Machida-kun’s World | A manga to fill your soul
Some thoughts on the subtle ways in which a manga changed my perspective
Hi,
I’ve been struggling to get to doing any kind of writing. Work has been a bit tiring, and I end up resorting to YouTube/Instagram/Reddit at the end of every work day. I’m trying to break away from that cycle to get to some creative ideas. Let’s see.
So, I resorted to an old idea to get things started. An idea, which was collecting dust. I’m back with another manga recommendation.
This is a manga that is deeply personal, and I would urge you all to check it out, at least once.
While I do have some role models in real life—people whose values I want to inculcate in my life—I think I can safely say that the people I aspire to follow or draw life lessons from the most, are fictional characters. Particularly, from manga and anime.
One of those characters is Machida-kun from the manga ‘Machida-kun no Sekai’ or The World of Machida-kun.
I have always struggled with (and still do to some extent), seeing good in the world. My lenses are often tainted with monochrome. My instinct is to calculate the worst outcomes in any situation, and prepare myself mentally for those.
Wonder, joy and awe are secondary.
Of course, this has gotten better over the years. I can now find joy and delight in the people, places and the world around me and in myself. I pay a bit more attention to my surroundings. I’m trying my best to cherish and experience this world I reside in.
A small part of this change has been because of characters like Machida-kun. I revisit this manga often. When I’m distressed, feeling lost or just want a feel-good read.
This short manga is a story of a high school boy, Hajime Machida: he is the eldest of six siblings, a responsible son and brother, a quiet unassuming and wise teenager, a good student and a kind human.
He comes from a loving and warm family. He is always out to help people in need, and forms compelling relationships with people across ages. He is accommodative of people’s feelings, tries his best in everything that he’s doing, and he genuinely cares for others.
All in all, Machida-kun is a good guy.
But, he also thinks of himself as a total failure. He can’t study well. He isn’t particularly “good” at any hobbies. He doesn’t have any “special skills”. He makes a lot of mistakes. He doesn’t express his own emotions or desires freely.
Every chapter is an exploration of the daily life of Machida-kun. We follow his ordinary and everyday adventures, but there’s a deep sensitivity and empathy in the characters and different storylines.
Some of the chapters treat issues like bullying, loneliness, broken families, love, forgotten friendships and self-worth with care and measured dialogue.
I’ve read and reread this manga many times over the years. It fills my soul and acts as a warm embrace in moments of stress. It also acts as inspiration.
I want my actions to be filled with the kindness and sensitivity that Machida exhibits. I want to do my best in cultivating meaningful relationships and show genuine care for those around me. I want to support my friends/family, and pay close attention to their ambitions, desires and needs. Mostly, I want to see the world the way Machida does.
Machida-kun’s lenses sees the world in its entirety, with all its ugliness and terrifying nature. But he also see all the shades of the world, including the good, bright radiant colours around us.
My lenses are still changing. A work in progress.
I’m trying my best, like Machida.
If you end up reading this, do let me know what you thought !
Happy reading,
Nirmal Bhansali