[Book Sip] Tokyo Settlement Story of Japanese Manga Artist Masuda Miri

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This is an essay about living alone, written by Japanese manga artist Masuda Miri. It introduces episodes she experienced after quitting her job at the age of twenty-six and moving to Tokyo with dreams of becoming an illustrator. She finds a place to live in a building three floors or higher with a monthly rent of 70,000 yen (approximately 640,000 KRW), carefully fills even the trash bin, and places men's trunk underwear on the veranda for security. The essay also reveals interesting stories, such as how she became a famous artist after spending too much time lounging at home, which caused shoulder pain that led her to visit a chiropractor. With her unique positive and easygoing personality, she pushes away anxiety with excitement and offers readers a life picture drawn on a canvas over 28 years.

"Mom said she'll pay." I stopped her and paid myself. I wanted to do everything with my own money. I didn't want to rely on my parents for even a single penny for moving costs, the deposit and key money for the house, appliances, or furniture. Being tested in Tokyo means that. Anyway, I am as stubborn as a bull. - From "Chapter 1_Mom Comes"

That piano lesson also came to an end after ten years. If I quit once, I would never play again, but I think the current me is different from the 'me who couldn't play' before starting. I was able to add ten years' worth of joyful Tuesdays to my life. - From "Chapter 2_What I Want to Do Most"

Having a name means having companions. Under the starlight, in a room with the curtains drawn, I feel reassured by the presence of people rustling about just like me. The night is kind. It doesn't urge you to go out, meet many people, and raise your self-worth! - From "Chapter 2_People Who Like Staying Up All Night"

I was an adult who didn't want to overdo it. Not wanting to overdo it is a little different from not making an effort. There are things you can't do without effort, and sometimes effort is enjoyable. But overdoing it is painful. Overdoing it is never fun. Overdoing it doesn't just mean reducing sleep or meal times. Reducing walk time or even time spent spacing out is also 'overdoing it.' - From "Chapter 2_An Adult Who Doesn't Overdo It"

"Aren't you coming back to Osaka?"

It means 'after I get older and retire someday.' I can't say I have no intention of coming back, and well, since I've gotten used to Tokyo, I hesitate. I live speaking standard Japanese in Tokyo, but inside me, the rhythm of the Kansai dialect is always engraved. My affection for the dialect will never disappear throughout my life. Still, I liked Tokyo. There are people I met here and a familiar lifestyle. Sometimes I daydream that it would be nice if a Norwegian forest spread out ten minutes away by bicycle, but plum blossoms bloom on the neighborhood walking paths. Cherry blossoms bloom too. I can see a pine tree outside the window. - From "Chapter 3_Us at That Time"

Every Day I Like This Place More | Written by Masuda Miri | Translated by Lee Sodam | Tiramisu The Book | 264 pages | 16,800 KRW