I received an ARC of Hirayasumi, volume 1 by Keigo Shinzo published by Viz from NetGalley and Viz in exchange for an honest review.
There is something to be said about slice-of-life stories and how they touch your heart in unexpected ways. Upon reading the premise of Hirayasumi, I knew this story about two cousins in Tokyo “figuring out life” would be right up my alley. As much as I love romance, drama, and supernatural stories, I relish slice-of-life stories. The human experience is so vast and complex, and at the same time so universal. I find that slice-of-life stories capture the common humanity in all of us, regardless of where we are in life.
Created by award-winning mangaka Keigo Shinzo and published by Viz, Hirayasumi is a slice-of-life manga following two cousins. Hiroto Ikuta is a 29-year-old man who works part-time at a fishing pond. He loves to plan dinner and does not have a girlfriend. He befriends an older woman who dies and leaves her house for him. After inheriting the house, Hiroto’s 18-year-old cousin Natsumi, moves in with him to attend art school in Tokyo.
Each chapter of Hirayasumi is akin to a stand-alone short story. While it seems to go in somewhat chronological order, they each feel so full and rich on their own. We see Hiroto deal with the loss of “Granny,” trying to connect with his younger cousin, dealing with changing friendships, and navigating life. His younger cousin Natsumi is trying to adjust to life in Tokyo while feeling like an outsider. She secretly wants to be a manga artist, gets too drunk at a freshman party, and desperately wants to make friends.
On the surface, Hirayasumi is charming and the comfy art style Shinzou has chosen for this series aids in the charm. But underneath the surface, the story feels nostalgic almost. Although it takes place in fast-paced Tokyo, Hiroto and Natsumi seem to move in their own slow and steady stride. They may not figure it out all out tomorrow, but there is no rush for them to do it anyway. They will get there one day.
Reading Hirayasumi felt like eating a sweet treat after a savory dessert. Every chapter is so satisfying. I am looking forward to the continuation of this series and watching Hiroto and Natsumi navigate the life challenges that await them.
