Abdullah, the mysterious young man who might marry Nada one day, is suddenly in America?! Satoko and her friends (not to mention Nada's brother) are in a panic, unsure if they should tell Nada or just stall the guy until he leaves. When it comes to Nada's future, the people who love her will do whatever it takes to make her happy!
It is starting to feel a little odd that there aren't any Jewish characters in here with the focus on "different religions and cultures" that the series takes. But what is here is still well-depicted and charming.
Beyond the diversity explored among the cultures in this manga, what I truly appreciate is the friendship developed between Satoko and Nada; it is just so heartwarming and true. I hope the final volume ends on a high note as well.
Rating: 4.5 Stars: ★★★★ 1/2 Satoko And Nada is a phenomenal manga following two international students who transfer to America to continue their university studies! Its a heartwarming and comedic series all about friendship!! This volume has an even more slice-of-life feel to it and as always, focuses on the different adventures that Satoko and Nada have. The various 4-panel style scenarios are very funny, charming, and also take time to navigate different parts about each of their cultures as they continue to learn from each other.
The main underlying plot in this volume is that Nada's husband-to-be Abdullah comes for a visit and it not only follows both of their perspectives on the marriage, but also how they give each other the space they need until their ready to continue seeing one another. (Will delve into specific 4-panel pages I really enjoyed, there were so many lovely Satoko and Nada moments)
However, as with previous volumes this one focuses on some new adventures around town: shopping together, being part of Miracle's volunteer fair, Satoko and Nada joining eachother at the hospital and just all the wholesome, fun situational moments that happen in their day-to-day.
I like how this volume had more clear story arcs and it built up what we can expect in the final volume (*sob) about Nada's relationship with Abdullah and Satoko possibly returning home? Again, I'm devastated this series will be ending soon because this series is like reuniting with a beloved friend.
Also this volume had tons of funny and clever moments (more to discuss in full review)
Friendship is at the core of this series and it shines with each and every page! Satoko and Nada continuously support each other and while there are some moments of lighthearted annoyances, it shows how deep their bond is and that they are just so close!!
Although its not always said directly, there's quiet moments where Satoko and Nada continuously show how much their friendship means to each of them (34-35 had me sobbing!! It was too wholesome).
As already established, Satoko is Japanese and Nada is Saudi Arabian Muslim, and the author really took to the time to delve into each of their cultures not only to show how they are continuously learning more about each other, but also to delve into how the beauty about learning more from other cultures as well.
I'm sobbing because after this volume, there's only one more left and it'll be the finale! I'm not ready to say goodbye to these 2 and their wonderful journeys!! Satoko and Nada are a top-tier duo and I love them so much!!
Rated this as 4.5 because I loved how there more clear story arcs and that looks like they'll lead into the next volume. Just wanted more page time with them together honestly and with their friends Miracle and Kevin, they seemed more distant in this one!
Satoko and Nada is one of the best contemporary manga series out there! Volume 3 focuses more on the slice-of-life moments while balancing the humor, deeply interwoven theme of friendship, and exploring many vignette-style moments that show you the many different sides to our wonderful main characters! Exploration of culture and above all the wholesome dynamics between the cast will make you want to keep on reading! This utterly brilliant manga series with friendship at its very core is a must-read! Satoko and Nada capture your heart from the very beginning!
I like how while this is a fun series, the mangaka doesn't shy away from addressing questions and/or concerns that I think are commonly voiced in American society. Though two characters we meet (briefly) are Japanese, I think they rose valid concerns. Also, Nada's concerns (and her friends' concern) about who her fiancée is was so well handled and addressed! I was worried for Nada too and while I love her cheerful self, I have liked seeing her more reflective.
I thought it interesting that Christianity is a lot "heavier" in this volume than the previous two! While it's been shown that Miracle goes to church, it was fun seeing Satoko volunteer at the Christian camp and her experience with the Christian community. I continue to think that this series is deeply respectful of the different religions and cultures in this series. I honestly think its one of my favorite things!
Kevin continues to be a hoot! I absolutely love his character so much! One Punch and Transformers? Yesssss!
I'm nervously excited for the next volume because it's the final one and really hoping that it will not end on a sad note! While I am happy for Nada and her fiancée and how Satoko has made new friends, I don't want these ladies to part and go "separate" ways so to speak. Can't they just continue to be happy roommates?!
Still an incredibly cute series, though this volume was definitely the fluffiest/lightest of the volumes in terms of content. The introduction of Nada's fiance was great and it was clear Yupechika took the time and dedication required to present the arranged marriage and the consequences of one in an informative, charitable light. I didn't expect any attention would be given to the host family system in America, but was pleasantly surprised it was included! Host families, like foster families, tend to be a crapshoot, and I'm glad Yupechika gave it the proper weight it deserves.
Sweet; probably my favourite so far in this manga. It’s didactic (re: intercultural learning & studying abroad), but in a way that’s whimsical and generally interesting to read.
The camp volunteering arc surprised me, namely that Satoko doesn’t seem to mind the implied evangelism, but on second thought it all aligns with the “be kind, learn about other cultures & religion, respectfully coexist” themes explored here.
Satoko waves her way to understand another religion (Christian) and culture (poly/multi-gamy) and tries to understand why there is prejudice against something (read: muslim)
I bought this volume and Embroidery from Kinokuniya 50% sales. I am so glad they turn out to something I will gladly reread in the future 😉
4.25 Stars As always, this was super fun and informative! I heard that Vol. 4 will be the last one and I already miss Satoko and Nada and cannot wait to revisit the series as a whole!
With this volume I'm finally past the part that I have read scanlated. Now I just hope the 4th volume becomes available soon; true, it is mostly slice-of-life, but I'm curious to see how it concludes nonetheless.
Nada's fiancee, Abdullah, may be prominent in these chapters, but I still can't help but think that Satoko and Nada are adorable together. A feature that stood out are the differing cultural attitudes to health care; from the American perspective, it seems crazy to go to a doctor for something minor like a cold or a stomachache, for exactly the reason illustrated in this book: it is costly and often hard to get an appointment. It is too bad we have not yet managed to fix our incredibly broken health care system. Conversely, because of the pandemic wearing a mask is now less remarkable here than depicted in the comic, though I wonder if that will continue or die off when it is not immediately relevant.
I absolutely adore learning about the cultural aspect from both characters, but that’s also the problem. A lot of this book is cultural and while it focuses a lot on religious rulings, it comes across as traditions and many traditions are then interpreted as religious rulings. For example the fiancé aspect, this is 100% cultural with fragments of religion.
On page 100 it says “Honestly it doesn’t even say you have to wear the hijab” referring to the Islamic garment that woman are obligated to wear.
This is a hot topic right now, I think more and more so with social media. It’s different when one chooses not to wear a hijab, versus completely changing what the Quran says.
This series continues to be charming, a mix of a basic overarching story (Satoko and Nada live together, Nada gets engaged) and short portrayals of their lives in America.
A highlight in this volume is when Satoko visit's her friend Miracle's church and is introduced to Christian rock. I admit, I laughed so hard. It seemed like a pretty accurate portrayal of a non-denominational Protestant church and VBS (here just referred to as a camp), and the book keeps up its gentle, no-huge-conflicts tone: no one tries to convert Satoko.
Other highlights include Japanese-American Kevin continuing to learn little bits about Japanese culture, and a minor run-in with the American healthcare system.
I read this manga until the Latest Chapter 155 No Exposed Skin . This manga tells the tale of 2 girls from different culture ending up as roommates as they study abroad in the US , Satoko is from Japan and Nada is from Saudi Arabia .
Each Chapter deals with their adventures and introduces you to both cultures in a very respectful manner, which was quite surprising to be honest as most manga take an orientalist view point of middle eastern cultures. This manga at least keeps up with the rapid change from the perspective of Saudi Arabia. It also deals with many aspects that women deal with , despite differences in culture.
this is both an educational and heartwarming manga, it introduces many characters from many backgrounds in a diverse manner as well as accurate from what I've seen.
After months of searching and dealing with a rude clerk, I finally was able to get the next volume in the Satoko and Nada series. This is another heartwarming and insightful entry as per usual and feels like a comforting hot chocolate. Kind of chuckled at the mask mention, considering these days. The next volume is the last of the series and I have mixed feelings about this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Readers will learn more cultural exchanges between Nada and Satoko, there's a surprise visit from a possible fiancé, and more food to make me hungry while I read! Enjoyable and captivating. It's somewhat told page to page (in that each page could be its own strip) and at first it was a little jarring but then it quickly faded into the background and actually kept me turning pages quicker.
Really interesting to see the cultural exploration in this volume include American Christianity. The heart of the book remains the close friendship between the title characters, though the very beginnings of Nada's relationship with her possible future husband are cute and engaging, too.
I've had this (and volume 4) for ages! I can't believe I'm only just reading this now. That "previously on" was handy because it had been so long since I read volume 2, but the style is episodic enough that I get sucked back in without too much trouble. I really enjoy this series.