Perfect World is more or less a fitting title for a manga that tells a story about relationships. Overcoming obstacles. Life as a disabled person. And life being in love with a disabled person.
Tsugumi Kawana liked Itsuki Ayukawa back in high school. From their numerous encounters in the library to admiring his determination in basketball, she…didn’t understand that was love in her heart. Thus, someone else got Itsuki’s attention, the opportunities to know him got less and less, and then high school was over. Everyone went their separate ways. At least a decade later, Kawana ended up taking a job at an interior design company. She then attended a get-together with an architecture firm to get to know people, and, upon arriving, she meets Itsuki again!
The two relive a bit of their time in high school, and that means rekindling her admiration of him. However, Itsuki has to leave, though as the two companies work together, she knows she’ll see him again. That’s when she learns Itsuki has to leave in a wheelchair. She then is told he got in an accident during college, and, immediately, doubt creeps in. As the two interact with each other further though, Kawana not only learns more about him than she ever has before, but she starts questioning her line of thinking regarding relationships.
Specifically, dating someone that is disabled.
Only spoiler for Perfect World that I’ll mention: it doesn’t specifically stick with one side. As in, it explores the perspective of Kawana and others who can’t see themselves dating someone that’s disabled. But it also gives Itsuki and another person’s perspective on allowing someone they love to deal with their ailments. From unexpected pooping to phantom pain, this manga doesn’t make it easy. From showcasing the effects of being disabled — physically and mentally — it does make you think if love can overcome it all. And it’s extremely heartbreaking.
But it also shows what a disabled person can still do. Rie Aruga doesn’t try and sugarcoat it. An example is when Itsuki had to create a design for someone who was disabled and couldn’t work. While everything should be done to make certain things easier, all of the barriers shouldn’t be removed — straight from Itsuki’s mouth. You have to do what you can, even in the state you’re in. In general though, having Itsuki who did succeed and accomplished his dream as an architect, while simultaneously dealing with the physical and mental issues of having a spinal cord injury, represents how Perfect World is like.
So, how does Kawana shape it?
Kawana is now coming in and has no idea what Itsuki’s been through in this state. Watching her grow from being conflicted about loving someone in a wheelchair to falling in love despite that is pretty touching. That said, I wonder how difficult the struggles will be when it comes to anything dire that happens to Itsuki. And it will happen because that’s the nature of his injury. I’m certainly interested in wanting to read more of this series — it’s one of the best manga out there for sure. And it’s worth a read for those interested in learning a few lessons as well.