The closest I can get to working on another profession I’m not really knowledgeable about is through a vicarious experience, and in this case, it’s through reading a manga about one. I just find it fascinating to learn about the joys and woes of a particular lifelong career especially the not so common professions. Well, of course the trivia and technical know-hows are par for the course which often I have to take with a grain of salt.
Barakamon
After socking an elderly curator who left scathing remarks on his calligraphy, Handa was sent by his father to a remote seaside village to cool his head off and reflect on himself. Although initially hesitant to interact with the villagers, their warmth and hospitality slowly drew him out of his shell. Furthermore, this just may be the best place to rediscover his passion for calligraphy, and in the process, realize that critique is sometimes a form of encouragement.
My Rating: 8/10
Deaimon
Recognizing reality is never easy when you have been too drawn in by your dreams. Irino returned home after chasing his dreams for 10 years in Tokyo. It was to take over his family’s pastry shop because of his father’s declining health. However, the situation was a bit different than he expected due to a 10-year old girl that his folks have adopted.
My Rating: 8/10
Space Brothers
A chance encounter with a UFO ignited the passion for space exploration of the two brothers, Mutta and Hibito. But while his brother was taking slow and steady steps to becoming a full-fledged astronaut, Mutta wasn’t having it easy. He was unemployed after an altercation with his boss until his application to JAXA was approved.
My Rating: 9/10
Bakuman.
Mashiro loves drawing manga, but it is ultimately just a hobby because he doesn’t want to end up like his uncle, a mangaka, who died from overwork. That changed when Takagi, his classmate and a talented writer, approached him hoping that they could team up. Mashiro was still hesitant until his crush, Azuki who is an aspiring voice actress, agreed to marrying him if he can have an anime adaptation of his manga that she can act in.
My Rating: 9/10
Moyashimon
Tadayasu has an uncanny ability to see and communicate with microbes. He didn’t really think much of it until he goes to college and meets with people who study microbes regularly albeit with a microscope.
My Rating: 8.5/10
The Case Files of Jeweler Richard
Richard is someone who deals with jewelry daily, a jeweler but a peculiar one. When he was getting hounded by a group of drunkards, Seigi saved him and became his employee. Jewelries are sparkly, beautiful and often expensive, but they hold stories of their own, and it is a part of their job to uncover them.
My Rating: 8/10
Drifting Dragons
Gone are the days when people can only look up and cower at the might of dragons. Today, there are people who hunt them for a living using dragon-hunting airships. It is a hard and smelly job just like any other animal-related jobs on the ground. It’s just that dragon-hunting is a far riskier job compared to others.
My Rating: 8.5/10
Gallery Fake
Fujita used to work at an art museum, now he is a art dealer. And when dealing with art, trouble such as damaged art and counterfeits aren’t uncommon. Being an artist and a proficient painting restorer himself, he can not turn a blind eye to art and people who need his help.
My Rating: 7.5/10
Last updated on November 8, 2023 GMT+8:00
Iyashi's Long-windedness 