In the vast landscape of contemporary Seinen manga, few titles manage to capture the delicate balance between futuristic speculation and the grounding nature of traditional craftsmanship as effectively as "Do It Yourself!!". While many fans first encountered this charming story through the 2022 original anime by Pine Jam, the manga adaptation—illustrated by Beru Kozue—offers a delightful, tactile exploration of its themes that stands as a must-read for fans of the "Iyashikei" (healing) genre.
The Setting: A World of High-Tech Convenience
Set in the near-future city of Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture—a location famous in the real world for its blacksmithing and metalworking heritage—the story presents a society on the cusp of total automation. Drones deliver packages, AI handles household chores, and 3D printers have made manual labor seemingly obsolete. In this world, efficiency is king, and "hand-built" is often seen as an antiquated, inefficient relic of the past.
The Plot: Building More Than Just Furniture
The narrative follows Serufu Yua, a perpetually relaxed, daydreaming high school student whose clumsiness is legendary. Serufu is the antithesis of the high-tech world she lives in; she is constantly covered in bandages from minor accidents and moves at her own "powa-powa" (airy) pace.
Her childhood friend, Miku "Purin" Suride, is her polar opposite. Purin is a tech-savvy, high-achieving student who attends a prestigious vocational school focused on cutting-edge technology. Their friendship has become strained as Purin views Serufu’s lack of focus and interest in "old-fashioned" things as a sign of immaturity.
The story kicks off when Serufu encounters Rei Yasaku, the stoic and capable president of her school’s DIY Club. Rei is the sole member of a club on the brink of dissolution. After witnessing Rei repair a broken bench with nothing but manual tools and grit, Serufu is captivated. Despite her natural clumsiness, she decides to join the club. The plot then follows the club’s struggle to recruit the five members necessary to remain official, all while Serufu attempts to bridge the growing emotional gap between herself and Purin through the projects she creates.
Demographics and Genre
"Do It Yourself!!" is categorized as a Seinen manga. While the art style is "moe" and the cast is predominantly female, the Seinen tag reflects its publication in *Manga UP!* and its thematic depth. Like other "hobbyist" Seinen titles (such as *Yuru Camp* or *Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!*), it focuses on the technical intricacies of a craft and the meditative, philosophical satisfaction of labor, which resonates deeply with an adult audience looking for a respite from the fast-paced modern world.
Key Themes: The Soul of Craftsmanship
The core of the manga is the concept of "Mono-zukuri"—the Japanese philosophy of craftsmanship. It explores several profound themes:
1. Imperfection vs. Precision: The manga constantly contrasts the "perfect" output of a 3D printer with the "imperfect" charm of a handmade wooden bench. It argues that the scratches, uneven paint, and slight wobbles in a DIY project are what give an object its "soul" and history.
2. The Value of Effort: In a world where everything is instant, the DIY Club members learn that the time spent planning, sanding, and hammering is just as valuable as the finished product.
3. Nostalgia and Progress: The story doesn't vilify technology; rather, it asks how we can maintain our humanity and creative spark in an automated age. Purin represents the future, while Serufu represents the heart of the past, and the manga seeks a middle ground where both can coexist.
4. Community and Connection: As the club grows to include diverse characters like the genius American girl Jobko and the shy Si, the act of building together becomes a metaphor for building friendships.
Conclusion
"Do It Yourself!!" is a heartwarming, educational, and visually soothing experience. It teaches readers that even if you are clumsy or "useless" in a high-tech environment, there is a profound dignity in picking up a hammer and creating something with your own two hands. For any otaku looking for a story that celebrates creativity, friendship, and the smell of fresh sawdust, this manga is a foundational addition to your collection. It reminds us that the most important things in life aren't bought—they are built.
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