“Bredo garu – Kataashi no ranna (Blade Girl – One-Legged Runner)” tells the story of Rin, a 16-year old girl that lost her right leg to osteosarcoma. Her life changes from that very moment. Awkwardly adapting to her prosthetic leg, a poor substitute for the limb she lost to the tumor, Rin loses hope. She feels not only different, but excluded and lonely. Rin’s hope is rekindled when she discovers a sports club for Paralympic running. She meets Kazami, a specialist on prosthetics, who agrees to make her a “blade” leg. According to Kazami, blade legs are an evolution of human running techniques! Thanks to Kazami and other “blade runners” in the club, she rediscovers the ability to feel the wind while running.

Japanese manga demonstrates that heart-touching comics can be created for any kind of reader. They can feature non-normative characters, such as people with physical disabilities, and show readers their challenges and aspirations. Such works not only entertain, but also raise awareness among the general public on the difficulties faced by people with special circumstances and needs.

”Bredo garu – Kataashi no ranna (Blade Girl – One-Legged Runner)” (3 volumes, finished) is unpublished in English.