.png)
Sometimes there are manga that immediately catch your attention with their announcement, and you know right away that they will perfectly match your reading taste. One such manga for me was "Hirayasumi".
"Hirayasumi" is the work of Keigo Shinzo and began serialization on April 26, 2021, in Shogakukan's seinen manga magazine "Weekly Big Comic Spirits". In October 2023, Shinzo announced that the manga would be on hiatus until 2024, not for health reasons, but to ensure he could continue the story without regrets and in a satisfactory manner. During the break, he continued to draw almost daily. The series resumed on January 6, 2024.
In Japan, the series currently has seven volumes (as of July 2024). The license for the US market is held by VIZ Media.
So, how is it?
Hiroto Ikuta is a 29-year-old young adult who takes life easy. Hiroto is single, loves takoyaki, and works part-time at a fishing stand. He enjoys the small pleasures of life. He particularly feels at ease around older women, who often approach him, perhaps because of his friendly appearance. However, he is completely unsure when it comes to talking to young women he likes. This has led him to not yet find true love, despite having been in relationships in the past. Hiroto has also been unable to fulfill his dreams of an acting career, as he frequently failed in the presence of attractive actresses after leaving his rural hometown of Yamagata to make it in the big city.
Some time ago, Hiroto befriended the retiree Hanae Wada, who invites him to dinner twice a week. Hanae sometimes wonders why such a nice young man like Hiroto would want to visit an old lady like her. They spend simple and happy times together until Mrs. Hanae suddenly dies of a heart attack. Surprisingly, probably out of gratitude for his selfless care, Hanae, who had no family, leaves Hiroto her house. It's a somewhat run-down ground-floor apartment, but rich with memories of their time together. As soon as Hiroto settles in, three months later he gets a new roommate: Natsumi Kobayashi, his 18-year-old cousin, with whom he spent a lot of time before moving to Tokyo. She is also coming to the capital to study at an art college. Thus begins an unusual cohabitation in the old house.
With "Hirayasumi", fans of the slice-of-life genre will be thoroughly satisfied. Mangaka Keigo Shinzo excels with realistic characters and a gentle narrative style. Natsumi, freshly catapulted from the countryside to the big city, struggles to adapt. Her unconventional cousin helps her gradually find her way. Over time, more characters emerge, enriching the narrative. Hideki, Hiroto's best friend, is the counterpoint to Hiroto: a manager, married, and about to become a father. This juxtaposition of the two men allows the author to explore themes of freedom and social pressure. Another central theme is psychological resilience, embodied by the real estate agent who is repeatedly brusque with Hiroto due to his awkwardness and whom he encounters in everyday situations.
Each chapter of "Hirayasumi" feels like a standalone story. Although the manga progresses chronologically in a sense, each chapter feels like a well-crafted episode in everyday life. We see how Hiroto deals with Hanae's loss, attempts to build a relationship with his younger cousin, maintains friendships, and navigates life. Natsumi tries to adapt to life in Tokyo and often feels like an outsider. She dreams of becoming a manga artist, gets too drunk at a freshman party, and searches for new friendships.
Keigo Shinzo's design and layout are characterized by tranquility, with large panels, full-page illustrations, and some silent or almost silent panels. These layout choices highlight the beauty and melancholy of small, inconspicuous moments in life—a wake-up, a meal, a photo pose, a farewell, or a reunion. Readers are reminded of the importance of appreciating the small moments in life that are often overlooked.
On the surface, "Hirayasumi" is charming, and the cozy art style chosen by Shinzo adds to this charm. Yet beneath the surface, an almost nostalgic story unfolds. Although it takes place in the fast-paced city of Tokyo, Hiroto and Natsumi seem to progress at their own slow and steady pace.
Conclusion
"Hirayasumi" is a slice-of-life manga that shines through its calm and charming depiction of everyday life. The characters are authentic and lovable, and the story touches through its simplicity and depth. The artistic design and gentle narrative highlight the beauty of small, often overlooked moments in life.
Hirayasumi GN Vol 01
€11,24
€14,99
With a carefree outlook on life, Hiroto knows better than anyone that slowing down is sometimes the best way to move forward. At 29 years old, carefree Hiroto Ikuta doesn’t have a girlfriend, a full-time job, or a plan for… read more
