Read on Renta!
Pedigree by Michi Tange
Japanese Title:
ペディグリー
Pedigree
Links:
Michi Tange Official Website (Author)
Hanaoto Twitter (Publisher)
Here on the Renta! localization team, we get to work quite closely with some of the titles released on the site — particularly the ones whose localizations we produce in-house. This is of course exciting when we’re assigned to work on a series we know and love already, or a new work by one of our favorite BL mangaka. But, another joy that’s just as valuable is getting to discover new creators and series we might not have had the chance to notice otherwise, what with how wide and deep the sea of BL is here in Japan (it’s both a blessing and a curse, I tell ya).
I recently got to experience that kind of BL serendipity in the form of Michi Tange’s “Pedigree.” At first, I was admittedly just dreading the marathon that is the final edit and check of a tankobon (full volume), which are more challenging than chapter-by-chapter releases in terms of the time and stamina they require to work through (though the result is always worth it!). But, as I flipped through the pages and spent time with the characters within, I found a BL story that got me just as emotionally invested as I was professionally.
If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, and/or mutual “one-sided” love, this is one I highly recommend — so stick around for some spicy preview images accompanied by my ramblings about why I ended up loving it so much!
In the world of “Pedigree,” some people have “dual ancestry” of both humans and animals, granting them certain animalistic traits and an elevated social status. Akemitsu is a young man who holds snake pedigree, and is famous in high society for both his good looks and impressive wealth. His reputation precedes him… including the well-known rumor that he’s a playboy whose mansion has a revolving door of guys.
Unsurprisingly, now in his thirties, Akemitsu’s under pressure from his family to find a mate and carry on his prestigious bloodline. His family proposes a pairing with Mashu, a man of Siberian tiger pedigree and similar high social standing. For those with pedigree, this “pairing” consists of a couple living together for one month and essentially testing out their chemistry. If all goes well, they can form a pair, mate, have babies, and live happily ever after. If it doesn’t work out, they can just call it quits and move on with their lives. Akemitsu, a hardworking businessman, has never been interested in pairing with anyone, much less the man he’s presented with as a potential mate. The thing is, he and Mashu have history — and not a particularly pleasant one.
Their acquaintance with each other goes way back to childhood, when they were first set up by their parents for a potential pairing (or, at least, the age-appropriate very early stages of one). They were super close, and Akemitsu thought he’d found his partner for life… until one day when he was abruptly informed that Mashu had called the engagement off for some unknown reason, and they lost contact ever since. The whole experience made Akemitsu distrustful of others, and put him off the idea of pairing (hence his disinterested attitude at the posh parties he’s forced to attend).
However, much to Akemitsu’s dismay, a miscommunication results in Mashu’s family believing that Akemitsu actually agreed to the pairing arrangement — and before he can nip things in the bud, the burly tiger man shows up at his house… and in the most awkward circumstances possible. Thus begins their one-month pairing period, during which they’re supposed to see if they’re actually a good match for one another. Akemitsu’s at a total loss, wondering why Mashu would agree to give their pairing another shot after all these years. Moreover, far from the cute little boy Akemitsu remembers from the past, Mashu is now an arrogant — though extremely good-looking — jerk who has the balls to tell Akemitsu right to his face that he has no intention of falling in love with him, regardless of their pairing. Akemitsu’s (understandably) incensed by this, and vows that he’ll show Mashu’s who’s boss, seducing him with his sexy snake man charm only to break his heart — just as his was broken so long ago.
Let the Gay Chicken Games Begin
Right from the start, Akemitsu and Mashu bump heads during their cohabitation. They sleep in the same bed, but don’t take things too far (and, Mashu’s morning wood? Totally unrelated to the man lying next to him, obviously). They bathe together — out of convenience, of course — and totally aren’t eyeing each other up or getting flustered when they find themselves in a compromising position in the bathtub, no sirree. Akemitsu tries to flaunt his body and tease Mashu, but the guy just won’t crack, much to his frustration. On the other hand, Mashu seems to know how to push all of Akemitsu’s buttons, only earning him more of the latter’s ire. Meanwhile, it’s so obvious to the reader that they’re both at least somewhat attracted to each other that watching them play it cool and be dense as can be only when it comes to the other’s feelings is more fun than frustrating. If edging (both physical and emotional) was an Olympic sport, these two would be in the running for the gold medal — and we readers get a front-row seat to all the action 😉.
To be honest, at first I wasn’t sure I’d be able to sympathize much with the main characters, since their whole schtick at first glance is basically being very wealthy and hot (like, really? Not fair). But, as you spend more time with Akemitsu and Mashu, you get to see the layers that make them who they are — emotionally constipated losers who are absolutely hopeless when it comes to love, despite being quite capable in other areas of life. Akemitsu especially has his own struggles separate from the whole pairing debacle, such as trying not to go broke from property taxes and having his career accomplishments chalked up to his having a good pedigree. I don’t want to spoil too much about Mashu’s characterization, but he definitely won me over as well once we got to see things from his point of view. You can’t help but root for the both of them, hoping they’ll put aside their pride and stop dancing around each other so they can both find happiness.
One of the reasons I ended up enjoying this story so much is probably because it’s full of tropes I particularly love — a sexy but jaded older bottom who’s really just a pure-hearted virgin (a “junjou bitch,” if you will), an aloof-seeming top who’s in reality a down-bad SIMP, and did I mention the emotional edging? 🥴 The sexual tension between the main couple is so thick you could cut it with a knife, and boy is it delicious.
I’d like to avoid too many spoilers as to where Mashu and Akemitsu’s story goes and how, but I will say that all the aforementioned sexual tension finally pays off with some satisfying, well-deserved ero content, and a heartwarming conclusion.
I’d describe “Pedigree” as a masterfully-executed take on the tried and true formula of a romance where the only thing keeping two people apart is an endless string of misunderstandings. By the end of the story, I was able to appreciate Michi Tange’s ability to create likeable, engaging characters — and I think lots of people can enjoy this manga, which is why I humbly offer the “Pedigree” gospel here on this BLog.
And, if you do love it and the end leaves you hungry for more, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a sequel in the works as well! More “Pedigree” goodness on Renta! makes for a very happy Sou 🤩.
So don’t sleep on this elegant yet down-to-earth, dramatic yet humorous, sexy yet sweet BL! It’ll sink its teeth into you like a serpent and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy like a tiger.
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