OHANA HOLOHOLO

DESCRIPTION

CAST

CHAPTERS

REVIEWS

• 

  Dacry

  100/100
  so many broken people, but the bisexual rep is good

  You know how there's never a bisexual person in some stories? They go "well, are you gay then! are you straight then!" and you can only be one, not both. And if you choose a person, you actually chose the side you are, and doesn't stay bi. I say bi instead of pan because the story used bi for one and i'm not entirely sure how their attractions work, since they are busy living life, healing and getting hurt to speak about it.

  Anyway.

  Maya has been abandoned so many times, including by her own family. Twice by Michiru. She just grew used to losing, missing, and despite being hurt anytime, she does what she can even if she suspects Michiru will leave at anytime again.
  Honestly, she was particularly relatable to me in her choices. She often comes off as dating to be able to get closer and help people, prop them up. Everyone she does that towards, she has some attraction actually (i think). But despite everything, she knows that Hidesuke, the soccer player, was mostly trying to fill up an emptiness in his life of broken expectations and loss of his dreams by marrying his first love. And knowing that, she gets twisted up over accepting and giving the chance of a normal life for Michiru's son. (she also had short hair when younger, and people say she has trans vibes, so she could probably be erased from the family registry for that reason)

  I don't know why I began with Maya. Everything in the characters revolves around Yuuta, despite him not appearing in some chapters or revolving around adult subjects like overworking, workplace gossip and stuff.
  Yuuta is just the cutest little thing. He's so well drawn and expressive and loved, he runs adorably and has shiny eyes and blushy cheeks, a precious little bean.
  I took many pics to share, but i can't share here, so just read the manga! People say he looks like an alien, but I think he's adorable and the truly baby way he runs and walks, especially when smug, it's lovely!
  And everything he wants is to have his whole family. Nico, Maya and Michiru. He doesn't want people to say his family is weird (in a bad way). Maya (tries to) leaves Michiru not only because she's afraid of being abandoned again by her, for another man, but because Yuuta was in danger of being bullied again, and because she wished a normal family to him. Michiru thinks about accepting the daycare man not because she likes him (tho she does a lil) but because it would help a lot with Yuuta (daycare man has the idea of helping her with him by dating her too).
  fuck everybody is relatable in that lol

  Well, Michiru. She's childish, selfish, runs away at conflict and doesn't come back unless she knows she's welcome, minds people's opinions far often and feels often lonely and lost, just waiting for someone to tell her what to do. She had a good structure with the grandparents of her dead husband, but her mom berates her for troubling them, tells her to go back home... and makes Yuuta a withdrawn and unwelcomed child. It's no wonder that Mochi, daycare man, sees her often like a small lost girl. They don't deepen much in her childhood, but they don't need to. The glimpses and every flaw of hers is always blinding in how she was treated when younger.
  But she's doing her best always for her son. Michiru is a clumsy mother, but she hurries her son to daycare when possible (and later makes him get third place in a race even though he runs so slow thanks to that hurry), she gives him pudding even though the pudding was all eaten and was supposed to be hers, she searches desperately whenever he disappears (runs away for a reason or another) and my favorite part:
  she doesn't slap him on the face when she finds him again. that really turns me off when it happens in manga with so called loving parents, but she doesn't do that.
  She's a single mom with support, even if shakey due to their fights and doubts, and everyone just loves her son and worries about her.

  And for the end. Nico.
  My man, my mirror, the suicidal man! You can barely tell, you just know that he loves Yuuta, gives support to the girls' relationship while keeping Yuuta happy and well cared for, and has the habit of having two girlfriends meet with his key and fight.
  He doesn't have knives or scissors in his place. Actually, his home is bare and he is mostly always at Maya and Michiru's when not acting for his work. He says it's because his girlfriends picked the sharp objects when fighting with him and each other. Me (and soon his acting friend) say he is lying.
  I just really relate and love his portrayal for depression and suicidality. He calls Yuuta his reason to live. His friend says "can you even call that living?". He feels guilty for letting go of Keiichi, Yuuta's father, they were called soulmates. They really loved each other, but still let go for the sake of Yuuta, while Michiru stalled going back to Maya, afraid she wouldn't have a home at her side if she went back.
  Nico tries to kill himself by the end, but is stopped by his found family. When he tries to reach up to the sky thinking about how he missed Keiichi and finally saw him, and Yuuta holds his hand instead... It moved me.

  It's a dysfunctional family, in many ways and chapters. But they need each other, including Nico (Michiru's metamour i would say), and by the end, they move together. Things might get hard, but they can keep going with their weird little family that cares about each one of them.
  It's a really good story. Except the daycare lil girl's grandma (wtf lady your son was left by his wife, you tore the little girl's long hair against her wishes, you are the biggest asshole of your family and still thinks you can bad talk and teach bad things to Hiyori!?!?) and Michiru's mother, i ended up getting fond of each character.
  I hope you love this as much as I did.

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• 

  NetzLain

  80/100
  Exploring relationship dynamics while dealing with anxiety, depression, and loneliness

  I will let you know when I start to talk about events that might be interpreted as spoilers. Also, this is my interpretation of the events in the manga; this review is subjective and does not hold any absolute truths. All I'm trying to do is present the manga as I see and interpret it while approaching some of my beliefs on life, connecting the themes of the manga with philosophy, which is a subject that I'm very fond of.

  ---

  The human experience is often shaped by a complex interplay of emotions, thoughts, and social dynamics. Among the myriad emotions that color our existence, I believe anxiety, depression, and loneliness stand out as constant emotions that we all have to deal with in the course of our lives, turning into the three pillars upon which our foundations are constructed, philosophically speaking.
  Ohana Holoholo showcases a good example of how complex and difficult it is for individuals to face those emotions, especially when relating to others. The main characters are often confronting, avoiding, or reacting to those feelings while dealing with the variety of emotions that come along the way, creating realistic relationships between struggling characters.

  I would like to start by clarifying why I feel that way about these feelings that can be considered to be a constant burden to our lives, the root of our suffering, and yet the fabric of our existence which shapes us as people while paralleling the manga. From now on, if you are someone who believes in spoilers, be aware that from this point forward, I will be exploring the main themes of the manga, characters, and events, so consider yourself advised.

  
  

  I. Anxiety

  Since we understand the concept of death, our lives become a run against the clock towards an unknown date when we cease our existence. If that isn't enough, in the book "The Concept of Anxiety," Søren Kierkegaard posits that anxiety is not merely a psychological state but an inherent aspect of human existence.

  His concept of anxiety highlights the tension between the desire for freedom and the dread of the unknown. In this way, anxiety becomes a fundamental element of the human condition, shaping our decisions, actions, and ultimately, our understanding of self.

  Maya is always on high alert, battling with her thoughts while trying to be in a relationship with Michiru, hiding her true feelings and needs. Afraid of a future where she is betrayed again, she carefully navigates the relationship, hoping that the status quo between them remains the same. Her apprehension or fear about the future is as good an example of someone suffering from anxiety as any.

  

  Now, from a psychological perspective, anxiety is recognized as a natural response to stressors. Sigmund Freud suggests that it stems from unconscious conflicts between the id, ego, and superego. A state of anxiety is most fitting for Michiru, a struggling single mother.

  Opposed to Maya, Michiru acts out on her feelings. Her agitating personality, often seen as childish for outsiders, resonates with someone who is uncomfortable and stressed to some degree. Later on in the story, we understand that her fears and insecurities are the main reason she acts that way and also the reason why she left Maya. The pressure of being a mother forces her to face her anxiety instead of running away.

  

  The state of anxiety for Maya and Michiru is contrasting, with one bottling up these feelings and the other acting out. But as an audience, we can sense that this feeling is more in control of them than they are of the feeling, especially in the first part of the manga.
  
  

  II. Depression

  I know depression is a serious problem. I'm not trying to diminish or simplify this state. The depression that I'm talking about is mostly an existential type. So, when I'm talking about depression, I'm not using it as a term meant for the clinical condition, but more of a melancholic feeling in an existential and philosophical way.

  “Idle hands are the devil's tools” is a quote that I often hear, especially from religious folks. I harbor a strong disdain for it because it conveys a message of avoiding idleness without considering the reasons behind it. It seems to suggest that being without anything to do is inherently wrong. In my perspective, this quote is frequently employed in a way that integrates societal norms into marketing strategies to sell products.

  Personally, I've lost count of how many people have tried to preach to me against my idleness. Nevertheless, I tend to observe that individuals often use this reasoning and logic as a means of avoiding self-reflection, sidestepping contemplation of their existence, and diminishing their consciousness.

  Peter Wessel Zapffe, a Norwegian philosopher and writer, introduced the idea that humans possess an overdeveloped intellect compared to nature in general. This heightened intellect exposes us to the harsh realities of existence, ultimately leading to an inevitable and profound sense of despair. In his essay "The Last Messiah” (you can read it here), he argued that this condition leaves us vulnerable to existential depression.

  His perspective on depression, viewing it as a consequence of hyper-awareness and the inability to escape the futility of life, adds another layer to the human experience. In this framework, the depressive state becomes a reaction to the overwhelming weight of existence. The individual grapples with the realization of their own mortality and the inherent meaninglessness of life.

  Zapffe proposes four ways to escape depression: Isolation, Anchoring, Distraction (remember the idle hands), and Sublimation. According to him, without employing any of these tools, humans are left in a perpetual state of depression. The natural condition of beings grappling with consciousness. Interestingly, these four mechanisms are consistently employed, to some extent, by the characters throughout the manga.

  Maya's profound sadness following Michiru's departure reaches such intensity that it hinders her from getting close to Michiru again. Fearing the potential attachment and subsequent loss, she retreats into a state of Isolation and Distraction. Despite these coping mechanisms, Maya's love for Michiru prevents her from finding satisfaction in these strategies. Instead, she embarks on a personal battle to discover a stable anchor for herself, ideally hoping that Michiru could play that role in her life.

  Michiru primarily relies on Distraction as a means to avoid confronting her consciousness, rooted in her history of struggling to form connections with others and the uneasiness and anxiety that loneliness brings. However, her role as a mother compels her to establish a relationship with her son, prompting a shift in her coping mechanisms towards Anchoring. She begins to anchor herself in the relationships with those close to her, even exploring possibilities outside of her immediate circle, such as with the teacher.

  In critical moments, both Maya and Michiru are faced with the prospect of losing each other. During these times, they turn to anchoring in each other and the love they share, providing a brief but significant respite from the despair of consciousness.

  Nico becomes an extreme example of how emotions and states of mind can drive a person to extremes. He also conceals these feelings while interacting with others, resorting to Distraction and Sublimation as coping mechanisms.

  Throughout the manga, there are subtle hints of his depressed states, often overlooked due to the coping mechanisms he employs to avoid confronting his sadness, mostly conditioned by the loss of the person he loved. In the later chapters, when these coping mechanisms are no longer in action, we witness him descending into the abyss of despair. In this moment, neither coping mechanism is deployed, and he experiences a profound sense of despair.

  Nico's depression could be argued to be clinical; however, as the manga does not provide this distinction, and I am not one to diagnose him, I assume it is not solely due to his improvement in this state after dealing with repressed emotions of extreme sadness imposed by grief. After experiencing despair, he grieves for the person he lost and finds some acceptance, allowing him to move on and free himself from the need for Yuuta as a coping mechanism.
  
  

  III. Loneliness

  Russian writer Leo Tolstoy often tackled this theme in his works by depicting characters grappling with profound existential isolation despite being surrounded by society. The alienation felt by his protagonists stems from a disconnection between their inner selves and the external world. Tolstoy suggests that the inability to bridge this gap contributes significantly to the pervasive sense of loneliness that permeates the human experience.

  If I had to pick one main theme of the manga, it would be the pervasive sense of loneliness. Each character experiences a unique form of isolation, struggling to communicate their feelings of sadness and anxiety. This shared sense of loneliness becomes a common thread, connecting them with each other.

  One example of this is Michiru before leaving Maya and having a child. She constantly relies on other people to keep her company, and Maya points out her inability to be alone, highlighting the profound loneliness she experiences.

  

  Maya, on the other hand, confronts her loneliness, largely imposed by Michiru's actions, head-on. She retreats into isolation at times, where she encounters anxiety and depression.

  

  
  

  Building Relationships Beyond These Feelings

  The constant feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety set a framework for many actions and reactions in the story. However, there is much more emotion that adds to the mix of any person and relationship, and it is no different in the relationships portrayed by the characters in the manga. This is what makes this story stand out from others.

  The interplay of these emotions often leads the main characters to a chain of reactions, influencing their actions and feelings, which in turn send ripples into the other relationships they have with secondary characters. Importantly, this dynamic doesn't fall into a cyclical and toxic pattern. This is mainly because the characters succeed in understanding their feelings, communicating with each other, and accepting themselves.

  It is only after Michiru and Maya accept those parts of themselves that they can move on to be in a relationship with each other. Similarly, Nico must accept Keiichi’s death before he can move on and find a new purpose beyond relying solely on Yuuta. Through these self-acceptance journeys, they are rewarded with relationships that are not only comfortable and happy for everyone but also built on a strong foundation capable of withstanding even the most dire situations.
  
  

  Extra Notes

  The manga has a '3-gatsu no lion' feeling to it; the themes and art bear similarities, possibly because Shino Torino sensei is Chica Umino’s assistant. It's likely that they influence each other, explaining why they feel closely connected.

  The extra chapters felt a little unnecessary, primarily serving to provide a conclusive ending for every side character. The story introduces some cliche plot twists towards the end, but even with these cliches, the message is effectively conveyed. The strength of the well-developed characters from the beginning allows readers to focus on them and overlook certain narrative choices. Beyond these points, I didn't encounter any issues.
  
  

  Conclusion

  The trio of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, as explored, forms the three pillars of the human foundation. Despite often being perceived as negative, these emotions play an integral role in shaping our understanding of self, the world, and our place within it. Through acknowledging and exploring these emotional pillars, we gain a deeper insight into the intricacies of the human condition and the complex tapestry of our existence.

  Ohana Holoholo not only understands the power of these emotions but also weaves the struggles of its characters, particularly Maya and Michiru, into a narrative that explores the depths of these emotions and their impact on relationships.

  However, the manga goes beyond the exploration of these challenging emotions. It intricately depicts the characters' journey towards understanding, communication, and self-acceptance. The narrative emphasizes that only by accepting and understanding oneself can one forge genuine and meaningful relationships.

  In the end, Ohana Holoholo invites us to reflect on the complexities of the human experience, offering a poignant exploration of emotions, relationships, and the pursuit of self-discovery.

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• 

  bloominlotus

  100/100
  a piece of a bittersweet journey that becomes beautiful at the end, easily one of the greatest pieces of all time.

  this will be full of writing of feelings and emotions this manga gave to me and will full of spoiler. not something proper of objective, because this will be pure out of my own feelings.

  this work is easily one of the greatest. classic yuri is one of the best out there. i love how the author wrote this one and releasing it in 2008. still amazed me how classic yuri always gives me this many emotions. they talked about being queer in the community and all the best ㅡ the characters being bisexual and the need of them to not actually follow what they want because of how the future will effect the kid. above anything all, yuuta is the most important here. everything revolves around him. his parents, his family.

  a story about exes who separated and met again and they became roommates. co-parenting a child together. michiru and maya's story isn't that simple and easy. they went through a lot and most of times were depressing, heartbreaking, and devastating. it was a bittersweet piece of yuri but after michiru and maya finally, finally talked and being honest with each other, how they want to be with each other, it went a little better. easier. i love how it gave me feelings of being relieved ㅡ that the characters know that they love each other. it's always enough for me even it's not really is. i wish i see more of them together, michiru and maya. them on a date together, as lovers, as girlfriends, as lovers. i love them so so much with all of my heart.

  yuuta is the star and the spotlight in this manga. he's such a lovely and sweet kid. he's not like the usual kid who will run and do whatever he wants to do in life without the care in life. for his age, he acts too careful and too mature. he also went through a lot, i can say that after seeing him as adult, for a child to be that smart and understand about the world around him ㅡ but he's always been so smart and wonderful. for all those times he tried to save his mother from falling ignoring the fact that he was still a little child and he could get hurt, those times when he tried to shoo away maya's pain when maya was crying, all those times when he was so kind towards miyori, and every little things he did. he's such an adorable kid. and when he leave his grandma's house, running away to home. to maya because he wanted to see maya :( my heart. he's such a wonderful little kid he deserves all the kindness and love in the world.

  without yuuta, because all those heartbreaks michiru and maya went through, they wouldn't be where they are now. it was bittersweet, yes, and devastating. to know that michiru left maya and everything that comes with it ㅡ to think that michiru slept with keiichi and left maya and maya was left alone and after all that happened, they still went through a lot because they didn't want to be honest with their feelings, because they think they can't be honest with their feelings, and all the time just sacrificed themselves. like how maya always think of others but not herselr and again and again sacrificing her own feelings so the ones she loves the most can be with someone other people would call "normal" family. the times she was sad when the teacher came and thought that he would be with michiru and become yuuta's family just like how normal family usually go. it broke my heart for so many times, it was bittersweet indeed. the never ending bittersweet. but i love all the development that comes with it. how michiru always doing her best to become a good mother for yuuta (and she is, she always is) and become the adult she must be. she's still young after all, she made mistakes by mistakes and keep learn from it. i just love despite any of bittersweet things it gave me, it didn't feel too unbearable for too long. they didn't give any of the men that much of chances to be with maya and michiru, and i'm glad of that.

  i love how they come up with the ending. the climax of everything. they showed adult yuuta. and they should how yuuta was struggling because of presence and the fact that his father prepared the note, the fact that he knows yuuta will ends up in such situation and decided to made the note for him to listen, for yuuta to listen to his father that his presence was wanted and precious, as precious as how his family thinks it is, and he's not something that shouldn't exist, because he is precious, priceless. he is his mama, maya-chan, and nico's precious little bean. he is and he will always be. the climas was nice. i found myself smiling to it and feel relieved. the fact that michiru and maya stay together for so long, too ♡ my happy wives ♡

  i love them so much, so so much with all of my heart. they are so precious. each other. maya, michiru, yuuta. i would love to read this story for the first time again and being so in love with it again. this one is one of the greatest, one of the best, easily loved because it's loveable despite being bittersweet for most of the time. but the ending is beautiful. very beautiful. i hope each other find their own happiness and it sticks to them forever. i hope michiru and maya stay together forever, happy forever until death to them apart, and i hope yuuta will always be happy, too. all of them deserved it. i love my little family. so precious to me.

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