Since I Could Die Tomorrow, Volume 4

あした死ぬには、 [Ashita Shinu ni wa] #4

by Sumako Kari

Sawako Honna is 42 years old and taking life into her own hands by striking out on her own as an independent consultant for film promotion. Working for yourself has its ups and downs, but she's finally making the effort to improve her work-life balance, even through menopause and unexpected health scares. Life is looking up, her romantic relationship with Arioka growing deeper despite the looming specter of his terminal illness. As the ordinary days pas by — some good, and some bad — she finds herself more and more grateful to realize that it's never too late to choose to make the most out of each and every day.23rd Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Award winner. Nominated for the 2020 Manga Taisho Award.

Genres: Manga, Comics, Romance, Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 14, 2022

About the author

雁須磨子

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series wraps up very appropriately, as both the protagonist and supporting characters move through their mid-life crises in ways that feel authentic. The future remains open-ended while coming to a logical stopping point in terms of the snapshot in time that the author is trying to reveal. In line with the way the story has unfolded, it does not conclude with any overly contrived revelations, and I appreciated the more subtle approach over melodramatic theatrics.

[Sarah Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this series got stronger and more tightly written as it went on, exploring the difficulties of being an older woman and dating, falling in love, being tempted by younger men, overcoming depression and working toward independence and interdepence, and just stuff that doesn't get a lot of "press time" like how much an older woman can pee and why. And while none of the characters themselves are queer, I do appreciate the ways this manga acknowledges they are a normal part of existence looking at queer media and such.

Now if you're expecting EVERYTHING to be wrapped up with a nice big bow, that's not this final book. That's not what a lot of manga is interested in doing. But we leave the characters of this slice of life manga in a good place, largely hopeful for their futures.

[Marj Gaber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one made me weepy, wow. I love this series.

[T.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawako: "Not to brag, but I've never had any surgery my whole life."
Mitsuki: "Whenever you say 'not to brag...' it really is something not worth bragging about." :)

"Since I Could Die Tomorrow" is such an honest, introspective look at the anxieties of getting older. What comes after 30? What comes after 40? What comes after a health scare? What's it like to see your parents and peers changing too? What's worth pursuing? What's really important when time feels finite? In a world wanting us to fill our faces, filter our wrinkles, and facebook a fake lifestyle, this manga feels comforting and real. It might sound gloomy, but it's a breath of fresh air! I can't think of another manga like it being translated these days. Sadly volume 4 is the last one. But I hope to see more of this type of series from Tokyopop or other publishers.

Sawako: "No thanks. I don't really want to get into another discussion about Star Wars with a middle-aged man."

[Isel · Rating 3 out of 5]

So. What I understood... The boyfriend is still alive... Right??

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75☆