The manga Stepping on, Kicking, Loving, known in English as Kimi ni Aisarete Itakatta in the original Japanese, is a story that explores themes of bullying, a lack of personal values, and the struggle of characters who are trying to find their place in the world. The series follows the story of Hiroshi Nomura, a popular baseball player who is kind-hearted and supportive towards all.
Content description
In the beginning of the manga, the main protagonist, Kanae Kanai, is introduced as a shy and awkward student. While she is hesitant to participate in social activities, she is forced to attend a school event where she is picked on by a group of bullies. At first, Kanae tries to avoid conflict and remains independent, but as the story progresses, she becomes increasingly intertwined in the bullying drama.
Hiroshi Nomura, the ace of the baseball team and a well-respected character, is aware of the bullying going on around him. Instead of standing idly by, he decides to take action. He绑架 the bully responsible for Kanae's distress, forcing her to confess her actions to her fellow students. This act eventually leads to the exposure of the bullying incident and the beginning of Hiroshi's efforts to help Kanae and other bullied students find a way to cope with the trauma.
Secondary Characters and Themes
The cast of characters in Stepping on, Kicking, Loving is diverse and includes a variety of backgrounds. Beyond Kanae's struggle with bullying, the manga also touches on the theme of lacking personal values. Several characters are shown experimenting with substances, skipping school, and embracing other forms of illegal and unhealthy behavior. The story highlights that these choices often lead to further withdrawal from society and further isolation from others.
However, the story also introduces a group of friends who support Kanae. They provide a source of comfort and loyalty, helping her navigate the complexities of the bullying experience. Through her interactions with these friends, Kanae learns the importance of empathy, compassion, and standing up for herself and others.
Artistic Style and Cultural Aspects
Stepping on, Kicking, Loving is known for its unique artwork, which features heavily detailed line art, vibrant colors, and exaggerated facial expressions to convey the emotions of the characters. The artistic style adds to the mood of the story, highlighting the struggle and pain experienced by the characters.
The manga takes place in a high school setting,反映了 real-life struggles with cyberbullying and peer pressure in schools. The themes explored in the manga are relevant to contemporary societal issues and provide a platform for deeper conversations about bullying, peer relationships, and personal development.
Recommendation and Evaluation
Stepping on, Kicking, Loving is a challenging read that will not be suitable for everyone. Fans of manga with a darker and more serious tone will likely appreciate the story's exploration of the themes presented. The characters are complex, and the plot moves at a good pace, keeping readers engaged.
Those looking for a more lighthearted read may want to pass on this manga. The darkness and trauma experienced by the characters may be too intense for some readers. Additionally, the explicit language and depiction of bullying may upset or trigger certain individuals.
Overall, Stepping on, Kicking, Loving is a thought-provoking manga that deals with important societal issues. While it may not be suitable for everyone, it is definitely worth a read for those who enjoy stories that explore themes of bullying, substance abuse, and personal growth.
