How a Japanese manga series turned the raw experience of grief into a musical phenomenon.
In short: Created by Natsuki Kizu, the manga series Given explores the intersection of music, romantic growth, and personal trauma. Spanning a decade of publication, the story follows four bandmates navigating the complexities of love and loss, eventually evolving from a print series into a globally recognized anime and film franchise.
The narrative centers on the amateur rock band Given, formed by high school guitarist Ritsuka Uenoyama and vocalist Mafuyu Sato. Their connection is forged through music, specifically after Ritsuka repairs Mafuyu's guitar—an instrument once owned by Mafuyu's late boyfriend, Yuki Yoshida. The series, which began serialization in the magazine Chéri+ in 2013, uses this central relationship to explore how music serves as both an emotional outlet and a bridge between individuals struggling with past tragedies.
Beyond the primary arc of Ritsuka and Mafuyu, the story delves into the complicated bond between the band's older members, bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji. Their relationship is marked by unresolved tension and Akihiko’s turbulent history with his ex-partner, Ugetsu Murata. The manga’s structure is divided into four major arcs, each focusing on different character dynamics, including the lingering guilt felt by Yuki’s childhood friends, Hiiragi Kashima and Shizusumi Yagi, as they attempt to move forward with their own musical ambitions.
Given achieved significant cultural reach following its 2019 anime adaptation, which aired on Fuji TV’s Noitamina block—a notable milestone as the first boys' love series featured in that slot. The franchise expanded further with a 2020 theatrical film and a 2021 live-action drama. While the original manga concluded its serialization on March 30, 2023, the story continued in 2024 with a one-shot sequel, Given 10th Mix, which jumps a decade into the future. Today, the series remains a touchstone for its portrayal of how grief can be channeled into creative expression, with international distribution handled by Crunchyroll and English-language manga editions published by SuBLime.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Given (manga)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-given-manga.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
