Nami Uraraka ni, Meoto Biyori

Set in Japan during the 1930s amidst the prelude to World War II, "Nami Uraraka ni, Meoto Biyori" vividly portrays the marital relationships of that era. The story revolves around 20-year-old Natsumi, whose marriage is arranged with Takimasa, an officer in the Imperial Japanese Navy. Unlike today's era, where people freely choose partners through dating apps, this era relied heavily on arranged marriages set up by parents or acquaintances. The novelty and intrigue arise when Natsumi marries someone she has never met before, making their first encounter uniquely fascinating to contemporary readers. Today, dating apps reveal everything about potential partners—from their appearance and income to lifestyle choices like smoking habits—before even meeting them. While modern sensibilities might find arranged marriages controversial, I must confess: I wish I could marry someone like Natsumi! The story's setting is a time when gender equality was not yet common. Women were expected to support their husbands, taking a step back, with a focus on domestic duties. Such a perspective might draw criticism from feminists today, yet "Meoto Biyori" beautifully and delicately portrays Natsumi as a devoted, graceful woman quietly nurturing her love for Takimasa. The story doesn't advocate gender inequality. Neither Natsumi nor Takimasa consciously perpetuates such norms. As modern readers, we find this era's simplicity and constraints giving rise to a pure, earnest romance that appears strikingly beautiful. The plot structure of "Meoto Biyori" is straightforward, relying on romantic storytelling's critical element: obstacles. Similar to the timeless "Romeo and Juliet" narrative, modern romance manga typically include rivals, financial hardship, or arranged marriages as hurdles. Here, the narrative uniquely leverages "war and military duty" as barriers, enhancing the emotional depth. Takimasa, being part of the Navy, often faces restrictions—such as not being able to disclose when he will return home, or long periods of absence due to duty. These challenges profoundly resonate with readers, creating heartfelt moments of joy and sorrow.

June 18, 2025

One of the most compelling aspects of "Meoto Biyori" is author Nishika's meticulous depiction of daily life during the era—language nuances, meals, and household chores. Despite the clear inconvenience compared to modern life, there's something deeply moving and charming about witnessing Natsumi's devotion and Takimasa's sincerity. Additionally, Natsumi's appearance in Western clothing rather than traditional Japanese attire is absolutely adorable and worth noting. In a world without smartphones, the thoughtful process of writing letters, the anticipation of waiting, and the depth of longing expressed through these exchanges evoke a nostalgic admiration. This aspect beautifully highlights the romance and simplicity of the past, leaving readers like myself sighing and wistfully thinking, "Ah, the old days were truly wonderful."

June 18, 2025