The volume Isshou Sukutte Yutta jan is a captivating collection of one-shots, written and illustrated by the talented manga artist Mengo Yokoyari. Oshi no Ko, a work she contributed to, turned out to be, in itself, of rather questionable quality in terms of its narrative, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying it from an artistic standpoint, particularly in the later volumes. This appreciation for the art style motivated me to delve deeper into Mengo Yokoyari's body of work. I had already developed an interest in her as an artist, given that I knew she had created several works that were notably dark, twisted, and psychologically intense. And so, here I am, having finally read the first volume of hers, eager to share my impressions.

If I were to pinpoint recurring themes present in this collection of stories, I would definitely highlight love and the intricate nature of interpersonal relationships as the core elements. Across all the tales, there is a pervasive heavy and dark tone that I found particularly engaging and thought-provoking. This emotional weight adds a distinct depth to each narrative.

Hagane no Kokoro is a compelling story centered on betrayal, though it is made far more interesting by the unique perspective of its protagonist and the striking reversal her life undergoes. Up until a pivotal moment, people have always gone out of their way to do everything for her, fulfilling her every need and whim. However, to win over the one man she hadn’t yet managed to obtain, the dynamics of her life take a dramatic turn, and the situation becomes entirely flipped. She must now face life from the other side of the equation.

Neo Dutch Wife delves deeply into the often-overlooked subject of how sex, for many young individuals, is a topic fraught with inexperience and insecurity. This story does an excellent job of illustrating how fragile individuals can be shattered entirely by situations they are unprepared for. It’s a sobering exploration of vulnerability.

Stand by You shifts focus to a protagonist who is a deeply depressed young woman. Her journey, set against a backdrop of domestic abuse and her time spent in care centers, is driven by her desperate desire to have a child. This aspiration serves as her sole motivation to keep going. The story concludes with a bittersweet and open-ended finale that resonates on multiple levels.

Kawaii takes a critical look at the entertainment industry and its often-unseen consequences. It examines how this world can act as a catalyst for unhealthy Pavlovian responses, leading individuals down destructive paths. However, the narrative does offer a glimmer of hope, as the ending suggests the possibility of a brighter future.

One Flower is, without question, my personal favorite story in this collection. Its realism struck a chord with me; it feels like a heartfelt stream of consciousness. The narrative reads like someone reflecting on a person they once knew and the profound impact that individual had on their life. It’s simple yet beautifully introspective.

Koi wa Zenkei Shisei, by contrast, is the shortest and most peculiar story in the volume. It tells the bizarre tale of a yandere—a character consumed by obsessive love—who lacks the ability to restrain herself. Her fixation leads her to repeatedly kill her beloved, who then reincarnates in various forms. This cycle of death and rebirth continues until, at last, they arrive at an understanding. Despite its brevity, the story leaves a lasting impression due to its sheer strangeness.

Namu Ami Daisuki closes the collection with a disturbing narrative about a toxic relationship between an obsessive fan and her oshi (idol). The fan reveres him to the point of deifying him, utterly devaluing herself in the process. She tolerates anything he does, accepting even the worst behaviors without complaint. When the idol attempts to treat her as an equal and restore her sense of self-worth, she ends their relationship entirely. For her, a balanced, mutual relationship is unthinkable.