Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou (Girls’ Last Tour) Manga
Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou (Girls’ Last Tour) (Manga)
Genre: Iyashikei / Post-Apocalyptic / Sci-Fi
Japanese Title: 少女終末旅行 (Shōjo Shūmatsu Ryokō); lit: “Girls’ Last Tour“
Year of Release: 2014 – 2018 (6 volumes)
Writer: Tsukumizu
Original Publisher: Shinchosha (Eng.: Yen Press)
TV: Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou Anime Series 2017 (12 episodes & 1 OVA)
Anime Movies: –
Setting
Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou, also known as Girls’ Last Tour, is set in a world irrevocably altered by the collapse of civilization. The landscape is a stark and desolate panorama of ruins, perpetually blanketed in snow, a haunting testament to a devastating, unnamed conflict. This bleak and somber environment forms the crucible for the narrative, powerfully emphasizing the pervasive themes of survival and the poignant vestiges of a lost humanity. The world is a haunting expanse of decay, where the whispers of a forgotten past echo through the skeletal remains of cities.
Plot
The story chronicles the poignant journey of two young girls, Chito and Yuuri, as they traverse this devastated world. Their primary objective is the acquisition of essential food and supplies, a constant struggle for survival. Their days are punctuated by simple, almost mundane activities—the washing of clothes, the necessity of bathing—which serve as quiet anchors amidst the surrounding chaos. Interspersed with these routines are moments of profound contemplation, as they ponder the skeletal remnants of human civilization that litter their path. The narrative is imbued with philosophical depth, raising existential questions about the nature of existence, the weight of the past, and the search for meaning in a world seemingly devoid of purpose. As the girls navigate their desolate surroundings, they encounter various vestiges of a society that once thrived, prompting reflections on what it means to be alive when all else has fallen.
Main Characters
Chito: A knowledgeable and literate young girl who serves as the navigator and operator of their Kettenkrad motorcycle. She is characterized by her calm and composed demeanor, often pausing to reflect on the echoes of the past and express quiet worry about their uncertain future.
Yuuri: Chito’s carefree and more impulsive companion. While often bringing a light-hearted perspective that serves to counterbalance their dire circumstances, she also adopts a protective role towards Chito. Her actions are often driven by immediate needs and a desire to keep their spirits up.
Together, Chito and Yuuri traverse their desolate world, facing the constant challenges of survival. Their journey is not just one of physical exploration but also a profound existential inquiry, as they raise fundamental questions about their existence and purpose in a landscape that appears to be utterly devoid of other life.
