This series ran in Sho-Comi, a manga magazine that has a lot of stories with steamy scenes. Kaikan Phrase is no exception. Sakuya and Aine are very passionate! I was surprised at how few sex scenes there are per volume though (which I keep track of here in my Sex-O-Meter ^_^;) because it sure seems like a lot MORE ^_^

Amazingly enough, Kaikan Phrase has been licensed for release in English in the US by the publisher Viz. I was rather shocked! They are releasing it under the name Sensual Phrase, and volume one came out in April 2004.

The English version can be purchased HERE ****

I have descriptions below each tankoubon picture that contain some minor spoilers for what happens in each volume. These descriptions are based on my trying to understand the Japanese versions. I tried to be general about events, but I probably went into too much detail anyway ^_^; So please read the descriptions at your own risk, ok? ^_^

Kaikan Phrase: #1 Japanese ISBN 4-09-136835-2	Kaikan Phrase: #1 English ISBN 1-59-116205-X
High School student Aine-chan isn't that good at her schoolwork. The only subject she excels at is Japanese, and because of that she decides to try her hand at writing. She writes some very suggestive song lyrics and plans to enter a popular idol's songwriting contest with her lyrics. On her way to enter the contest, Aine drops the paper with her lyrics on it, and is almost hit by a car when she runs after the paper. The person who almost runs her down is a sexy guy with blue eyes who drives a ferrari. He flirts with Aine and gives her a backstage pass to a concert featuring a band called "Λucifer". Aine goes to the concert and is stunned to find that the guy who almost hit her is none other than Sakuya, the wildly popular lead singer of Λucifer. Then Aine is surprised again when Sakuya starts singing the song Aine had written! Sakuya sees Aine-chan in the audience and leaps from the stage to take her in his arms. From then on Aine-chan is Sakuya's obsession. He is immediately attracted to her and admires her sexy looks and ability to write steamy lyrics. Aine is overwhelmed by Sakuya's strong personality, but is attracted to his looks and charisma. When the song Aine-chan writes is the one that lands Λucifer their record contract, Aine becomes the official songwriter for Λucifer. And the rest is history :) Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 0 *gasp*
Kaikan Phrase: #2 Japanese ISBN 4-09-136836-0	Kaikan Phrase: #2 English ISBN 1-59-116334-X
Sakuya and Aine's relationship becomes more intense as they finally sleep with each other (this is a long wait for a Shinjo Mayu manga :) Aine settles into her role as Λucifer's songwriter, though Sakuya's behavior often startles her. He wants to give her the inspiration for her sexy song lyrics by acting out the passion with her. At a party, Aine literally runs into a handsome foreigner named Ralph. He is in charge of a media company (Metro Records?) breaking into the Japanese market. Aine notices a resemblance between Ralph and Sakuya, even though Ralph is obviously caucasian. Aine discovers that Sakuya and Ralph already know each other, and Sakuya tells the story of just how they know each other. There is a big rivalry between Ralph and Sakuya when Ralph vows to steal Aine from him. There is a lot of maneuvering between the two men as Ralph tries to get Aine. He uses many means, ranging from kidnapping to seduction, but the bond betwen Sakuya and Aine only grows stronger. Aine is still calling Sakuya Sakuya-san at this point though. Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 1 Aine Kisses Someone Else: 1 Sakuya is Kidnapped: 1
Kaikan Phrase: #3 Japanese ISBN4-09-136837-9	Kaikan Phrase: #3 English ISBN 1-59-116449-4
Ralph has lured Aine to him by kidnapping Sakuya and chaining him up. Ralph pounces on Aine, but finally listens to her protests. Sakuya is eventually freed, and returns to Λucifer. The band is becoming popular, and are scheduled to make several television appearances. Λucifer goes to America, and Aine is left behind to miss Sakuya. Ralph continues making advances. Atsuro releases a solo single. A serious confrontation takes place between Ralph and Aine when Sakuya returns and exerts his authority over Ralph. Sakuya has some tricks up his sleeve regarding Ralph's company, and Ralph is forced to leave Aine alone. Aine and Sakuya confirm their love for each other and are closer than ever. Later, Aine suffers from writer's block, and Sakuya doesn't seem very helpful. Then Sakuya's first girlfriend shows up, and Aine feels very insecure. Sakuya and his former girlfriend are starring in a drama together, and there is some danger on the set! Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 2
Kaikan Phrase: # 4 Japanese ISBN4-09-136868-7	Kaikan Phrase: # 4 English ISBN1-59-116411-7
Aine is worried. Ayako, Sakuya's ex-girlfriend seems intent on breaking Aine and Sakuya up! She and Sakuya are starring in that drama together, and the have to do sex scenes! Aine watches them and feels insecure. Aine has reason to worry! Ayako is a troublemaker. Then things get strange when a troubled young man mistakes Aine for his younger sister, Yumi. However, Yumi died the previous year, and the young man keeps thinking Aine is her. His name is Tomoyuki, and he is the lead singer of a band called "Jesus." His music is very good, but he seems familiar to Sakuya for some reason. Tomoyuki becomes seriously obsessed with Aine. His affection for his dead sister must have been unhealthy ^^;; Tomoyuki goes too far in his obsession with Aine when he gives her a kissmark/hickey on her neck. Sakuya sees it and flips out, mad with jealousy. Fights break out, but even then Tomoyuki does not give up. He enrolls in Aine's school as a transfer student, and tells everyone he is her brother! To counter this, Sakuya enrolls in Aine's school too! How exciting! Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 1 Aine Kisses Someone Else: 1 Sakuya Kisses Someone Else: 1
Kaikan Phrase: # 5 Japanese ISBN4-09-136839-5	Kaikan Phrase: # 5 English ISBN1-59-116560-1
The situation with Tomoyuki has not been resolved. He keeps getting Aine confused with his dead sister Yumi. Meanwhile, Aine tries to tell her parents about Sakuya, asking them if they know anything about modern music. Unfortunately, they have no clue. However Sakuya takes matters into his own hands, and introduces himself to her parents. He pretty much takes Aine to stay with him, if her parents like it or not. Tomoyuki resorts to a strange hypnotism to get Aine by his side, and it works! Aine has forgotten who Sakuya is, and thinks she is Yumi! Sakuya tries to remind her of who she is by taking her back to his place, and then to a Λucifer concert. It almost works when Sakuya is suddenly injured when saving Aine from being hit by a truck. He is sent to the hospital with a serious injury, and the media is in an uproar. While unconscious, Sakuya has dreams of his past, of when he was a child, and his mother yells at him about how she doesn't want to look at his blue eyes, and if he was never born, she would still be living happily with her husband (;_;) He is on the brink of death when Aine's cries bring him back! But then more drama- Sakuya and Aine's relationship has become public! Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 2 Aine Kisses Someone Else: 1
Kaikan Phrase: Volume 6 ISBN4-09-136840-9
Since her relationship with Sakuya has become known (at her school at least), her classmates treat Aine with a mixture of resentment and curiousity. At a Λucifer party, Aine is shocked to discover that Yuki is married! Maria, Yuki's wife is introduced, and with her is Yuki's infant son. Seeing Yuki with his child starts Aine thinking about what it would be like to have a child with Sakuya. No sooner does she imagine having his child than she becomes afraid that she may actually be pregnant. After fainting at school and getting sick in the morning, Sakuya takes Aine to the doctor. Fortunately their worries are unfounded. Sakuya is forced to be filmed for part of a promotional video Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 1 Attempts: 1 Atsuro Sex-O-Meter: 1 Yuki Sex-O-Meter: 1
	Kaikan Phrase: Volume 7 ISBN4-09-137691-6
Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 2 Aine sleeps with someone else: 1
Kaikan Phrase: # 8 Japanese ISBN4-09-137692-4	Kaikan Phrase: # 8 English ISBN1-59-116803-1
Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 3
Kaikan Phrase: # 9 Japanese ISBN4-09-137693-2	Kaikan Phrase: # 9 English ISBN1-59-116867-8
A photo of Aine taken while she was on the beach has been used by a cellphone advertiser! Aine is shocked by this. Now everyone recognizes Aine from the ads. Sakuya, in that macho way of his, confronts the photographer, who does not back down. Aine ends up going to a photo shoot, but she can't recapture the magic of her smile from the photos the guy took before. Probably because she was thinking of Sakuya and cannot duplicate the smile for the cameraman. Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 2 Aine is kidnapped: 1 Aine Kisses Someone Else: 1 Sakuya Kisses Someone Else: 1
Kaikan Phrase: # 10 Japanese ISBN4-09-137694-0	Kaikan Phrase: # 10 English ISBN1-42-150013-2
Aine is stalked/attacked by an idol photographer. Relations between Sakuya, Aine, and Aine's parents are very strained. Aine's parents refuse to let her associate with Sakuya any more, but that doesn't stop her. Sakuya eventually wins them over I think, and Aine is allowed to go to Λucifer concerts and see Sakuya again. At a concert, Aine meets a girl named Sakura who is a big fan of Sakuya. Another new character is introduced: Hitoshi Takayama, Λucifer's new producer. He's very pretty. Aine doesn't like him at first when she sees him hanging all over Sakuya and mistakes Hitoshi for a woman! There is a side story in this that talks about the origins of Λucifer. Yuki, Atsuro, and Towa are the only members at this point, but then they first meet Santa, who joins the band as the new drummer. However, they still do not have a vocalist. Santa thinks he knows someone who may be a good vocalist for Λucifer. He takes the band to a hotel lounge (only Santa and Yuki can get in- Towa and Atsuro are too young!) and there they see Sakuya for the first time. Just like in the anime, Sakuya is reluctant to join Λucifer for personal reasons. The band must convince him to join! Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: Aine Attacked: 1
Kaikan Phrase: # 11 Japanese ISBN4-09-137695-9	Kaikan Phrase: # 11 English ISBN1-42-150107-4
Λucifer's new Producer doesn't approve of having Aine hang around Sakuya so much, and tries to keep them apart. He has the band performing a bunch of live shows, including a 'secret live' at a small club. Aine is kept in the dark about a lot of this, and it hurts her feelings. She ends up meeting that Sakuya fangirl Sakura again. Sakura knows what Λucifer is up to, and gets Aine into the secret live show. However when Sakura finds out Aine is Sakuya's girlfriend, their friendship is almost destroyed. Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 3 Sakuya Kisses Someone Else: 2
Kaikan Phrase: # 12 Japanese ISBN4-09-137696-7	Kaikan Phrase: # 12 English ISBN-1-421-50265-8
The first half of this volume continues the storyline of Sakuya dating the fangirl named Sakura. He isn't really dating her because he likes her. It seems more like he is trying to teach her a lesson. Sakura isn't able to handle being Sakuya's girlfriend very well. Aine is upset at Sakuya's behavior, but she tries to have faith in him. The second half of this volume revolves around Atsuro and Aine. Aine discovers who Atsuro's secret love interest is. Unfortunately while Atsuro is explaining things to Aine, they are photographed by a reporter who publishes their picture together. Sakuya becomes really jealous, and the fact that Aine refuses to tell Atsuro's secret only makes things worse. Sakuya goes to driving school, and Aine's ex-boyfriend shows up! Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 1
Kaikan Phrase: Volume 13 ISBN4-09-137697-5	Kaikan Phrase: # 13 English ISBN-1-421-50395-6
Sakuya and Aine's ex-boyfriend Kiminobu-kun do not get along very well. Aine explains how Kiminobu was the guy she longed for in junior high because he was smart, rich, a gifted violinist, handsome, etc. Sakuya starts off mocking the guy, but then he becomes a bit jealous. And he has reason to be! Kiminobu wants to marry Aine! EEk! Aine actually agrees, but don't think that sits well with Sakuya. Sakuya will do what he can to keep Aine! Even dye his hair blond! *gasp* The second major storyline in this volume involves Λucifer going to London. Usually the group can bring people with them on their trips, but this time the band must go alone. Sakuya is really upset about this. He wants Aine to come with him, but their Producer will not let her. Aine and Sakuya must be apart for a while! Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 2 Aine Kidnapped: 1 Aine Kisses Someone Else: 1
Kaikan Phrase: Volume 14 ISBN-4-09-137698-3	Kaikan Phrase: # 14 English ISBN-1-421-50559-2
The band is getting ready to go to London. Aine is sad, Sakuya is depressed, and the rest of Λucifer is upset as well. The trip to London is a great thing for the band, yet everyone would miss their loved ones. Can they really play well when they are distracted by missing their families and lovers? Sakuya leaves Aine's school, and Aine packs up her belongings. While Sakuya is gone, she can no longer live in his apartment. It's too big and empty for her to stay there alone. Things get very tense between the band and their producer. Meanwhile, a new band is about to enter the scene. They are e.mu, and they are set to be a fierce rival for Λucifer. Λucifer's producer expects them to surpass Λucifer's fame! Then at Aine's school, there is a new transfer student in Aine's class. His name is Daisuke, and he happens to be a member of e.mu! (of course ^_^;) e.mu and Λucifer have the same production company, and now they want Aine to write the debut song for e.mu! Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 1
Kaikan Phrase: Volume 15 ISBN4-09-137699-1	Kaikan Phrase: # 15 English ISBN-1-421-50560-6
e.mu is on the scene, and things are tense between the two bands. Aine was enlisted to be the songwriter for the rival band, and the song she wrote turns out to be a big hit for e.mu. Sakuya and Daisuke fight over Aine, but eventually the two groups settle into sort of a friendly rivalry, playing on the same stage. Sakuya buys a ring for Aine that he plans to give her soon. But before Sakuya can, Aine is lead away by Kaito, a handsome businessman who has bad intentions. She is brutally attacked, and the result is a rift between her and Sakuya. Sakuya must try to help Aine heal emotionally and patch up their relationship. But more tragedy occurs, and it leaves Sakuya ready to kill! Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 2 Aine Kidnapped: 1 Aine Sleeps With Someone Else: 1
Kaikan Phrase: Volume 16 ISBN4-09-137700-9	Kaikan Phrase: # 16 English ISBN-1-421-50561-4
Sakuya attacks Kaito with a knife and tries to kill him! Before he can, Ralph makes a dramatic return and manages to save the day by having Kaito hauled away. Ralph is looking very bishounen :) He did not get rid of Kaito for Sakuya's sake, but was protecting Aine in his way. Once Aine gets out of the hospital, Sakuya convinces her to stay with him, and they move to a new apartment. However, when Aine discovers that Sakuya has left Λucifer to be with her, she becomes very upset and tries to hurt herself! Sakuya shows up, and cuts himself, saying that where she goes, he goes. Meanwhile, Yuki and the rest of Λucifer are trying to decide what to do about Sakuya. Since he won't return to the group, Ralph wants Λucifer to go to America and join with an American volacist he has under contract over there. The band is not keen on this idea. Without Sakuya, they aren't Λucifer. They end up planning a last live show for Λucifer, and the band members try to get Sakuya back. However it takes another tragedy to get Sakuya back on the stage, and he returns to the cheers of thousands of fans Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 0 *gasp*
Kaikan Phrase: Volume 17 ISBN4-09-137729-7	Kaikan Phrase: # 17 English ISBN-1-421-50562-2
*SPOILERS FOR THE ENDING HERE, SO DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW!* ^_^ Sakuya has returned to Λucifer, and there is one huge concert, the last live, where they play in memory of their producer. It's rather touching. But what will be next for this mega-band? Well, they have conquered Japan, so why not the world? Yeah, it looks like Λucifer will be going to New York. Meanwhile, Aine has graduated from high school at last. Later on, Aine, who has been (understandably) wiggy about personal contact after what happened to her previously, goes to Sakuya, and they make love again. The band leaves for New York, taking Aine with them. They do pretty well in America, though it takes them 2 years. After finally scoring a #1 on the Billboard charts, Sakuya is ambushed by reporters congratulating him on the #1 and asking him who he is gonna report the wonderful news to. He replies that the person he is gonna tell is the woman who is going to be his wife. And lo and behold, there in his room waiting for him is Aine, now 2 years older. Sakuya proposes to her. So Sakuya and Aine get married, with Λucifer playing at their wedding. And that's the end of the main storyline. After that there is a side story featuring Atsuro. Wow, when he is the main focus, he suddenly looks a lot more manly. The next side story is a flashback Sakuya has to his childhood. His unhappiness with his blue eyes (he actually tries to color them black with a pen!) and his relationship with his mother. We also learn how old Sakuya was the first time he had sex ^_^; We see a very brief version of the events that led sakuya to join Λucifer (something that is shown in the anime, but has not really been talked about much in the manga) Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 1 Atsuro Sex-O-Meter:
Kaikan Phrase: SPECIAL ISBN4-09-137730-0
Only half of this volume is actual Kaikan Phrase story. The other half contains 2 unrelated short stories that were previously published in Flower Comics special collection books. If you haven't read the end of the Kaikan Phrase manga series, then this special will probably be full of spoilers, so don't read this unless you know how the series ends :) Λucifer is back from America, where they were a huge hit. In Japan, a new Λucifer is about to come out. It is called "THE BEST" (gee, what a coincidence that the real 'Λucifer' band also released an album by this name ^_-) Aine waits for her husband, Sakuya, and the rest of the band to come home (they have to field a bunch of reporters, etc). Sakura sneaks home and surprises Aine (and wouldn't you know it, he tries to sleep with her right away ^_^) Aine gets a call from her parents, and they go make a visit, and Aine learns the fine art of having sex at home, down the hall from her parents, without making any noise ^_^;. Λucifer plays their first big Live concert in Tokyo in a long time. (They are shown playing the song 'Midnight Crow') Flash forward to the future. Aine is quite the cute little housewife, Sakuya is still super-hot and is very popular. Sakuya and Aine have a child named Shion, who is an adorable mini Sakuya clone. They get a wedding invitation in the mail. Another member of Λucifer is getting married! We get to see what has happened to some of the members of Λucifer over the last couple of years. Yet another cute wedding special! Sakuya/Aine Sex-O-Meter: 2