Cruise

Embarking on the narrative voyage of “Cruise,” readers are introduced to Yamada Kohei,

a medical professional who relinquishes the predictable shores of a land-based medical career for the unpredictable waves

of life as a ship’s physician aboard Japan’s grandest luxury liner, the Phoenix. Cruise unfolds the tapestry of Kohei’s encounters with diverse individuals navigating the vast expanse of the open sea. Dismissing a persistent suggestion from a university colleague to transition into teaching,

Kohei opts to immerse himself in the ebb and flow of life as it unfolds among the ship’s eclectic passengers.

Within the pages of Big Comic,

this series is heralded as a “beautifully sad human drama,” capturing the essence of profound human experiences. One poignant story within the inaugural Cruise compilation revolves around a passenger grappling with terminal cancer. In the face of regret,

only the solace of songs has the power to elevate the heaviness in the heart of this afflicted traveler.

Notably, Yajima Masao-sensei, the adept author behind Cruise,

also crafted another compelling work titled SORA—a seinen manga delving into the life of a tearful flight attendant. Transitioning from the confines of airplane cabins to the vast decks of cruise ships,

Masao-sensei skillfully weaves narratives that encapsulate the myriad emotions and tales intertwined with these unique environments.

Manga enthusiasts find themselves enthralled by Masao-sensei’s ability to draw readers into the intricate

web of human emotions, transcending the boundaries of conventional storytelling. As the cruise unfolds within the manga’s pages,

it becomes a metaphorical journey through the highs and lows of existence,

all beautifully rendered through Masao-sensei’s evocative storytelling and poignant characterizations.