![]() On the other hand, this manga might spark a reader’s interest in exploring this era even more, exposing them to media they otherwise wouldn’t know exists. But its constant references to Japanese singers, actors, television shows, and other cultural staples might fly over the heads of Western readers, especially those not well-versed in older Japanese pop phenomena. A Timeless Story for Today’s Readersīringing Slow Motion wo Mou Ichido to English-speaking audiences doesn’t seem impossible, especially given the resurgence of interest in 80s-90s Japanese city pop and idol culture among Western fans (spurred in part by Mariya Takeuchi’s viral “ Plastic Love” video on YouTube). It’s only when they’re together in person that the two can truly relay and understand each other’s feelings. There are many instances where Ōtaki feels unsure about their relationship simply because they haven’t seen each other for a few days, and there’s only so much that can be said in a pocket bell message. At the same time, using devices that can talk only to each other makes every message sent between them that much more meaningful.įorgoing modern methods of communication also emphasizes the need for Ōtaki and Yakushimaru to meet face-to-face in order to grow. This is certainly impractical and leads to plenty of misunderstandings between the two. Rejecting this notion, Kanou chose to develop Ōtaki and Yakushimaru’s relationship by way of “old-fashioned” inconveniences.įor instance, while Ōtaki uses LINE to text his other classmates, he chooses to talk to Yakushimaru after school using vintage pocket bells. With smartphones and social media, there’s an illusion that people are always connected, since getting in touch with one another is simply a few taps away. In an interview with lifestyle website Suits woman, Rie Kanou revealed she wanted to write a love story that contrasted against the hyperconnected nature of today’s world. As the story progresses, both learn to open up, becoming friends, and later on, something more. But that’s something Otaki just can’t do. On his walk home, Ōtaki feels a strange sensation in his chest, realizing for the first time in a very long time, he actually felt a connection with someone.Īt school the following day, Yakushimaru finds Ōtaki and implores him to forget everything he saw. Embarrassed, Yakushimaru asks him to leave. Ōtaki practically explodes with excitement at the treasures he sees, revealing his long-held secret in his outburst. Her room mirrors his own, with records, magazines, collectibles, all from the 80s, strewn about. Opening the door, Ōtaki finds a startled Yakushimaru, dressed adorably in a vintage idol dress. Ōtaki arrives at the address, a worn-down looking building with the muffled sounds of Akina Nakamori’s “Shoujo A” floating from the window. Yakushimaru forgets her train pass at school, and their teacher tasks Ōtaki with delivering her it to her house. Ōtaki plays it off as some practical joke, but has a feeling Yakushimaru had something to do with it. The next morning, Ōtaki finds a bromide of Akina in his desk, much to the amusement of his classmates. Ōtaki, although embarrassed, doesn’t give it much thought. A seemingly gloomy girl, Yakushimaru tends to keep to herself. He soon realizes Yakushimaru had walked in and heard him quietly singing the lyrics. One day after school, Ōtaki sits alone in a classroom listening to music on his phone-Akina Nakamori’s “Slow Motion,” to be exact. However, Ōtaki’s idle days soon end when Tomoyo Yakushimaru comes into his life. Surrounded by old magazines, posters, toys, and other 1980s memorabilia, Ōtaki finds peace in his room above his family’s bar. It’s only when he’s alone that he can feel free. But inside, Ōtaki has no interest in current trends, and in turn, finds it hard to connect with others his age. Named after famed idol singer Akina Nakamori’s debut single, this manga follows the relationship of Hiro Ōtaki and Tomoyo Yakushimaru, two modern teenagers who share a secret passion for 1980s Japanese pop culture.īullied in middle school for his eccentric hobbies, Hiro Ōtaki vowed to reinvent himself in high school, becoming, at least on the outside, the quintessential teenage boy. Slow Motion wo Mou Ichido (スローモーションをもう一度) ran in Big Comic Spirits from Aug 8, 2016, to and was compiled into seven volumes. A lighthearted story of friendship and love, Rie Kanou’s Slow Motion wo Mou Ichido is a manga filled with moments of nostalgia and one that I wish would get an official English release. To the kids who say they were born in the wrong era, this manga is for you.
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