5 Centimeters per Second

*5 Centimeters per Second* is a manga that is based on a popular Japanese animated film. It also surprised me because I did not expect to enjoy it, and indeed devour it, at such a fast pace as I did. It is a bit melancholy and somber, but ultimately happy. Normally, such things don't appeal to me. I like happier fare, but this was just so well done that I couldn't help but like it.The story is about a boy and girl named Tōno Takaki and Shinohara Akari, who meet in elementary school and very quickly develop a friendship which grows, even at such a young age, into a very tender love. Unfortunately, Akari must eventually move away so her father can assume a new job in a different city. Devestated, the two young people vow to write to each other and never forget each other. Sadly, as is often the case in life, this isn't to be.They try to keep in touch for a while, but slowly just drift apart from each other. They are both bothered by this, but can't seem to take the initiative to write to each other. They deeply want to reach out to each other, but can't muster the courage to do so. Or the courage to move on.The story focuses much more on Takaki than Akari. We only see a few snippets of her once they lose touch with each other. They do show us that she is the far stronger of the two. She can move past the hurt and circumstances in a way that he can not. Then again, this is just my interpretation, but both of them seem to react to the situation based upon the cultural expectations of Japanese society.This story is set several years ago, at a time when cell phones and computers were not nearly as ubiquitous as they are now. The characters can lose track of each other much more easily as they do not have social media to help them keep constantly in touch with each other. It is a time that does have a simplicity that require the extra effort and care to keep in touch. We have lost that today, perhaps.So why would I read and love such a melancholy graphic novel? Because of the story, the characterization, and the artwork. The art is gorgeous, with each character drawn well. The story draws you in. Though Takaki and Akari are the main characters, we see them, well, in the case of Takaki, through the eyes of other people. It helps us to capture a sense of the pain and the progress of these two young people when you see their interactions with others.One reason I did like the end is that it was open for interpretation, but there is a good chance that, in the end, not just Akari, but also Takaki, ended up happy with other people. Whether this is the case with Takaki is up to the reader to decide, I suppose.This is perhaps one of the most beautiful, poignant, and meaningful mangas (or stories of any genre) I have read in a long time.Highly Recommended.

I have read many manga over the years ranging from the generic shounen action manga to slice of life, romance and even psychological but this manga takes the top spot on my list of all time favorites. One of the key things that’s sets this manga apart is how well it is written from different points of view through out the story. Now this has been done before but 5 centimeters per second has done this best job at doing it. Each point of view reveals so much about the story and there is so much emotion and realism packed into this story. The message of the story is heartbreaking and may even be “a tough pill to swallow” but that’s why I enjoyed this story. It shed light upon the reality of everyday life and tells a relatable story that almost everyone has went through at some point in their lives. Even if you are not a fan of romance or slice of life, this manga is a MUST read for anyone. It has helped me to realize some weak and dark times in my life to help turn it around for the better. Definitely worth every penny spent!

Disclaimer: I love “slice of life” type films and stories about the everyday Joe/Jane discovering something about himself/herself.If this is your thing, you’ll love this manga. At first glance, it seems like another sappy graphic novel for the teenager, but as you read it, you’re filled with a sense of longing for days of the past—before cell phones, when friendships were simpler and time flew by slowly.I’ve included one page towards the latter half of the thick, novel-like manga that sort of shows how reflective the language can be and how you sort of grow up with the main character Tohno as he discovers parts of himself. Maybe, in all this, you’re able to reflect and rediscover a part of yourself too.Highly recommend this read if you’ve the time, as it is a heftier manga.

I was ecstatic when I found out there was going to be a manga of my favorite movie, I couldn't wait until I could get it and read it. As I started reading it followed the movie very well, but there are some "fillers" in it that fills you in on what happened in the middle of parts. Like how Akari and Tohno met and how they got started on being friends. I really did love this book but there were a couple of things that got on my nerves. There are no tails on the talking bubbles. Half-way through the book I saw a couple but that was it. So at times, especially the beginning, I had trouble telling who exactly was talking. And also, the scenes changed a lot of times in the beginning and the only way I knew that it changed was because the characters were wearing different clothing. But overall, this book was amazing. It captured my heart yet again and I will always recommend this to everyone. So if you enjoyed the movie, are just a person looking for a touching story, or just love reading manga, I definitely recommend this to you.

I’ve heard nothing but good things about the movie, But have never seen it.so everyone said look the book up,it has more story and extra’s.I still have a way to go but i will say the artwork is great and if you ever had that life long friend you always spent time with but the older you getThe more responsibilities and problems you face. Eventually you slowly drift apart. It’s well worth it if your into this genre. I have Both the original hardcover & one more side, this is the girls point of view of the story. So far I love it! Makes you sad to grow up.