The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up

August 21, 2017
A well-organized closet is the key to success in this spin-off from Kondo’s wildly popular self-help book. Protagonist Chiaki is in dire need of assistance: her apartment is an ocean of clutter, and it’s casting a pall over all aspects of her life. Luckily, Kondo is here to help her fold her t-shirts, toss her junk mail, discard books she’s never going to read, and, in so doing, forge a path to true happiness. The “KonMari” method claims to be a form of magic that can unlock everything from promotions at one’s job to romantic opportunities. This is, to put it mildly, a bit fanciful. But Kondo’s organizing methods are undeniably effective, especially for anyone overwhelmed by the thought of finding a place to start tackling the mess. Uramoto’s charming illustrations are flexible enough to capture both the fairylike Kondo and the true nightmare of Chiaki’s living room.

September 1, 2017

In this fictional case study incorporating the philosophy of Kondo's best-selling self-help book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the practical techniques of its follow-up, Spark Joy, Chiaki is a messy, workaholic driven to hire Kondo when an encounter with the guy next door convinces her that her rats-nest apartment is sabotaging her entire life. Kondo first asks Chiaki to visualize her ideal future: How would she actually like to live? This simple challenge motivates Chiaki and hints at Kondo's appeal: people refusing to tidy under a parent's thumb are now tidying for themselves. Uramoto's (Less Than Married) charming art makes Kondo into a winsome shojo character and assimilates Chiaki into the tradition of a young manga heroine finding happiness. VERDICT Readers reluctant to submit to word-heavy lectures may be beguiled--and even converted--by witnessing Chiaki's success as played out in an enjoyable story that paints Kondo as more inspiring than inquisitorial. Both of the original nonfiction books were LJ "Most Borrowed," so expect demand. [Previewed in Douglas Rednour's "Comics Cross Over," LJ 6/15/17, p. 40-46.--Ed.]--MC

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