017, running 73 minutes, with the same leads and supporting including Ryô Kawai, condensing later plot elements and emphasizing visual enhancements in erotic sequences compared to the originals. Like the , these reboots omitted some subplots to maintain runtime constraints but retained the focus on the protagonists' teasing dynamic, presented through more polished independent filmmaking.

Drama series

The live-action drama series adaptation of Sundome is a six-episode produced exclusively for the streaming platform AbemaTV. It was announced on October 17, 2023, and all episodes premiered simultaneously on November 1, 2023. Each has a runtime of approximately 30 minutes and together adapts the complete arc of the original across its eight volumes. The series is directed by Kenichi Kudan, with the written by Kondō. The cast features Yui Arata in the role of Kurumi Sahana, Hikaru Yamazaki as Hideo Aiba, and supporting performers including Yumena Nishino, Io Iori, and Daichi Mori. Unlike the prior theatrical live-action films from 2007–2008, this streaming format employs an episodic structure that allows for a progressive narrative breakdown, with early episodes introducing the core relationship and later ones building to the manga's emotional climax in the finale. As of November 2025, the series has concluded with no additional seasons or extensions produced.

Reception

Critical reviews

Sundome received mixed critical reception upon its English release by in 2008, with reviewers praising its bold exploration of and while critiquing its reliance on extreme elements and uneven pacing. Positive reviews highlighted the 's emotional depth and character development, which elevated it beyond typical tropes. Daniella Orihuela-Gruber of All About Manga commended the twisted love story and unique dominatrix-slave dynamic between protagonists Hideo and , noting how the series engages readers through shocking extremes while allowing for character identification via distinct, cartoonish designs. Similarly, The Anime Harvest review lauded the psychological complexity and strong growth in Hideo's arc, particularly the emotional payoff in the finale, with artwork effectively conveying intimacy and tension in key moments. Otaku News described it as "atrocious, erotic and completely hysterical in places," calling it a "painfully good " unlikely to be forgotten due to its raw, boundary-pushing humor and intensity. Critics, however, pointed to inconsistencies in pacing and an overemphasis on shock value at the expense of narrative coherence. Carlo Santos of Anime News Network gave the first volume a C- grade, criticizing the generic school-comedy plot elements—like occult club antics and martial arts challenges—as surprisingly dull, while the crowded panel layouts and indistinct character designs strained readability despite the hilarious, puritanical-shattering teen antics. Kevin Leathers of UK Anime Network awarded it 3/10, lambasting the repetitive structure of Hideo's futile pursuits and the exploitative focus on sexual perversion and dominance, which rendered the story depressing and lacking redemption, further hampered by exaggerated, mis-shapen body depictions in the art. Thematic discussions centered on the series' innovative yet controversial handling of power imbalances, , and within 2000s . Reviewers noted how the female-led sadomasochistic relationship challenges traditional roles but risks alienating audiences due to its unlikable dynamics and moral ambiguities around teen . This approach was seen as provocative for its time, blending with psychological tension, though some argued it prioritized visceral discomfort over nuanced exploration. Aggregate scores reflected this divide, with users rating it 7.38/10 based on over 18,000 votes, and MangaUpdates averaging 8.1/10 from 930 ratings, indicating solid but polarized appeal among readers. Specific reviews from the 2008-2010 releases, such as those from , underscored the manga's niche status as a daring experiment.

Fan reception and legacy

Sundome has cultivated a dedicated niche audience within the and genres, appreciated for its bold exploration of taboo themes like in a high setting, often described as an S&M-tinged romantic dramedy. The series' international release by , which published all eight volumes in English, facilitated broader accessibility and contributed to its recognition beyond as a provocative work blending humor, , and emotional depth. Its enduring legacy is evident in the succession of live-action adaptations, including four films released from 2007 to 2009, additional films titled Sundome New and Sundome New 2 in 2017, and a 2023 six-episode on AbemaTV, reflecting sustained interest in the story's unconventional portrayal of relationships and personal growth. These projects highlight the manga's influence on representations of intimate power dynamics in youth-oriented narratives, though it remains a favorite rather than mainstream fare as of 2025.

References

  1. [1]
    Kazuto Okada's Risqué Romantic Comedy Manga Sundome Gets ...
    Oct 17, 2023 · Okada launched the manga in Akita Shoten 's Young Champion magazine in 2006, and ended in 2009 with a total of nine compiled volumes. The ...
  2. [2]
    Sundome, Vol. 1 | Manga - Yen Press
    The "Roman Club," a school group interested in the occult, to which he's practically enslaved, has become boring for one Hideo Aiba.
  3. [3]
    Sundome | Manga - MyAnimeList.net
    Rating 7.4/10 (18,236) Nov 20, 2006 · Sundome is the story of an apathetic young man whose dull existence is forever changed when an assertive young woman wants to join the same after-school club.Characters & Staff · Sundome · Recommendations · Pictures
  4. [4]
    News Sundome's Kazuto Okada Launches New Manga on March 12
    Feb 28, 2024 · This year's sixth issue of Akita Shoten 's Young Champion magazine revealed on Tuesday that Kazuto Okada will launch a new manga titled Surikomi ...
  5. [5]
    Kyoukasho ni Nai! - MangaUpdates
    Sep 6, 2024 · OKADA Kazuto. Artist(s). OKADA Kazuto. Year. 1994. Original Publisher. Akita Shoten. Serialized In (magazine). Young Champion (Akita Shoten).
  6. [6]
    Sundome - MangaUpdates
    Sep 23, 2023 · Akita Shoten. Serialized In (magazine). Young Champion (Akita Shoten). Licensed (in English). Yes. English Publisher. Yen Press (8 Vols - ...
  7. [7]
    Sundome (manga) - Anime News Network
    Plot Summary: Hideo Aiba is the new president of the Roman club, dedicated to preserving boyhood dreams...and staying Virgins until graduating High School.
  8. [8]
    Sundome comic books issue 1 - MyComicShop
    Sundome comic books issue 1 ... Published Aug 2021 by Ghost Ship. ... Volume 1 - 1st printing. Story and art by Kazuki Funatsu. A sexy and out-of-this-world alien ...Missing: summary - - - - | Show results with:summary - - - -
  9. [9]
    Sundome - Manga Review - Otaku News
    Sep 2, 2008 · Summary. The entrance of the transfer student is the high school harbinger of great change. There is, after all, nothing like setting a new ...
  10. [10]
    Sundome | Manga - Yen Press
    YP Calendar · Home / Manga. Sundome 8. Author: Kazuto Okada ... down arrow View all volumes. Sundome Volumes. Sundome, Vol. 8.
  11. [11]
    Sundome: The Anime Harvest Review - WordPress.com
    May 16, 2016 · Sundome is a great erotic romance manga, if you give it the time it needs and aren't turned off by golden showers.Missing: prior | Show results with:prior
  12. [12]
    Book-A-Day 2010 # 247 (10/8) -- Sundome, Vol. 7 by Kazuto Okada
    Oct 8, 2010 · ... Katsu Toshitsuku), except for random (and, I think, meant to be Western) hottie Kyouko, who joined the club way back in the beginning for ...<|separator|>
  13. [13]
    Sundome (2007) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Cast ; Kazuki Hiro'oka ; Mayuko Irie ; Takatsugu Iwama · Katsu Toshitsuku ; Takuma Matsuno · Yasu ; Atsushi Ninomiya · Hideo Aiba.<|control11|><|separator|>
  14. [14]
    [PDF] Gender and Body Representations in Japanese comics
    To make this more understandable, we will take Kazuto Okada's (2006-. 2009) work, "Sundome," as an example. Sahana, one of the central figures in the manga ...
  15. [15]
    Eighteen(?!) Older Manga That Deserve License Rescues Part 3
    Nov 22, 2021 · Debuting back in 2006 in Akita Shoten's Young Champion magazine, Sundome by Kazuto Okada (Very Private Lesson) would run semimonthly until 2009 ...
  16. [16]
    https://jfdb.jp/en/title/906
  17. [17]
    Sundome - JFDB
    The final episode of the adolescent love romance series based on the popular comic series by Okada Kazuto serialized in Young Champion.
  18. [18]
    Sundome (2007) directed by Daigo Udagawa - Letterboxd
    Sundome is a raunchy comedy based on a manga with the same title that I never read. I first thought the title is just a random English word but it looks like it ...Missing: summary - - - - | Show results with:summary - - - -
  19. [19]
    Sundome New (2017) - IMDb
    Rating 5.2/10 (45) A teenage boy is a virgin at high school. He has never had a girlfriend so females are a mystery to him. He focuses on his courses, male friends and club ...
  20. [20]
    Sundome new - JFDB
    Sundome new 2 (2017). Director: YOKOYAMA Kazuhiro. Cast: ODAJIMA Nagisa, KAWAI Ryo, OZAWA Raimu. The second film in a reboot of ...
  21. [21]
    Sundome New 2 (2017) - IMDb
    Details · Release date · 2017 (Japan) · Country of origin. Japan · Official site. Official Site (Japan) · Language. Japanese · Also known as. 思春期誘惑 NEW 2.
  22. [22]
    Sundome New 2 - MyDramaList
    Sundome New 2 ; Country: Japan ; Type: Movie ; Release Date: Apr 24, 2017 ; Duration: 1 hr. 13 min. ; Score: N/A (scored by 0 users) ...
  23. [23]
    News Sundome Gets New Film in March With New Cast
    Feb 18, 2015 · The first film adapting the manga premiered in 2007. The cast starred Atsushi Ninomiya as Hideo Akeba, Akane Suzuki as Kurumi Sahana, and Kana ...
  24. [24]
    Sundome (2023) - MyDramaList
    Country: Japan · Type: Drama · Episodes: 6 · Aired: Nov 1, 2023 · Aired On: Wednesday · Original Network: AbemaTV · Duration: 30 min. · Score: 6.7 (scored by 5 users) ...Missing: live- | Show results with:live-
  25. [25]
    Sundome (TV Series 2023-2023) - Cast & Crew - TMDB
    — (6 Episodes). Series Crew 3. Directing. Kenichi Kudan · Director (6 Episodes). Writing. Kazuto Okada · Comic Book (6 Episodes). Kondo cha · Screenplay (6 ...Missing: drama | Show results with:drama
  26. [26]
    Sundome (2023) - TMDB
    ... TV shows based on Sundome. You can help by rating TV shows you've seen. Facts. Original Name すんドめ. Status Ended. Network. See more TV shows from ABEMA...Missing: drama | Show results with:drama
  27. [27]
    RIGHT TURN ONLY!! - Complex and Lovely - Anime News Network
    Jan 22, 2008 · For all its kinks and fetishes, Sundome is surprisingly dull when it comes to plot ideas: a challenge against the brawny martial arts club, a ...
  28. [28]
    Sundome Vol. 1 - UK Anime Network
    Anyone else will find this manga to be a complete waste of time. There are very few redeeming features to this volume and you can't help but wonder who would ...<|separator|>
  29. [29]
    Review: Sundome vol. 1-6 | All About Manga
    Jun 23, 2011 · Sundome, by Kazuto Okada, is a manga about extremes. The first extreme begins when Hideo Aiba, the main character, falls intensely in love ...Missing: plot summary
  30. [30]
    Bodily Fluids - Manga You Shouldn't Read In Public - The Escapist
    Mar 19, 2016 · Sundome is a heart-breaking romantic comedy about teenagers peeing on each other. Kazuto Okada's S&Mish dramedy, Sundome, isn't exactly obscure ...