Introduction
Ningyo no Sodate Kata is a short manga released in May 2016 by the mangaka Otaki. This mangaka has only two other works: another individual project as well as an anthology.
Plot and development (7 / 10)
Ningyo no Sodate Kata is a short manga focussing on personal development, even if said progress is not entirely welcome to the protagonist. Our protagonist is a young, unemployed bachelor living on his own. He's the antithesis of what is considered a "good working adult" in Japan. Lazy and unmotivated, but hoping for change, he wiles away the days in his small apartment until a typhoon blows in the change he longed for. In the storm's aftermath, he finds something sailers have sworn to have seen for generations: a mermaid. After coming to terms with the reality that such a mythical being exists, he decides to take her home to treat her wounds. And thus begins the gradual process of bonding between these two characters. Since he is now responsible for her in terms of food, clothing, entertainment and social contact, he grows more and more into some sort of parental figure. Eventually, this leads to him taking back the reigns to his future, applying for jobs and steadily reintegrating himself into society. The progress of this story is generally well-paced and even though the outcome is predictable, it still makes you wish to see it end well. Overall, the plot is nothing new, but the execution is well done.
Artwork (10 / 10)
This manga has outstanding artwork! I might be biased since I enjoy this type of colouration very much, but the combination of the watercolour-like art with the overall water theme of the manga is such a good fit. Also, the colour palette between her as a mermaid - mostly greenish-blue - and our protagonist - reddish-orange - is a nice contrast.
Theme (7 / 10)
We all find ourselves in some kind of slump at some point. That moment when you know, you should get yourself back together and do something. But fighting your inertia as well as external resistances can be tough. Yet, once you succeed, it is also very rewarding. This is one of the prevailing themes of Ningyo no Sodate Kata. Furthermore, the manga also aims to show the development of a familial relationship between the two characters, showcasing the hardships a single parent faces while struggling with issues ranging from money, interpersonal relationships and so on.
Enjoyment (8 / 10)
While it is a short manga, just seven chapters long, it filled me with warmth while reading it. The colouration is amazing and enhanced the enjoyment even more. I wish there were more manga like this! My only critique would be that it could have been a bit longer since it sometimes felt rushed. All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend this manga to anyone who's looking for a short but cute slice of life that uses watercolours for its artwork.