Ever since the beginning of human history, the need for bonds between people was necessary for survival. Surviving alone was a ridiculous, hopeless and downright impossible thing to do. And it still very much is. No one is capable of living their lives without the help of others. Everyone wants to connect with others. However, not all realize that.
Through it's weird premise, Masturbation Master Kurosawa "tricks" it's reader into thinking they'll be presented with somewhat of a twisted and dark comedy. That's what I thought at first. There's no real story for the first few chapters, as all we've got is Kurosawa furiously beating his meat in the girl's bathroom. There are minor glances at what this story grows into, but they're shrugged of as normal high-school occurrences. The curtains are finally pulled when his plan is busted, and he must deal with constant blackmail of his bullied classmate Kitahara.
I had no idea what to expect from this, so it might be why my heart was bombarded with so many odd feelings. From what was once a weird and silly story to a riveting tale. This manga best depicts the exact opposite of it's ultimatum message; even though we must all create bonds with others to live, some might be scared to do so.
Kurosawa embodies that fear through his very lack of desire to find other who he can call friends. He is the manifestation of the comfort zone that is created when we accept our reality as is, and think that only there is no need to change, it's impossible to even do so. The entire conflict starts from the fact that he has nothing to lose. He might hurt others, but since none of the victims' pain would affect himself, he doesn't mind as long as he's left out of it.
But it's inevitable. At one point or another in our lives, we will look at others or find someone that will spiral our most human desire. As comfortable as we might be, we need to leave our idea of safety so we can become whole. Kurosawa realizes of his desire, but due to many circumstances I will not spoil, it becomes a hassle to do what he wants. When he finally begins to accept his wish, everything around him breaks, and he does what he does best: give up.
Giving up itself is a thing that sometimes we can't even control. It all comes down to fear. The fear of believing, and then being disappointed. People like that would rather prefer to do nothing instead of doing it and there being a chance of disappointment. They don't want to suffer more. Nobody wants to of course, but as Kurosawa comes to realize, pain is only one step into fulfillment. Love comes in a cloud of death, you can say.
This manga is never afraid of showing the dark, depressing points someone can get to, which is necessary to show just how much all the pain is worth in the end. It's a kind story, and at the end of it all, despite everything that happened, Kurosawa is still him. He might've suffered, he might've gone through things that hurt only to think about, but now that's part of him. He's the person who he is, despite of everything. Nothing will ever change that. Nothing will ever change the fact that you're you.
Another extra thing I really, really love about this manga is how it deals with it's main "plotpoint": masturbation. In a medium where loneliness, loss and sadness are thoroughly explored, masturbation is barely ever mentioned. This story makes masturbation feel something human, which is very much is. I really appreciate it for that.
Masturbation Master Kurosawa might seem like a weird idea at first glance, but what lies inside is a tale of youth, redemption, and ultimately, acceptance. A story of bonds and desires, put it all together, and you get a one-of-a-kind love letter to those who might be going through harsh times. If you haven't yet, give this a shot, you might find a lot of yourself in it.
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