249. PRIMARIA SBS. マンガはかっこいい Manga wa kakkoī, Manga is cool!?

La Giornata del Libro ha dato l’occasione agli studenti della nostra scuola di avere un momento per poter leggere un libro in italiano o in inglese e di condividere il piacere della lettura creando conversazioni culturali tra docenti e alunni. Nel mio caso mi ha dato l’opportunità di venire a conoscenza che molti alunni sono rapiti dal genere manga, passione che condivido. Dopo una breve ma attenta ricerca, questo articolo ci introduce al genere e alle possibili implicazioni pedagogiche e psicologiche che vi soggiaciono.

In these last years the School dedicates a day to reading a book in pour park to let the students appreciate the pleasure of reading. Some of my SBS and Ordinamentale students shared their titles and I noticed that so many love reading mangas in English or in Italian. So I made a short research to understand the phenomenon of the manga appeal.

What is manga?

Manga 漫画 is a form of Japanese comic book that has become increasingly popular worldwide, particularly among young people. It is a unique style of storytelling that often features complex characters, intricate plot-lines, and attractive artwork that has captured the attention of many.

Why are young people attracted to manga?

Young people are so passionate about manga because through the pages of these comic books readers can immerse themselves in fascinating worlds, populated by appealing characters and intricate storylines. They can explore fantastical worlds that are unlike anything they have ever experienced before, and they can do so in a way that is entirely their own. For many young people, manga provides a much-needed break from the stresses of everyday life, allowing them to relax and unwind in a way that is both enjoyable and fulfilling. Manga often deals with complex themes and issues that are relevant to young people’s lives. Many manga series explore topics such as love, friendship, family, and identity, and they do so in a way that is both thought-provoking and engaging. For young people who are struggling to come to terms with their own identity or who are having difficult issues in their lives, manga can offer a valuable source of guidance and inspiration.

Manga also has a sense of community that is unparalleled. Many young people who read manga are part of online communities that are dedicated to discussing and sharing their favourite series. These communities provide a space where young people can connect with others who share their interests, and they can do so in a way that is safe, supportive, and inclusive.

Overall, the passion of young people who read it is due to the power of storytelling. Through the pages of these comic books, they are able to explore fascinating worlds, grapple with complex themes and issues, and connect with others who share their interests.

What genres are there?

It offers a wide range of genres, each with its unique style, themes, and audience. Here are some of the most popular genres of manga: 

1. Shonen: Shonen manga is targeted towards young male readers and typically features action, adventure, and battles. Popular series in this genre include Naruto, One Piece, and Dragon Ball. 

2. Shojo: Shojo manga is targeted towards young female readers and typically features romance, drama, and coming-of-age stories. Popular series in this genre include “Fruits Basket”, “Ouran High School Host Club”, and “Sailor Moon”. 

3. Seinen: Seinen manga is targeted towards adult male readers and typically features more mature themes, including violence, sex, and complex characters. Popular series in this genre include “Berserk”, “Attack on Titan”, and “Death Note”. 

4. Josei: Josei manga is targeted towards adult female readers and typically features real-life situations and relationships. Popular series in this genre include “Nana”, “Paradise Kiss”, and “Honey and Clover”. 

5. Kodomo: Kodomo manga is targeted towards young children and typically features bright colors, simple storytelling, and cute characters. Popular series in this genre include “Doraemon”, “Anpanman”, and “Pokemon Adventures”. 

6. Sports: Sports manga focuses on various sports, including soccer, basketball, and baseball. Popular series in this genre include “Slam Dunk”, “Haikyuu!!”, and “Kuroko's Basketball”. 

7. Horror: Horror manga features terrifying and suspenseful stories that often include supernatural elements. Popular series in this genre include “Uzumaki”, “Junji Ito Collection”, and “Tokyo Ghoul”. 

8. Fantasy: Fantasy manga features magical and mythical elements, often set in imaginary worlds. Popular series in this genre include “Fullmetal Alchemist”, “Inuyasha”, and “The Seven Deadly Sins”. 

9. Mecha: Mecha manga focuses on giant robots and their pilots, often featuring epic battles and futuristic settings. Popular series in this genre include “Gundam”, “Neon Genesis Evangelion”, and “Code Geass”. 

These are just some of the many genres of manga available, and each offers a unique reading experience.

Are there any positive or negative implications on young people’s personality?

Reading manga can have important pedagogical and psychological implications for young people. On the one hand, manga can be a valuable tool for promoting literacy and language acquisition. On the other hand, manga can also have profound psychological effects, influencing the way young people think and feel about themselves and the world around them.

From a pedagogical perspective, manga can be an effective tool for promoting literacy and language learning. Many manga series include furigana, which are small hiragana characters that accompany kanji characters to aid in reading and understanding. This can be particularly helpful for young people who are learning Japanese as a second language, as it can help them to develop their reading and vocabulary skills. Additionally, many manga series are translated into other languages, providing young people with the opportunity to engage with different cultures and languages.

From a psychological perspective, manga can have a significant impact on the way young people think and feel about themselves and the world around them. Many manga series contain complex characters and themes that can help young people to develop empathy and emotional intelligence. For example, series like “Naruto” and “My Hero Academia” explore themes of friendship, perseverance, and personal growth, which can help young people to develop a sense of self-awareness and emotional resilience.

However, manga can also have negative psychological effects if consumed in excess or without proper guidance. Some manga contain explicit depictions of violence, sexual content, and drug use, which may be inappropriate or disturbing for young readers. Exposure to these themes can desensitise young people to violence and contribute to a distorted view of relationships and sexuality. Furthermore, some manga may perpetuate harmful stereotypes or promote unrealistic expectations. For example, some manga portray women in a sexualised manner, which can contribute to objectification and reinforce gender stereotypes. Additionally, some manga may present unrealistic expectations about body image, relationships, and success, which can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Consuming too much manga can lead to an over-reliance on excessive escapism, because some young people use it as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions. When young people rely too heavily on it, they may start to avoid dealing with their problems and responsibilities, due to a lack of motivation and productivity. They may also become disconnected from their real-life relationships and experiences, which can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

One potential negative impact of reading manga is that it can contribute to excessive screen time. Spending too much time reading manga on electronic devices can lead to eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns. Additionally, excessive screen time has been linked to decreased attention spans and poor academic performance.

It is important for parents and guardians to monitor the type of manga their children are reading and to have open conversations about the potential psychological implications of reading manga. Encouraging a balanced approach to media consumption, including reading print books and engaging in outdoor activities, can help mitigate some of the potential negative impacts of reading manga.

Famous mangas

There are some manga titles that are generally considered appropriate for young readers and can provide educational and cultural value. Here are some examples: 

1. "My Hero Academia" by Kohei Horikoshi - This popular manga series follows a group of young aspiring superheroes as they learn to harness their powers and protect the world from evil. 

2. "Chi's Sweet Home" by Kanata Konami - This manga follows the adventures of a cute kitten named Chi as she explores the world around her and learns about friendship and family. 

3. "Yotsuba&!" by Kiyohiko Azuma - This manga follows the daily life of a young girl named Yotsuba as she discovers the world around her and learns about different cultures and customs. 

4. "Pokemon Adventures" by Hidenori Kusaka - This manga follows the adventures of a young boy named Red and his journey to catch and train different Pokemon creatures. 

5. "Naruto" by Masashi Kishimoto - This manga follows the journey of a young ninja named Naruto as he strives to become the strongest ninja in his village and protect his loved ones.