Hirayasumi is one of my favorite manga and every new volume is a joy! The series is slice of life (with some romance) and follows Hiroto, a 29 year old who works a relaxed job at a fishing spot, his cousin Natsumi who lives with him while she goes to art school, and their friends. Hiroto is a laid back person who used to work as an actor, but gave it up to work a quiet job and take it more easy. Natsumi is wound tighter than him and is going through the trials of early adulthood. It’s very focused on the small magic in the every day and the ways that little moments can mean a lot in relationships, and the author does a masterful job of conveying all of the ordinary things that are actually extraordinary.
This volume focuses more on the relationship between Natsumi and her best friend Akari. They both go to art school together and Natsumi has been feeling jealous of Akari’s successes. The other main focus is Hiroto and his best friend Hideki’s attempt to try to finish their short film before the summer festival. There’s also a third subplot about the real estate agent who I am rooting for Hiroto to end up with. All in all, some very touching moments here that I was genuinely moved by, and which I don’t want to spoil. I was surprised by one twist and I thought that it really showed how things change before you know it, so you have to enjoy moments with the people you love while you can.
Keigo Shinzo’s art is perfect and I love it, not one complaint from me. He has an almost European style, with a beautiful fine line and an eye for detail that makes the world he portrays seem completely realistic. I can’t wait for the next volume to appear!
