The junior always uses polite language with the senior.#

The main character, Tanaka, always speaks politely to his senior, Urushi, who is one grade above him. Since their conversations are between high school students, the manga features a lot of polite expressions that are not overly formal, focusing mainly on courteous language, making it relatively casual.

Source: Soichiro Yamamoto, Soredemo Ayumu wa yosetekuru(KODANSHA)

The story is simple with minimal dialogue.#

This work features very few characters and mainly focuses on the interactions between Tanaka and Urushi, without a complex plot structure. Since there isn’t a lot of dialogue, it serves as an accessible resource for beginners learning Japanese.

Source: Soichiro Yamamoto, Soredemo Ayumu wa yosetekuru(KODANSHA)

The English version is also available#

Since this work has been translated into English, you can check any parts you didn’t understand while reading the Japanese version by referring to the English edition.

What does 「っていうか」 mean in Japanese?#

The phrase 「っていうか」 is super common in everyday Japanese. It’s often used to:

・rephrase or clarify something
・soften or correct what was just said
・introduce a more accurate or honest expression

In English, it’s similar to saying:
“I mean,” “more like,” “or rather,” or “you could say.”

Breakdown of the sentence:#

攻めてる = “You’re being bold” / “You’re making a move”
っていうか = “I mean” / “More like”
本当のことですから = “Because it’s the truth”

So Tanaka is basically saying:
→ “Bold? I mean, I’m just telling the truth.”

He’s gently rejecting the idea that he’s flirting or being overly forward, and instead insists that he’s simply being honest.

Why this is useful for learners:#

You’ll hear 「っていうか」 all the time in casual conversations, especially when people:

・Adjust what they just said:
　「ちょっと…っていうか、かなり寒いね！」
　“A little… actually, it’s really cold!”

・Correct or soften a comment:
　「怒ってる、っていうか落ち込んでるだけ。」
　“I’m not mad, I’m just feeling down.”

It’s a great phrase to make your Japanese sound more natural and nuanced.

A quick note:#

While 「っていうか」 is a very common and useful phrase in casual Japanese, it’s important to be mindful of how and when you use it.

Originally, 「っていうか」 came from colloquial, youth-oriented speech and has a casual, laid-back tone. Over time, it’s become widespread in daily conversation, even among adults—but it still carries that casual flavor. Because of this, it’s best avoided in formal situations, such as business meetings or polite conversations with superiors.

Also, using it too frequently can make your speech sound repetitive or unpolished, as if you’re constantly backtracking or unsure of what you’re saying. It’s a bit like saying “I mean” or “like” too much in English—it’s natural in moderation, but distracting if overused.

So while 「っていうか」 is great for making your Japanese sound more natural and expressive, especially in casual settings, try to use it strategically and sparingly!

Urushi’s tone is somewhat authoritative.#

Urushi maintains a character that does not lose her dignity as a senior when interacting with Tanaka, so her tone is somewhat authoritative. Since this manner of speaking is not common among young women, it might be best not to imitate it too closely.

Source: Soichiro Yamamoto, Soredemo Ayumu wa yosetekuru(KODANSHA)

You won’t become knowledgeable about shogi.#

Although the story follows the romance between a senior and a junior connected through shogi, there are few descriptions of shogi itself. Therefore, you can’t expect to become familiar with the rules of shogi or to improve your skills by reading this work.