Current Status Report20240223 (Patreon)

Hi, This is Muchi.

As we approach this time of year, February becomes the enemy of manga artists, no, the enemy of all working adults, and I feel like venting some strong words. Yes, February just doesn't have enough days. We're already cutting it to less than a week.

Still, thanks to this leap year, things seem a bit more manageable, and the deadline for my manga manuscript doesn't seem to be an issue. The older we get, the more we realize the preciousness of each day, don't we?

nd today happens to be the birthday of the 126th Emperor of Japan, a national holiday. Describing the existence of the imperial family in Japan is quite a task. Anyway, it's an impression of a bloodline that has lasted for over a thousand years, probably the oldest monarchy in the world or something like that. But despite appearing indifferent, their every move often becomes a topic of discussion among the citizens.

Speaking of a thousand years ago, there's currently a drama airing in Japan, inspired by the author of "The Tale of Genji," which is said to be the oldest surviving long love story novel. It's gaining immense popularity. Unfortunately, the original manuscript of "The Tale of Genji" is lost, and only the oldest copies remain, but I've seen it once in a museum. I remember feeling a mix of awe at the existence of such an ancient artifact and respect for the author who depicted such intricate emotions in a time when the novel as a culture wasn't matured yet.

Although the author of "The Tale of Genji" is said to be a woman, women's presence in Japan's writing scene is remarkable, and this trend has significantly influenced modern Japanese manga and anime.

"The Tale of Genji" is incredibly taboo and its erotic descriptions are reminiscent of today's BL (Boys' Love) or adult comics.

Many female authors are also thriving in Japan's publishing industry today, a fact that often surprises those unfamiliar with the field. By the way, even Achu-sensei is a woman. Explaining this trend is difficult, but there's certainly an energy unique to it. It's really fascinating, don't you think?