The Extensive Work
Goodnight Punpun by Inio Asano, released between March 2007 and November 2013, represents the mangaka’s lengthiest project, spanning 147 chapters across thirteen volumes. The protagonist’s appearance, resembling a bird-like mascot, serves as a diversion, as Asano sought to surprise readers by presenting an unconventional manga. The manga’s monochromatic cover, with raised details and vibrant colors woven into the story, symbolizes the protagonist’s descent into depression. Despite its experimental nature, Goodnight Punpun maintains a firm existential identity in alignment with Asano’s prior works. Existentialism is a philosophical movement that delves into human existence, focusing on an individual’s quest for meaning and identity in a tumultuous universe. Asano’s manga creation, Goodnight Punpun, offers a stimulating canvas for exploring existential themes, particularly the identity crisis. We will deconstruct the manga’s storyline and characters to illustrate the interplay between existential and identity-related concepts, providing profound insights into the human condition.
Punpun’s Transformative Journey
Punpun Onodera, an 11-year-old boy in Japan, undergoes a significant transformation as he encounters Aiko Tanaka, transitioning from his idealistic and romantic outlook to the complexities of adulthood. He understands the constantly shifting dynamics of relationships and the challenges of transitioning from a sheltered childhood to the intricate world of grown-ups. When his father assaults his mother, he realizes the people he once looked up to are not as admirable as he had thought. As his troubles multiply, Punpun’s initially shy disposition evolves into a more closed-off demeanor, intensifying his emotional struggles and leading him on a bleak path toward maturity in this dark narrative of the future.
Analyzing Goodnight Punpun poses a challenge due to its intensely personal nature and the author’s aim to address his existential discomfort. This manga serves as a cathartic journey for the author to confront and conquer his existential unease, covering every facet of his life during a specific period. Dissatisfied with his earlier works, Asano intentionally sidesteps the murkiest aspects of his humanity to appeal to a broader audience. To craft a manga that delves into his existential crisis, Asano creates a protagonist with an endearing “kawaii” appearance and initiates the story with the classic Japanese trope of love at first sight for a girl who has just transferred from another school. However, beneath this conventional surface lies a concealed narcissistic narrative intertwined with the three facets of Asano’s personality represented by Punpun, Aiko, and Sachi Nanjou. This intricate web of self-exploration and storytelling weaves a narrative that challenges readers to confront human existence’s intricacies and the creative process’s diverse aspects. It is a journey that beckons readers to explore the author’s psyche and that of his characters, blurring the boundaries between fiction and reality in a captivating and thought-provoking manner.
Alienation as a Mirror of the Human Struggle
Goodnight Punpun revolves around the character Punpun, who experiences profound isolation and alienation while struggling to connect with others and manage his emotional well-being. This sense of alienation mirrors the broader human struggle to find meaning and connection in a seemingly indifferent world. The manga also delves into the search for purpose and significance in life as Punpun grapples with questions about his existence and the meaning of it all. It emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility as Punpun confronts crucial choices with significant consequences. This allegorical aspect underscores the importance of personal agency and the gravity of one’s decisions.
Although Goodnight Punpun does not explicitly delve into existentialism, it can be examined through an existentialist perspective due to its exploration of themes like alienation, the pursuit of meaning, freedom and responsibility, absurdity, and the fleeting nature of happiness in the face of life’s challenges.
In Goodnight Punpun, Asano draws inspiration from this myth to create a personal interpretation. The manga’s intimate nature enables it to serve as a unique expression of the myth. Asano intentionally incorporates references to the summer triangle and the love triangle involving Punpun, Aiko, and Sachi, as well as the presence of the star Deneb, to link the manga to the themes of the ancient myth.
Additionally, the characters in the manga can be viewed as representations of elements of the author’s psyche using Freudian terms. Punpun represents the ego, serving as the mediator of awareness; Aiko embodies the id, representing the self-destructive drive within Punpun; and Sachi functions as the superego, symbolizing the ideal ego that Punpun admires and aspires to emulate.
The Unfolding Narrative of Disenchantment
As the narrative unfolds, Punpun’s pursuit of Altair leads to numerous instances of letdown and disenchantment. He gradually recognizes that the idyllic vision of happiness and love symbolized by Altair cannot be attained as he had envisioned. It echoes existentialist notions of individuals confronting the harsh realities of life and the disparity between their aspirations and the actual world. Punpun’s relationship with Altair also serves as a representation of his maturation and transformation throughout the manga. His comprehension of Altair and its symbolic significance evolves as he matures and gains deeper insights into himself and the world. It parallels existential themes centered on personal growth and self-discovery as pathways to discovering meaning in life.
Furthermore, Altair functions as a poignant reflection of Punpun’s emotional terrain, and there are moments when Altair shines brightly, instilling in him the inspiration to persevere despite adversities. Conversely, there are instances when it dims, casting a shadow over his aspirations and leaving him adrift in confusion. This dynamic interplay with Altair underscores the fluctuating tides of hope and despair that define Punpun’s odyssey. It encapsulates the human experience of wrestling with the ever-shifting nature of one’s dreams and ambitions.
In Goodnight Punpun, the concept of Altair assumes the role of a potent symbol mirroring Punpun’s internal struggles, desires, and evolving comprehension of the world. It represents the pursuit of an idealized rendition of happiness and love, ultimately becoming a wellspring of both inspiration and disappointment for the protagonist. Through Punpun’s journey intertwined with Altair, the manga explores themes of yearning, disillusionment, personal development, and the intricate complexity of human aspirations. The manga invites readers to contemplate their quest for an Altair in their lives, encouraging them to ponder the interplay between their dreams and the realities encountered in their existential journeys.
Punpun’s Role as a Reflection of Asano’s Inner Struggle
Punpun, a character in the manga, embodies Asano’s inner struggle to survive and adapt to the external world. He undergoes passive suffering due to societal contradictions, finding navigating the intricacies of life’s complexities challenging. His moral integrity is overshadowed by his past, not stemming from his betrayal of Aiko in elementary school but rather from his inability to uphold his commitments. During middle school, Punpun chooses not to reunite with Aiko, driven by his individualistic pride and lingering self-respect issues from the past. This results in an existential crisis that transforms his life into an enduring, self-destructive cycle, leading him to contemplate suicide as the only conceivable solution.
Nonetheless, his encounter with Sachi prompts a reevaluation of his existence and inspires him to craft a story for his manga, instilling a sense of belonging in him. While this becomes one of the happiest moments in his life, the specters of his past soon resurface to haunt him. To escape his history, Punpun attempts to assume his neighbor Takashi’s identity, but these efforts prove futile. Upon encountering Aiko at the manga’s conclusion, Punpun reacts as though he has encountered a ghost, realizing that this is the only way to continue living.
The triangle involving Punpun, Aiko, and Sachi symbolizes the challenges that Asano grapples with in his journey toward personal and artistic growth as he becomes entangled with the elements he incorporates into his work. Asano’s prior manga, Solanin, epitomizes the most trying and melancholic period in his life, marked by dissatisfaction with his work and the individuals he depicted. He could not let himself dismiss anything with a casual “whatever” attitude and felt compelled to confront everything directly. This mindset contributed to Punpun’s unyielding nature and the author’s resolute commitment to seeing the series through to its conclusion.
Aiko embodies the triumph of self-esteem over his past ego, while Sachi personifies the purpose of his existence and his passion for the mangaka profession. The characters Punpun, Aiko, and Sachi encapsulate the author’s struggle to evolve as an individual and an artist, alongside the challenges encountered in their respective journeys. Their intricate relationships and personal development within the manga mirror Asano’s own battle with issues of identity, artistic integrity, and self-acceptance, rendering Goodnight Punpun a profoundly introspective and emotionally resonant work.
Punpun’s Evolving Portrayal
While Goodnight Punpun does not explicitly delve into the concept of “ego forms” as some psychological or philosophical texts might, it explores various dimensions of the protagonist Punpun’s inner self and identity. Punpun’s portrayal changes throughout the manga depending on his age and life circumstances. His character transforms from a young child to a troubled teenager and eventually into adulthood. These distinct phases of his life can be interpreted as separate “manifestations” or facets of his ego. Each phase unveils different aspects of his personality, internal conflicts, and psychological development.
Punpun frequently grapples with inner turmoil and contradictions within himself. These internal struggles can be seen as varying “manifestations” of his ego conflicting with one another. His ego becomes divided between desires, fears, and societal expectations, resulting in a fractured and intricate sense of self. The manga delves into issues related to Punpun’s self-perception and self-esteem, particularly during his teenage years. His self-image and how he perceives others’ views of him can be regarded as distinct facets of his ego. He often experiences emotions of inadequacy, self-revulsion, and insecurity, contributing to the emergence of different ego states.
The manga also examines how external factors, such as family, friends, and societal norms, influence and shape Punpun’s ego. His ego takes on various forms in response to the influences and expectations imposed on him by these external forces. It underscores the adaptable nature of the ego when confronted with external pressures and influences. As the narrative unfolds, Punpun’s ego undergoes significant transformations, including moments of psychological disintegration and integration. These shifts can be understood as separate “manifestations” of his ego adapting to the challenges and traumas he encounters. The manga illustrates how trauma and personal growth can reshape one’s ego over time.
Goodnight Punpun explores the intricacies of the protagonist’s ego across different life stages, internal conflicts, external influences, and psychological development. Although it does not explicitly employ the terminology of “ego forms,” the manga deeply delves into Punpun’s psyche, displaying diverse aspects and states of his ego as he grapples with the trials of personal growth and the harsh realities of life. The manga serves as a character study that portrays the evolving nature of identity and ego in response to life’s tribulations. It encourages readers to contemplate their own experiences and the various “manifestations” of ego they have assumed at different life stages.
Childhood as a Fairy Tale
Determining the protagonist’s early life stages, encompassing childhood and adolescence poses a challenge due to the scarcity of available information regarding his past. Nevertheless, representing Punpun as a childlike sketch is intimately intertwined with the story’s essence. The initial segment of the manga, which centers on Punpun’s childhood, adopts a storytelling style reminiscent of a fairy tale or a highly fictionalized narrative. The name “Punpun” itself serves as a prime example of this artistic approach, and so does his transition from the Punyama surname to Onodera, which instills a sense of concern in the protagonist, marking the first crack in the protective cocoon of his childhood.
As Punpun progresses into maturity, the author begins to accentuate particulars that, during adolescence, may assume paramount importance, such as hairstyles or the emergence of facial hair. As he undergoes the process of growing up, Punpun starts attaching significance to his attire and appearance as a means of distinguishing himself from others. Throughout the manga, various “transformations” are employed to depict Punpun’s evolving persona. For instance, during puberty, Punpun frequently utters childish expressions while exhibiting extreme idealism. He even personifies his genitalia on multiple occasions, including during his initial sexual encounter with Midori.
In Punpun’s narrative, proposed by President Shishido as a potential occupation as a real estate agent, the protagonist inadvertently discovers her ex-husband’s previous status as her former spouse. The Pyramid transformation transpires during a more mature phase, around eighteen. Following the passing of his mother, his refusal to coexist with a father he no longer recognizes, and an escalating sense of alienation from society, Punpun impulsively embarks on a public, naked escapade through Tokyo, vociferating loudly. The subsequent day, Punpun awakens in the form of a pyramid, a symbolic choice by the author, signifying his commitment to conclude his life within two years. This astute creative choice highlights how Asano skillfully transforms an exceedingly personal element, namely his mental state, into a mascot with the potential to resonate with a broader audience.
These transformations and symbols function as narrative devices and as powerful metaphors that delve into the depths of Punpun’s psyche and explore themes such as alienation, identity, and the quest for meaning within the framework of Goodnight Punpun. They extend an invitation to readers to interpret and contemplate the intricate layers of the story, rendering it a truly distinctive and thought-provoking manga.
Metaphorical Alignment with Vega
Aiko emerges as a significant and intricate character within the story. While she isn’t explicitly represented as Vega in the astronomical sense, her character can be metaphorically aligned with the star Vega due to thematic elements and symbolism present in the narrative. Vega stands out as one of the brightest celestial bodies in the night sky, with its radiance symbolizing concepts of brilliance and purity. Within the pages of the manga, Aiko often assumes the role of an intelligent and idealized figure in Punpun’s life. Punpun holds her in high regard, viewing her as a wellspring of hope and happiness, akin to the radiant Vega in the night sky. Aiko embodies an idealized brightness within Punpun’s world.
As a distant star, Vega can be emblematic of inaccessibility or unattainability due to its vast distance from Earth. Similarly, despite her prominence in Punpun’s life, Aiko maintains an emotional distance and remains emotionally distant from him, primarily due to the trauma and hardships she has endured. This sense of emotional separation and unattainability triggers yearning and desire within Punpun’s character, mirroring the thematic elements of unfulfilled longing and desire throughout the manga.
Vega is a component of the Lyra constellation, often associated with the lyre, a musical instrument. Much like the star Vega, Aiko possesses a multifaceted and intricate personality. She carries deep emotional wounds and contradictions within her, which Punpun gradually uncovers as he draws closer to her. The intricacy and depth of her character further reinforce the metaphorical connection with Vega, as both entities conceal hidden depths and enigmas.
Vega has served as a navigational reference point for certain cultures for travelers. Similarly, Aiko plays a vital role in guiding Punpun through the various stages of his life. She serves as his guiding star, even though he grapples with the challenge of fully comprehending and reaching her.
In Goodnight Punpun, the character of Aiko is intricately interwoven into the narrative, introducing layers of symbolism and thematic significance. While she may not be explicitly depicted as Vega, the attributes of her character and her role in Punpun’s life can be metaphorically linked to the star Vega, particularly concerning attributes such as brightness, unattainability, complexity, and guidance. This metaphorical connection enriches her character and deepens the overarching themes of the manga, establishing her as a central and enigmatic figure within Punpun’s tumultuous journey.
Aiko as Punpun’s Source of Desolation
In Goodnight Punpun, Aiko assumes a crucial role, shaping the storyline and constraining Punpun from leading a life of liberty, essentially tethering him to his past. Asano parallels his character and Vega, the brightest star in the Summer Triangle. Aiko’s presence is unmistakable, evoking memories of Arie Kimura from Nijigahara Holograph. Aiko becomes the source of Punpun’s desolation, obstructing his pursuit of a liberated existence and effectively anchoring him to his history. It serves as a symbolic representation of Asano’s challenge in continuing to create manga without conflicting with his earlier works.
Aiko epitomizes this concept perfectly, as the protagonist’s past remains unalterable and irreversible. The relationship between Aiko and her mother, Mitsuko, assumes pivotal significance in comprehending the extreme measures Aiko undertakes as the story unfolds. Mitsuko compels Aiko into an exceptionally dismal existence, coercing her to toil in a textile factory to placate her mother’s cruel demeanor and shoulder all household responsibilities. Aiko is compelled to endure an exceedingly grim life, haunted by recurrent nightmares in which she urinates, symbolizing her profound lack of self-esteem.
The dynamic between Aiko and her mother serves as an exaggerated reflection of the relationship between Punpun and Aiko, albeit with roles reversed. Aiko becomes the catalyst for the erosion of Punpun’s self-worth, an episode immortalized in the agonizing words Punpun utters as the manga reaches its culmination: “So, thanks, Aiko, for making me give up.” This intricate web of relationships and psychological turmoil underscores the characters’ struggles’ interconnectedness and roles in perpetuating a cycle of torment and self-destruction. Asano skillfully integrates these themes into his storytelling, creating a profoundly moving and emotionally charged narrative that explores the complexities of human connections and how the past continues to shape the present.
Domestic Turmoil and Dysfunction in Kagoshima
On the contrary, Goodnight Punpun indeed portrays feelings of sadness, adversity, and even elements of fear in specific segments of the story, particularly within the context of Kagoshima. In this primary setting, much of the manga unfolds. Kagoshima functions as the stage upon which various characters grapple with their struggles and confront challenges, thereby enriching the overall narrative of the manga. As depicted in the manga, Kagoshima consistently conveys a sense of isolation and detachment. Both Punpun and several other characters within the story experience a disconnection from the city and the individuals in their vicinity. The urban landscape, characterized by extensive development and a concrete environment, can elicit emotions of melancholy and isolation, further intensifying the characters’ anguish. Kagoshima houses numerous characters, including Punpun’s family, entangled in domestic turmoil and disarray. These disruptions often manifest as emotional pressure, abuse, and closely guarded family secrets. Kagoshima evolves into a setting where the more somber aspects of family life are magnified, amplifying the overall sense of suffering within the narrative.
Several characters within Kagoshima, including Punpun himself, grapple with mental health issues and depression. The cityscape frequently mirrors the internal states of these characters, with scenes of urban decay and city destruction serving as reflections of their emotional turmoil. It contributes to unease and dread as the characters confront their inner demons. Kagoshima becomes the backdrop against which the characters experience existential crises. The manga explores existential despair, the search for meaning, and the fear of the unknown. The cityscape can be interpreted as a reflection of the character’s inner struggles, thus enhancing the prevailing atmosphere of existential terror.
Kagoshima, situated in Japan, is susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The manga portrays these incidents, which can elicit dread and vulnerability as the characters grapple with their surroundings’ unpredictable and potentially destructive aspects. The manga also delves into the societal pressures and expectations the characters residing in Kagoshima face. These pressures can induce sadness and despair as the characters attempt to conform to societal norms and meet societal expectations.
Despite Kagoshima serving as more than just a backdrop, it evolves into a symbol of the character’s internal struggles and the hurdles they encounter. The manga utilizes the landscape and ambiance of Kagoshima to effectively convey the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by its characters, thus contributing to the overarching themes of suffering, fear, and existential questioning that permeate the narrative.
The Central Tragedy
The central events in Goodnight Punpun revolve around the killing of Mitsuko Tanaka, giving rise to a complex love-hate dynamic between Punpun and Aiko. The author’s feelings for Aiko are intricate, blending moments of innocence with brutal physical violence. The author’s attachment to Aiko stems from a desire to rescue her from her wretched life, motivated not by love but solely by the need to restore his self-esteem. The protagonist, Punpun, commits the tragic act of murdering Mitsuko, setting in motion a path of profound suffering that ultimately leads to death. The journey to Kagoshima is deeply distressing, as Punpun must fulfill his promise to Aiko, who remains a source of pain and resentment. This journey symbolizes the author’s despair, with Aiko representing a significant relic of the past obstructing his personal growth. Aiko’s jealousy and fear of being forgotten, symbolized by Punpun’s eyes, become evident in a heated argument at a fast-food restaurant. Aiko embodies the Thanatos within the author’s soul, encompassing all his destructive impulses. Punpun’s frustration and anger arise from Aiko’s inability to end his life, symbolizing Asano’s own frustration at being unable to end his own life.
Upon arriving in Kagoshima, Punpun and Aiko find themselves in a state of desperation. Aiko grasps Punpun’s initial intention to kill her and then commit suicide, but she reveals that she is the one who killed her mother, Mitsuko. Punpun refrains from taking Aiko’s life, realizing that he is not a murderer and should not be judged by anyone. Asano understands that when he wrote his previous manga, he was a different person, distinct from who he is now. However, his journey of acceptance is not yet complete, as he has not severed the ties that bind him to his past, symbolized by Aiko.
The climax of this story revolves around Aiko’s ultimate actions. Following the discovery of Mitsuko’s lifeless body, a search ensues for her daughter, Aiko, the sole suspect in the murder. Feeling trapped, Aiko takes her own life to spare Punpun from a dismal existence in prison. What truly motivates her decision? Aiko’s suicide is a poignant and profound moment in the manga, closely intertwined with Mitsuko’s murder. For years, Aiko had attempted to escape her mother’s clutches but had failed until she resorted to murder. She acted impulsively to erase her past, which had subjected her mother to constant abuse. Aiko recognizes that she burdens Punpun’s life much as her mother had burdened hers. She chooses to end her own life before dragging her beloved into oblivion. Aiko passes away on July 7th, Tanabata day, when Hikoboshi and Orihime are allowed to meet after Tentei’s punishment. It carries symbolic weight for Aiko and Punpun’s future, as they only meet once a year. Asano’s acceptance reflects the moment when Aiko consciously decides to bury her past, relinquishing her obsession with it.
Sachi as a Guiding Light
Sachi is a multifaceted character who experiences significant transformations and challenges throughout the narrative. Although the manga doesn’t explicitly depict Sachi as Deneb in the astronomical sense, her character can be metaphorically connected to the star Deneb due to specific thematic elements and symbolism in the story. Deneb stands out as one of the brightest stars in the night sky, and its luminous nature defines it. On occasions within the storyline, Sachi emits a certain radiance and charisma that captivates both Punpun and the characters in her vicinity. Her personality and presence can be metaphorically likened to the brilliance and allure associated with Deneb.
Deneb is a component of the Cygnus constellation, frequently linked to a swan. Similarly, Sachi’s character undergoes substantial changes and evolutions throughout the manga, analogous to transforming a swan from a cygnet to maturity. Her journey encompasses moments of personal growth, self-discovery, and the development of her relationships, mirroring the notion of transformation linked to the celestial context of Deneb. Deneb exists as a distant star, and its light requires considerable time to reach Earth. Likewise, Sachi is portrayed as a somewhat enigmatic and distant character with a complex past and inner conflicts that demand time for full comprehension. Her emotional distance from Punpun and other characters introduces an element of fascination and mystique, mirroring the remoteness of a star like Deneb.
Deneb has served as a navigational reference point for travelers in various cultures. At certain junctures in the narrative, Sachi functions as a guide or a wellspring of inspiration for Punpun and other characters. She aids them in navigating their emotional and existential journeys, akin to how Deneb is employed for navigation. Deneb‘s prominence in the night sky is associated with aspirations and the pursuit of lofty goals. Sachi, at times, embodies Punpun’s aspirations or objectives, as he is drawn to her radiance and charm, perceiving her as a wellspring of inspiration and happiness.
Although the manga doesn’t explicitly label Sachi as Deneb, her character’s symbolism and thematic elements, encompassing radiance, transformation, mystery, guidance, and aspirational qualities, can metaphorically connect her to the star Deneb. This association adds depth and complexity to her character and contributes to the overarching themes and symbolism in Goodnight Punpun.
The Protagonist’s Shifting Passion
Sachi represents the author’s complex connection with the manga profession as the third and final character in Asano’s narrative. The protagonist’s initial passion for manga abruptly fades during elementary school but resurfaces as a lifelong pursuit at age twenty. Sachi takes on various roles throughout the storyline, such as joining in the treasure hunt at the miso factory, experiencing their first date, and being present at the bar where their romantic relationship commences. These moments involving Sachi are poignant reminders of the author’s superego, the only part of himself accepted by society and the only aspect he can openly reveal. Sachi’s decision to undergo facial plastic surgery at a young age stems from the ridicule she endured for her physical appearance during her childhood and adolescence. It compels her to reshape her personality to align with societal judgments, constructing a facade to navigate the world. Sachi symbolically embodies Asano’s superego, representing the facet of himself that society embraces and presents publicly. Her words, such as “It seems like he is criticizing my past self,” signify the mangaka aspect of the author, encouraging his inner self to be more open to others and prompting Punpun to confront his discomfort.
In a particular chapter, Sachi initiates a conversation with Punpun, asserting that she willingly adjusted her appearance to fit into society and that her past is irrelevant. However, she fails to grasp that external forces did not impose this adjustment but rather a self-imposed compulsion. Sachi grapples with guilt for relinquishing her past without first comprehending it. These feelings of guilt will continue to haunt her until she unravels the source of Punpun’s anguish. The miraculous formula that ultimately guides Punpun out of his self-constructed mental prison, or pyramid, reflects Asano’s desperate call to himself: “You must give form to your darkest thoughts! No matter how grim or sorrowful they may be, it’s the sole path to salvation from death, from your self-made pyramid.”
Sachi’s cognitive process is weakened by a significant flaw: her belief that she has liberated herself from the shackles of her past. In reality, her mind is persistently besieged by memories. She will remain unable to progress in her life until she properly processes her childhood and adolescent experiences. The protagonist’s pain most closely mirrors his past, and Sachi’s inability to comprehend her past renders her incapable of comprehending Punpun’s suffering. It ultimately leads the protagonist to choose Aiko over Sachi, leaving her waiting in vain outside the abortion clinic.
In summary, Sachi symbolically represents the author’s intricate relationship with the manga profession, shedding light on the contradictions and challenges encountered throughout the protagonist’s journey. Initially, Sachi is dedicated to her manga writing, but upon its completion, she experiences dissatisfaction and a sense of incompleteness. She realizes that her past has been forsaken, and she consciously discards the darker aspects of her soul, mirroring Asano’s own experience. It is noteworthy that Sachi’s manga table is the same as Solanin’s table, the manga that led to the creation of Goodnight Punpun. Overwhelmed by guilt, Sachi decides to embark on a quest to understand Punpun and grasp his essence thoroughly. This journey leads her to Punpun’s family, with Midori and Yuuichi Onodera revealing that Punpun’s deepest desire is to express his thoughts and feelings as a child once more. Yuuichi advises Sachi to truly get to know Punpun to fulfill this desire and become a suitable life partner for him. Following her visit with Yuuichi, Sachi returns home and resumes work on her manga. She comprehends the significance of Punpun’s uncle’s words and feels a compelling urge to save her beloved. To achieve this, she must redefine her relationship with Punpun and leave her past behind. Her cutting her crow’s hair symbolizes this transformation, signifying a sharp break from tradition and the past. Ultimately, on this metaphorical spiritual journey, Sachi is prepared to save Punpun and become his new Otohime. In the manga’s conclusion, Sachi intervenes as Punpun prepares to deliver the final words of his requiem, underscoring Asano’s journey in overcoming challenging periods through his love for manga illustration.
The Milky Way and Time’s Influence
Goodnight Punpun is a distinctive and thought-provoking manga that delves into the concept of time. The author explores this concept from his perspective, almost as if he is compelled to become a part of his creation. The initial chapter of the manga predominantly centers on Punpun’s childhood, featuring peculiar illustrations like the school principal and vice-principal engaged in a game of hide-and-seek around the school and the elementary school teacher descending into a state of schizophrenia. Asano intends to illustrate how our memories, particularly those tied to our childhood, naturally evolve. Our minds tend to reshape significant past events, reconstructing what we cannot precisely recall. For instance, the author’s recollection of his school principal transforms based on the self-created notions he formed about himself. This results in a depiction of the principal engaged in a game of hide-and-seek and a teacher who tumbles to the ground. This scene conveys the anxiety the author experienced during his childhood when he attended school without completing his homework.
Asano’s central contemplation on the impact of time revolves around the Milky Way, observed by Punpun, Aiko, and their entire group during an “unforgettable” treasure hunt at the miso factory. Inspired by the ability of children to believe in the impossible, Sachi believes that children can perceive things that do not exist. This aspiration to become a mangaka serves as Sachi’s motivation to endure through her adolescence.
A symbolically charged encounter unfolds between Punpun and a stranger at Kombini, where Punpun inquires about Solanin, Sachi’s manga publication. Asano expresses dissatisfaction with his previous manga and symbolically throws a can to the ground, implying that the stranger is the same author after writing Goodnight Punpun or following his existential crisis. This comprehension of the stranger’s essence enables Asano to envision the possible outcome of their meeting, unveiling the transformative power of time. This genuine scene seamlessly amalgamates elements from the past, present, and future, brilliantly showcasing Asano’s undeniable genius in crafting a distinctive and thought-provoking narrative.
In Goodnight Punpun, Punpun’s parents, alongside his uncle Yuuichi, assume substantial roles in the protagonist’s life. Asano narrates Punpun’s childhood in a manner that resembles an attempt to recollect his own, as we often perceive them as reflections of ourselves. It explains why Asano consistently portrays Punpun’s parents uniformly, refraining from disclosing their true names. They will forever remain etched in everyone’s memory as “Punpun’s Mom and Dad.”
Yuuichi emerges as one of Asano’s most finely crafted characters. He is portrayed as an individual with strong moral values, wrestling with disappointment and regret. He succumbs to the same vices as others: lust. He betrays his initial girlfriend and flees, only to reunite with Midori, and together, they decide to start a family. Their child, Soara, or hope, becomes Yuuichi’s last lifeline. Now, resigned to his imperfections, he hopes to avoid repeating the same mistakes of the past. Asano channels all his ethical and existential uncertainties regarding his notions of the family into the Punpun family. Is it worth living in pursuit of true love, despite the near-certainty of perpetual discontent? Is it wise to sacrifice one’s identity to create a family, fully aware that a single disagreement can shatter everything? These are the questions Asano raises in Goodnight Punpun. At the time of writing this manga, Asano remained unmarried. However, it does not rule out the possibility that, after experiencing love and marriage, he may have discovered answers to the existential inquiries mentioned above.
Social Outcasts
Toshiki Hoshikawa, a character in Goodnight Punpun, assumes the role of a secondary character but holds significant importance within the manga. His primary trait is his eccentricity, rendering him unusual in the story’s context. Meanwhile, another character in the manga, Pegasus, engages in discussions encompassing dark phenomena, apocalyptic scenarios, meteorites, esoteric knowledge, astral journeys, frequencies, and string theory. Pegasus adopts the motto “Good Vibrations!” and assembles a mystical orchestra with the noble mission of playing a flawless melody capable of rescuing humanity from impending doom. In a way, Pegasus serves as the diametrical opposite of his creator, Asano, who had not previously ventured into the realm of Shonen manga. The absence of Shonen elements in Asano’s earlier works remained a consistent characteristic until the arrival of Pegasus.
In actuality, Pegasus’s orchestra pays homage to the Shonen manga genre as it brings together a team dedicated to combating absolute malevolence. The twelve individuals forming this “magical warrior” ensemble symbolize the author’s propensity for verbosity. All these characters are in their thirties and represent social outcasts in contemporary society, marked by their ineptitude in social interactions. They are particularly susceptible to Pegasus’s charismatic influence, as he instills hope in them and cultivates a sense of belonging. Asano perceives all his readers as social misfits akin to himself and believes he must traverse his journey of growth independently. Asano is cognizant that he must leave his past behind, and the manga he will craft from now on will diverge from his customary writing style. This transition inevitably leads to losing readers, yet it is indispensable if he wishes to salvage his creative identity.
Among these twelve characters, two notable figures emerge: Wada Akinori and Weekly Big Comic Spirits. Wada Akinori, the twelfth and final member to join the Pegasus Orchestra, stands as a clear tribute to the two magazines that serialized Goodnight Punpun. His exaggerated eccentricity, both in appearance and behavior, reflects Asano’s profound admiration for the publishers and editors of these magazines, individuals who exhibited the audacity to publish manga where the author presented his thoughts as absolute truths.
To summarize, the character of Pegasus, personified by Hoshikawa, embodies the author’s professional antithesis, epitomizing the author’s pedantic tendencies and the twelve “magical warriors” forming his ensemble. Characters within Goodnight Punpun are a metaphor for the author’s relationship with the publishing industry and his deep reverence for publishers and editors. Wada Akinori emerges as a captivating character within the narrative, serving as Pegasus’s right hand and the mastermind behind various plot developments. He is likely inspired by a close friend, sibling, or partner who provided moral support during the author’s darkest times. Alternatively, from a philosophical perspective, Wada defines himself as “a person dominated by the absolute, but the human heart is not absolute at all.” This nihilistic perspective is influenced by his encounter with Pegasus, which captivated him due to its eccentric nature. Wada’s pursuit of power mirrors a theme explored in Nijigahara Holograph, embodying Asano’s desire for a transformative revolution in his existence. Both orchestra members, Wada and Asano, exhibit an unwavering commitment to change, even following their teacher’s orders to commit suicide. Their unwavering dedication to transformation is a testament to their resolute pursuit of change.
Emotional Stability
In the manga’s concluding chapters, a sudden and unexpected transformation unfolds within the main character. The storyline shifts its focus onto Harumin, an elementary school friend of Punpun. Harumin embodies the concept of “normalcy,” representing an individual who has successfully matured without encountering excessive challenges, in stark contrast to Punpun. Asano’s objective is to underscore these two characters’ contrasting paths as they transition into adulthood. A coincidental meeting at a bus stop vividly illustrates the profound distinctions between Punpun and Harumin. Their connections with their respective pasts carry profound symbolism; Harumin has moved forward by shedding numerous aspects of his past so that he can no longer remember the main character’s name in Punpun’s manga. Conversely, Punpun has remained obsessively fixated on his past for an extended period, allowing him to recount every detail of his childhood to Sachi. This detailed account enables Sachi to recognize Harumin despite never having seen him.
The final page presents a sense of déjà vu as Harumin converses with a new student, Sasazuka Moe, who has recently transferred to their school. Asano aims to convey that many individuals share similarities with Punpun, and others have confronted comparable challenges. This conclusion offers a sense of hope, highlighting how one can transcend one’s discomfort and serve as an inspiration to readers who identify with Punpun or other characters, motivating them to confront and challenge the complexities of reality.
In an interview, Asano disclosed his fear of being pigeonholed as a creator of “utsumanga” or “sad manga” due to Goodnight Punpun. He believed that the author’s fate paralleled that of the protagonist, both having their aspirations thwarted by external forces. The manga’s ending has faced criticism, with many expecting it to conclude with the protagonist’s demise. Nevertheless, the author opted for this conclusion because death appeared too simplistic, portraying the protagonist’s life as more intricate and arduous than death itself. Asano’s theme of “half-truth” is perceptible in the narrative, where suicide is presented as the “easy” escape from existing pain.
In contrast, the protagonist learns to accept and coexist with his mental disorder, discovering a delicate equilibrium that enables him to persist without succumbing to the darkness of his ego. It encapsulates the essence of the manga’s conclusion, wherein Punpun embraces and learns to live with his mental disorder, unearthing happiness rather than oblivion. The author successfully evades the label of utsumanga in the final two tankobon volumes, employing a black cover symbolizing Punpun’s darkest moments and a white cover signifying his liberation from oblivion. It does not imply that Goodnight Punpun is a cheerful or joyful manga; rather, Asano attains emotional stability. The color scheme of the last two tankobons underscores how the protagonist managed to escape oblivion and find an equilibrium that empowers him to persevere.
Bibliography
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