in volume 1 moon on rainy nightSaki met Kanon. She’s immediately drawn to the decidedly cold beauty of what appears to be a fairly standard Yuri romance. Saki is a traditionally cheerful girl whose energy will transform the intense loneliness of traditional Japanese beauty, which remains one of the most common yuri tropes. But this story is more than just a romance. Or maybe it’s not a romance at all, as it doesn’t follow a typical romance plot, with characters becoming unhealthy obsessed with each other but never managing to have important dialogue. Instead, as the story progresses, Saki and Kanon develop a deep and truly meaningful friendship. This friendship pulls the two young women out of their childhood self-absorption and into a more mature world where other people’s stories also have an impact on their lives.
We don’t often talk about intersectionality in comics, but sometimes intersectionality in comics deserves recognition. The term “intersectionality” was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989 to describe how interconnected systems of power impact the most marginalized people in society. Reading translated Japanese comics from a Western perspective doesn’t necessarily give us a correct measure of marginalization in Japanese society, but even so, we do understand that marginalization exists in every society.
exist moon on rainy night, Katsushiro The way society treats different people is woven directly into the plot. How people choose to deny others to protect themselves, or choose to deny themselves to stay safe. Ultimately, this story provides us with a clear and hopeful roadmap to building a better, more inclusive society for everyone. Most of all, it’s a lovely story about very relatable young people coping with life.
A long time ago I had a conversation with a high school teacher about how obvious it sometimes is to know which kids are going to be okay in the future. It’s not about grades, it’s not about popularity. The key is whether they are curious about the world and the people around them. This is true in fandom as well. Comic readers who want to know more, who want to know how and why, are more likely to go on to create their own stuff. Those who are unwilling to ask questions honestly, those who crowd together out of fear of change or difference, will find themselves wanting nothing more than to bring others down. Katsushiro Focus on the former.
First, we meet Saki. She is a good child. As she becomes more friendly with Cuaron, her goal is to help Cuaron live a fulfilling life. She could tell that her feelings weren’t necessarily just for friends, but as a friend, she was a great person. Her “otherness” is buried deep inside her, but when a stranger targets her with gaydar, it can’t be buried forever. Yes, she sees Cuaron differently, but she’s more interested in maintaining their friendship than acknowledging the petty little desires that are eating away at her.
Cannon’s hearing loss not only affects her own life, but also those around her. She has suffered losses, some of which she has yet to truly grieve. Her sister gave up on things so as not to stress her out. Saki provides support as Cuaron breaks down the walls she has built on her own terms. Saki holds Kalon’s hand as she makes choices for herself about trying, failing, and maybe even succeeding. Kanon’s feelings for Saki are both complicated and simple. It wasn’t until the seventh volume that she realized how little she knew about Saki.
This story is not about Saki saving Kanon. She’s not Anne Sullivan to Helen Keller in “Kanon.” Saki and Kanon each face “different” lives and support each other.
Surrounding them, Saki and Canon have classmates, friends, and supportive adults who provide a solid foundation for their growth. Katsushiro Extensive research into the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing people, their cultures and their families shows. The real highlight of this story is the way “accommodation” is presented.
we know Disability accommodation can help everyone. Katsushiro Help us understand this on a personal level rather than question it Makes sense Includes everyone. Because the class begins to see how much they can achieve together. As volume seven begins with the school festival, we see Kanon’s classmates find new ways to create an inclusive environment. This is a blueprint for all of us to do one more, better, more inclusive thing today.
I have been paying attention KatsushiroWork before I had a chance to edit Tamano Gong is cautious in entering for comics. I’m enjoying her growing popularity and success and can’t wait to see the series animated next spring. moon on rainy nightNominated for multiple awards, it’s a brilliant story on every level. This is a must-read comic.
