Ajin: Demi-Human: A Deep Dive
An exploration of what makes We Never Learn an essential manga.
Story Summary of We Never Learn
We Never Learn, also known as Bokutachi wa Benkyou ga Dekinai (ぼくたちは勉強ができない), is a romantic comedy manga series written and illustrated by Taishi Tsutsui. The story revolves around Nariyuki Yuiga, a high school student from a poor family who strives to earn a VIP recommendation to college. To achieve this, he must tutor three genius girls in subjects they are terrible at: Fumino Furuhashi, a literary genius who is hopeless in mathematics; Rizu Ogata, a mathematical genius who struggles with the liberal arts; and Uruka Takemoto, an athletic star who is clueless when it comes to studying.
As Nariyuki dedicates himself to tutoring these girls, he finds himself entangled in their personal lives and academic struggles. The manga explores the challenges they face, their individual dreams, and the blossoming relationships that develop between them and Nariyuki. The series is known for its humor, heartwarming moments, and the engaging dynamic between the characters.
Key Characters and Their Roles
- Nariyuki Yuiga: The protagonist, a dedicated and hardworking student who takes on the responsibility of tutoring Fumino, Rizu, and Uruka to earn a VIP recommendation. He is intelligent but struggles with his own aspirations and understanding the girls' feelings.
- Fumino Furuhashi: A literary genius with a deep love for stars and constellations. Despite her literary talent, she is utterly hopeless at mathematics, which she needs to overcome to pursue her dream of studying astronomy.
- Rizu Ogata: A mathematical prodigy who excels in logical thinking but fails miserably when it comes to the liberal arts. She desires to study psychology, forcing her to confront her weaknesses in subjects like literature and history.
- Uruka Takemoto: An exceptionally talented swimmer with Olympic aspirations. However, her academic performance is poor, particularly in her weakest subjects. Nariyuki helps her balance her athletic training with her studies.
- Kirisu Mafuyu: A former student of their high school and now a teacher, she initially scolds Nariyuki and the girls but eventually becomes a supportive figure. She has her own struggles and secrets.
Thematic and Narrative Analysis
We Never Learn explores several themes, including the pursuit of dreams, overcoming personal weaknesses, the importance of education, and the complexities of romantic relationships. The narrative structure often involves episodic arcs focused on each of the main female characters, showcasing their individual academic challenges and their growing affection for Nariyuki. The series expertly balances comedy and heartwarming moments, creating a relatable and engaging experience for readers.
The manga also subtly examines the pressures placed on students to excel in specific fields and the importance of pursuing one's true passions. The characters' struggles with subjects outside their areas of expertise highlight the value of well-rounded education and the challenges of conforming to societal expectations. The series is notable for its multiple endings, allowing readers to experience different romantic outcomes for Nariyuki and each of the main female characters, which sparked considerable discussion and debate among fans.
Chapter Breakdown (Overview)
While providing an exhaustive chapter-by-chapter breakdown is extensive, here's a general overview of the arcs:
- Early Chapters (1-50): Introduction of characters and setting up the tutoring premise. Focusing on initial academic hurdles and establishing the core comedic elements.
- Mid Chapters (51-100): Deeper exploration of each girl's backstory and motivations. Introduction of supporting characters and development of romantic subplots. More intense tutoring sessions and personal revelations.
- Later Chapters (101-189): Build-up towards the characters' futures, including college entrance exams and career decisions. Increased romantic tension and resolution of individual character arcs. The introduction of alternate routes, culminating in different romantic pairings in the final chapters.
The chapter titles often reflect the theme or central conflict of each installment, offering a glimpse into the characters' emotional and academic journeys. The manga maintains a consistent pace, effectively blending humor, romance, and educational elements throughout its run.
Did you know? "We Never Learn" has been praised for its engaging characters, relatable themes, and its ability to appeal to a wide range of readers. The manga's success led to an anime adaptation, further expanding its fanbase and solidifying its place as a popular romantic comedy series.
Ultimately, We Never Learn is a charming and entertaining manga that offers a thoughtful exploration of education, personal growth, and the complexities of young love. Its memorable characters, engaging plot, and humorous moments make it a worthwhile read for fans of the romantic comedy genre.