#119 Moto Hagio (Counting 500 Favorites)

I found this while wandering around a bookstore the other day.

I didn't even know there was a magazine called "Geijutsu Shincho," but since it was a special feature on Moto Hagio, I bought it, of course.

From here on, I will refer to her as Mo-sama.

I don't remember what triggered my interest in her work, but I am certain it was during my middle school years.
This is because I remember trying to make rose jam with a close friend, but the roses were so expensive that we could only make a little bit.
Rose jam is one of the important props that appears in "The Poe Clan."

I don't have the books from back then, but I reread the paperback edition of "The Poe Clan" after I became an adult. The same goes for her other works.

Charm #1: Heartbreaking and Cruel Stories

Whether it's the vampire-themed "The Poe Clan," or "They Were Eleven!" and "Star Red" set in a grand universe, they are not just interesting as fantasy or sci-fi genres; the loneliness and inner conflicts of the protagonists are depicted so delicately that it makes my heart ache as I read them.

It was the first time I had encountered manga that made me think so deeply, and I was left breathless by the incredible psychological portrayal in "The Heart of Thomas."

To understand the brilliance of Mo-sama's stories, I recommend the special issue of "100 Minutes on a Masterpiece."

Charm #2: Elegant and Detailed Art

The characters, backgrounds, props, and decorations are all drawn with such delicacy that they take my breath away.
Mo-sama's flowing, supple lines must be reflecting the folds of the heart.
I believe she can express such deep themes precisely because she can convey feelings through expressions and eyes alone without using unnecessary words.
It goes beyond manga; it is a beautiful work of art.

When I went to her original art exhibition in 2015, I felt like I was viewing fine art paintings.

She received the Order of Culture in 2022 and has won international awards, so the high level of her artistry goes without saying.

Charm #3: Philosophical Worldview

Behind the mystical atmosphere created by Mo-sama's stories and dialogue lie deep, profound themes. The significance of an individual's existence in society, the longing and awe for different worlds, hope and salvation, and so on.

And while retaining those deep, profound themes, reality and fantasy skillfully intersect, shaking emotions that the reader has never felt before.

I feel as though I am being asked grand questions.

The year after the Great East Japan Earthquake, she published a book called "Nanohana."

After writing this book, she resumed "The Poe Clan," didn't she? With the sequels "Spring's Dream" and "Unicorn."
I wonder if she had something on her mind.

Charm #4: Poetic and Aesthetic

When I engage with Moto-sama's works, even in scenes that are thrilling or suspenseful, I find myself somehow enchanted.
It is rare to find such happiness, where one's consciousness drifts away, drawn in by the emotion and beauty.

Although I am well into adulthood, I still fall under the illusion that I am being allowed a glimpse into an 'adult sensibility'.

I recently acquired some illustrations for a Kabuki book. They are truly gorgeous and alluring.

I intend to continue following her future successes.

Thank you for reading until the end.
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