Content warning: attempted suicide, depression, homophobia, homophobic slurs, sexism.
'Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare, Vol. 1' is a contemporary manga that features both yaoi and yuri themes, by nonbinary mangaka Yuhki Kamatani. It is harrowing and hard-hitting in how it depicts issues of homophobia, internalised homophobia, and coming out in Japan. Attempted suicide is a huge cloud and motif in the whole volume, it is that dark and depressing.
How any society can function and call itself human - and how any family can call themselves loving - when they treat queer people so abysmally, I cannot fathom it. It is monstrous; especially where the youth, the most vulnerable of people, are concerned. No one is safe, healthy, decent, loving and happy whilst discrimination continues to exist. The system of "normalcy" is corrupt and toxic. It's not just unfair, it's deadly.
There is a glimmer, a peak, of hope in 'Our Dreams at Dusk', however. It reminds me a little of 'Fruits Basket', in how the main character, out of the midst of tragedy and/or ostracization, stumbles upon a new found family in the outskirts of society, who accepts them for who they are, and the individual family members are more like the protagonist than they'd thought.
Destroying and renovating old houses is the business of the "Drop-In" centre (well, it's a volunteer group, really), and the metaphor of breaking down walls also meaning to break down your own inner walls and find self-love, respect and acceptance is apparent and amazing. How cathartic and relieving that must be; 'Our Dreams at Dusk' contains some tools for therapy to go with its story.
Additionally, sexism towards women and the outdated expectations placed on them is depicted (as is sexism towards men, for sexism and homophobia are linked; it's to do with conservatism and toxic masculinity). Then there's the same-sex marriage movement in Japan.
Every subject in this short modern manga is important and relevant, no matter where you live in the world.
Is there a fantasy element to the manga? It's ambiguous in this volume, as far as I can discern. There is a typo or two in the English translation, as well. Not every character is developed (or named in-story more than once, for that matter) so far, either.
I still recommend 'Our Dreams at Dusk', whatever your sexuality. I can imagine that it will be difficult or even triggering for queer readers - it pulls no punches. Those who are considering coming out of the closet to family and friends won't find much comfort in it. But depending on where your home is and who you know, acceptance can take time (too much time in the 21st century, if you ask me). This manga at least lets the LBGTQA community know that it is just that, a community. They are not, never have been, and never will be, alone.
Discrimination, ignorance, hate - it is a continuous battle that we all must keep fighting.
Love is love.
We are all in this together.
Final Score: 3.5/5
P.S. Something I related to personally and positively in 'Our Dreams at Dusk' is the volunteer groups for local conservation activities. I used to take part in projects like those taking place in the manga when I was at university (I never knocked down any walls, though, but I'd like to try), so that was a surprising small nostalgia trip. It's a life affirming reminder of what I can still do in my life, too. To help people and be productive and active in my community.
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