No big epiphanies, no ultimatums, just small realizations and a desire to be better not only for yourself, but for other people.
I would like to believe that I’m constantly working to be a better person, and that I’m actively growing. That being said, of course I’m nowhere near perfect and I mess up, just like anyone else. Sometimes I act without thinking, say cruel things mindlessly, and hurt people with my careless actions. It’s not a great feeling, and that leads to reflection and more growth and the cycle kinda repeats.
But something that has been different recently, is that my desire to be better has been stronger than ever. I want to be kinder, I want to do things more purposefully, and I want to be more grateful about what I have in my life. I want to do more of my part to help others, donating where I can, and even am currently planning a program at my job to gather necessary supplies for local free stores. There has been a bigger drive with myself for better circumstances. And I’m sure you’re like, “Oh wise, benevolent, and magnificent being Dana, how have you reached this state? What great, momentous event has occurred to bring you to this state of higher existence?” And I offer to you, my beautiful readers, this answer:
Nothing. Not really. Well… maybe a little something. I’ve been reading as usual, but this shift, has largely come about due to what I’ve been reading. Below, I’ll be talking about a few manga series that have served to become an motivator for me to be a more humane, empathetic person.
Aria by Kozue Amano
This story follows young Akari on her journey of becoming an “Undine” (a gondolier) for the Aria Company in the city Neo-Venezia (A rendition of the “original “manhome” city Venice). Everyday, Akari and her friends practice their skills while coming to appreciate their community, the customers they service and most of all, each other. This is a coming of age story full of wonderment and beauty.
“Living in the moment” is how I would describe Aria. The ability to slow down and take in the beauty of your surroundings; to acknowledge that even as time passes and the world changes, that there’s nothing to be afraid of because this current moment is yours. We must take care to cherish the time we have in this world, the people that we meet and the places we find ourselves.
As a coming of age story, Aria shows the growth of its characters as they start to come into themselves. As they work hard to become full-fledged undines, they also take the time to enjoy both the world around them and each other. Through their moments of happiness and anxieties, you begin to feel at ease as we, the readers, realize what the characters do: The more things change, the more things stay the same. It’s okay to be nervous about the future, you may not see your friends everyday and you might be given more responsibilities, but as long as you carry with you the memories and the lessons you’ve experienced, it’ll all work out. This is the heart of Aria.
Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House by Aiko Koyama
Kiyo becomes the caterer of a Maiko residential home after failing to become one herself. We watch the daily routines of her and her childhood friend and maiko, Sumire, as they both try their best doing their respective responsibilities.
This story highlights the beauty of routine and the small moments that make up our daily lives. Even if we’re not training to be a maiko, everyone can relate to the moments where we oversleep and run late to an important meeting, coming home tired after a long day, the feeling of incompetence that lingers when we’re not at our best. Likewise, through this manga you relate to the times when you can sit down and enjoy a good meal, the minutes you spend with loved ones doing even the most mundane tasks like grocery shopping, the comfort you find coming home and knowing it’s a place that you can really be yourself with no pretenses.
This is something that transcends culture. No matter the circumstances or the differences in lifestyle, this story carries all the good and the bad that we navigate through in life and reminds us how nice it is to just be human.
The World of Machida-kun by Yuki Andou
Machida-kun is normal, average even. He doesn’t stick out, he’s not an ultra genius nor a superstar athlete, but that’s fine. Machida-kun goes out of his way to make the people in his life feel special and loved, but why can’t he seem to see how special he really is? This is the story of a very special, normal boy and the people who care about him.
This series shows the importance of being kind. Being a good person goes a long way and Machida-kun is a prime example of this. Without thinking of it, he’s quick to step in when needed, whether it’s for friends, family or even complete strangers. He doesn’t expect thanks or do so out of any obligation, he is simply just a kind person that wants to help others. This may, to many, seems like a weakness. That he’s someone easily exploited or weak, but the story shows it’s not like that. So many people see the strength in him and hold a strong adoration for him because of his actions. And though he may not realize himself, he is extremely loved and cherished because of the person he is.
In a world that makes it so common to be rude and individualistic, it’s refreshing to see more characters that are nice because that’s who they are. There’s no need to look for praise or awards for being a decent human being nor should that be the motivation for doing so. To be a person that helps out and steps up with no hesitation is nothing to scoff at. It’s HARD to do. If it was easy, more people would do it (I think and hope). It takes a level of selflessness and proactivity that many simply do not have within them. This is why to see a character like Machida-kun, who is so effortlessly kind, matters. Even despite his own lack of self love, he continues to make people feel special even if it’s for a brief moment.
Seeing him act this way, makes me want to do better as a person, and I hope it does the same for other people. Like I mentioned, it’s not always easy, but it makes the society we live in a better place.
Here I’ve presented a few manga that I recommend because not only are they very enjoyable to read, but because they each carry themes that are so beneficial to our limited existence. To drive to be kinder to live more in the moment, these are things that can make us more grateful and appreciative of what we have. The privilege to step back and to take in all that we’ve been given is something that more of us should do. So take some time, read a little, and reflect on yourself and life and see where it takes you.
Happy Reading! -Sundai
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