Tokyo These Days (Vol. 2) - Taiyo Matsumoto

Tokyo These Days Vol. 2 continues the deeply reflective journey started in the first volume, where acclaimed manga artist Taiyo Matsumoto turns his lens inward. Through the story of a middle-aged manga editor reconnecting with his past and navigating a rapidly evolving city, Matsumoto crafts a poignant meditation on aging, memory, art, and the quiet chaos of Tokyo.

With his signature sketch-like art and poetic storytelling, Matsumoto offers a slice-of-life experience that blurs the line between fiction and personal reflection, inviting the reader into a world of stillness and subtle transformation.

Main Themes of the Book

• Urban Isolation: Capturing the quiet loneliness of city life
• Creativity & Purpose: An exploration of what it means to make art
• Aging & Regret: Looking back at paths taken and left behind
• Tokyo as a Character: The city is more than a setting—it breathes
• Human Connection: Moments of quiet interaction with lasting impact

Why you should read this manga 

• A masterclass in visual storytelling from one of manga’s most innovative creators
• Offers a raw and intimate portrayal of middle age rarely seen in manga
• Perfect for fans of slice-of-life, literary manga, or graphic memoirs
• Deep, character-driven narrative set in a visually arresting Tokyo
• Matsumoto’s unique art style delivers emotional weight and beauty

Tokyo These Days Vol. 2 is not just a continuation—it’s a revelation. Taiyo Matsumoto uses manga as a vessel for introspection, transforming mundane moments into profound truths. It’s a quiet, deliberate, and deeply human story that resonates long after the last page. For thoughtful readers looking for something beyond genre tropes, this is a must-read.