Impressions of the Creative Awards: Entering the Circle of Hanke 100m

Judging by the title, I felt that Hanke 100m was coming at this seriously. I wonder how much feeling was poured into this title. My first reaction upon seeing it was to smile and think, "They really went and did it."

One of the reasons I love her way of expression is that I am often drawn to the exchange of hearts between characters—the parts of human emotion that are invisible to the eye. Because she depicts humans in a way that is somehow gentle yet comical, I find myself empathizing with them and growing fond of the characters. Furthermore, she carefully depicts the path leading to the conclusion, showing that the "correct answer" is not a single truth, but a result that each person arrives at individually.

Since she chose a title with entertainment elements, I felt from the start that it wouldn't end as just entertainment. It is difficult to keep writing stories that betray people's expectations. However, she is skilled at creating stories. So, I was curious from the beginning about how she would depict "humans."

"Erotic Essence." It is said that if you spray this, men and women will instantly be drawn to each other. The people who sell this magic essence, the people who buy it, the people who trust it, and the people who don't—all of them are brilliantly toyed with by this single "Erotic Essence."

If the true thrill of a novel lies in expressing people from various standpoints, then her work speaks the logical arguments from each of those perspectives.

The troublesome thing about humans is that they are all logical. It is because everyone tells the story from their own sense of justice. It is fascinating how humans act out being human while revolving around such an incomprehensible, mysterious liquid.

In our individual lives, there are times when we suddenly wish for a catalyst to change ourselves. Sometimes, that catalyst comes in the form of words spoken by someone else. Even words spoken out of kindness might cause the recipient to worry deeply.

If one encounters "something that can serve as an excuse" at such a time, anyone might want to try it. Once you believe in it, humans fail to notice even simple inconsistencies. Even when something impossible happens, "something that can serve as an excuse" becomes a mental crutch, and they continue to affirm it.

What exists in the story is a "lie," but none of the characters can fully believe it is a lie. I feel as though she is playing with and mocking the contradictions of the human world, while also feeling that she is genuinely sounding an alarm. I find this sense of balance to be truly amazing. I feel that the humor-filled humans she depicts move quite freely and interestingly within such a theme.

The depiction of romance is written with a light touch. Perhaps this was chosen to make it easier to understand. While it is good to attack with pop humor, I felt it would be interesting if she mixed in some of the more serious, messy aspects of men and women. This is because I also want to read the scary humans she depicts. I feel that if she added depth by balancing tension and relaxation, the story would become even more complex and the humans would appear even more comical.

And I felt I wanted to read about characters whose inner selves are gouged out even more. Surely, in the actions of people who earnestly wish to be liked by others, there must be something like side effects stemming from suggestion, even if it is directed toward a lie they clung to and believed in. That can only lead to a tragedy caused by humans, but I feel she would depict it in a way that is easy to understand, and somehow interestingly comical.

I found myself wanting to read more of that through her expression.

I feel that this story is surely not finished, and there are only elements left to expand upon. I know the greatness of the short stories she creates. If it continues with this theme, a collection of short stories themed around various "other types of essences" would also be interesting.

I don't remember how many of her works I have read, but I am often drawn to the stories she depicts themselves. No matter how short the story, I can empathize with the plot and the characters, and feel the exchange of hearts. Therefore, I believe that if she encounters proper professionals, it will become even more interesting and even more unstoppable.

I hope that the Creative Awards will be a catalyst for more of her works to reach more people and be read by them.

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