”The perfect high school life” that everyone dreams of. “Chitose-kun wa Ramune Bin no Naka”, starring the high school student Chitose Saku who seems to embody that ideal, greatly transcends the boundaries of ordinary coming-of-age stories, portraying a new kind of youth romantic comedy drawn from the perspective of the “popular crowd.” Set in Fujiyoshi High School, a preparatory school in Fukui Prefecture, Saku is perfect in everything: studies, sports, and relationships. “Team Chitose,” which gathers around him, emits a brilliance like the main character group in a school drama. Readers are drawn into their dazzling daily lives, which are rarely seen in reality, like an observer of a drama.

The turning point in the story is the encounter with the withdrawn classmate, Yamazaki Kenta. Saku is entrusted by the homeroom teacher to help rehabilitate him. From here, a deeply emotional development awaits, one that won't end as just another “popular youth story.” As Saku and his Team Chitose members attempt to open Yamazaki's heart, Saku also re-examines his own existence and his distance from others. The loneliness and conflicts hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly glamorous youth are carefully depicted, and the more you read, the more empathy for “the struggles of being popular” seeps out.

What is noteworthy about this work is that it depicts “how the popular crowd confronts others,” rather than “the unpopular crowd yearning for the popular one.” Chitose Saku is by no means an arrogant hero. His appeal lies not only in his overwhelming communication skills and talent but also in his sincere attitude towards others. In particular, his relationship with the heroine-like figure Hiiragi Yuuko radiates trust and mutual support that goes beyond romance and is sure to remain in the hearts of many readers. Saku's figure, pressing forward on the path he believes in despite being criticized on the school's unofficial website, should give courage to many modern high school students.

The literary depth of “Chitose-kun wa Ramune Bin no Naka”, which goes beyond the light novel genre, is also a charm. The setting in the regional city of Fukui is free from urban flashiness, but as a result, the passing of the seasons and the subtleties of human relationships are carefully depicted, making the scenes appear in the mind like a movie. The way Saku himself changes through his relationship with Yamazaki makes one feel the brilliance of the momentary period of youth, leaving a lingering impression after reading that is mixed with a certain sadness and hope. It is truly a work that embodies the phrase “youth is emotional.”

This work has been inducted into the “Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!” Hall of Fame and its TV anime adaptation has finally been decided. Its achievements are guaranteed, including 2nd place in the Bookseller Grand Prize Bunko Division in 2020 and receiving the Excellence Award in the Light Novel Grand Prize. It can truly be called a representative example of a youth novel that should be read now. It is a book that we can confidently recommend not only to romantic comedy lovers but also to readers who want to experience a slightly more mature youth.