Dear Boys

Dear Boys is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiroki Yagami. It is a sports manga focusing on high school basketball. The series follows the story of Kazuhiko Aikawa, a talented and passionate basketball player who transfers to Mizuho High School. Mizuho's basketball team is struggling and on the verge of disbanding, but Aikawa's arrival sparks new hope and revitalizes the team.

The manga depicts the team's efforts to improve their skills, overcome internal conflicts, and compete against rival schools. Key themes include teamwork, perseverance, dedication, and the importance of believing in oneself. The narrative often delves into the personal lives and backstories of the team members, exploring their motivations and challenges both on and off the court.

Dear Boys was serialized in Monthly Shonen Magazine from 1992 to 1997. It was followed by several sequels: Dear Boys Act II (1997-2008), Dear Boys Act III (2008-2015), and Dear Boys Over Time (2016-2023). An anime adaptation of the original Dear Boys manga aired in 2003. The series is known for its realistic portrayal of basketball games and its focus on character development. It has gained significant popularity in Japan and internationally among fans of sports manga and anime.