We often give up on our goals because we stumble upon a huge obstacle that seems impossible to overcome. When something like this happens, the most important thing is to really move on and find other people who can help us solve those problems. After all, collaboration and brainstorming are often the best thing to do whenever we get stuck and can’t find a way out. That’s the theme of Smile Down the Runway. Because you see, Chiyuki Fujito always wanted to be a supermodel, but unfortunately she’s not tall enough. Ikuto Tsumura has always loved designing new clothes for his family, but doesn’t have the financial means to support his dreams of becoming a famous designer. Nevertheless, they both stick to their passion and stay true to their passion, eyeing every opportunity. And it didn’t take long for people to notice his talent and determination. And through a spirit of learning and collaboration, they eventually find their way to success.

In May 2025, Mutta Namba lost his job. He decides to move back to his hometown to live with his parents as he tries to figure out what he should do with his life. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Hibito Namba, is now at NASA as part of the crew that is soon to go to the Moon. Both the brothers used to dream of becoming astronauts and exploring space together. However, somewhere along the line, their paths began to diverge and Mutta gave up on his dream while his brothers moved on. However, now that Mutta has nothing to do, he finally decides to follow that long-forgotten dream once again so that he can stand proudly beside his brother. So at the age of 32, Mutta Namba decided to become an astronaut. When we were young, we all had a dream job that we would like to do in the future. But then the future comes, and we find that we are giving up on those dreams. The story of Space Brothers is about a man who is determined to fulfill his dream one last time. There are those who will laugh at his decision. Mutta himself also doubts this. But soldier on nonetheless, because the reward is definitely worth the risk and effort.

It is easy to dismiss the themes and stories presented by the manga on this list as works of fiction. The characters in these titles can do what they do because they live in a fantasy world. Real life is much more difficult than this. Well, if this describes the way you think, then you should read Blank Canvas. Because it is the autobiographical story of its author, Akiko Higashimura. Akiko wanted to become a shoujo manga artist since childhood. Thanks to constantly drawing her favorite characters, by the time Akiko enters her third year in high school, her drawing skills are quite good. But since her dream is to become a manga artist, she is determined to learn more about art and improve her drawing skills by enrolling in art college. That being said, he soon learned that getting into a prestigious art college was incredibly difficult. And then he is introduced to a guru who will change his life forever. He is a spartan middle-aged man who teaches fine arts in a small wooden house near the sea. The lessons are difficult and exhausting. There are countless times when Akiko wants to quit. But whenever she remembers her dreams of making manga, like the manga she loved to read when she was younger, she comes back to class and pushes herself.

Unlike the other manga on this list, Arte’s story takes place in Firenze, Italy in the early 16th century. It’s the height of the Renaissance, and everyone wants to be an artist. Unfortunately, like most professions at the time, being an artist is a job for men. It is unheard of for a woman to be a painter, a sculptor, an architect, etc. Still, that doesn’t stop a young woman named Arte from pursuing her dream of becoming a professional painter. Arte is the daughter of a minor nobleman. However, unlike other noble girls who learn to sew clothes and cook, Arte’s father hires a painter to teach art to his beloved daughter. Therefore, despite his mother’s disapproval, Arte decides to leave his home and live like a commoner in order to become a proper apprentice to a professional painter. Given the norms of society at the time, she learns that the journey ahead will be much more difficult than she imagined. But none of this can stop Arte from pursuing her passion and making her dreams come true.

Sometimes, the reason it’s hard to stick to your resolutions is because you’re the only one doing it. Your hobby, or your purpose, is niche enough to the point that none of your family and friends are doing the same things you do. That’s exactly the situation for Miyamoto Dai, a high schooler who dreams of becoming the world’s greatest saxophone player. Needless to say none of his friends understand what he is doing. After all, most of them had never even touched a saxophone before in their lives. Not only this, but perhaps only a few of them like to listen to jazz. So for all intents and purposes, Dai really is alone in his passion. Luckily for her, though, she has a great teacher willing to guide her properly, and her family is very supportive of her decision, despite not really understanding jazz. After graduation, Dai decides to come to Tokyo to pursue jazz full-time, as he realizes that Tokyo is the place to go if he wants to immerse himself in the jazz culture. However, to say that their journey has been difficult is actually an understatement. To earn a living, he needs to work part-time at various places, and no club is willing to let him play. Still, every night after work, Dai brings his beloved sax to the bridge by the river, and practices his favorite tunes for hours. Because he understands that even though things may seem hopeless right now, if you stick with it and keep working hard, things will soon be in your favor.

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