Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

It is the time when the whole world, which had been like a festival, slowly calmed down. Here is an introduction to the gentle time called The Age of the Calm Evening.

Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou, one of the simplest manga you may come across, inspired me to write this review after reading the Epilogue chapter. Despite being 14 volumes long, its simple story and detailed illustrations make it feel more like a 5-volume series, yet it retains its unique charm. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where rising sea levels have altered life as we know it, the population has decreased, new animals have emerged, and life has become much simpler. The protagonist, Alpha, a cheerful female robot, runs a café near Yokohama in Japan.

Story: 9
The story of YKK is straightforward and joyful, revolving around a cheerful robot, a café, and neighbors. It portrays the simplest way to live your life. Although it spans 14 volumes, the storyline isn't overly expansive, making it easy to follow without many flaws. The language used in this manga is luxurious and elegant.

Art: 10
The art is exceptionally well-done, simple, and unbelievably cute. There are no devils, just smiling faces, and sunshine that never fades. This perfectly matches the atmosphere of the manga and showcases a different aspect of "Moe." The background artwork is also impressive, with most colors being green, blue, and other natural hues. I couldn't take my eyes off it; the art of Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is truly remarkable.

Character: 10
You might wonder why I gave this a perfect score. It's because the characters are realistic, reminiscent of Miyazaki's works. There are no devils, only smiles, no dark sides, and no supernatural elements.

Enjoyment: 10
Read this manga when you're calm, listen to soothing music (Vashiti Bunyan's songs are great), and relax. You will thoroughly enjoy it!

Thank you for reading.
- zanac

This is the epitome of slow-paced and slice-of-life storytelling. The story revolves around Alpha, a highly human-like robot, and her life at the Alpha Café. It explores the people she meets, the friends she makes, and her mysterious owner.

Across the 14 volumes, there are fewer than 10 named or important characters. This is quite impressive given that the story spans about 20-30 years. The author has crafted a tale that is happy—featuring Alpha and her friends, Alpha's adventures—but at the same time, without delving too deeply, there is an underlying melancholy. Perhaps it stems from references to the past, the ambiguity of how far back this past really was, or the significant environmental changes observed within the lifetimes of the human characters. The constant references to the sea encroaching on the land add to this sense of unease.

The passage of time and change are intertwined with the sense of things staying the same. The artwork is lovely, with clean lines that convey a sense of wonder and transformation. The characters have surprising depth, as you would expect from a slice-of-life manga, which is inherently character-driven. There is no real "bad guy" in this story, and I found many questions left unanswered. For instance, I wasn't sure how the supernatural/gods theme fit into the narrative, but I found it fascinating how robots (technology) and the occult (religion/gods) coexisted. And who exactly was Alpha's owner?

However, these uncertainties didn’t seem to matter much. If you're looking for a gentle read, this manga isn't heavy on dialogue. If you want a story where nothing *really* happens, yet you can't look away, this is the manga for you. As a side note, I watched the anime “Quiet Country Café” before reading the manga and found it hard to get into. However, having now read the manga, I think I would enjoy the anime more now.

This is my first review, so please bear with me. I noticed some harsh criticism for this masterpiece, and I felt compelled to share my thoughts.

Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is a true masterpiece, hence the straight 10s. If you enjoy slice-of-life stories, this manga is a must-read. It's an incredibly bittersweet tale set in the twilight years of humanity. The concept of "mono no aware" perfectly encapsulates YKK. Translated as "the pathos of things," it refers to the awareness of impermanence and the passage of time (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mono_no_aware).

Story: 10

The premise is straightforward: the eruption of Mount Fuji caused flooding in Japan (and perhaps the world). Humanity is nearly extinct, with only a few settlements remaining, including Cafe Alpha. There isn't much lore because that's not the point of the story. Instead, YKK focuses on a robot named Alpha who runs a cafe in the middle of nowhere. Her only neighbor is an old man named Ojisan, who operates a gas station. I want to avoid spoilers, but one of the most interesting aspects is the passage of time. Alpha doesn't age, so you see other characters growing up around her. There are short arcs that add depth to the story, and as the chapters progress, you learn more about the origins of robots. The bulk of the story consists of feel-good slice-of-life moments, watching the characters live their lives. One review mentioned nihilism, but this manga is the opposite. It's about finding fulfillment in the life they've been given, and reading it just makes you smile.

Characters: 10

The characters are the best part of YKK. The main cast includes Alpha, Ojisan, his grandson Takahiro, another robot named Kokone, and an old lady named Koumishi. I love how the robots act like people. They don't spit out ones and zeros; they understand emotions and can even sing, dance, and get drunk! One theory suggests that robots were created to survive after humanity, preserving our species as best as possible. Since the story revolves around Alpha, I'll focus on her. Seeing the world through her eyes is fascinating. Many chapters have her exploring, playing at the beach, and taking pictures with her camera. I'm sure the camera is a metaphor, but I'll let you figure it out ;). All the characters radiate positivity. One negative review criticized the characters for being idealistic and unrealistically happy. That's the entire point! The world is dying, so all the characters are living their best lives, finding fulfillment wherever they can. The characters are amazing, and their relationships add so much depth.

Art: 10

The art is beautiful, with random color panels that are simply stunning. There were many moments where I found myself staring at my monitor. Ashinano is an incredible artist. The character designs are fun, and I love Alpha's outfit. A significant plot device is a camera, so the author puts a lot of effort into sunsets and landscapes. I don't know much about art, so I don't have more comments, but if you have Wallpaper Engine, check out this link: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2583829079

Enjoyment:

Sorry for the plug, but seriously. If you can't tell from my description, I love this story. One negative review asked, "Is sole personal enjoyment enough to earn something a 10 or 9, if all other important parts of a story lack and the whole thing's mostly a carbon copy of a dozen similar works?" First off, I don't know of any other work quite like this, so I have no idea what it copied. Second, what's the point of manga? If a story can make you smile, I think the writer has done their job right. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou goes above and beyond, providing happiness no other story has while also creating memorable characters and a wonderful world for us to enjoy :)

Thanks for reading my first (and probably only) review! Feel free to friend me if you like my profile.

I just registered on MAL to recommend this to everyone. The concept of a calm and slow apocalypse that involves no violence and gradually leads humanity away from large urban centers is the most captivating aspect for me. Although the manga doesn't seem intended to criticize modernity, it effectively illustrates how life was happier before the massification of culture and the impersonalization of everyday things. It might sound naive that the characters, who are mostly remarkable, find joy in living their simple lives and deriving happiness from the simplest things. However, the way this simplicity is portrayed reveals something we often lack. I don't hate modern life, but it's refreshing to dream of an alternative within the slice-of-life genre, which is perfectly suited for such ideas. If there's a potential that slice-of-life can fulfill, this manga surely achieves the "simple happiness" aspect of it.

for those who seek a deeper understanding of themselves.
for those who wish to comprehend the hearts of others more fully.
for those who feel that life is slipping through their fingers too quickly.
for those who fear the responsibilities of adulthood.
for those who aspire to mature and grow.
for those who cherish the poignant sweetness of nostalgia.
for those who venture out at night to gaze upon the distant city lights.
for those whose hearts still flutter with excitement.
for those who feel insignificant in the vastness of the world.
for those who feel unique, yet realize they are not alone in their uniqueness.

and for the rest, there's Solo Leveling.

"Masterpiece" is indeed the apt term for this manga. Over its course, a world slowly unfolds before us. Very little is explicitly stated about this world, yet it mirrors our own, albeit altered. The reasons behind these changes remain unexplained; the sea levels are rising, but we don't know why. Presumably, the inhabitants understand the cause, but they've grown accustomed to it, much like we no longer question why the sky is blue. Civilization as we know it has collapsed, and humanity seems to be on a slow path to extinction. However, the story isn't truly about humans.

The central theme revolves around the passage of time and how it affects a being free from the pressures of creating a legacy or striving for immortality through offspring or achievements. Alpha, the main character, possesses true eternity and doesn't need such proxies. The portrayal of timelessness amidst constant change appears to be the artistic goal here, achieved masterfully through pacing and a beautifully fluid art style.

Alpha is an organic robot in the form of a young girl, left in charge of a remote café by her owner who goes off in search of something. There's a subtle hint that he might be connected to the creation of robots, but since he never returns, this remains just a hint. Other stronger hints point to ongoing changes in the world—strange mushroom/plant growths that hint at the origin of the robots, which I won't spoil. As with everything else in the manga, these clues are not spelled out, requiring readers to piece them together to form a hazy image of events that may have occurred before Alpha's birth.

Time accelerates throughout the series; initially, we see Alpha's days in detail, but soon, the narrative jumps months, then years between chapters. By the end, the still youthful-looking Alpha becomes almost mythical, her only lasting companions other robots. Short-lived humans cannot keep pace with her journey through time; they can perhaps manage a quest to her café for some coffee before becoming distant memories in her ever-receding past.

This manga is thoughtful and thought-provoking, filled with open questions and ambiguous clues. It's not for those who prefer neatly wrapped endings. Additionally, it might be emotionally challenging for those who have lost loved ones, as it evokes not just the pain of their loss but also the ongoing ache of their absence from our lives, along with the warmth of their memory.

I was taken aback and disappointed after deciding to pick up YKK, only to find it had merely 10 reviews. Here’s a counterbalance, an observation from one of the few who don’t consider it a masterpiece.

This manga feels much like a children's TV show about "what the teddy bear did today."

While it’s "pleasant" to read, that’s where its good qualities seem to end.

There doesn't appear to be any substantial ongoing story, aside from "life, which goes on," which is hardly enough to qualify as a "masterpiece."

We are introduced to new technology in a very haphazard manner—one might even say it doesn’t make any sense. For "science fiction," YKK is laughable.

The character designs are heavily caricatured, detracting from realism and adding to the "this is for kids" feel.

There are also fanservice-like moments, such as the fembots exchanging information by tongue-kissing. (And no, this can't be justified by saying, "it just adds to the realism; their creators were perverts, and many people in technical careers are really perverted nerds.")

Not much more to add. A simple summary of a simple manga.

Does it achieve its goals? I think so.

Are these goals brilliant, original, mature, and mind-revolutionizing enough for YKK to deserve a 10 or 9? I don’t think so.

Did I enjoy reading it? Apart from the disappointment due to the hype, mostly yes.

Is personal enjoyment alone enough to earn something a 10 or 9, if all other important aspects of the story are lacking and the whole thing is mostly a carbon copy of similar works? Not in my system.

Now that you know what’s wrong with YKK and aren’t just facing a wall of 10 reviews giving the impression that "this is for everyone," you can confidently proceed to read it and form your own opinion. I pass the baton.

The waves find their way past the glowing streetlights and crash onto the eroding streets. There's someone watching, a figure designed to look, act, and feel human. Here she stands, taking in this beautiful sight. There's no hurry; she's already closed her shop. There probably wouldn't be any customers anyway...

This is the setting of Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (YKK), a serene, beautiful, and post-apocalyptic slice-of-life manga.

Story (10/10): YKK follows the journey of Alpha Hatsuseno, a humanoid robot, through the "twilight age of humanity." Human civilization is declining. Sea levels have risen, and once-bustling cities have become small towns or been abandoned entirely. Alpha lives alone in the countryside, with her nearest neighbors residing several kilometers away. While waiting for her owner to return, she takes care of the house and runs a coffee shop. People visit just to see her. She has developed a habit of sitting down next to her customers to chat and drink coffee with them. However, due to its remote location, only a few customers visit each week. This leaves Alpha with ample free time, which she spends with her neighbors or exploring the countryside.

Throughout YKK’s story, we learn more about the mysterious world, the robots, and their development. We accompany Alpha and her friends through years of living and growing up in the countryside. The story excels not because of exciting events but because of its meticulous attention to detail and perfect pacing.

Characters (10/10): Alpha is a multi-layered, realistic, yet interesting and unique character. She's more human with a few robotic traits than the other way around. These robotic traits are implemented brilliantly, often used to emphasize fundamentally human abilities to feel and imagine. This results in Alpha and the other robots having a uniquely different but still "human" perception of the world. Alpha stands out as one of the best protagonists in manga and anime.

The side characters also don't disappoint. They're all likable, interesting, and understandable in their actions.

Art (10/10): Not only is it exceptionally beautiful, but the art is also a key storytelling tool. This manga uses minimal text and instead fully leverages the strengths of its medium. This results in a unique, calm, and subtle storytelling style.

Enjoyment (10/10): There's no feeling quite like reading YKK. It is interesting, beautiful, and relaxing in a way that will leave you craving more. Even after finishing it, its mystery and themes will keep you thinking for a while.

Overall (10/10): It feels strange giving this a 10 in every category, as nothing, not even YKK, is perfect. However, everything fits together so well, and the strengths far outweigh any minor flaws. While it may not appeal to everyone, YKK accomplishes what it sets out to do almost flawlessly.

This review is based solely on the first 14 chapters of the series and does not reflect the overall experience of the manga. It will focus on what I liked and disliked about it, as well as the reasons for dropping it.

The only aspect I genuinely appreciated about this manga is its art. It's simplistic yet visually appealing, but that's the extent of its merits. There isn't anything particularly bad or good about it; there's simply nothing happening. The chapters don't reach any meaningful conclusions, there's no conflict, and nothing leaves you pondering. It's just a series of simple events unfolding. If your favorite pastime is staring at a wall, this manga might be perfect for you because it is equally monotonous.

I don't want to be overly critical since there's nothing inherently wrong with it, but the main issue is the lack of substance. The chapters I read primarily involved the main character drinking coffee and conversing with other villagers. If you're interested in reading about characters living frugally in a world where most people have disappeared, with some robots thrown into the mix, you might give this manga a try. However, beyond that, this manga is as eventful as watching a rock. When you look at a rock, do you expect it to move? No, and that’s why I dropped the manga.

I wouldn't recommend this manga to anyone unless an extremely uneventful setup with no takeaways appeals to you. In that case, this manga would be perfect for you.