In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of Yuri (Girls’ Love) manga, few titles manage to strike a perfect balance between heart-wrenching stakes and pure, unadulterated joy. However, "Cheerful Amnesia" (known in Japan as *Akarui Kioku Soushitsu*), written and illustrated by the talented Mai Omagari, does exactly that. Serialized in the prestigious *Comic Yuri Hime*, this series has become a cult favorite for its refreshing take on a trope that is usually reserved for heavy melodramas: memory loss.
The Premise: A New Beginning for an Old Love
The story begins with a sudden and jarring event. Arisa, a vibrant and energetic young woman, wakes up in a hospital bed with a three-year gap in her memory. She has no recollection of her life as an adult, her career, or—most importantly—her relationship. When she sees the beautiful, stoic, and visibly distressed woman standing by her bedside, she doesn't feel confusion or fear. Instead, she is struck by a lightning bolt of pure attraction.
That woman is Mari, Arisa’s girlfriend of three years. While Mari is devastated, fearing that their history, their shared inside jokes, and their deep bond have been erased forever, Arisa’s reaction is the complete opposite. Upon learning that this "goddess" is actually her partner, Arisa’s internal monologue shifts from panic to overwhelming excitement: *"I have such a beautiful girlfriend?! I’m the luckiest person alive!"*
Rather than falling into the "tragic amnesia" trope where the couple struggles with the pain of forgetting, *Cheerful Amnesia* focuses on the "cheerful" aspect. Arisa decides to use her memory loss as an excuse to fall in love with Mari all over again, treating every "first" date, "first" kiss, and "first" shared meal with the high-octane energy of a smitten teenager.
Demographics and Genre
*Cheerful Amnesia* is categorized under the Seinen demographic. While it is a Yuri manga focused on a lesbian relationship, its publication in *Comic Yuri Hime*—a magazine that transitioned from a Shonen/Shojo hybrid to a more Seinen-leaning audience—reflects its mature yet accessible tone. It isn't a "mature" manga in terms of explicit content, but rather in its depiction of adult life, cohabitation, and the complexities of maintaining a long-term relationship. It sits comfortably within the Romantic Comedy and Slice of Life genres, offering a lighthearted escape for readers who want romance without the "Bury Your Gays" or "Class S" angst often found in older Yuri works.
Main Themes: Rediscovery and the Essence of Love
The central theme of the manga is the nature of attraction. It poses a fascinating question: If you lost all your memories of someone, would you fall for them again? For Arisa, the answer is a resounding yes. Her amnesia strips away the routine and the "taken-for-granted" nature of a long-term relationship, allowing her to see Mari with fresh eyes.
Another prominent theme is devotion and patience. While Arisa provides the comedy, Mari provides the emotional anchor. Mari has to navigate the grief of losing the "old" Arisa while learning to love the "new" one. The manga beautifully explores how a partner copes with a loved one's personality shift, emphasizing that love isn't just about shared history, but about choosing that person every single day, regardless of the circumstances.
Why It Stands Out
What makes *Cheerful Amnesia* a must-read for any otaku is its subversion of expectations. In most media, amnesia is a plot device used to create distance and conflict. Here, it is a catalyst for intimacy. Arisa’s relentless positivity is infectious, and her "simp-like" adoration for Mari creates a hilarious dynamic where the "cool" girlfriend is constantly flustered by the amnesiac’s bold advances.
The art style by Mai Omagari complements the tone perfectly. The character designs are clean and expressive, with Arisa’s exaggerated "heart-eyes" contrasting beautifully with Mari’s subtle, often blushing reactions.
Conclusion
*Cheerful Amnesia* is a masterclass in feel-good storytelling. It manages to be both a hilarious comedy and a touching tribute to the endurance of love. For readers looking for a Seinen Yuri that prioritizes happiness, consent, and the thrill of a new (yet old) romance, this manga is an essential addition to your collection. It proves that even when the mind forgets, the heart has a way of remembering exactly where it belongs.
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