1963 ~ ~ When a 40s Dude from Modern Reiwa Slips Back in Time to the Chaotic Showa Era ~ ~

My Thoughts on 1963 ~ ~ When a 40s Dude from Modern Reiwa Slips Back in Time to the Chaotic Showa Era ~ ~

This title is a mouthful, but the premise of "1963 ~ ~ When a 40s Dude from Modern Reiwa Slips Back in Time to the Chaotic Showa Era ~ ~" certainly grabbed my attention. Time travel to a pivotal period in Japanese history? Sign me up! However, after diving in, my experience was a bit more complicated than I initially anticipated.

First Impressions

The initial chapters were promising. The setup is intriguing: a modern guy finds himself in the Showa era, a time of rapid change and societal upheaval. I was immediately drawn into the slice-of-life aspects, particularly the glimpses into the manga and novel industries of the time. The author paints a vivid picture of 1960s Japan, and I found myself learning a lot about the era.

What Works Well

The historical setting is undoubtedly a strong point. The author seems to have done their research, and the details about the Showa period really bring the story to life. I also appreciated the well-developed side characters, who have their own motivations and arcs. They aren't just there to support the protagonist, which adds depth to the narrative. The "no dense MC" tag seems accurate; the protagonist isn't oblivious, which can be a refreshing change.

Areas of Concern

Now, for the elephant in the room: the protagonist's character. I struggled with some of his actions. While the story avoids outright graphic content, the MC's behavior towards women, particularly those in vulnerable positions, left a bad taste in my mouth. It made it difficult for me to fully invest in the story, despite enjoying other aspects. It's a significant flaw that, depending on your tolerance, could make or break the entire novel.

Final Verdict

"1963 ~ ~ When a 40s Dude from Modern Reiwa Slips Back in Time to the Chaotic Showa Era ~ ~" is a mixed bag. The historical setting and well-developed side characters are definite positives. However, the protagonist's questionable behavior is a major drawback. If you can compartmentalize his actions and focus on the other elements, you might find something to enjoy here. But be warned: this isn't a lighthearted, feel-good story. It's a complex, sometimes uncomfortable, look at a bygone era, with a protagonist who is far from perfect.