Title: Cheerful Amnesia Vol. 2
Author: Tamamushi Oku
Publisher: Yen Press
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pages: 130
Genre: Yuri, Slice-of-Life, Comedy
Publication Date: February 20, 2024
The Story
Arisa continues to live with amnesia with the only thing on her mind is trying to remember how to do sexy stuff! This volume starts off with Arisa going back to work and getting a job. She was never good in school with her grades; however, she does land a manual labor job which consists of standing in front of a conveyor belt, putting two screws into two holes, and slightly tightening them.
Wow… where do I sign up for that job?
This is because Mari wants to take a trip somewhere and funds are a bit tight so Arisa goes back to work to help alleviate some of the financial pressure. While at work, she befriends one of her co-workers named Hara. She is quick to confess to Hara that she forgot how to do sexy stuff and she ends up being her aide which will come into play later in the volume.
After this, Mari’s mother stops by to visit. She has no clue about her and Arisa dating so Mari wants Arisa to try her hardest to keep it a secret. The reason for her visit is that she wants to find a “perfect match” for Mari so that she can, one day, get married. All she has is Mari’s old high school photo so she drags her out to get a new one taken.
With that out of the way, the summer heat rolls in and they go to buy an AC but it costs 256,000 yen (about $1,700 USD). Somehow, they can take it in trade for Arisa doing labor for the store. While outside being a sign girl, Arisa runs into someone she used to know before having amnesia; however, she doesn’t remember who she is. In a flashback, we see that the two of them worked together and they both had girlfriends. This was the girl that taught her all about sexy stuff but right when the conversation is about to get to the part that could give Arisa the answers that she seeks, the girl has to go… and she never got her name! Bye bye “the pretty lady.”
Finally, it’s time for that trip. There were some tender moments but I won’t spoil the reason behind them. I’ll just say that it’s cute and it will lead us into volume three!
Characters
Three new characters were added in this volume!
First off… Hana. She seems like a normal co-worker at first who is a bit miffed that Arisa would spout out things like “sexy stuff” so openly; however, she quickly becomes a friend and tries to help Arisa spark a mood with Mari. She even goes so far as to lend her a shirt that helped turn her boyfriend on hoping that it would do the same for Arisa and Mari. What a friend! While her stay in this volume was brief, I can see her interjecting in the future with some more fun ideas!
Next up is “the pretty lady.” I wish I could give a name but we never got one. We just know that they worked at a pub together, discussed their sex lives, and she was the one who taught Arisa all about sexy stuff. Obviously, she’s the answer to Arisa’s problems but the fact that she just left without giving a name is the perfect comedy bit to do in an amnesia series. I loved how it was pulled off but I’m sure we’ll see her again. Given the scenario, it’ll probably be another chance meeting but will Arisa actually remember to ask her name this time? (she is kind of dumb).
Finally, we got to meet Mari’s mother. With the way she was drawn, I thought that she would be the pushy, snobby type; however, while she did exude some of those qualities, she was more fun and down-to-earth than I had expected her to be. She’s naïve about their relationship and just wants Mari to be happy. She wasn’t forceful with Mari for the whole perfect match thing either. She seems to just want Mari to have a good life so she’s cool in my book… for now.
Final Thoughts
Really good second volume! I like how we got some of Arisa’s past in the form of a yet-to-be-named new character and how it became a breadcrumb trail for Arisa to chase after. Mari’s mother was a nice little swerve although I’m not sure I fully trust the fact that she’s unaware of Mari and Arisa’s relationship. I think she knows something but just doesn’t want to say it.
As for the trip… that was the true highlight of this volume. It had a fantastic mix of comedy, tenderness, and some sexy stuff, but real emotions that helped you feel closer to the characters. Plus, Mari showed some weaknesses which could turn out to be strengths during this trip. It showed that this series can do drama just as well as it does comedy.
The only negative thing was Arisa herself. She repeats a lot of the same running gag lines over and over again and it got a little old. It’s like… I get it. You forgot how to do sexy stuff and your main goal out of everything you have going on is to remember how to do sexy stuff. Talk about beating a dead horse… but still… it worked. I just dislike it when I’m constantly reminded of the joke. Once or twice is enough.
Despite that, there was some nice storytelling here with Mari wondering about the differences between the current Arisa and the pre-amnesia Arisa. Talking about what the old Arisa used to do and comparing it to how things are now kind of hit you in the feels. Especially since we already recall a line from the previous volume where it was stated that things might be harder for Mari than they are for Arisa. That’s turning out to be very true.
Even though comedy takes center stage here, this series is sneaking in a rather good story about a couple in love dealing with amnesia and how it can be frustrating and sometimes painful. That came through loud and clear and if you thought that there were layers missing from this series after the first volume, I’m happy to say that those layers are there in this one which only makes this series that much better!
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This item was provided for review by Yen Press
