“Our Dreams at Dusk” starts with a boy, Tasuku, that has just moved to scenic Onomichi (Hiroshima prefecture). Fearing that classmates might have discovered he is gay, Tasuku is about to commit suicide. A strange vision saves his life and introduces him to a place where non-normative people gather. Little by little, the reader gets acquainted with these characters while joining Tasuku in his own emotional journey.

It is not easy for the LGBTI+ community in Japan. Many prejudices remain, as they do in many countries and regions in the world. Sometimes it is plain and simple homophobia. Other times it means feeling lost, frustrated, and uncomfortable in front of people who have been called, or have defined themselves, as “different.”

Although short in length, “Our Dreams at Dusk” deals with this with great depth. It details the fears and frustrations of Japanese gay, lesbian, trans, cross-dressing, and asexual characters, as well as their relatives and friends. It is also a story of hope. “Our Dreams at Dusk” shows personal growth and internal conflict of characters that have been hiding their true selves for a long time.

“Our Dreams at Dusk” (4 volumes, finished) is available in English from Seven Seas Entertainment.