The Walking Man (manga)

The Walking Man (歩くひと, Aruku Hito) is a seinen manga series written and illustrated by Jiro Taniguchi. It is a collection of short, mostly wordless stories depicting a man, identified only as "the salaryman," taking leisurely strolls through various urban and natural landscapes.

The manga focuses on the sensory experience of walking and observing the world around the protagonist. Each chapter showcases different aspects of his walks, such as his interaction with nature, architecture, animals, and other people. The stories emphasize the small joys and discoveries found in everyday life, and the beauty of the ordinary.

Originally published in Japan between 1990 and 1991, The Walking Man is notable for its detailed and realistic artwork, characteristic of Taniguchi's style. The manga has been praised for its meditative quality and its ability to evoke a sense of peace and tranquility in the reader. It has been translated into several languages and enjoys a significant following worldwide, particularly among those interested in slice-of-life and contemplative manga. While the character is often interpreted as a salaryman due to his attire, the stories intentionally leave his profession ambiguous, allowing readers to project their own experiences onto his journey.