Hirayasumi, Vol. 2

ひらやすみ [Hirayasumi] #2

by Keigo Shinzō

At 29 years old, carefree Hiroto Ikuta doesn’t have a girlfriend, a full-time job, or a plan for the future—and he couldn’t be happier. Hiroto’s breezy attitude isn’t easy for everyone to understand, though. In a world filled with anxiety, confusion, and grief, Hiroto and the people who surround him are all just doing their best to figure out this thing called life.

The summer weather isn’t the only thing heating up around Hiroto’s little family home. Hiroto’s best friend, Hideki, starts growing increasingly worried about becoming a father; Yomogi, Hiroto’s new friend, begins to crack under the stress of her busy real estate job; and Natsumi’s friend Akari struggles with her self-confidence. For people under so much pressure, Hiroto’s laid-back demeanor can be downright frustrating. But with things reaching their boiling point at the Asagaya Tanabata Festival, Hiroto’s positive outlook might be exactly what everyone needs to relieve the tension.

Genres: Manga, Slice Of Life, Comics, Japan, Graphic Novels, Seinen, Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published December 10, 2021

About the author

See also: 真造圭伍

Reviews

[Corn8lius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tout aussi beau, touchant, et dépaysant que le premier tome. J’ai adoré 🥰

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immediately put the 3rd volume on hold. This series is sweet and endearing, but also has a level of depth that was completely unexpected. The characters are well developed and I'm so interesting in learning more about them in future volumes.

[luce (cry bebè's back from hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a healing, comforting slice-of-life.

[António · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite as beautiful as the first volume mas still 5 stars.

[cami]

Such a great read ofc. The short childhood pet death mentions really stabbed me in the heart though like im gonna die

[James DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second volume is a total gem! If you're into Slice of Life manga or comics, this is an absolute MUST read.

Hiroto really shines here, with some standout moments where we dive deeper into his past, his acting career, and a gut-wrenching scene with his grandma that hit me hard. I loved every bit of it. Plus, the little moments where he's acting or snapping pictures—seeing him so genuinely happy—are equal parts heartwarming and bittersweet.

Natsumi also gets some solid character development. She forms a close bond with Akari, and we even get a peek into Akari's inner thoughts. This series continues to do an amazing job of giving just enough backstory to make us care, like Akari’s passion for art and her longing to stand out, yet feeling like she's falling behind Natsumi by the end.

Overall, this volume is fantastic. It hits you right in the feels, fast. A perfect 5 out of 5!

[Yunebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

La filosofía de vida del protagonista me gusta, pero también disfruto de cómo en un segundo tomo ya se está profundizando bastante en el pasado y vida de los diferentes personajes. Intercalando muy bien los momentos tristes y amargos con los de paz y felicidad.

Es el típico manga que no me importaría que fuese eterno y ver crecer a todos los personajes poco a poco.

[lía soage · Rating 5 out of 5]

primeiro libro que vou facer ler a todo o meu alumnado i punch.

[Roman Zarichnyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Другий том «Хіраясумі» — це продовження, яке ніби розширює саме повітря довкола рідної історії. Ту тишу, той спокій, ту ніжність, що вже знайомі з першої частини, тут відчуваєш ще глибше. Здається, що сам дім Хірото дихає разом із героями, вбираючи їхні радощі, вагання й мовчазну підтримку.

Тепер акцент не лише на побуті, а й на тому, що за ним стоїть: на минулому, яке шепоче з-за спини, на страхах, які не завжди вдається висловити, і на людях, які стають нашими дзеркалами. Хірото, той самий спокійний хлопець, що в першому томі здавався майже непорушним, тут показує іншу сторону. Ми бачимо його колишнє життя. Актора, який колись прагнув більшого, але зрештою відмовився від гонитви за мрією. Його розмова з бабусею, коротка, але пронизлива, відкриває щось глибоко особисте — сум, який не заважає жити, але вчить приймати. Він не ховається, не втікає, а просто продовжує жити. Лагодить дах, готує вечерю, підтримує друзів. Його спокій не є байдужістю, а тиха форма любові.

Нацумі, навпаки, пробуджується. Її історія — це про перші кроки у доросле життя, про невпевненість, яка стискає груди, і про відвагу, що з’являється тільки тоді, коли поруч є ті, хто не засуджує. Її зв’язок із Акарі тонкий, теплий, справжній. Це дружба, у якій ростеш, як особистість, бо тебе чують. Бо тебе приймають. Бо поруч із кимось ти вперше не боїшся бути собою.

Є й інші — Хідекі, який бореться зі страхом батьківства і вчиться не тікати від відповідальності. Йомоґі, жінка з втомленими очима, яка спершу здається чужою, а потім раптом виявляється такою близькою. Її історія про втрату, про злість, яка народжується з болю, про те, як важко пробачити світові за несправедливість. І як все одно можна знайти розуміння в простому людському слові «вибач».

Фестиваль, куди всі вирушають, стає справжнім випробуванням. Там, серед ліхтарів і сміху, герої стикаються з власними слабкостями, словами, які не можна було сказати, і тими, які пролунали надто пізно. Але навіть коли все йде шкереберть, ця історія не про те, як все розвалюється. Вона про збирання себе до купи, крок за кроком, через вечері, спільні прогулянки, розмови.

Кейґо Шіндзо пише не про події, а про життя між ними. Його історії пахнуть дощем, зеленим чаєм і щирістю. У них немає моралі, немає поспіху — лише запрошення бути присутнім поруч. Другий том про довіру, про підтримку, про те, як ми всі шукаємо місце, де нас зрозуміють. Іноді це місце старий дім із поламаним дахом. Іноді людина поруч, що просто слухає.

Цей том хочеться читати повільно, із вдячністю. Бо «Хіраясумі» — це манґа, яка не обіцяє відповіді, але вчить ставити правильні запитання. Про себе. Про близьких. Про те, як не втратити тепло навіть тоді, коли світ здається божевільним. Що є дуже актуальним у наш час.

[Jiro Dreams of Suchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so warm, it’s so sincere and true to life. There is no evil, just day to day stuff to deal with like dinner or a date. Really a nice relaxing read- I enjoy all the characters they’re all such good people. Really recommend this for anyone who wants to smile.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

As heartfelt as the first volume. We get to see more behind Hiroto's happy-go-lucky shell, and his cousin Nat's blossoming friendship with Akari. Granny makes an appearance, as does an adorable cat. This manga feels grounded and intentional about its story, and I'm really loving it.

[marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vol. 1 ★★★☆☆

Like Vol. 1, this is all about the small joys and disappointments of everyday life. There's no dramatic plot development; instead, the story is grounded in reality. A perfect read towards the end of the day when you need something light but still thoughtful.

[Farah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kind of manga that’s perfect for winding down before bed. Just nice cozy vibes, it’s funny and surprisingly deep. I really dig the characters and the story! ^^

[Ольга К. · Rating 5 out of 5]

я не читала нічого комфортнішого

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hiroto has been on a collision course with Yomogi, the tightly wound real estate agent, for a while now. As their very different viewpoints conflict, life continues onward in various directions, some more surprising than others.

This is how you do slice-of-life right and, as I noted last volume, it is no shock that this won awards. There are moments of true greatness in this one and it keeps cusping on a full five stars that I think it will earn at one point if it keeps this up.

The active addition of Yomogi to the mix makes for a perfect contrast to Hiroko, who remains as laid-back as ever. Yomogi works for a hyper-professional company that I am sure is typical of Japanese businesses, but feels more like a cult.

Her company goes the extra mile, but Yomogi’s the one expected to walk it. There is a ‘no pulled punches’ moment here that shows the cost of putting your real life aside just to be absorbed by your career. And emphasizes that your job does not care about you.

And that moment leads to her calling out Hiroko’s entire lifestyle, even as they are slowly becoming closer. There’s no question he’s nursing a heck of a crush, but her current disposition and his issues talking to women muddy the waters.

Yomogi has slowly become more important to the cast to the point where she’s probably my favourite character at the moment. There’s a lovely moment between her and Hiroko later in a restaurant that shows she’s frustrated by her work more than anything.

Even Hibiki turns out to be less tiresome and one-note than I originally suspected. Oh, he’s a bit of a liar and a jerk at times, but there’s pretty clear envy of how Hiroko is living now while Hibiki deals with his crappy behaviour and impending baby.

Watching these threads weave themselves together is a delight. Natsumi is petulant and learning to not lash out, but also making her first real friend while pursuing her dream. Her budding relationship (of some kind, ahem) with Akari is wonderful stuff as well.

It meanders, yes, as all slice of life does, and that’s possibly a problem for some people. This is one of those instances where I’m content to enjoy it. There’s a depth to the writing that’s atypical of the genre - you can tell that Hiroko is all about the path of least resistance and, while he may be happy, it has cost him in ways he doesn’t necessarily realize consciously.

I’d love to see Hiroko and Yomogi meet somewhere in the middle, or maybe mostly Hiroko with a touch of Yomagi, more accurately. Hiroko’s getting a lot of satisfaction out of life, but it’s obvious that he’s not getting the best of it.

Until then, we get these barrages of serious and silly moments in equal measure and none of them feel especially forced. They’re simply a consequence of a variety of outlooks on life and how they play off one another.

4 stars - one ‘dang’ moment that really went there shows that this has chops and it’s continually impressing. I want it to completely blow me away, but it’s doing really great so far.

[Sana · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Sometimes being back home... ...makes it easier to say how you truly feel.'

Ah, how I missed reading this manga!

Hiroto turns 30 in this volume and I have to say it feels nice to have a 30-something main character. We get to know more about his career as an actor and there's even a chapter with the Granny. I'm fine. 🥹 So over Hideki, though. I have the same question as Natsumi did as to why Hiroto is even friends with him. Dude is almost a dad and acting more way more childish than even Natsumi, sigh.

Not Yomogi making Hiroto depressed for an entire evening askjd heh. Everything from her workplace to her life in the city is so demanding and fast-paced and of course, a complete opposite to Hiroto's, I'm really living for their dynamic. It was also nice to see them kinda make up in the restaurant they both happened to be at. That bit about Mii kinda shattered me, though. Whyy? 😢

It was also nice to see Natsumi make some progress in regards to her career as a manga artist. That panel where Natsumi says something rude to Hiroto who looks sad only to find out he was sad about food, LOL. Can I just say Natsumi and Akari are everything! It was heartwarming to see the way Akari got angry on her behalf. Not sure how Akari feels about Natsumi but I'm fully behind their relationship. Akari is drawn so adorably and basically the perfect girlfriend for Natsumi.

The art in this is so pleasing and complements the story so well, no notes!

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiroto Ikuta, his cousin Nat, his friends, Hideki and Yomogi, and Nat's friend Akiria all have their problems as summer heats up around them. Despite the all stress, Hiroto manages to keep calm which can be galling to those around him. In various of the chapters, we learn how he cam to be a movie star and why he left (at least two different versions) acting. We also get to see the triumphs and tragedies that come with navigating what we call life. Sometimes, it is nice to just set back and enjoy the flow with Hiroto!

Thanks Netgalley and Viz Media for the chance to read this title.

[Othy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second volume. The themes of ease and stress continue, but to these are added stories about artists and success - one visual artist gets a break while another doesn't; a paper mache house painted for a festival helps someone grief and two people grow closer; success as an actor is not what it could or should be (and we are given two different perspectives here on this from two different characters). These little stories come together in a mosaic of encounters that, to me, was really compelling.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, the first half of this second volume doesn't live up to the quality of the first volume, but by the end, it pulls through.

Also, throughout these two volumes, I've noticed great use of speech bubbles. For example, there's a moment when a singular mass of speech bubble contains both a character's thoughts and their audible dialogue, with no actual separation between the two (although there's enough space so it isn't confusing). I love creative speech bubbles.

[Josh J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read. Normally slice of life manga don’t quite hit for me but the lighthearted nature of this series and the encouragement to not take life too seriously makes reading Hirayasumi such a pleasure.

[Dustyloup · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not crying, you're crying!!!
4.5+* non, mais, pourquoi ce tome m'a touché plus que le premier !! si douce mais si profond. (peut-être car j'ai lu le premier tome en anglais et celui-là en français? - ah oui, le traducteur c'est Sylvain Chollet <3! )

[Arancha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es tan adorable todo y tan real 🥹 los quiero mucho a todos.

[Hisgirl85 · Rating 4 out of 5]

High 4 stars. This is a great slice of life manga.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!
It just gives you the warm fuzzies as you're reading it.

[the tortured poets department · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some really sweet moments between the characters and I'm looking forward to seeing how their stories play out.

[bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

peakkkkkkkkk

[Aldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep falling in love for this

[Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

lo del gato me ha destrozado 😭

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun continuation of part 1 with Hiroto and Nat. It gives insight into life in a Japanese city.

[Katerina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this series so much . In this volume we get to know some background and enjoy some scenes with the love interest!