ReLIFE

Kaizaki Arata was an unemployed 27-year-old man who failed at each job interview after leaving his last company where he only spent three months. His life changed whenhe met Yoake Ryou from the ReLife Research Institute, who offered him a drug that could alter his looks to a 17-year-old. By taking the drug, he became a subject in a one-year experiment where he began his life as a high school student again.

ReLife’s experiment allowed Arata to relive his youth in the form of a manga.The manga, named after the program, followed his hilarious struggles of going back to high school. Through the manga, readers witnessed Arata stumble through classes, make new friends, and rediscover life’s simple joys. Although the manga initially poked fun at Arata’s age crisis, it evolved into a moving story about choosing hope over regret and finding purpose. Overall, the manga was a heartwarming tale of second chances and learning that happiness comes from within.

While the manga detailed Arata’s physical transformation, it primarily focused on his emotional journey. Arata entered the program feeling lost and out of place in the world. However, with each chapter, he became more comfortable with himself. New friends at school accepted him for who he was, and over time, Arata realized that age did not define his worth or abilities. By the end of this poignant manga, Arata had found his spark for life again.

ReLife’s social experiment and its subsequent manga revitalized Arata. What began as a second chance at youth ultimately became a reminder that life’s beauty resides in the simple moments and connections we make with others. Although Arata’s future remained uncertain, the program gifted him a rediscovered sense of self and a yearning to make the most of each day. Overall, ReLife gave Arata the opportunity to press pause on regret and find meaning in the ordinary.