Tokyo Tarareba Girls: A Relatable Comedy on Societal Expectations for Women

“Tokyo Tarareba Girls” explores the anxieties and “what-ifs” that plague single women in their thirties, set against the backdrop of modern Tokyo. The manga, created by Akiko Higashimura, gained popularity and recognition, leading to a drama adaptation and continued installments. It offers a humorous yet poignant commentary on societal pressures and the challenges women face in navigating relationships, and expectations.

The Premise: What If…?

The story centers around Rinko Kamata, a television drama writer, and her two high school friends, Kaori Yamakawa, a nail artist, and Koyuki Torii, the daughter of a pub owner. These three single women frequently find themselves dwelling on past decisions and imagining alternative life paths – the “tarareba” (what if) scenarios that shape their anxieties. These scenarios are often playfully critiqued by metaphorical food characters representing codfish milt (tara) and liver (reba).

A Turning Point and a Deadline

A chance encounter with Key, a younger male model, prompts the women to confront their self-deprecating habits. Rinko, in particular, sets a goal to get married before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, initiating a journey of self-reflection and change. This deadline serves as a catalyst for the characters to actively address their lives rather than passively lamenting their circumstances.

Higashimura’s Personal Touch and Societal Commentary

Akiko Higashimura draws upon her own experiences as a divorcee and single mother in creating “Tokyo Tarareba Girls.” As noted in Mangasplaining, the manga reflects a shift in Higashimura’s values, moving away from the idea that marriage defines a woman’s happiness or worth. The harsh internal critiques embodied by the food characters stem from her own evolving beliefs.

The manga highlights the societal pressures placed on women to marry and start families, and the tendency to compare themselves to younger individuals. Higashimura critiques the tendency to “complain while doing nothing,” challenging her characters – and readers – to take proactive steps towards their goals.

Art Style and Influences

Higashimura’s art style incorporates painted colors and is heavily influenced by 1980s shoujo manga, featuring dramatic facial expressions. According to Wikipedia, she also demonstrates attention to fashion trends, showcasing contemporary styles through her characters, such as the Harajuku fashion seen on the character Mami Shibata.

Her comedic background shines through in the manga’s over-the-top scenes, using humor to create empathy and deliver social commentary. The work often includes references to Japanese pop culture, celebrities, and trends, adding layers of meaning for those familiar with the context.

Adaptations and Recognition

“Tokyo Tarareba Girls” was initially serialized in Kodansha’s Kiss magazine from March 2014 to April 2017, and has been collected into nine volumes. As detailed on Wikipedia, it won the Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia in 2019. The manga’s popularity led to a 10-episode live-action television drama series on Nippon TV in 2017, followed by a two-hour television special in 2020. Several sequel manga series have also been released, including “Tokyo Tarareba Girls Returns” and “Tokyo Tarareba Girls Season 2.”

Key Takeaways

• “Tokyo Tarareba Girls” offers a relatable portrayal of the challenges faced by single women in their thirties.
• The manga critiques societal expectations surrounding marriage and family.
• Akiko Higashimura’s personal experiences inform the story’s themes and emotional depth.
• The work blends humor and social commentary, creating a thought-provoking and engaging read.