A Journey Through Laughter and Pain: The Memoir of Yutanuki Yoshimoto
In the world of comics, few can articulate the depths of human emotion like Yutanuki Yoshimoto. His latest work,
"'I want to quit being a manga artist'—A Year of Finding Solace in Casual Conversations", will be released by Shueisha International on August 26, 2025. This heartfelt collection is a blend of new episodes crafted specifically for this book and previously recognized essays from his popular
note series.
Yoshimoto's journey has not been an easy one. He opens up about his tumultuous upbringing—struggles with bullying, the weight of familial expectations, and moments of despair that once led him to contemplate suicide. At 36, he had a pivotal realization:
“How you perceive your past can change even now.” After sharing a poignant post that gathered over
3.09 million impressions on social media, he understood the powerful impact his story could have on others.
This essay collection is a reflection of that realization. It comprises eleven narratives written without judgment and without hiding vulnerability, allowing readers to discover the universal feeling of
“I am not alone.” Yoshimoto expresses a desire for his stories to touch the hearts of others and perhaps help illuminate another's tomorrow with a bit more kindness. Those who pick up this book might just find a softer view of their own everyday lives.
The Inspiration Behind the Words
Yoshimoto candidly articulates how the writing process helped him confront painful memories he once believed should remain hidden. Initially, he hesitated to explore difficult topics related to his father. However, with encouragement from his editor—
“There are people who can't articulate their feelings, and by you sharing yours, they can find their own ‘yes, that’s it’ moment”— he decided to embrace honesty in his writing. The endeavor wasn’t easy; it took him
two years to complete the manuscript, but he feels it was worth the effort. He hopes this book resonates with those feeling trapped by their pasts and offers them solace.
A Note on the Publishing Journey
This publication was made possible through
note's Creator Support Program, which aims to help talented creators flourish by partnering with various media outlets. The objective is clear:
allow everyone to start and continue creating. As a part of the ongoing initiative, note supports creators by offering platforms that lead to publication opportunities and enhance visibility for their work.
Yoshimoto's Reflection
This journey of self-exploration and sharing has been immense for Yoshimoto. He reflects,
“I wrote about a dark past I thought I should never mention, and I'm proud of the honesty poured into these words.” This collection stands not only as a memoir of struggles but also as a testament to resilience, with the hope of leaving a mark in the hearts of readers.
About the Author
Yoshimoto Yutanuki was born in
1986 in Osaka and currently resides in
Shiga. With a significant following of approximately
140,000 across social media platforms like
X (formerly Twitter) and
Instagram, he masterfully conveys the subtleties of human emotions through his artwork. He has previously authored several notable works, including
“Welcome to the Overthinking Club” and
“I Wanted to Die Tomorrow”.
For those wanting to explore his creative endeavors further, you can find him on the following platforms:
"'I want to quit being a manga artist'—A Year of Finding Solace in Casual Conversations" promises to be a significant addition to the literary world, encouraging readers to embrace their vulnerabilities and recognize their shared humanity. Secure your copy when it releases on
August 26, 2025, for a journey that may well change your perspective.
ISBN: 978-4797674675
Price: 1,760 JPY (tax included)
Purchase here:
Amazon