Over four decades ago, Yoshihiro Tatsumi expanded the horizons of comics storytelling by using the visual language of manga to tell gritty, literary stories about the private lives of everyday people. He has been called "the grandfather of Japanese alternative comics" and has influenced generations of cartoonists around the world. Now the visionary creator of "The Push Man and Other Stories" and "Good-bye" has turned his incisive, unflinching gaze upon himself. Over ten years in the making, "A Drifting Life" is Tatsumis' most ambitious, personal, and heart felt work: an autobiographical bildungsroman in comics form.Using his life long obsession with comics as a frame work, Tatsumi weaves a complex story that encompasses family dynamics, Japanese culture and history, first love, the intricacies of the manga industry, and most importantly, what it means to be an artist. Alternately humorous, enlightening, and haunting, this is the masterful summartion of a fascinating life and a historic career.
A Drifting Life has finished publishing and it has 48 Chapters. It is also Known as: 劇画漂流, Gekiga Hyouryuu
Genres: Comedy , School Life , Historical , Slice of Life , Drama , Romance , Psychological
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Top 5 Manga Like A Drifting Life (Gekiga Hyouryuu) [2026 List]
5. Arte
The story takes place in 16th-century Florence, a time when women were relegated to the roles of wives and caretakers. A young noble girl named Arte dreams of being an artist’s apprentice. One day, she stumbles upon the workshop of the eccentric Maestro Leo, who decides to accept her as his student. Follow Arte on her journey as she discovers the joy and struggles on the path to becoming a maestro.
Arte has finished publishing and it has Chapters. It is also Known as: アルテ, Arte
4. I Am a Child of This House
"Pink Eyes" has always lived a relatively normal (?) life, with two exceptions: first, she has gained memories of her previous life as Seo Young, and second, she is someone's illegitimate daughter.
One day however, when she turns 11 years old, her prostitute mother takes her to the empire's sole duke and claims her as his child. Although he seems to not believe her, he nevertheless buys "Pink Eyes" for 20,000 gold. With that, her new life as "Estelle" starts.
But what truly awaits her? And is she really a child of this house?
I Am a Child of This House has finished publishing and it has 155 Chapters. It is also Known as: I Belong to House Castielo, I am child of this house
3. Taishou Otome Otogibanashi
In this story set in the early 1920s, Tamahiko is the son of a wealthy family, but his life is changed forever when an accident cripples his right arm. No longer considered by his father as an heir, he is shuffled off into the country, to live out of sight. The teenage Tamahiko shuts himself in his new home, bitterly thinking of it as the place where he will die. One day, he learns that his father has 'bought' him a bride to take care of him, when the young teen girl named Yuzuki arrives at his door. She comes into his life like an innocent ray of sunshine, and Tamahiko's view of the world and his life starts changing bit-by-bit.
Note:
Volume 1 contains a side story.
Volume 2 contains the special story "Haru no Yo Hoshi no Yo".
Volume 3 contains the special story "Haru no Arashi to Kuroyuri".
Volume 5 contains the side story "Tamahiko-sensei 2".
Taishou Otome Otogibanashi has finished publishing and it has 42 Chapters. It is also Known as: 大正処女御伽話, Taisho Otome Otogibanashi, Taisho Maiden Fairytail, Taishou Maiden Fairytale
2. Emma
In Victorian-era England, a young girl is rescued from a life of destitution and raised to become a proper British maid. Emma meets William, the eldest son of a wealthy family, and immediately falls in love with him. William shares her feelings, but the strict rules of their society prevent their relationship from ever coming out in the open. Traditional class distinctions and rich, historical details provide the backdrop for this appealing romance.
Emma has finished publishing and it has 72 Chapters. It is also Known as: エマ, Emma Bangaihen, Emma Bangai-hen, Emma Further Tales, Victorian Romance Emma
1. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
In the imperial court, a young woman is put into servitude, Maomao. The tale is just beginning for the woman doctor/pharmacist from the red-light district, as rumors circulate about the emperor's children's lives being short-lived. Her curious nature and thirst for knowledge pushes her to action. To satisfy her curiosity, this young doctor/pharmacist will investigate the origin! What is shifting in the imperial court..!?
The Apothecary Diaries is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 薬屋のひとりごと, The Pharmacist's Monologue, The Pharmacist's Soliloquies, Drugstore Soliloquy
