In the vast realm of manga, there’s a genre that specializes in capturing the intricacies of everyday life, relationships, and the human experience. “The State of a Certain Wife” is one such manga that has been making waves in this genre. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at this captivating series, exploring its plot, characters, themes, and why it’s become a must-read for manga enthusiasts.
The State of a Certain Wife is a seinen manga written and illustrated by Giba-chan. It was first serialized in Kodansha’s Seinen manga magazine Monthly Young Magazine in January 2023 and has collected into three tankōbon volumes as of August 2023.
The manga tells the story of a married couple, Haruto and Akiho, and their struggles to maintain a healthy relationship. Haruto is a salaryman who works long hours and is often stressed out, while Akiho is a stay-at-home mom who feels neglected and unappreciated.
Intro: “The State of a Certain Wife”
“The State of a Certain Wife” (in Japanese, “Aru Tsuma no Kao”) is a manga series & Kanna Kii write and illustrated it. This poignant and emotionally charged manga delves deep into the life of its protagonist, Rieko Nishina, a wife and mother in her thirties who embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
The State of a Certain Wife (奥様はある程度) is a seinen manga written and illustrated by Giba-chan. It tells the story of a married couple, Akira and Asami, as they navigate the challenges of marriage and adult life.
Plot Overview
The story begins with Rieko Nishina, a seemingly ordinary housewife, living her daily life with her husband and daughter. However, as the narrative unfolds, we discover that her life is far from typical. Rieko’s husband, Shinji, is unemployed and lacks ambition, leaving Rieko to shoulder the financial burden of their household.
As the weight of her responsibilities intensifies, Rieko encounters Mitsuki, a high school student who becomes her part-time housekeeper. This chance encounter triggers a series of events that force Rieko to confront her stagnant marriage, reevaluate her desires, and navigate the complexities of her evolving relationship with Mitsuki.
Plot Synopsis: The state of a certain wife
The manga begins with Haruto and Akiho celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. They seem happy on the outside, but their relationship is too pull. Haruto is constantly working late, and Akiho feels like she is raising their daughter alone.
One day, Haruto tells Akiho that he is going on a business trip to Osaka. However, Akiho later discovers that he is actually having an affair with Yumi.
Akiho is devastated by Haruto’s betrayal. She confronts him, and he admits to the affair. Haruto says that he loves Akiho, but he also says that he is also attractive to Yumi.
Akiho is also separate. She loves Haruto, but she doesn’t know if she can forgive him for his betrayal. She also doesn’t know if she wants to stay in a marriage where she doesn’t feel loved and appreciated.
Themes and Exploration
“The State of a Certain Wife” delves into several thought-provoking themes, making it a deeply engaging read:
- Self-Discovery: Rieko’s journey to rediscover her own identity and desires is central to the narrative. It explores the idea that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions and happiness.
- Gender Roles and Expectations: The manga challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations, highlighting the importance of personal fulfillment beyond the confines of societal norms.
- Love and Desire: The series intricately explores the complexities of love, attraction, and desire. It delves into the intricacies of relationships that defy conventional definitions.
- Social Commentary: “The State of a Certain Wife” provides subtle social commentary on issues such as unemployment, societal pressures, and the pursuit of happiness in contemporary Japan.
Themes & Art
The State of a Certain Wife explores a number of themes, including:
- Love: Haruto and Akiho love each other, but their love is tested by their struggles and challenges.
- Marriage: The manga explores the complexities of marriage and the challenges that couples face.
- Betrayal: Haruto’s betrayal of Akiho is a major plot point in the manga. The manga explores the impact of betrayal on a relationship.
- Forgiveness: Akiho must decide whether or not to forgive Haruto for his betrayal. The manga explores the challenges of forgiveness.
- Self-identity: Akiho struggles to find her own identity outside of her role as a wife and mother. The manga explores the challenges of finding one’s self-identity.
- Adult Life: The State of a Certain Wife is also a manga that explores the challenges and complexities of adult life. The manga looks at the challenges of balancing work and family life, the temptation to take shortcuts, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Character Depth
One of the manga’s strengths lies in its well-developed characters:
- Rieko Nishina: The protagonist undergoes significant growth throughout the series, transforming from a complacent housewife into a woman who learns to embrace her desires and aspirations.
- Mitsuki Kanno: Mitsuki, the enigmatic housekeeper, challenges Rieko’s preconceived notions about herself and her life. Her character adds depth and intrigue to the story.
- Shinji Nishina: Rieko’s husband, Shinji, is a complex character in his own right. His portrayal invites readers to reflect on the challenges of maintaining a marriage in the face of adversity.
Characters Regulation:
- Haruto: Haruto is a salaryman who works long hours and is often stressed out. He loves his wife and daughter, but he has difficulty balancing his work and family life.
- Akiho: Akiho is a stay-at-home mom who feels neglected and unappreciated. She loves her husband and daughter, but she feels like she is losing herself in her role as a wife and mother.
- Yumi: Yumi is a young woman who works as a secretary at Haruto’s company. She is intelligent and ambitious, and she has a crush on Haruto.
Artistry and Visual Appeal
The State of a Certain Wife is a very realistic and relatable manga. It explores the challenges of marriage and infidelity in a way that is both honest and compassionate. It’s also a story about love, loss, and redemption.
Kanna Kii’s artistic style is both elegant and emotionally resonant. The characters’ expressions convey a depth of emotion that enhances the storytelling. The artwork, while subtle, effectively captures the essence of the characters’ inner struggles and personal growth.
Why “The State of a Certain Wife” Stands Out
- Realistic and Relatable: The manga’s depiction of everyday life and relationships resonates with readers who appreciate realistic and relatable narratives.
- Character-Driven: The manga’s emphasis on character development and introspection allows readers to connect with the protagonists on a personal level.
- Thought-Provoking: “The State of a Certain Wife” prompts readers to contemplate their own lives, desires, and relationships, making it a meaningful and thought-provoking read.
- Breaking Stereotypes: It challenges stereotypes and societal expectations, offering a fresh perspective on marriage, gender roles, and personal happiness.
Where to read The State of a Certain Wife:
The State of a Certain Wife is available to read in English on Crunchyroll Manga, Comixology, Google Play Books, and the Kindle Store. You can also read this manga available this website:
- Mangakakalot
- MangaGO
- ComicWalker
- Nyaa Torrents
- NyaaScans
- ScanManga
Additional thoughts About ‘The State of a Certain Wife’
In addition to the themes mentioned above, The State of a Certain Wife also explores the following themes:
- Communication: Haruto and Akiho have difficulty communicating with each other. This leads to misunderstandings and resentment.
- Expectations: Haruto and Akiho have different expectations for their marriage. This leads to conflict and disappointment.
- Resentment: Akiho resents Haruto for his betrayal and for his lack of support. This resentment builds up over time and threatens to destroy their marriage.
- Hope: Despite the challenges they face, Haruto and Akiho still love each other. They both want their marriage to work.
Here are some of the things that I loved about The State of a Certain Wife:
- The characters are very well-developed and relatable. Haruka and Nanami are both flawed individuals, but they are also sympathetic and likable characters.
- The story is very realistic and honest. It doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics of marriage, infidelity, and divorce.
- The manga is also very well-written. Giba-chan is a talented storyteller who knows how to keep the reader engaged.
- The art is also very good. Giba-chan’s artwork is detailed and expressive, and it perfectly captures the tone and mood of the story.
Some things you need to know after reading this manga
In addition to the above, here are some more thoughts on the manga:
- The State of a Certain Wife is a very refreshing take on the genre of married couple manga. Unlike many other manga in this genre, which tend to be more lighthearted and comedic, The State of a Certain Wife is a serious and dramatic story that explores the challenges of marriage and infidelity in a realistic way.
- The manga also does a great job of depicting the complex emotions that Haruka and Nanami go through throughout the story. Haruka is devastated by Nanami’s affair, but he also feels guilty for neglecting her. Nanami is guilty of cheating on Haruka, but she is also angry at him for not paying her enough attention.
- The State of a Certain Wife is not a perfect manga. The pacing can be a bit slow at times, and the ending is somewhat ambiguous. However, the manga’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Overall, The State of a Certain Wife is a well-written and thought-provoking manga that is sure to resonate with readers who have experienced the challenges of marriage and infidelity.
Conclusion
The State of a Certain Wife is a must-read for fans of seinen manga and manga that explore the complexities of relationships. It is a well-written and well-illustrated manga that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
“The State of a Certain Wife” is a manga that transcends traditional storytelling boundaries, offering readers a profound exploration of life, love, and self-discovery. With its relatable characters, and emotionally charged narrative. And thought-provoking themes, it’s no wonder that this manga has garnered a dedicated following. If you’re seeking a manga series that delves deep into the human experience. And challenges societal norms, “The State of a Certain Wife” is a must-read that will leave you pondering its themes long after you’ve turned the final page.