Norihiko Kurazono’s manga series, Moon River o Watatte, has reached its conclusion. The final chapter was released on March 16th, bringing the story to a close. The third and final compiled book volume is scheduled to be released on June 18th.
Moon River o Watatte is a dystopian science fiction manga that launched in May 2024 in Shogakukan’s Manga ONE app. The story centers around Manatsu, a high school girl living in a society with strict rules, and what happens when one of her photographs reveals something that shouldn’t be seen. This leads to an encounter with “the outside world” that turns her life upside down.
A Glimpse into Moon River o Watatte
Moon River o Watatte presents a world where people live on the moon under strict thought control. The population adheres to rigid rules known as “Regel,” and those who venture to Earth never return. Manatsu, the protagonist, is a self-reliant high school girl whose ordinary life takes a turn when a casual photograph captures something forbidden. This discovery propels her into a summer adventure filled with encounters and revelations about the secrets of her world. With her fellow members of the photography club, Manatsu begins to uncover the truth.
Plot Details and Themes
The series explores themes of adventure, science fiction, and slice of life. The manga is set in a small town, where a girl with a secret dreams of leaving. An unexpected encounter from the “outside” sets in motion a chain of events. The story delves into the mysteries of a seemingly utopian society, hinting at a darker reality beneath the surface.
Characters
- Manatsu: A high school girl and the protagonist of the story. She is a member of the photography club, and her life changes after taking a photograph that reveals a hidden truth.
- Photography Club Members: Manatsu’s companions in the photography club, who join her on her summer adventure.
Norihiko Kurazono: A Diverse Manga Artist
Norihiko Kurazono is a manga artist known for his diverse works spanning various genres. Some of his notable manga series include:
- Automaton (2018)
- Chitei Ryokou (2015)
- Hocus Pocus (2011)
- Jiangshi X (2023)
- Liber (2020)
- Mahou Gyoushounin Roma (2009)
- Mishima Rin wa Shinjinai! (2011)
- Suisei Shounendan (2012)
Kurazono launched Jiangshi X in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump Plus in January 2023, and it ended in February 2024. Viz Media and Shueisha’s MANGA Plus published Jiangshi X in English.
Reception
Moon River o Watatte has garnered attention for its dystopian setting and engaging storyline. While the series has a relatively short run, the final volume’s release is anticipated by fans. On MyAnimeList, the series has a popularity rating of 81%.
Where to Read
While officially the manga can be bought on Bookwalker and Amazon, here are other ways to read it:
- MangaDex: This platform offers the manga for online reading.
- MANGA Plus: Although Moon River o Watatte is not listed on MANGA Plus, the platform does offer other works by Norihiko Kurazono, such as Jiangshi X.
Final Thoughts
The conclusion of Moon River o Watatte marks the end of a dystopian science fiction tale that explores themes of freedom, truth, and rebellion against a controlled society. Fans of Norihiko Kurazono and the science fiction genre may find this manga to be an interesting read.
