Sayonara No Asa Ni Yakusoku No Hana Wo Kazarou Manga
Introduction
Sayonara No Asa Ni Yakusoku No Hana Wo Kazarou, also known as Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, is a Japanese anime film released in 2018. It was directed by Mari Okada and produced by P.A. Works. The story revolves around Maquia, a girl from a clan that can live for hundreds of years, and her journey to find love and motherhood in a world where everything is fleeting. The manga adaptation of the film was released in 2018 as well, written and illustrated by Akihito Yoshitomi.
Plot Summary
The story takes place in a fantasy world where a clan of people called the Iorph live isolated from the rest of humanity. The Iorph are known for their longevity and their abilities to weave stories into fabrics that can retain memories. Maquia is a young Iorph girl who becomes orphaned after her clan is attacked by dragon-like creatures known as Renato. She stumbles upon a human baby boy, whom she decides to raise despite the challenges of their different lifespans.
As the boy, named Ariel, grows up, Maquia struggles with the fact that she cannot be his mother forever. She also learns about the harsh realities of the world outside of the Iorph village, including war and discrimination against the Iorph. Meanwhile, Ariel is taken away from Maquia by a kingdom that seeks to use the Iorph's abilities for their own gain. Maquia embarks on a journey to rescue Ariel and reunite with him.
Themes
Sayonara No Asa Ni Yakusoku No Hana Wo Kazarou explores themes of motherhood, love, and loss. Maquia's journey to find a way to be a mother to Ariel despite their different lifespans highlights the sacrifices and challenges of parenthood. The film also touches on the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of time, as the Iorph's long lifespan contrasts with the shorter lives of humans. The story also explores the consequences of war and the importance of empathy and understanding in overcoming discrimination and hatred.
Reception
Sayonara No Asa Ni Yakusoku No Hana Wo Kazarou received critical acclaim for its emotional storytelling and beautiful animation. It won the Best Animated Feature Film award at the 12th Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and was also nominated for the Best Animated Feature Film award at the 42nd Japan Academy Film Prize.
Conclusion
Sayonara No Asa Ni Yakusoku No Hana Wo Kazarou, both the anime film and manga adaptation, is a touching story about the beauty and pain of life and motherhood. It explores themes that resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and its stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling make it a must-watch for anime fans and non-fans alike.