A Journey Beyond the Ganges: A Deep Dive into "India Calling Me Now"
For fans of the legendary epic *Yona of the Dawn* (*Akatsuki no Yona*), the name Mizuho Kusanagi is synonymous with high-stakes fantasy, intricate political intrigue, and deep emotional character arcs. However, there is a hidden gem in her bibliography that swaps the dragon warriors for backpacks and the fictional kingdom of Kouka for the vibrant, chaotic streets of the Indian subcontinent. Titled "India Calling Me Now" (Japanese: *Indo de mo Yobareteta no?*), this single-volume essay manga offers a refreshing, hilarious, and deeply personal look at one of the world’s most complex countries through the eyes of a mangaka.
Plot Overview: A Mangaka Out of Her Element
"India Calling Me Now" is an autobiographical travelogue that chronicles Mizuho Kusanagi’s real-life trip to India. The premise is built on a popular Japanese superstition: that India is a land that "calls" to people when they are ready to visit. Skeptical yet curious, Kusanagi decides to answer this supposed call, embarking on a ten-day journey accompanied by her editor and a small group.
The narrative doesn't follow the typical "spiritual awakening" trope often found in Western or Japanese travel literature about India. Instead, Kusanagi provides a raw, unfiltered, and self-deprecating account of her experiences. From the moment she touches down, she is thrust into a whirlwind of sensory overload. The plot follows her through iconic locations like Delhi, Agra, and the sacred city of Varanasi.
Rather than focusing on grand historical lectures, the story finds its heart in the small, chaotic moments: the relentless heat, the struggle with authentic (and incredibly spicy) local cuisine, the art of haggling with rickshaw drivers, and the constant battle against "Delhi Belly." It is a story of a professional artist stripped of her comforts, trying to find the beauty amidst the dust and the noise.
Demographics and Genre: The Shojo Essay Manga
While Mizuho Kusanagi is a titan of the Shojo (young female) demographic, "India Calling Me Now" fits into the specific sub-genre of Essay Manga (*Zuihitsu Manga*). While it was published under a Shojo banner (serialized in Hakusensha’s *Hana to Yume* circle), its appeal is universal, leaning toward Josei (adult female) sensibilities due to its mature observations on travel and life.
The art style shifts away from the lush, detailed illustrations of *Yona of the Dawn* into a more simplified, "chibi-esque" comedic style. This choice allows Kusanagi to emphasize her facial expressions—ranging from sheer terror at the traffic to pure bliss when discovering a beautiful piece of local craft.
Main Themes: Chaos, Connection, and the "Calling"
The central theme of the manga is the deconstruction of the "Mystical India" myth. Kusanagi explores the gap between the romanticized version of India sold to tourists and the gritty, overwhelming reality. However, she doesn't do this with cynicism. Instead, she finds a different kind of spirituality in the resilience and energy of the people she meets.
Another major theme is Cultural Immersion vs. Personal Boundaries. As an introvert and a mangaka used to long hours of solitary work, Kusanagi’s struggle to navigate a culture that is extroverted and communal is both relatable and comedic. The manga touches upon the idea of "finding oneself" not through meditation, but through the sheer endurance required to survive a foreign environment.
Finally, the theme of Human Connection shines through. Despite the language barriers and the occasional scams, the moments of genuine kindness from locals provide a warm undercurrent to the frantic pacing of the trip.
Why You Should Read It
"India Calling Me Now" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys travelogues like *Travelogue of the Succubus* or the works of Hideo Azuma. For SEO purposes and for the general reader, it serves as a perfect "palate cleanser" between long-running series. It offers a rare glimpse into the personality of Mizuho Kusanagi herself, revealing the wit and observational skills that make her fictional world-building so successful.
Whether you are a seasoned traveler who has braved the Ghats of Varanasi or an armchair tourist looking for a laugh, this manga provides a vivid, honest, and heartwarming window into the "Land of Wonders." It proves that sometimes, the best stories aren't about dragons or princesses, but about the courage it takes to step off a plane and into the unknown.
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