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The more I read this particular comic the more I can relate to the characters and the plot line (it's like Jane Austen's Emma, but I don't want to discuss that one). The basic idea of the manga is actually very simple, six friends met in juniour high and continued to be friend until the end of the manga when they were in their twenties. What basically sets this particular manga apart is the minute you're introduced to each of the characters you already know someone very like them in real life with very similar ambitions and characteristics. The most endearing thing about this particular manga was the way the drawing style of its author evolved as the characters grew older. The issues which they faced also applied to anyone growing up. At the same time, not everything is always constantly rosy in this world, eventhough it was so easy to wish it so. Each of the characters will face tragedies and troubles within their lives, but the way the coped with their problem through their network of friends became the main theme of the story.
Tamura Ryoichi
Y.W 1997 natane@geoties.com
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Satomi Juniour High was about to be shaken in more ways than one when a new student Kitashiro Naoko enrolled one sunny summer day. Fresh from the country, conforming with her environment was the last thing she had in mind, but forcing her environment to suit her was a completely different idea.
Nicknamed Chibi because he was so short and cute at the beginning of the manga. He's the youngest out of two brothers. Loved basket ball and food. As the manga progressed he really did grow up physically and emotionally to a very interesting young man.
Oldest out of a family of 3 sisters. She's difficult to categorise really, she's sweet, strong and supportive. For some reason she reminds me of Elaine in Seindfield, except with perhaps more sensitivity. Mai had a crush on Tamura which lasted throughout the entire manga.
Aaack it's an awful picture. The straight A student that aimed to be a doctor, you know the type, geeky and unsociable it's like they came from another planet complete with cardigan. As the manga progressed this stereotypical view is slowly changed. Even though his ambitions are still the same, he was also given a softer personality and often became the source of humour within the story.
Small and sweet, wanted to be the best mother and wife in all of Japan. She was never ambitious in her life, except maybe in her attempt to gain Iwasaki's affection. Despite all her childish appearance Hatsune became the strongest out of the 6 when she was raped.
Okita, ahhh I love this guy, the strong silent type :). We meet him slightly later in the manga. He transferred from Osaka to Tokyo due to an unfortunate fight with some of the brats in Osaka. He wasn't bullied, but he did break the other guy's leg. He lived alone with his father, you don't get to know very much about Okita really, this was probably why there was a short manga to explain his life before he moved.
