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basic information
- Work name: Night Song
- author: Kotoyama
- Publication: Weekly Shonen Sunday
- Genre: Youth / Fantasy / Romance / Vampire
- Number of volumes: 20 volumes in total
- Anime adaptation: Broadcast on Fuji TV's "Noitamina" slot in 2022
This is the latest work by Kotoyama, who gained attention with "Dagashi Kashi." It is a story set at night, weaving together humans, vampires, and boys and girls with "sleepless hearts." Its appeal lies in its unique dialogue, fantastical depictions set against the night sky, and a worldview that fully expresses the "fun of the night."
Synopsis
Kou Yamori, a second-year middle school student who suffers from insomnia, is unable to adapt to daytime school life and spends his days wandering the city at night. One day, he meets the mysterious vampire girl Nazuna Saegusa. She teaches Kou the wonders of "enjoying the night."
Gradually, Kou begins to wish to become a vampire himself, but the condition for this is that he must fall in love with a vampire. Kou is torn between his life as a human and his future as a vampire. As the feelings of the vampires and humans around him intertwine, the meaning of the night and the true essence of life begin to emerge little by little.
The world of night is free
Kou, who is troubled by reality, is free at night
The charm of the characters
Kou Yamori
A listless boy who can't find his place in school life. However, by experiencing the freedom of the night, he regains his sense of self. It is precisely because he is immature as a human being that his words and emotions strongly move the reader.
Shepherd's purse
Although she is a vampire, she has a free-spirited and easy-going personality. She spends her days lazing around playing games, and at night she heads out into the city. She is a "symbol of the night" for Kou, and is also a fascinating character for readers. The gap between her innocence and the occasional glimpses of loneliness is at the heart of the story.
Akira Asai
Kou's childhood friend. Living in the world of day, she worries about Kou as he becomes more and more drawn to the night, but continues to support him. To the reader, she represents the "normal world," and the contrast is vividly depicted.
Other Vampires
In addition to Nazuna, many other vampires appear in the story. They are all unique and have different views on love and lifestyles, which adds depth to the story. By portraying the existence of "vampires" from multiple perspectives, the story has depth as a human drama rather than just fantasy.
Kou can't become a vampire unless he likes Nazuna.
It's a very difficult relationship
The hidden meanings of "freedom," "loneliness," and "rebirth" in the night
"Yofukashi no Uta" is not just a "vampire love story," but is symbolized by the time period "night."Freedom, Solitude, RebirthThis is the story of...
Day = social norms and relationships with others, night = personal time and inner liberation.
Through this "conflict between day and night," the protagonist, Yamori Kou,Today's young people searching for their own way of lifeIt is depicted as.
The vampire Nazuna is a symbol of the night, and meeting her is not an escape from society for Kou,The first step towards self-acceptance.
This work has struck a chord with many readers because it depicts the inner conflict that everyone experiences at some point: "How do I spend a sleepless night?"
Furthermore, in the latter half of the story, the themes of "vampires = eternity" and "humans = finite" overlap, raising the question of whether "eternal night" is truly happiness.
“The message behind "enjoying the night" is that you need the courage to face the morning.
Imagery and atmosphere
Kotoyama's paintings give the impression of "heat in silence."
The neon lights of the city, the night breeze, the starry sky... all of these blend together like "silent music."The night itself exists as a character.It seems so.
Nazuna's expression in particular is free-spirited yet somehow shadowy, exuding her loneliness.
Each frame is imbued with the "texture of night," and the contrast of light and shadow draws the reader in.
Memorable scenes
- The scene where Kou and Nazuna walk through the city at night for the first time
Nazuna's words, "The night is fun," symbolize the theme of the entire work. Kou's expression as he enjoys the night is also great. - The scene where Kou declares that he wants to become a vampire
His doubts are finally cleared and he conveys his resolve, which touches the hearts of readers. I think it's important to cherish the desire to become what you truly want to be.
Your intentions matter!
There's definitely value in discovering the part of yourself you didn't know existed
Recommended for:
- People who like to walk around the city at night
- People looking for a work that combines youth and fantasy
- People who want to enjoy both heartbreaking romance and humorous dialogue
- Readers who liked "Dagashi Kashi"
- People who like night views and fantastical atmospheres
Similar works
- Nights of Azure(The atmosphere is similar)
- "The Vampire Dies in No Time"(A vampire work with a gag-like feel)
- "Teasing Master Takagi-san"(The beauty of dialogue in drama)
- Natsume's Book of Friends(A gentle story set at night and in an extraordinary setting)
Q&A
Q1. What is the meaning of the title "Yofukashi no Uta"?
→ It symbolizes the theme of "enjoying the night" and literally shows the affirmation and liberation of staying up late.
Q2. Is there a strong romantic element?
→ Yes. However, it is not a typical romantic comedy, but a deep love story that questions the meaning of existence and how to live.
Q3. Are there any scary horror elements?
→ Although it is a vampire story, it has a light horror element. Rather, it focuses on the beauty and fantasy of the night.
summary
"Yofukashi no Uta" is a unique coming-of-age fantasy that will help you rediscover the charm of the night. While it tackles modern themes such as loneliness and insomnia, it also conveys a positive message of "enjoying the night."
This is a masterpiece that uses the theme of vampires to depict universal human themes such as loneliness, love, and the search for a place to belong. After reading it, you'll surely want to take a walk around the city at night.
Other works by the author
- "But However": A comedy about everyday life with a theme of cheap snacks. This one also has its own unique dialogue.
Related articles
I have written related articles about works that depict human growth and works about freedom, so please check them out 👇
▶Related article: "Barakamon" - Depicting human growth
Related article: "End of the World Touring" - Depicting freedom and human strength
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