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*The images and quotes in this article are used for the purpose of introducing the work. Copyright belongs to the author and publisher.
basic information
Author: Saito Sakae
Genre: Near-future sci-fi road movie manga
Published in: Dengeki Maoh (Published by KADOKAWA)
The story is a unique post-apocalyptic, slice-of-life story set in Japan after the collapse of civilization, and follows two girls as they travel around the country on motorcycles, recording remnants of the world that once was.
Although the overall setting is a grim one of a post-apocalyptic world, the story emphasizes relaxed conversations between characters, beautiful landscape descriptions, and the journey through "a deserted Japan." As a result, rather than a hopeless story, it has gained popularity as a work that provides a quiet, philosophical reading experience.
⇓Quoted from this work.
"Yes, I like sea fishing."
The world is at the end of the world and there is no one left except the main characters.
This is what the protagonist, who had been isolated, said when he went outside.
These are ordinary words, but they show how much fun he has in this world.
I would be happy if you read to the end and say, "Yes, I liked this article/work!"
Synopsis
The story is set in a future Japan where humanity is already on the brink of extinction. Big cities and rural towns are deserted, with only buildings and transportation networks remaining, and nature is slowly beginning to cover the human world. In this world, two young girls, Yoko and Airi, appear.
The two continue their motorbike "touring" around a deserted Japan, stopping occasionally to stock up on food and supplies, and gazing at the ruined towns and silent tourist spots, they contemplate the lives of people who once lived there.
The story is not dominated by major incidents or battles, but rather by matter-of-fact movements and conversations. However, the landscapes depicted, such as a Ferris wheel standing in ruins, a train station covered in grass, and a city sunken into the water, have an overwhelming sense of realism, paradoxically creating a strong sense of the "absence of humanity." Scenes of the two characters eating, taking photos, and sharing small laughs add a warmth to the film.
Let's travel the world!
Let's have fun even in a world with no one around
The charm of the characters
Yoko
A girl who travels with Airi. She is innocent and expressive. She expresses genuine surprise and emotion at the scenery and food, adding a softness to the story. Her presence makes the post-apocalyptic world feel less inorganic and more colorful and warm.
The relationship between Airi and the other two is an exquisite distance that is more than just friends, but less than family, and the balance in which they complement each other supports the story.
Airi
One of the central characters in the story, she is a calm and somewhat mature girl. She is in charge of many of the practical aspects of the journey, such as driving the motorbike and procuring supplies. Her calm demeanor resonates with the tranquility of the world, giving the reader a sense of security. Furthermore, she is equipped with a plasma cannon on her arm, symbolizing the sci-fi elements of the worldview.
The "quiet happiness" of living in a post-apocalyptic world“
Although the setting is an extreme apocalyptic one, the work conveys the feeling of "humans living in harmony with nature." It is the feeling of trying to live happily and with determination within the dying culture that humanity left behind. After the destruction of advanced civilizations such as tanks, warships, motorcycles, and humanoid robots, all that remains is...Human instinct to live in harmony with natureis.
"End of the World Touring" is a work that finds "humanity" in a post-apocalyptic world.
A bowl of ramen in a deserted landscape and untold traces of the past help us rediscover the preciousness of our everyday lives.
Imagery and atmosphere
Saito Sakae's illustrations are characterized by detailed background depictions and simple, soft character designs. The ruins of buildings and cityscapes eroded by nature are realistic, drawing the reader into "post-apocalyptic Japan." At the same time, the characters' facial expressions are rounded and drawn with a friendly touch, preventing the work from feeling too cold.
Additionally, the use of panels often emphasizes silence, and the composition of the large dialogue-free panels showing vast landscapes gives the reader a strong sense of "being on a journey."
The worldview is really great
The background is carefully drawn, allowing you to feel the culture that remains in a devastated Japan.
Memorable scenes
There are some iconic scenes.
- In this scene, the two of them are eating with a Ferris wheel in an abandoned tourist spot in the background. Even though there are no people around, it evokes the image of the bustling atmosphere of the past.
- The scene where they talk at the sea. The contrast between the past and the present is very moving. They meet Suzuki Ichiro, a robotic father who has lost his memory, and the memories of his family are sad and heartbreaking. It really tugs at the heartstrings.
- In one scene, the two share a bowl of instant ramen during their journey. This is a performance that makes an everyday act seem special and precious in a post-apocalyptic world.
These scenes symbolize the "small happiness" left in a "world of nothingness."
Recommended for:
- People who like post-apocalyptic stories but want to avoid depressing plots
- People who want to enjoy traveling, touring, and road movie-like atmosphere
- People who like the contrast between beautiful backgrounds and everyday conversations
- People who want to spend their time leisurely
I highly recommend this book especially to readers who like "Girls' Last Tour" and "Yokohama Shopping Trip."
Similar works
- "Girls' Last Tour" by Tsukumizu: A story about the journey of two girls living after the extinction of humanity. Similar in atmosphere and theme.
- "Yokohama Shopping Trip" by Ashinano Hitoshi: A masterpiece depicting everyday life in a peaceful post-apocalyptic world.
- "Sakura Quest": A story of daily life with themes of travel and local area, with a similar feeling of touring the setting.
- "Super Cub": There are some overlapping motifs of motorcycles and girls.
No matter where you are or what time it is, it's always fun as long as you have friends
Enjoy the wonderful world with Yoko and Airi!
Q&A
Q1. What kind of apocalypse does "End of the World Touring" depict?
A1. The detailed cause of the world's collapse is not described, and the story focuses on the silence that follows after people have disappeared. By deliberately omitting explanations, it creates a universal aftertaste.
Q2. Are the depictions of the bikes realistic?
A2. Yes. It also has an aspect of being a touring manga, and the bikes and riding scenes are well-drawn.
Q3. Serious or soothing?
A3. It's basically a soothing type of music. It emphasizes "quiet travel emotions" rather than despair.
summary
"End of the World Touring" is set in Japan after the collapse of civilization, but it is by no means a dark story. The gentle exchanges between the two girls, combined with the stunningly beautiful backgrounds, beautifully express the idea of "comfort in the midst of destruction."
With each turn of the page, readers will feel as if they are touring themselves. This work depicts the end of the world while making readers think about how to live in the present, and it is a book that quietly speaks to them and stays in their hearts.
The main characters are great, traveling through a ruined world and living positively.
It makes readers feel like they're touring together to enjoy this world.
If you like this work, check out the purchase link below!
Purchase Link
Other works by the author
Saito Sakae's main representative work is "End of the World Touring," but he has also published illustrations and short stories, and his combination of detailed backgrounds and warm character portrayals is alive and well in his other works.
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