“Depressing manga'' has a difficult reading taste that makes you hesitate to read on. It is characterized by a number of depictions that make you feel mentally cornered, and a disturbing story with an uncertain future.

This time, we will introduce some recommended works that have a reputation as depressing manga. We have picked up a variety of depressing manga, from popular and topical ones to those that have been passed down as masterpieces. Please feel free to touch on the works that interest you.

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Recommended depression manga|Popular and topical works

original sin of takopee

Shueisha Author: Taizan 5 Complete in 2 volumes

This is a blockbuster short depressing manga that has received an explosive response right after it began distribution on Shonen Jump+. This manga is amazing! Selected 3rd place in the 2023 men's edition. The cumulative number of copies sold is 1.4 million, and an anime adaptation is planned for 2025.

Takopee is a happy alien who came to Earth to spread happiness. In order to bring a smile to the face of Shizuka, the elementary school girl who saved her from a hungry crisis, she works hard using various happy tools. However, she was placed in a more spectacular environment than she expected.

The film follows the mysterious daily lives of young boys and girls in desperate situations with the alien Tacopi. The highlight of the film is how Takopi's innocent words and actions bring to light the terrifying side of humanity. This is a recommended depression manga that has a lot of thoughts.

blood trail

Shogakukan Author: Shuzo Oshimi Completed in 17 volumes

A heart-wrenching psychological suspense manga with the theme of the ultimate toxic parent. This is an autobiographical depression manga by Shuzo Oshimi that was serialized in “Big Comic Superior” until 2023. In the same year, it won the Best Series Award at the Angoulême International Comics Festival held in France.

Seiichi Osabe, a second-year junior high school student, was living a peaceful life while being showered with love from his mother, Shizuko. The close-knit family, to the point where everyone around them calls them overprotective, changes completely due to an incident that occurs one summer day. This is a story that follows the distorted relationship between a parent and child over many years.

The life of a child who remains under the spell of a dependent mother is depicted in a skillful way that arouses anxiety. Its appeal is that you can experience the psychological horror of madness slowly approaching. This is a depressing manga recommended for those who have painful memories about adolescence and parent-child relationships.

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Kodansha Author: Mohiro Kito All 11 volumes completed

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A depressing science fiction manga depicting the heroic lives of young boys and girls who fight against giant robots to protect the Earth. It won the Excellence Award in the Manga Division of the 14th Japan Media Arts Festival, and was made into an anime. It is one of the masterpieces that has been described as “breaking new ground for giant robots.''

Fifteen boys and girls come to a depopulated village for a summer nature school. While exploring a seaside cave, he encounters a mysterious man who is said to be developing a game inside. He pitches the game to the kids, and 14 middle school students sign up to participate.

Children board the giant robot “Zearth” to fight. However, a harsh price was hidden behind it.

This work has a reputation for having a depressing plot so severe that the editorial department has issued a warning. The desperate feelings of children risking their lives to go to war are delicately depicted. This is a recommended depression manga that will make you think about how you should live in the face of death.

・Kodansha complete edition, all 5 volumes complete

teacher's white lie

Kodansha Author: Akane Torikai Completed in 8 volumes

This is a depressing manga that focuses squarely on the issue of sexual assault and highlights the disparity in awareness of sexuality between men and women. Serialized in “Monthly Morning Two” from 2013 to 2017. It also attracted attention when it was made into a live-action movie in 2024.

Misuzu Hara, 24 years old, was living a peaceful life as a high school teacher. However, when her friend Minako's fiancé, Hayato, presses for a relationship, her daily life changes completely. Misuzu gradually falls into a quagmire while harboring an aversion to sex.

A depressing manga that explores the issue of sexual inequality that exists between men and women, intertwining the human experiences of characters who suffer from gender-related anguish. The darkness in the hearts of people who have experienced sexual domination is realistically expressed. This work is recommended by many readers who say it leaves a heavy aftertaste in their hearts.

misumisou

Futabasha Author: Rensuke Oshikiri Completed in 6 volumes

This is a popular depressing manga that has been touted as a “spirit-destroying horror'' with a hard world view that deals with gruesome bullying. It became a hot topic when it was made into a movie in 2018, even though it was said to be impossible to make into a live-action movie.

What awaited Haruka Nosaki, a middle school student who moved to a closed country town, was horrific bullying. As the bullying escalates day by day, even Haruka's family becomes involved. Haruka, whose heart is broken, vows revenge.

This is a work that has received high praise as a depressing manga, with a worldview that follows a roller coaster of cruel bullying and fierce revenge. The horror of humans, who can become infinitely cruel, is skillfully expressed. Recommended for those who want to read intensely depressing manga that will tear your spirit away.

・Futabasha complete edition, complete in 2 volumes

Good night Punpun

Shogakukan Author: Inio Asao Completed in 13 volumes

One of the masterpieces of Inio Asao, who has worked on many masterpieces such as “Solanin''. This masterpiece of depression manga was selected as a recommendation by the jury at the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division. The story depicts the turbulent life of an ordinary boy living in a certain town.

Punpun is a 5th grade elementary school student who falls in love with transfer student Aiko Tanaka at first sight. She tells me that “earth will soon become an uninhabitable planet'' and “if we don't move to another planet, humanity will die.'' In the future, Punpun dreams of becoming a cosmic scholar and saving Aiko…

This work has a reputation for its realistic human drama and heart-wrenching portrayal of emotions. The experimental technique of expressing only Punpun and his family as chicks also creates a unique worldview. Although it is a depressing manga, it is a recommended masterpiece that many readers can't help but empathize with.

land of jewels

Kodansha Author: Haruko Ichikawa Completed in 13 volumes

A science fiction fantasy manga depicting the daily battles of immortal life forms with jewel bodies, both strong and fragile. It is also popular as a depressing manga, and was made into an anime in 2017. It is a masterpiece that won the 45th Japan SF Award in 2025.

The story is set in the distant future, when life on land has sunk into the ocean. The 28 jewels who were newly born over a long period of time spent their days preparing for the battle against the “Moon People” who attacked them in order to use them as ornaments.

Phosphophyllite was not given any role while everyone took a position suited to their own characteristics. One day, he is given the task of compiling a natural history book…

The highlight is the many shocking developments in which the peaceful daily lives of the jewels gradually change in an irreversible direction. This is a highly recommended depressing manga that has received high praise for its original worldview, which interweaves Buddhist ideas into a grand-scale science fiction story.

Yamikin Ushijima-kun

Shogakukan Author: Shohei Manabe Completed in 46 volumes

A nationally popular dark hero manga about black money lenders, which is also highly popular as a depressing manga. It won multiple manga awards, including the 56th Shogakukan Manga Award. It is a huge hit that has been made into a drama and a live-action movie, and has sold 21 million copies in total.

A variety of debtors visit Kaukau Finance, an underground lender that lends money at a profit of 50% in 10 days. The company's president, Kaoru Ushijima, lends money to them, calling them “slaves,” and works to expand his business by collecting the money himself.

The story depicts Ushijima, a charismatic black market financier, ruthlessly cornering people who have fallen due to various circumstances. Another important point is that the horrific lives of people involved in black finance are based on the author's thorough research. This is a recommended depressing manga that gives you a glimpse of the raw darkness of society.

Himeanoru

Kodansha Author: Minoru Furuya All 6 volumes completed

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A shocking violent thriller manga that delves into the suffering of a pleasure-seeking murderer. The author is “Go! Minoru Furuya has worked on many masterpieces such as “Inaka Table Tennis Club'' and “Himizu.'' It was serialized in Weekly Young Magazine from 2008 to 2010, and was also made into a live-action movie.

Okada, who works part-time at a building cleaning company, feels vague anxiety and dissatisfaction with his ordinary days. Even though Okada wants to make a decision, he can't think of any concrete action. One day, by chance, I end up helping a senior at work with his unrequited love…

It is characterized by the parallel perspectives of the ordinary Okada and his classmate Morita, who is obsessed with pleasure murder. The depiction of Morita's feelings of conflict and despair over his own helpless nature stands out among depressive manga. This is a recommended masterpiece that skillfully interweaves romantic comedy and suspense.

ultimate weapon girlfriend

Shogakukan Author: Shin Takahashi Completed in 7 volumes

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A science fiction romance manga that was serialized in Weekly Big Comic Spirits from 2000 to 2001 and became a sensation. It is said to be the “pioneer of world-style manga,'' and is a masterpiece of depression manga that has been made into an anime and a live-action movie.

The story centers on high school students Shuji and Chise, who have been in an innocent relationship. One day, Sapporo is suddenly attacked by an airstrike. As Shuji flees under the fire of war, what appears before him is Chise, which flies through the sky at a speed of Mach 2 and has transformed into a weapon with tremendous destructive power.

Shuji continues to feel for Chise, who has been modified into Earth's “ultimate weapon” and gradually loses her human heart. The story depicts the hopeless love story of two people who are placed in a hopeless situation that affects the fate of the earth. Recommended for those who want to read depressing manga that will make your heart ache with sadness.

・Shogakukan treasured edition, complete in 4 volumes

blood harley's carriage

Ota Publishing Author: Hiroaki Samura Complete in 1 volume

This is a highly well-known work that is a manga about hopeless depression. The harsh fate of girls taken in by a wealthy family is depicted in a series of 8 short stories.

The dream of the girls living at the orphanage is to become an adopted daughter of the Blood Harley family, where only one person is chosen each year. I dreamed of being a member of the Blood Hurley Episcopal Opera Company and having a spectacular career. However, the chosen girl actually arrived behind a dark wall.

The story depicts the days of fierce nightmares faced by young girls who had hope. The recommended point is that you can get a glimpse of the humanity of people in various positions who are placed in extreme situations.

Recommended depression manga|Completed

Flower of evil

Kodansha Author: Shuzo Oshimi Completed in 11 volumes

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A popular depressing manga by Shuzo Oshimi that has been made into an anime and a live-action film. It was serialized in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine from 2009 to 2014. The troubled youth of a boy who is troubled by his own perverted nature is depicted in two parts: “Junior High School Student Edition'' and “High School Student Edition.''

One day after school, the main character, Takao Kasuga, steals the gym clothes of Nanako Saeki, who he secretly has feelings for. It turns out that this was witnessed by Sawa Nakamura, the hated person in the class. Kasuga doesn't want to reveal that he stole it, so Sawa offers him a contract.

The story depicts the ruin of a boy and girl who find themselves in a dangerous love triangle in a closed-off town. This is a depressing manga with an attractive literary worldview that skillfully expresses the muddy passion and anguish of adolescence.

Sunset on 4th Street

Fusosha Author: Hajime Yamano Complete in 1 volume

A depressing manga that left a big impact as a “80s subculture comic.'' This is a story depicting the hellish days of a young man who suffers a chain of misfortunes.

Despite living an ordinary life, the main character, Takeshi, is suddenly attacked by a motorcycle gang. Furthermore, the mother was seriously injured and had to be taken away by ambulance. From that day on, Takeshi is beset by misfortunes one after another, and even the factory where he started working is in a miserable environment…

The hopeless life of Takeshi, who falls into an infinite hell, is depicted with splatter depictions. This is a work that leaves a traumatic impression on the reader as he falls into the depths of misfortune due to circumstances and timing.

boy's abyss

Shueisha Author: Ryo Minenami Completed in 18 volumes

A “suicide love story'' that depicts the dark side of relationships surrounding one boy in the countryside, with the theme of suicide. It is a depressing manga that has been serialized in Weekly Young Jump since 2020 and has been described by readers as “hell that you have to pay to read.''

Reiji Kurose, a high school boy, lives in a rural town with his mother who is a nurse, his older brother who is a shut-in, and his grandmother who suffers from dementia. I was aware that I couldn't escape from various constraints, and I was living my days somehow. Meanwhile, Reiji has an encounter that changes his fate.

The main point of the story is that it depicts the darkness and abyss hidden in the hearts of various characters, set in a rural area where there is a sense of confinement. The vivid drama of human relationships is terrifying yet captivating. Recommended for those who want to read depressing manga that delve into the negative emotions of humans.

happy sugar life

Square Enix Author: Tomiyaki Kagisora ​​All 10 volumes completed

A terrifying pure love psychological horror manga that was made into an anime in 2018. This is a depressing manga depicting the crazy love of a high school girl who falls in love with a girl. The series remains popular even after its conclusion, with an exhibition planned to be held in 2025 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the serialization.

Sato Matsuzaka, a high school girl who has never loved anyone, falls in love with Shio Kobe, a girl of unknown age, for the first time. Their life together was filled with sweet and happy emotions. However, Sato will never forgive anyone who threatens his life…

A recommended depressing manga about the pure love of a girl who goes to bizarre means to be with the person she loves. It is an attractive read that makes you think about what it means to love someone and what happiness means. Be sure to watch until the end to see how the two people's closed world ends.

Narutaru

Kodansha Author: Mohiro Kito All 12 volumes completed

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An early full-length manga by Mohiro Kito, who brought “Bokura no'' to the world. This is an adventure fantasy depicting a boy and a girl being swallowed up by a cruel conflict on a global scale. It was serialized in Monthly Afternoon from 1998 to 2003.

During the summer vacation of her sixth year of elementary school, Shiina Tamayori visits the island where her grandparents live. There, they met Hoshimaru, a mysterious star-shaped life form. Shiina deepens their relationship, but in reality, Hoshimaru is hiding a secret.

After meeting Hoshimaru, Shiina becomes involved in a battle with an entity that aims to “change the shape of the world.” Through the many grotesque scenes, you can get a glimpse of the author's unique view of life and death. Recommended for those who like world-class manga that make you want to consider the worldview.

adabana

Shueisha Author: NON Complete in 3 volumes

A suspense mystery that looks behind the scenes of a bizarre murder that occurred in a certain town. This is a short depressing manga that has been serialized in “Grand Jump” since 2020 by NON, who worked on “Hare-Kon”.

In a snowy small town, a bizarre incident occurs in which high school girl Mako Igarashi is murdered and her body dismembered. The person who surrendered to the police as the culprit is Mako's classmate, Mizuki Aikawa. He confesses that he did everything, but Mizuki's statement makes him feel uncomfortable.

The author says that the theme of this work is “what is right and what is wrong.” The secrets hidden between the two best friends and the truth behind the incident are revealed little by little as the characters' perspectives change. This is a highly recommended depression manga, with a clever structure that makes it hard to predict what will happen next.

we did it

Kodansha Original work: Muneyuki Kinjo Illustrations: Hikaru Araki Completed in 9 volumes

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This is a depressing manga depicting the dark youth of high school students whose careless actions lead them into irreversible situations. The original story is written by Muneyuki Kinjo, who has worked on “Blue Rock'' and “As the Gods Say''. It was also made into a TV drama in 2017.

Tobio Masubuchi, a second year high school student, was living a normal but enjoyable life with his friends. One day, one of his friends was assaulted by a Yankee high school delinquent. Tobio and his friends plan revenge on the delinquents with a little mischievous spirit.

The highlight is the downfall and escape of high school students who are unexpectedly burdened with crimes. It realistically depicts the fear of having their daily lives turned upside down in an instant due to their own responsibility, and the extreme psychological state of ordinary young people. This is a recommended depression manga that many readers have read all at once.

capricorn friend

Shueisha Original work: Otsuichi Illustration: Miyokawa Sho Completed in 1 volume

A comic version of a short story by Otsuichi, who has written popular novels such as “Loss Hare Monogatari'' and “ZOO.'' This is a depressing manga with a sci-fi mystery feel about an escape with a classmate who committed murder.

One night, Yuya Matsuda comes across the scene of a murder committed by his classmate Naoto Wakatsuki. Naoto was the target of insidious bullying, and he couldn't bear it anymore and killed the other person. Feeling guilty for turning a blind eye, Yuya decides to run away with him, but…

Although it is a short story that can be completed in one volume, it has an excellent structure that connects intricate foreshadowing. It depicts the sad and cruel youth of young boys living in the narrow world of students. This is a depressing manga recommended for those who like youth mysteries.

love and curse

Shinchosha Author: Fumiko Fumiko Completed in 3 volumes

A depressing manga set in the 1990s that depicts the life of a girl who grew up in a religious family. It is known as Fumi Fumiko's semi-autobiographical work.

The story is set in a local city in the 1990s, where tragic incidents and disasters occurred. Aiko, a middle school girl, has been sexually abused by her father ever since she could remember. How did she survive when the rest of her family and friends were absorbed in religion and no one could help her?

A heavy depressing manga centered around family and incorporating themes such as sexual abuse and religion. The story depicts the process in which Aiko, who had no choice but to live alone, comes to terms with the difficulty of her own life. The recommended point is that you can get a glimpse of the real thoughts of people who have suffered from the scars of adolescence.

Chi-chan is not enough

Akita Shoten Author: Tomomi Abe Complete in 1 volume

A depressing manga depicting the daily life of Chi-chan, a girl who lacks thoughts and words, and the girls surrounding her. This manga is amazing! It is an excellent work that has received high acclaim in numerous manga awards, including the 1st place for the female edition in 2015 and the Newcomer Award in the Manga Division at the 18th Japan Media Arts Festival.

Chi-chan and Natsu, second year middle school students, always felt something was missing in their ordinary days. One day, their peaceful daily life begins to be shaken due to a small incident.

It is characterized by depicting the realistic emotional movements of adolescent girls, who are constantly burdened with anxiety, dissatisfaction, and jealousy, while interweaving gags. This is an attractive depressing manga that makes you feel like you're being plucked out of feelings of guilt and inferiority.

It's not good, it's not good

KADOKAWA Author: Yakan Nabetani All 4 volumes completed

This is the first suspense horror manga produced by Sanrio. The story depicts the struggle of children trapped in a theme park to escape. It was serialized on “Young Ace UP” and a free game was also developed.

Okada, a new nursery school teacher, visited Sanrio Puroland with 16 children as part of a daycare field trip. However, they end up wandering into Yuropia, a mysterious theme park where fantasy and horror are mixed together.

The creepy mascot told them that the conditions for escape were to “try out the attractions and collect 10 medals.''

This work is based on the concept of “growing pains of the heart.” As the children take on the eerie and ruthless attractions, the darkness in their hearts is depicted as a group drama. This is an innovative work by Sanrio that explores diversity through depressing manga.

Thousand-year apple child

Kodansha Author: Ai Tanaka Completed in 3 volumes

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A heartbreaking depressing manga depicting the strange fate of a wife who ate a forbidden apple and her husband. It was serialized in “ITAN” and won the Newcomer Award at the 16th Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division.

The time is the 1960s. Yukinojo ends up marrying into a snowy village where he makes a living from the apple industry. As Yukinojo spends his days with his wife, Asahi, his heart of not knowing his real family gradually heals. However, when Asahi fell asleep, he forced her to eat an apple, which is considered taboo in the village.

The story depicts the battle between Asahi, who is adopted as the wife of an indigenous god, and Yukinojo, who struggles to save her. Many readers were moved to tears by the beautiful love between husband and wife, which is expressed as the situation gradually worsens. This is a work that is recommended even for those who are not used to reading depression manga.

Recommended depression manga | Currently being serialized

The summer when the light died

KADOKAWA Author: Mokumokuren 6 volumes published

A youth horror manga set in a rural village with strange folklore, depicting the distorted relationships between high school boys. This manga is amazing! In 2023, it was selected as number 1 in the men's category. This is a notable depressing manga that is scheduled to be made into an anime in 2025.

Hikaru and Yoshiki, who grew up in a depopulated village, have been together since childhood as one of the few classmates. However, one day, Yoshiki becomes convinced that Hikari has been replaced by another unknown Nanika. At the same time, strange incidents occur one after another in the village…

A work that depicts the irreparable codependent relationship between Yoshiki and Nanika in a creepy horror setting. The mystery element, which reveals the legends hidden in the village and the mystery of Nanika's true identity, is also a highlight. Recommended for those who like disturbing youthful depression manga.

Rokunin of the cross

Kodansha Author: Nakabushiryu 20 volumes published

This is a violent manga depicting revenge for gruesome bullying. It started being serialized in “Bessatsu Shonen Magazine'' in 2020, and is currently being serialized in “Magapoke.''

Shun Urushima, a 6th grade elementary school student, was called “Experiment A'' by five of his classmates and was subjected to severe bullying. Although he relies on his warm family for support, even that family is taken away by five people. Shun decides to be reborn under the guidance of his grandfather, who survived as a member of a secret unit during the war.

A psychological suspense film in which Shun, who has transformed into the ultimate avenger, dedicates himself to revenge under the rule that “those who reform will be spared.'' This is a depressing manga recommended for those who want to enjoy a hard worldview filled with hatred towards humans and depictions of grotesque torture.

Mouse's first love

Kodansha Author: Riku Oseto 5 volumes published

A manga depicting the cruel and painful first love of a girl who was raised to be a killer. It is a notable work that began serialization in Weekly Young Magazine in 2023 and has been nominated for multiple manga awards.

The main character, Nezumi, is a girl who was raised by the Yakuza to be a killer. She doesn't know how to love someone, so she meets Ao, an ordinary, naive young man, and they instantly fall in love. The two begin a happy life together, but the organization that doesn't allow this begins to kidnap Ao and try to kill her.

The plot is full of gaps, with the cruel side of the underworld intertwined with the pure love story of two people. Please pay attention to whether the two will be able to keep their love alive amidst the disturbing developments that include relentless splatter depictions.

Parents say, “Please kill your child”

Shinchosha Original work: Tsuyoshi Oshikawa Illustrations: Masakazu Suzuki 16 volumes published

A non-fiction manga that clearly depicts the real darkness and pathology faced by modern families. This is a comic version of Tsuyoshi Oshikawa's novel of the same name. It is serialized in “Comic Bunch Kai”.

This work features the son of an elite who collapses under the pressure of education from his family and those around him, and a man who turns a knife on his parents due to drinking. This is a shocking work that highlights the problems of modern society through the realistic depiction of families with various dark sides.

The author has been in charge of supporting people who need mental health help but are not receiving it. The spectacular relationship between a mentally ill child and his parents, which he witnessed firsthand, is depicted in an omnibus format. Recommended for those who want to read a depressing manga that depicts the horrors that can happen all around us.

I want to die because I want to touch Aono-kun.

Kodansha Author: Umi Shiina 12 volumes published

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A heart-wrenching horror love story between a high school boy who becomes a ghost and his high school girl lover. This is an excellent work that was selected as a recommendation by the jury in the manga section of the 21st Japan Media Arts Festival. It was also made into a drama for distribution.

Yuri Kariya is a high school girl who is having a smooth relationship with her first boyfriend, Ryuhei Aono. However, after two weeks of dating, Aono dies, and Yuri tries to follow in his footsteps. Then, Aono appears in front of Yuri as a ghost.

The highlight is the love story between two people who cannot touch each other, full of mystery and fear. Yuri's growth as a person is also delicately depicted in a horror-like worldview that gradually develops into a disturbing situation.

Living in a cloudy place

Shogakukan Author: Takeshi Taka 7 volumes published

A recommended work that depicts a disturbing home drama about a somewhat strange family, with the theme of the family home. This is an up-and-coming work that began serialization in “Big Comic Superior” in 2021 and has received high praise from many celebrities.

The 29-year-old protagonist takes a long break from work and returns to his parents' home for the first time in a while. The people living at home are my parents, older sister, and older brother, who has been unemployed for 15 years and has no idea what he's thinking. As she spends time at her parents' home, the secrets that her family holds are gradually revealed.

At first glance, this is a surreal and funny sitcom, but there is a chilling atmosphere throughout this work. This is a uniquely addictive work, with unpredictable developments and a crazy worldview that leaves you feeling uncomfortable.

death office

Shinchosha Author: Azumikishi 27 volumes published

This is a manga that depicts the lives of the dead and its employees, set in the “Shi-gakusho” office, which is in charge of contacting the dead at the border between this world and the next. It was made into a drama in 2019, and became a hit with over 7 million copies sold.

The dead come to the “shi government office'' due to various causes of death, such as suicide, homicide, death from disease, and death from an accident. After going through the procedures here, they will be sorted into heaven and hell. Through the application forms filled out by the deceased, we are able to see the heroic aspects of their lives.

The author's worldview, which is laced with sharp social satire, is appealing because of his experience working at city hall. The human drama leading up to death is depicted in one episode in a matter-of-fact manner. From a heart-warming story to a dark development typical of a depressing manga, this is a recommended work that will give you a variety of feelings after reading it.