Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms
(Manga)
Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms" is a manga by Fumiyo Kouno.
It consists of two interrelated stories.
1. The first, "Town of Evening Calm," is set in Hiroshima in the aftermath of the atomic bombing in
1945.
2. The second, "Country of Cherry Blossoms," takes place in Tokyo in 2004, exploring the impact of
the bombing's aftermath on the next generation.
Page 01
Style of the Book
“Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry
Blossoms" is a manga, which is a style of Japanese
comic or graphic novel.
It combines visual elements with storytelling and is
typically read from right to left. This particular
manga falls within the genres of historical drama
and slice of life, as it explores the impact of the
atomic bombing in Hiroshima and its aftermath on
the lives LEARN
of ordinary
people.
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Unique Characteristics of Manga
Visual Storytelling: Manga is a visual medium that combines
images and text to convey a story. Kouno's art style plays a crucial
role in expressing emotions, atmosphere, and historical details.
Reading Direction: Manga is traditionally read from right to left, top
to bottom. This cultural aspect is important for readers to
understand and immerse themselves in the narrative.
Panel Layout: Manga often uses dynamic panel layouts to control
pacing and emphasize key moments. Kouno's panel choices
contribute to the overall impact of her storytelling.
Emotional Range:Manga has a broad emotional range, allowing
artists like Kouno to capture subtle nuances and convey complex
feelings through characters' expressions and interactions.
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Page 04
Introduction to Historical Context
During World War II, in 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and
Nagasaki.
The atomic bombing of Hiroshima occurred on August 6, 1945, during World War II. The United States dropped
an atomic bomb named "Little Boy" on the city, resulting in devastating consequences.
The first, "Town of Evening Calm," is set in Hiroshima in the aftermath of the atomic bombing in 1945.
The second, "Country of Cherry Blossoms," takes place in Tokyo in 2004, exploring the impact of the bombing's
aftermath on the next generation.
About the Authour
Fumiyo Kouno is a Japanese mangaka
born on October 22, 1968.
She gained recognition for her sensitive
and poignant storytelling, often delving
into historical and emotional themes.
Kouno is known for her ability to blend
deep human emotions with historical @reallygreatsite
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events, creating narratives that resonate
with readers.
Page 07
Background and Notable Works
Kouno's notable works include "Town of
Evening Calm, Country of Cherry
Blossoms," which explores the aftermath
of the Hiroshima bombing.
She has also created other works such as
"In This Corner of the World," another
manga set during World War II, depicting
life on the home front.
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Page 07
Chapter 1: "Town of Evening Calm" (Pages 1-30)
Analysis
Town of Evening Calm (Yūnagi no Machi)
Here are some key highlights:
Town of Evening Calm (Yūnagi no Machi):
- etting: Hiroshima, 1955, ten years after the atomic bomb.
Protagonist: Minami Hirano, a survivor of the bomb in her early teens.
Living with her mother, Fujimi, in a shanty-town; lost father and two sisters to the
bomb.
Younger brother Asahi evacuated to Mito, Ibaraki, adopted by aunt.
Fujimi is a seamstress, Minami works as a clerk; saving for a trip to visit Asahi.
Co-worker Yutaka Uchikoshi cares for Minami; gifts sandals and handkerchief.
Minami experiences traumatic flashbacks, pushing Uchikoshi away.
Apologizes the next day, expresses the desire to put the past behind her.
Bedridden due to long-term effects of radiation poisoning.
Dies as condition worsens, visited by Uchikoshi, co-workers, brother, and aunt.
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Book/Film Review and Analysis
Description of Minami’s emotional experiences and
struggles in the aftermath of the bombing of
Hiroshima.
Survivors Guilt– She feels guilty for surviving when so
many others did not, and is haunted by memories of
the event.
Everyday Struggles – She takes care of her family,
works at a factory, and tries to find joy in small
moments.
Survival and Resilience –
The manga delves into the
struggles of the survivors of
the atomic bombing
Inter-generational Impact
- The work explores the
enduring impact of the
atomic bombing on later
generations
Emotional and Physical
After-Effects – Effects of the
bombing that are felt years
and decades after the event
Key Themes
Human Nature–
greedfear, guilt, and
shame, among others
and portraying these
elements with depth
and authenticity
Poverty - Depicted by
scarcity of amenities
such as water,
preservation of shoues
family's tragic losses–
Minami’s family's tragic
losses, including her father
and two sisters
The separation from her
younger brother, Asahi Depicts the fractured
nature of families in the
aftermath of such trauma.
Ongoing struggles of those
who survived the bombing
(Hibakusha). – Physically,
economically
Trauma
Psychological– Minami
experiences a vivid flashback
to the horrors of the
bombing. This episode reveals
the profound impact trauma
has on interpersonal
relationships
Death from longterm effects
- Minami succumbs to the
long-term effects of
radiation poisoning.
Minami's death just as her
brother and aunt arrive
underscores the tragic
reality that even moments of
reunion can be tinged with
loss and sorrow.
1. Surviving the immediate
impact of the atomic
bomb– Minami’s family's
tragic losses, including her
father and two sisters
Resilience and Survival
2. The separation from her
younger brother, Asahi Depicts the fractured
nature of families in the
aftermath of such trauma.
3. Ongoing struggles of those
who survived the bombing
(Hibakusha). –
Physically, economically
4. Psychological– Minami
experiences a vivid flashback
to the horrors of the
bombing. This episode reveals
the profound impact trauma
has on interpersonal
relationships
5. Death from longterm
effects - Minami succumbs
to the long-term effects of
radiation poisoning.
Minami's death just as her
brother and aunt arrive
underscores the tragic
reality that even moments of
reunion can be tinged with
loss and sorrow.
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