AlwaysWonder said:- In the Character Commentary, especially on the Shouko Future Ahead, does it true that in only describe her future in the two years gap or it is the future of herself ? I mean if other character's Future Ahead section also describe them in the two year gap then it fine, otherwise, in will be very suck I am gradually working on a more comprehensive translation and analysis of the fanbook as well, but, yes, in the Future Ahead section for Shouko, Oima describes her living and working arrangement while working for Salon Stray Cat starting after Ch 61 rather than where she plans to work and live after Ch 62, which is left not directly confirmed. The section describes that Shouko begins living alone in a room provided by the salon, a description that could only make sense if it occurs shortly after she moves away from home to Tokyo and starts working there. This interpretation is also consistent with the description that she hangs out with Sahara and Ueno on her days off, which is just another restatement of the status quo between Ch 61 and Ch 62.
Additionally, the Future Ahead section for Shouya is similar, making reference to Shouya likely becoming a barber and working at his family's salon, despite that simply being another restatement of the events between Ch 61 and 62. Also, Oima ends Shouya's section with a question of whether he will ever truly be able to love himself, a question that Chapter 62 gives a firm answer to if you're paying attention ("Yes").
All of this points to a consistent choice by Oima not to directly confirm the events after Ch 62, apparently seeing the foreshadowing, subtext, and implications of the manga itself as adequate explanation of the unseen epilogue. I agree with this, as I think it would cheapen the story's style and substance if she spelled out what the story itself shows through subtext and other subtle means (i.e., that Shouya and Shouko's affections for each other have grown in the intervening years, and Shouko plans to work for the Ishidas' salon).
Edit: Oh, also -- Regarding whether only Shouko's "Future Ahead" section is like this: No. As mentioned above, Shouya's is like this too, as is Kawai's, which makes reference to her going to the same university as Mashiba, something that happens between Ch 61 and 62. |
