i stopped reading at 413 and let it stack are they out of that underwater place yet is that arc finished? want to pick it up again but i was stacking till that arc finished but honestly i cant tell by the titles if it has or not
Writing needs to be reviewed. The story line has potential but it feels rushed. It would also help for us to get to know the characters as well. Overall, I think the story needs a complete revision. Best of luck!
For many of us on this site, there are likely aspects of our lives that we regret. We often wish we could redo certain decisions if given another chance. Even as a younger reader than the intended audience for the manga, I can relate to the desire to alter past actions. Harukana Machi-E, or its English title A Distant Neighborhood, explores this universal feeling by sending a 48-year-old man back to a critical moment in his youth.
The protagonist of the story is Hiroshi, who at the start appears as a somewhat bitter older man, nursing a hangover. He mistakenly boards the wrong train and ends up in his old hometown. After visiting his mother's grave, he faints and awakens to find himself trapped in his 14-year-old body, reliving his youth. However, he retains the mind of a 48-year-old, allowing him to recall numerous past events. He reconnects with friends destined to die young, move away, or abandon their dreams, leading average lives. This awareness infuses the narrative with a poignant sense of melancholy and enriches character interactions and development.
The core of the story unfolds when Hiroshi realizes that not everything follows his memories. Leveraging his adult knowledge, he excels academically and revels in life's simple pleasures, changes noticed by his peers. Motivated by this, Hiroshi decides to forge a different future, distinct from the broken and suffering one he initially experienced. This transformation highlights the story's true essence—a tale of change, regret, youth, family, and life's simple beauties.
Despite its merits, the story isn't without flaws. Hiroshi often seems to forget about his wife and children from his real life as a 48-year-old. He briefly thinks of them a few times before the story's end, but these moments are so rare that one might question his attachment to his actual family. Nevertheless, this flaw doesn't diminish the emotional impact later in the story, and the overall narrative remains compelling and beautifully crafted.
Though only two volumes long, each character is well-developed. Whether family members or schoolmates, they all have their own stories and contribute effectively to the plot. Hiroshi stands out as the most intriguing character. The blend of a 14-year-old body and a 48-year-old mind gives him a reflective thought process, and the dialogue never feels unnatural despite the unusual combination.
The artwork is skillfully drawn with good detail. Characters aren't overly handsome, there are no cheap comedic drawings, and no mysterious flowers blooming in the background—essentially, it appeals to its target audience.
I can't recommend this highly enough. The characters are realistic, likable, and well-developed. The story is exceptional and should resonate emotionally with readers. Most importantly, it's a captivating read with all the elements of a great story. It's unfortunate that the story isn't more widely known; A Distant Neighborhood is a straightforward yet engaging read with broad appeal. I recommend it to fans of emotional, well-crafted stories, but it should attract anyone who finds the premise appealing. Truly, it's a hidden gem in the world of manga.
I think the most apparent critique of this manga would be its short length. There was potential for much more content. It really felt like Taniguchi had been instructed by publishers to bring it to a close.
I believe Taniguchi did a commendable job striking a balance between familiar tropes and deeper reflections on family life. It was noteworthy that he refrained from making the school life overly ecchi, but I also feel that all the exaggerated "Uwaa~ this can't be real..." moments were a waste of space.
Overall, a bittersweet little story about the realities of family life and cherishing what you have.
A Distant Neighbourhood – Spoiler Free – Recommended
TLDR
Story – 7/10 – 7 x 0.275 = 1.925
Art – 7/10 – 7 x 0.2 = 1.4
Characters – 6/10 – 6 x 0.225 = 1.35
Enjoyment – 8/10 – 8 x 0.3 = 2.4
Total: 7.075 -> 7
Story – 7/10
A Distant Neighbourhood is a captivating manga by Jiro Taniguchi. The premise is straightforward: a 48-year-old worker, Hiroshi Nakahara, takes the wrong train and finds himself back in his hometown. After visiting his mother's grave, he falls asleep and awakens in his 14-year-old body, retaining all his adult memories. This leads him to return to school and confront a dilemma: can he prevent past misfortunes from recurring? Can he stop his father from abandoning the family?
This setup drives the narrative of A Distant Neighbourhood, which unfolds linearly and proves engaging as it follows Hiroshi's renewed life. Certain elements of his experiences are particularly distinctive. However, while there was significant buildup toward the manga's pivotal moment—his father leaving—the resolution happens abruptly, leaving much to be desired. Additionally, the ending feels somewhat unsatisfactory.
Art – 7/10
The art style of A Distant Neighbourhood is highly functional, with excellent page flow and panel pacing. Characters are well-drawn and easily distinguishable, and the overall artwork is undoubtedly well-crafted, though not groundbreaking.
Characters – 6/10
A Distant Neighbourhood features a limited cast, focusing primarily on Hiroshi, his family, and a few friends. Among these, Hiroshi and his father stand out as the most intriguing characters; others remain underdeveloped. Hiroshi receives the most attention, offering readers deep insight into his thoughts and emotions, making him the most compelling figure in the story.
Enjoyment – 8/10
A Distant Neighbourhood is an enjoyable read. Its smooth page flow, engaging storyline, and decent character development make it worthy of recommendation. Despite the shortcomings of its climax and conclusion, it remains a worthwhile experience.
The cycle of trials and tribulations seems unending. Bitter experiences from the past can leave lasting scars on our lives, and we often find ourselves wishing we could go back in time, hoping to act differently to prevent the 'dreadful' events from occurring. Though we may have been responsible for our sorrows at some point, there were also things beyond our control, and now, we can do nothing but question why they happened. But what if we were somehow given the chance to revisit our past and make sense of what transpired?
Harukana Machi-E tells the story of Hiroshi, a middle-aged businessman. Life has become monotonous, with work taking precedence over family, and he has started drinking regularly. One day, after a tiring business trip, he mistakenly boards a train bound for Kurayoshi, his hometown. Walking through the familiar streets of his childhood, nostalgia overwhelms him as he finds himself standing in front of the house where he once lived with his parents, sister, and grandmother. He visits his mother's grave, reflecting on her life filled with suffering after his father mysteriously disappeared, never to return. He falls asleep and awakens to discover himself in the body of a young boy resembling his fourteen-year-old self. To his disbelief, he realizes he has been transported back to his junior high school days. Everything looks exactly as it once did, and his family is there with him. As he relives his childhood, he decides to rectify past mistakes and uncover truths he never knew. For the first time, he understands the value of family, love, and the little things we often overlook.
If I had to describe this manga in one word, it would be AMAZING. At first glance, it might appear to be just another slice-of-life story with the debated concept of time travel, but as you read, you'll realize it's much more. It's a beautifully realistic narrative told from the protagonist Hiroshi's perspective—retaining the body of his fourteen-year-old self but the mind of his forty-eight-year-old self. It's heartwarming yet heart-breaking, bittersweet, and skillfully simple while keeping readers engaged.
The characters are what truly make this manga captivating. They are depicted realistically, with their own strengths and flaws. None are portrayed as perfect or overly idealistic. You can easily relate to multiple characters and see the world through their eyes, whether they're family members, friends, or classmates. Their relationships with the protagonist feel genuine.
While the art style might not appeal to everyone, especially those accustomed to modern aesthetics, it is commendable. The illustrations are detailed, and the characters' expressions are well-captured. Overall, the manga has a clean, well-organized appearance with neatly segmented panels.
I highly recommend Harukana Machi-E to anyone seeking a short, simple, yet engaging slice-of-life manga. <p>
I had to wait a few days after finishing Harukana Machi-E before writing this review. I simply couldn't believe how much I loved this manga. Had I reviewed it right after finishing, I would have showered it with nothing but 10s. Now that the impact has settled in, my opinion remains unchanged.
STORY: 10/10
Imagine being a 48-year-old man visiting your mother's grave. You close your eyes to pray, and upon opening them, you find yourself as a 14-year-old again. But it's not just you who has lost 34 years; the entire world has regressed too. Somehow, you've traveled back in time, yet you retain the mind of an adult. What would you do? Would you pursue the prettiest girl in school? Attempt to prevent your father from leaving? What else might you change? These are the questions Hiroshi grapples with as he comes to terms with his extraordinary situation. The story is undeniably beautiful. Spanning only two volumes, it achieves everything it needs to. Unburdened by excessive arcs or superfluous characters, it flows perfectly from its ordinary beginning to its stunning conclusion.
ART: 10/10
The characters feature proportionate noses and eyes, breaking away from the typical "bishonen" art style. Backgrounds are meticulously detailed, almost photographic in nature. You can almost feel the water dripping down Hiroshi's face during a rainstorm or smell the salt while he stands at the beach watching waves crash ashore. The artwork truly breathes life into the narrative.
CHARACTER: 10/10
Given its two-volume length, Harukana Machi-E doesn't boast a large cast, but every character contributes meaningfully to the story. From the loving father whose mysterious departure left Hiroshi's family broken the first time around, to Hiroshi's shy friend aspiring to become a writer, and Hiroshi himself, so captivated by revisiting his youth that he almost forgets about returning to the future. Each character is crafted with realism and charm.
ENJOYMENT: 10/10
I eagerly anticipated each new development. Would the prettiest girl in school fall for him? Could he convince his father to stay this time? Will he ever return to the future? This manga is incredibly engaging, making it hard to put down and leaving you yearning for more after every chapter.
OVERALL: 10/10
Pursue your dreams and cherish your family—a poignant message wrapped in a flawless manga. I recommend this to everyone, whether they're manga enthusiasts or not. You'll be glad you read it. This manga deserves nothing less than a perfect 10.
Popular Reviews
Just a little
The protagonist of the story is Hiroshi, who at the start appears as a somewhat bitter older man, nursing a hangover. He mistakenly boards the wrong train and ends up in his old hometown. After visiting his mother's grave, he faints and awakens to find himself trapped in his 14-year-old body, reliving his youth. However, he retains the mind of a 48-year-old, allowing him to recall numerous past events. He reconnects with friends destined to die young, move away, or abandon their dreams, leading average lives. This awareness infuses the narrative with a poignant sense of melancholy and enriches character interactions and development.
The core of the story unfolds when Hiroshi realizes that not everything follows his memories. Leveraging his adult knowledge, he excels academically and revels in life's simple pleasures, changes noticed by his peers. Motivated by this, Hiroshi decides to forge a different future, distinct from the broken and suffering one he initially experienced. This transformation highlights the story's true essence—a tale of change, regret, youth, family, and life's simple beauties.
Despite its merits, the story isn't without flaws. Hiroshi often seems to forget about his wife and children from his real life as a 48-year-old. He briefly thinks of them a few times before the story's end, but these moments are so rare that one might question his attachment to his actual family. Nevertheless, this flaw doesn't diminish the emotional impact later in the story, and the overall narrative remains compelling and beautifully crafted.
Though only two volumes long, each character is well-developed. Whether family members or schoolmates, they all have their own stories and contribute effectively to the plot. Hiroshi stands out as the most intriguing character. The blend of a 14-year-old body and a 48-year-old mind gives him a reflective thought process, and the dialogue never feels unnatural despite the unusual combination.
The artwork is skillfully drawn with good detail. Characters aren't overly handsome, there are no cheap comedic drawings, and no mysterious flowers blooming in the background—essentially, it appeals to its target audience.
I can't recommend this highly enough. The characters are realistic, likable, and well-developed. The story is exceptional and should resonate emotionally with readers. Most importantly, it's a captivating read with all the elements of a great story. It's unfortunate that the story isn't more widely known; A Distant Neighborhood is a straightforward yet engaging read with broad appeal. I recommend it to fans of emotional, well-crafted stories, but it should attract anyone who finds the premise appealing. Truly, it's a hidden gem in the world of manga.
I believe Taniguchi did a commendable job striking a balance between familiar tropes and deeper reflections on family life. It was noteworthy that he refrained from making the school life overly ecchi, but I also feel that all the exaggerated "Uwaa~ this can't be real..." moments were a waste of space.
Overall, a bittersweet little story about the realities of family life and cherishing what you have.
TLDR
Story – 7/10 – 7 x 0.275 = 1.925
Art – 7/10 – 7 x 0.2 = 1.4
Characters – 6/10 – 6 x 0.225 = 1.35
Enjoyment – 8/10 – 8 x 0.3 = 2.4
Total: 7.075 -> 7
Story – 7/10
A Distant Neighbourhood is a captivating manga by Jiro Taniguchi. The premise is straightforward: a 48-year-old worker, Hiroshi Nakahara, takes the wrong train and finds himself back in his hometown. After visiting his mother's grave, he falls asleep and awakens in his 14-year-old body, retaining all his adult memories. This leads him to return to school and confront a dilemma: can he prevent past misfortunes from recurring? Can he stop his father from abandoning the family?
This setup drives the narrative of A Distant Neighbourhood, which unfolds linearly and proves engaging as it follows Hiroshi's renewed life. Certain elements of his experiences are particularly distinctive. However, while there was significant buildup toward the manga's pivotal moment—his father leaving—the resolution happens abruptly, leaving much to be desired. Additionally, the ending feels somewhat unsatisfactory.
Art – 7/10
The art style of A Distant Neighbourhood is highly functional, with excellent page flow and panel pacing. Characters are well-drawn and easily distinguishable, and the overall artwork is undoubtedly well-crafted, though not groundbreaking.
Characters – 6/10
A Distant Neighbourhood features a limited cast, focusing primarily on Hiroshi, his family, and a few friends. Among these, Hiroshi and his father stand out as the most intriguing characters; others remain underdeveloped. Hiroshi receives the most attention, offering readers deep insight into his thoughts and emotions, making him the most compelling figure in the story.
Enjoyment – 8/10
A Distant Neighbourhood is an enjoyable read. Its smooth page flow, engaging storyline, and decent character development make it worthy of recommendation. Despite the shortcomings of its climax and conclusion, it remains a worthwhile experience.
Harukana Machi-E tells the story of Hiroshi, a middle-aged businessman. Life has become monotonous, with work taking precedence over family, and he has started drinking regularly. One day, after a tiring business trip, he mistakenly boards a train bound for Kurayoshi, his hometown. Walking through the familiar streets of his childhood, nostalgia overwhelms him as he finds himself standing in front of the house where he once lived with his parents, sister, and grandmother. He visits his mother's grave, reflecting on her life filled with suffering after his father mysteriously disappeared, never to return. He falls asleep and awakens to discover himself in the body of a young boy resembling his fourteen-year-old self. To his disbelief, he realizes he has been transported back to his junior high school days. Everything looks exactly as it once did, and his family is there with him. As he relives his childhood, he decides to rectify past mistakes and uncover truths he never knew. For the first time, he understands the value of family, love, and the little things we often overlook.
If I had to describe this manga in one word, it would be AMAZING. At first glance, it might appear to be just another slice-of-life story with the debated concept of time travel, but as you read, you'll realize it's much more. It's a beautifully realistic narrative told from the protagonist Hiroshi's perspective—retaining the body of his fourteen-year-old self but the mind of his forty-eight-year-old self. It's heartwarming yet heart-breaking, bittersweet, and skillfully simple while keeping readers engaged.
The characters are what truly make this manga captivating. They are depicted realistically, with their own strengths and flaws. None are portrayed as perfect or overly idealistic. You can easily relate to multiple characters and see the world through their eyes, whether they're family members, friends, or classmates. Their relationships with the protagonist feel genuine.
While the art style might not appeal to everyone, especially those accustomed to modern aesthetics, it is commendable. The illustrations are detailed, and the characters' expressions are well-captured. Overall, the manga has a clean, well-organized appearance with neatly segmented panels.
I highly recommend Harukana Machi-E to anyone seeking a short, simple, yet engaging slice-of-life manga. <p>
STORY: 10/10
Imagine being a 48-year-old man visiting your mother's grave. You close your eyes to pray, and upon opening them, you find yourself as a 14-year-old again. But it's not just you who has lost 34 years; the entire world has regressed too. Somehow, you've traveled back in time, yet you retain the mind of an adult. What would you do? Would you pursue the prettiest girl in school? Attempt to prevent your father from leaving? What else might you change? These are the questions Hiroshi grapples with as he comes to terms with his extraordinary situation. The story is undeniably beautiful. Spanning only two volumes, it achieves everything it needs to. Unburdened by excessive arcs or superfluous characters, it flows perfectly from its ordinary beginning to its stunning conclusion.
ART: 10/10
The characters feature proportionate noses and eyes, breaking away from the typical "bishonen" art style. Backgrounds are meticulously detailed, almost photographic in nature. You can almost feel the water dripping down Hiroshi's face during a rainstorm or smell the salt while he stands at the beach watching waves crash ashore. The artwork truly breathes life into the narrative.
CHARACTER: 10/10
Given its two-volume length, Harukana Machi-E doesn't boast a large cast, but every character contributes meaningfully to the story. From the loving father whose mysterious departure left Hiroshi's family broken the first time around, to Hiroshi's shy friend aspiring to become a writer, and Hiroshi himself, so captivated by revisiting his youth that he almost forgets about returning to the future. Each character is crafted with realism and charm.
ENJOYMENT: 10/10
I eagerly anticipated each new development. Would the prettiest girl in school fall for him? Could he convince his father to stay this time? Will he ever return to the future? This manga is incredibly engaging, making it hard to put down and leaving you yearning for more after every chapter.
OVERALL: 10/10
Pursue your dreams and cherish your family—a poignant message wrapped in a flawless manga. I recommend this to everyone, whether they're manga enthusiasts or not. You'll be glad you read it. This manga deserves nothing less than a perfect 10.