Manga 103008 Deaimon

Nagomu is a 30 year old failed musician who shows up unannounced on his family's doorstep after ten years away in Tokyo. He is shocked to find out that he has been replaced as heir and successor in the family business, by a 10 year old girl! His father, angry at his prodigal son, insists that Nagomu start at the bottom, as an assitant to the apprentices in the family sweet shop. His room has been given to the foundling girl Itsuka, so Nagomu will sleep in the storeroom while his skeptical father determines whether he is really serious about the family business. In the ... shop hierarchy, Nagomu will be the lowest of the low.

Meanwhile his mother asks that he try to be a father figure for their adopted heir Itsuka. The young girl is likewise skeptical, having heard stories of the ungrateful Nagomu, herself unable to imagine betraying the generosity of her adoptive family.

This is a wonderful slice of life about the shops of old Kyoto, a profile of Japanese food and tea, and a peak into the world of traditional Japanese sweets or wagashi, and the customs of old Kyoto. But ultimately it is an Iyashikei story. It is all about the healing.

And in our story we are introduced to one broken individual after another. There are plenty of tears, but also side-splitting laughter, and even some darn good music. We are introduced to characters of all ages from young Itsuka to high school musical prodigy Mitsuru to a cross-dressing gender fluid assistant in the bakery. Throughout all there is the tension provided by the elder generation, as the grandparents struggle to pass on their traditions, their stories, and their businesses, to a younger generation.

Seldom have i seen a work of art or entertainment take on the huge cultural issues tackled by Deaimon, and it is rare to see such emotional and historic conflicts so gently handled with such compassionate resolutions. The stories of Deaimon will touch your heart. And you may just find yourself being healed as well, by Itsuka, Nagomu, and the extended family of the Ryokushou wagashi shop.