Manga Review: Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou Vol. 1 Omnibus (2022) by Hitoshi Ashinano

“In a future Japan, long after an environmental catastrophe, Alpha the android runs a small café in a seaside town. As she wonders if her absent owner will ever return, she stands witness to the twilight of humanity with coffee, a slice of watermelon, and the sound of her moon guitar. Alpha and her fellow residents enjoy the melancholy beauty of life, even as the end approaches.” (Seven Seas Entertainment)

Successful in its native Japan and later adapted into an anime, “Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou”, a sci-fi slice of life by Hitoshi Ashinano, is being published for the first time in English since its debut in 1994. While this proves to be a true treat for western manga fans who were likely aware of the title, finally getting to read the series shows why this translation was put off for some time as there are elements that are distinctly Japanese. Furthermore, the contemplative flow and episodic structure place the book in a niche that will only be accessible to certain tastes.

Structurally, the series plays out as multiple short stories set in a distant future. These tales are all tied together by the experiences of an android, Alpha, that runs a coffee shop while waiting for her owner to return. There is a consistent cast as well as a thorough story that develops the character of Alpha as the book progresses. However, each short chapter stands as a story on its own and offers an instant point of accessibility giving the feeling of short reflections on alpha's life versus a long narrative story. This gives the book such a relaxed flow, that even when dealing with feelings of sadness or melancholy, exudes a constant sensation of positivity and serenity. There are also light comedic elements, that make for a rather wholesome read that will be easily accessible to readers of all ages

The art of Ashinano further pushes the positive vibes of the book, as the characters are overly expressive and kind, and the backdrops are picturesque. Absorbing oneself in the art, the reader is likely to feel the same sense of wonder that Alpha expresses as she looks over the lush landscapes or picturesque seaside views that surround her daily life. The world in which Alpha lives has a sense of mystery, and one may be inclined to see it as slightly dystopian, or rather decades after a great tragedy, yet life in the book moves at such a slow pace that the land would be more aptly described as a paradise.

The omnibus edition comes with a fair amount of perks, with a lovely colored gallery as well as additional panels presented in two different styles of coloring, several pages in pastel and several in a monochrome brown palette. This is the perfect compliment to the art and panel work of Ashinano, giving the book a deeper sense of personality for the reader to cherish. Seemingly realizing the importance of bringing this series to the West, the notes at the end help shed some light on the difficulties of translating the book, given the original deals with certain Japanese dialects that prove difficult to adapt. Notably, the afterword reveals that they took inspiration from Canada's east coast dialects as the closest representation they can find–though this may seem like an odd choice, readers can be assured it fits the book perfectly. Ultimately, the presentation here should push readers to check out the physical copy over digital format so they can fully immerse themselves in the world Hitoshi Ashinano and the team at Seven Seas have crafted.

“Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou” is a title that seemed long overdue for translation, and while readers will finally get a chance to experience the work it won't necessarily appeal to a broad audience–those into action-heavy stories and modern aesthetics may find the work dull. However, for those who consume manga en masse, this book will represent itself as an idealistic slice of life which is the equivalent of a warm hug. It is undeniable that this release will be a special experience for many, likely landing in the top releases of 2022 for many fans.