Shigeshoushi

The Embalmer stands out as a testament to the diverse and unique themes manga can explore. Where else could you find a fictional story centered around non-Egyptian embalming?

Embalmers aren't something most readers would typically relate to, and I had my doubts about how entertaining or meaningful a series about it could be. I didn’t see much significance in embalming itself. Surprisingly, it’s actually quite good. The manga addresses readers' skepticism by effectively explaining and defending the importance of the embalmer profession throughout the story. It has the power to change your perspective on the subject, which is crucial for the manga's impact. I commend the author for handling this aspect so well.

Another instance where the author addressed my concerns was within the first few chapters. Initially, the manga seemed unremarkable, especially with its episodic format that appeared formulaic: introducing a character, their death, the protagonist's job, and a glimpse into the deceased's life. This got repetitive fast. However, just as I started getting bored, the pattern broke. A chapter took an unexpected turn, signaling the start of a more cohesive plot. This demonstrates excellent writing skill, as the author anticipates and responds to reader doubts perfectly.

The protagonist has flaws, and confronting them is a central theme of the story—an aspect I appreciate, given the prevalence of perfect main characters. Even minor characters have distinct personalities, even if they only appear briefly. Unlike some other titles, none of the characters here feel like generic stereotypes.

The art style feels somewhat reminiscent of Tokyopop’s releases, despite Tokyopop being an English licensor. It might seem a bit dated, but you'll quickly get used to it. The artwork isn’t bad; it simply carries that early 2000s manga vibe.

Overall, it’s an intriguing read with an unusual theme and a satisfying conclusion. Definitely worth picking up.

This manga isn't for everyone, as some might find it dark, eerie, or even dull. It revolves around a man who becomes an embalmer and his daily interactions with his "clients." Each story is emotional and beautifully crafted. The narrative also delves into the protagonist's personal journey, exploring why and how he chose this unique profession. This manga stands out from others, but it's definitely worth reading.

"If you ever lost someone close to you, this book will really tug at your heartstrings, but also might become a treasured part of your bookshelf" - ign.com

I believe this statement holds true. Losing someone is an experience I can relate to, and this manga deeply resonated with me. However, not every story had the same impact. Some readers may find certain parts quite dull due to the repetitive nature of the narratives. Most tales revolve around death, with characters experiencing similar emotions of loss and grief, culminating in Shinjurou performing a small "miracle." As an embalmer, his job is challenging, especially when dealing with bodies in poor condition. Yet, he recognizes the significance of allowing loved ones to see the deceased's beauty or normalcy one last time, whether it be forgotten after several years or remembered forever.

Shinjurou is just an ordinary person, but his profession might appear unsettling to others. His life unfolds through various short stories, such as his decision to become an embalmer, his romantic involvement with an ordinary girl, and his struggles in that relationship. Through these anecdotes, we gain insights into themes of death, life, and what truly matters. Nevertheless, some readers might already be familiar with these lessons.

This is the first time I've shed tears multiple times in different chapters. If you've ever experienced the loss of a loved one, you understand how hard it is to see them for the last time. This manga resonates deeply with me. Having lost someone four times, I realize how fragile life can be. All we can do is ensure our final farewell matters and keep living for those we love.

Story:
Each chapter explores the emotions tied to being with someone you love and how easily we take them for granted. The conflicts within each story convey a bittersweet yet captivating message that keeps us engaged.

Art:
The artwork is excellent, effectively conveying everything the story aims to deliver.

Character:
Despite the main character's "jerk" attitude, he has his reasons. As you read on, you'll realize how challenging it is to be him and how much he suffers just to make others smile.

Enjoyment:
I thoroughly enjoyed how the story unfolds, whether for better or worse. The explanations are always simple, requiring no deep thought because the messages are conveyed very well. I enjoyed every single chapter.

Overall:
It's a good, simple read (only 42 chapters). Initially, I thought it would involve gore and sadistic themes, but it's actually a Josei manga. It's a worthwhile read nonetheless. The theme might seem odd to some, but if you're open to it, this manga will offer more than just corpses.

An interesting yet underexplored concept, this manga suffers from repetitive storytelling and unlikable recurring characters. Not recommended.

Description

Shinjuurou Mamiya works as an embalmer, a profession considered "unclean" in Japanese society due to religious traditions and low demand for the service. Despite societal stigma, he is driven by his passion to preserve the dignity of the deceased, accepting the outcast lifestyle that comes with his job. Though his clientele is sparse, Shinjuurou is exceptionally skilled, transforming corpses into serene figures that make loved ones believe they are merely sleeping peacefully.

"Shigeshoushi" delves into the intricate psychological relationships between life, death, loss, and mourning. With each embalming, Shinjuurou brings out the inner beauty of the deceased, allowing their loved ones to properly say goodbye.

Story: 5/10

The manga primarily consists of disconnected vignettes centered around someone's death and subsequent embalming by Shinjuurou. Some stories are thought-provoking, but most follow the same template: - Someone dies - The embalmer introduces themselves to relatives/friends - The body is embalmed - Relatives/friends express amazement at how beautiful the deceased looks - Azuki pines over Shinjuurou or vice-versa

If it sounds repetitive, it is! The concept of embalming is unique, but there is little differentiation between individual stories. Most characters only appear in one chapter, receiving minimal characterization, making it hard to care about their plight. The main character's lack of expressiveness exacerbates this issue. Moreover, the manga's heavy-handed promotion of embalming through trite sob stories falls flat.

The rest of the manga focuses on the protagonist's backstory or his relationship with love interest, Azuki. Most emotional content stems from the protagonist's poorly executed romance with Azuki (more on this in the character section).

Surprisingly, the actual process of embalming receives little focus, with more attention given to the emotions of those related to the deceased. While this aligns with the manga's philosophy that embalming benefits the living, it doesn't salvage the overall narrative quality.

This manga reads like an advertisement for embalming in Japan mixed with bad romance, occasionally broken up by Shinjuurou's somewhat interesting backstory.

Character: 3/10

The main character, Shinjuurou, is insufferable. He takes people for granted and behaves childishly. His romantic interest in a high schooler while being a middle-aged man with a career does not improve his likability.

Azuki is a non-entity with no personality, existing solely as the object of Shinjuurou's affection. This is problematic when she makes up half the emotional core of the recurring cast.

Their so-called romance was painful to read. It seems tailored for teenagers, not adults. Their attraction appears contrived, with no discernible reason for their mutual feelings. They barely interact, showing no chemistry. Both characters suffer from the common manga trope where they're deeply in love but never manage to express it due to contrived obstacles.

Art

The art is neither remarkable nor terrible, falling squarely in the middle of the road.

Overall: 5/10

Perhaps this manga holds deeper meaning for those who have experienced significant loss, prompting reflection on funeral experiences. Perhaps.

Formulaic writing and unlikeable characters diminish any interest I had, despite the intriguing concept. The negatives outweigh the few enjoyable parts, leading me to recommend against reading it.

Being in a country where embalming is practiced, I can understand the sentiment that family members would want their deceased loved one to look as they did when alive.

Before diving into my review, let me share an experience to illustrate my point. Recently, my grandfather passed away due to illness, leaving him quite thin. Following the embalming process, he appeared healthier and fuller, not overly so, but more like his usual self before the illness. He didn't look sick anymore; instead, he seemed to be merely sleeping, even with a slight smile on his face. We thought, "He must be happy now, free from suffering."

In the past, I didn't pay much attention to embalmers. However, after reading this manga, I realized how crucial their role is in easing the pain of those left behind by the deceased.

The stories are captivating and, at times, heartbreaking.

The artwork is decent. It particularly impresses me whenever it shows Shinjyurou's embalming process (though that might sound odd).

The characters are also well-developed. I comprehend Shinjyurou's need for warmth after embalming a corpse; it seems to be a psychological reaction. The trauma of witnessing his mother being embalmed by his father in front of him appears to linger in his subconscious, manifesting through sexual urges. I appreciate how each character is portrayed in every chapter.

This manga is peculiar, in my opinion, but overall, it's entertaining and does teach some valuable lessons. :)