*This article contains promotional material.
*The images and quotes in this article are used for the purpose of introducing the work. Copyright belongs to the author and publisher.
The purpose of this article
In this article, we will review Tomo Sawara's "I Found Something Weird!"The value of museumsand the curators, researchers and local communityCirculation of knowledgeWe will avoid spoilers and convey the appeal of the work and the "fun of learning."
basic information
- Title: "I found something strange!"
- Author: Tomo Sawara
- Publisher: Shogakukan
- Published in: Weekly Big Comic Spirits
- Genre: Museum x Daily Drama x Educational Manga
- Number of volumes: 12 volumes published (ongoing)
- Other: A unique work set in a museum that depicts the relationships between curators, researchers, and the local community.
Synopsis
The story is set in a local city's "Municipal Museum." The protagonist, Toru Usui, is a newly appointed curator who encounters "strange things" in various fields, including zoology, archaeology, and folklore, and struggles alongside the curators and researchers.
While many people may have a stuffy image of a museum, this film humorously and carefully introduces everyday happenings and the work of curators. It also depicts the academic background behind the exhibits and fragments of history and culture that are closely connected to the lives of local people.
For example, the story involves collecting and researching animal bones and droppings, creating specimens, researching local folklore, and interacting with local residents. The "strange things" aren't just rare finds, but also the activities and lessons that unfold from them. The protagonist and his friends grow as they learn and discover things in their daily lives.
The important things will be left behind.
Meeting different people and animals helps people grow.
The charm of the characters
The appeal of this work is the ensemble drama that weaves together a diverse and unique cast of characters, including the protagonist.
- Toru Usui
A 26-year-old young curator has just been assigned to a museum. At first, he lacks knowledge and experience, but he tackles strange things with dedication and curiosity. He acts as a guide, experiencing the world of museums and research from the same perspective as the reader. - Mr. Kiyos
A researcher who loves animals, this research began in search of a particularly large swallow god.
He's a little odd, but he's the one who leads everyone in this story.
Toru is motivated by Mr. Kiyos's beliefs. - Veteran curators
The story features people who have mastered their respective fields, such as zoology, archaeology, and folklore. Their deep knowledge and devoted research attitudes are comical yet inspiring. - local people
They are a link between the museum and the local community. By bringing in tools and legends passed down from ancient times, and through interactions with the curators, new meanings are discovered in these "objects."
Each character has a passion for their field, and sometimes they clash and sometimes they cooperate. Their behavior conveys to readers, "Being a researcher is so much fun!"
The hard work of working people is beautiful.
People and animals are the same.
Passing on living creatures and knowledge to the future
① The role of a museum is to collect, preserve, research, exhibit, and educate.
Collect, protect, and research materials,Communicate clearly.In addition,Regional revitalization, multigenerational exchange, and learning opportunitiesCreation ofA place to co-create with societyIt also has a role as a
② “Strange things” are not curiosities but “gateways to questions”
Bones, excrement, tools, and traditionsEach one is a door to learningSomething that seems trivial at first glance,Ecology, History, and CultureUsui and his team begin to visualize the "stories behind objects."
3) Preservation is a technology that visualizes the “continuity of life”
Without preservation, many biological materialsLost over timeWith proper treatment and management,Future research and educational resourcesWhen you stand in front of the specimen,The activities of living creatures continue to this dayThere are moments when it feels like this.
* Donation procedures, recording (labeling), storage environment, and other on-site practical work are essential.Sustained valueIt is also important to note that it supports the
Imagery and atmosphere
The illustrations have an exquisite balance of realism and softness. The academic parts are carefully drawn, and the fossils and specimens are depicted realistically. At the same time, the characters' expressions and movements are humorous, making the book easy to read and approachable.
In addition, the atmosphere of each scene, such as the tranquil atmosphere of the museum and the rugged landscape of the excavation site, is expressed in a rich way, conveying the feeling of the atmosphere.
The overall atmosphere is that of a "gentle, slice-of-life manga that stimulates intellectual curiosity," but it also has a serious quality that gives a realistic sense of the "passion and hardships of researchers."
Memorable scenes
After tanning the chamois fur, Toru Usui ponders his work, saying, "I'm someone who barely leaves anyone's memory, but have I managed to create something that will remain in the future 100 years from now?" Usui had always excelled at eliminating waste at city hall, but this was the moment he encountered a new set of values. I think some readers will be struck by the new perspective gained through the work of leaving something valuable behind for the world.
Any work is difficult and necessary, but sometimes it just doesn't seem to lead to results. This might be a good opportunity to stop and think about it.
When people encounter new values, they grow.
No one knows when that time will come, but that time will come for everyone.
Recommended for:
- People interested in museums, history, archaeology, and zoology
- People who like educational and entertainment works such as "Moyashimon" and "Silver Spoon"
- People who want intellectual stimulation in their daily lives
- Students who are interested in working as curators or researchers
- Adults who want to gain knowledge while enjoying a gentle story
Similar works
- "Moyashimon" (Masayuki Ishikawa): A fusion of science and humor on the theme of microorganisms.
- "Silver Spoon" (Arakawa Hiromu): A story set in an agricultural high school that balances everyday life with learning.
- "Tenchi Myosai" (manga version):A historical science manga depicting academic studies and human drama.
- "Chi. -About the movement of the Earth-" (Uo Yutaka):A masterpiece that explores the passion for learning and conflict with society.
Q&A
Q: Can I enjoy this museum even if I've never been to one?
A: Yes. In fact, it is often the first-time visitors to museums who are surprised by this piece, saying, "I didn't know there was something like this behind the scenes!"
Q: Is it difficult without specialized knowledge?
A: The story is explained in an easy-to-understand manner, so you can read it with confidence.
Q: Can it be used for education?
A: It is a work with such high educational value that it is sometimes recommended in schools and libraries.
summary
"I Found Something Weird!" is a rare manga set in a museum, and is a humorous yet moving portrayal of the daily lives of curators and researchers.
The "strange things" are not just rare items, but represent history, culture, and human activities themselves. By expressing this perspective in the form of manga, the manga makes museums and academics feel more familiar.
After reading this book, you will naturally feel like you want to go to a museum and learn more. This is a book that anyone who wants to stimulate their intellectual curiosity should definitely pick up.
It's cool to see him interacting with the animals so seriously.
It was a good work that conveyed the message that we too live among living things.
You can purchase it from the purchase link below.
Purchase Link
Other works by the author
No particular information
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