The story about the struggles and challenges in the lives of Japanese manga artists has long been highlighted in numerous articles, manga, and even animated works. This hardship is depicted more vividly in the movie “Cảm Ơn Tình Yêu” (also known as Gegege No Nyobo).
The film is based on the life of the famous manga artist Mizuki Shigeru, providing a nuanced perspective on the manga industry in Japan through the life experiences of two protagonists, Shigeru and Fumie.
In Japan, not every manga artist enjoys a comfortable life. Many have had to accept living under difficult conditions, regardless of the genre of manga they create, and the works that they are passionate about. Sometimes, they even have to endure financial struggles and take on side jobs to support their families.
As the main character, the manga artist Shigeru serves as an example. He is very passionate and dedicated to creating manga, yet he often finds himself struggling to gain recognition. To continue supporting his family and pursuing his craft, he had to adopt a pen name and create works primarily aimed at a female audience. Despite feeling a lack of freedom, Shigeru still shares his belief that “changing genres shouldn’t be an issue; if the work is more commercially successful, then that’s fine. Even if I have to use a pen name, I can survive through my craft and my passion.”
Alongside Shigeru is Nakamori, another manga artist whose life is even more challenging. Despite making efforts to work hard and being recognized for his talent, Nakamori’s income is insufficient, forcing him to rely on side jobs to make ends meet. The life of many manga artists remains difficult, especially at a time when the newly emerging comic magazines have led publishers to pursue commercial success, further complicating the industry landscape.
Although this narrative highlights the hardships faced by manga artists, the film still conveys many human values, particularly the dedication and determination of artists as they strive to remain true to their craft while producing works that resonate with their audience.
