Hirayasumi Volume 1

Review Date: 2025 February 24 20:37

Reviewed by: Joe

Released by: Viz

Publishing Country: USA

Author: Keigo Shinzo

Age Rating: Teen

Page Count: 192

ISBN-13: 9781974746910

ISBN-10: 1974746917

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Summary

After developing an unlikely friendship with the grouchy old woman who lives in his neighborhood, Hiroto suddenly finds himself inheriting not just her house but some rather difficult emotions as well. His 18-year-old cousin, Natsumi, moves in with him, but as a struggling art student, she has her own troubles to deal with and may just put Hiroto's easygoing lifestyle to the test.

Review

Hirayasumi is a slice of life manga from Keigo Shinzo. It charts the everyday adventures of Hiroto, a carefree 29 year old who inherited a bungalow in Tokyo. Young Hiroto lives a modest, idealistic life where he is single and works part time at a leisure fishing pond.

During the course of the first manga we're treated to flash backs explaining how Hiroto formed an unlikely friendship with an old lady. Eventually "Granny" has a peaceful passing, and Hiroto unexpectedly is bequeathed the bungalow.

Our happy go lucky protagonist lives with his cousin Natsumi, who is just starting university as an art student. While Hiroto is relaxed with his life, Natsumi is in contrast anxious about starting her art course and afraid of reveal to her fellow serious art students she that she really wants to become a manga artist.

Volume one lays the foundation for future slice of life adventures. We're introduced to Hiroto's best friend Hideki who is your standard salary man with all the associated responsibilities. Yomogi the estate agent is also used occasionally as a foil for comic relief and it's hinted at a possible romantic interest for Hiroto.

The artwork is drawn to a high standard with a mix of thin and thick lines. Characters overall look a bit round and this just makes them even more endearing. Backgrounds are giving just the right amount of detail and framing and angles are used effectively to make the world of Hirayasumi feel very much like a real place.

Overall Hirayasumi is very wholesome. It's a charming and light-hearted slice of life manga with a lot of potential. We look forward to reading more volumes. It's a great choice for when you need a little joy in your life. When re-reading this manga for the review, it was just as enjoyable reading the story again a second time around.

Rating: 9/10

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