Even Though We're Adults

 



Even Though We're Adults
by Takako Shimura

When I started reading this manga series, I expected it to be a frivolous, light read. The cover art lured me in with its bright colors and a dream-like art style, but upon being opened, it was much different than I imagined. If you are unaware, yuri is Japanese media focusing on close relationships between female characters. Yuri is commonly more mild, sweet, and slow paced than the average romance, leading many to shun its stories rather than look deeper into them. 
In Even Though We're Adults, the story follows a elementary school teacher (Ayano) meeting a bartender (Akari) and having a genuine connection. That is, until Akari finds out that Ayano has a husband. Unable to stop loving each other, they work through moving houses, blocking and unblocking, and finally ending the loveless marriage between Ayano and her husband. Along the way, we meet several new characters with varying problems and traits. The Manga doesn't shy away from things like domestic abuse, depression, and  instead exploring the journeys each character takes as they grow as people. Which leads me to the title- one might think that the author chose that name to describe the silly love triangle thing going on, but I personally interpret it as showing how adults, although grown physically, can still grow as people. Each character gets to find understanding and healing, and I think that is what makes this such a good series. 
I'm not going to say that this manga is perfect- it still has its bumps and gaps within the story, but overall, it is a truly impactful story. Queer representation like this is important to see in the media. Not the usual doomed, unhappy endings for queer couples (Madoka Magica, Nana, Falsettos, Portrait of a Lady On Fire, Girls Last Tour [ITS YURI I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL] Look Back, Alien Stage) while they are meaningful, only seeing portrayals of death and misery shouldn't just be the standard. Looking into why so many queer love stories are so often don't end like straight ones do is hard, but seeing how many queer couples, yes, DID end up with unhappy endings in real life, I think pushing yuri like this is important. No one should be scared to lose who they love, and this story shows women who (while gay marriage is illegal for them) eventually get to live their lives together. 
Go read it guys!! 
-Leaf


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