Aquarium (manga)

Aquarium is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hideki Arai. It is a coming-of-age story centered around a group of young people navigating adolescence and adulthood in a small coastal town. The manga is known for its realistic and often melancholic portrayal of everyday life, exploring themes of love, loss, friendship, and the search for meaning.

The story typically focuses on the characters' interpersonal relationships and individual struggles, often depicting the quiet beauty and inherent sadness of small-town life. The coastal setting plays a significant role, serving as a backdrop that reflects the characters' internal states and the cyclical nature of life. Arai's art style is characterized by its naturalistic approach, emphasizing realism and emotional expression.

Aquarium is generally considered a slice-of-life drama and is aimed at a mature audience due to its complex themes and realistic depiction of human relationships. While not always widely known outside of Japan, it is recognized for its nuanced characters and evocative storytelling.