In Volume 4, a number of loose ends are suddenly untangled. Kanon decides to participate in her school festival fully, and Saki helps Ayano see that her behavior was not as awful as she had told herself it was. Now, in The Moon On A Rainy Night, Volume 5, the stage is set…mostly…for Kanon to release herself from the chrysalis she had built around herself as a protective measure.

Kanon hasn’t had a fun summer since she became hard of hearing, finding herself equally isolated in crowds and by herself. Having decided to participate in both the class’s school festival events, Kanon finds herself shocked that she hasn’t had time to feel isolated this summer – and of course…there’s Saki. Saki always holds a hand out so they can do things together. As a result, Kanon is feeling more confident and less afraid to try new things. It’s a whole new world. Literally, as Tanabe-san introduces them to cosplay for their class maid cafe.

This volume also takes time to give us Kanon’s mother’s perspective, and a foil in their teacher, who brings his daughter over to ask about piano lessons. These pages are an emotional reminder that the family of a person with a disability, or that has suffered the loss of a family member, also have their own stories and burdens. I’ll spoil a little here – this does come back again in later volumes, because every character is given some time to grow. Including Tomita, the girl I referred to as a bully in early volumes. It turns out that Tomita has a story of her own, as well. And her situation offers Kanon another chance to grow.

And then there is Saki,who has complicated feelings that have been seen and recognized by an adult,  and has been an incredible friend but doesn’t ask much for herself, except to be able to spend time with Kanon. What is Kanon to her? That will definitely need to be addressed.

Twice now this story has provided an antagonist with…not redemption, so much as humanity. That is just one of the many wonderful things about this series. Characters learning to rely on each other, working within their limitations but learning to expand those limits, friends supporting each other, and reaching past misunderstandings. What an extraordinary series. I feel like I’m learning when I read it not just about accommodations for the people around me – and myself – but also how to just provide useful support, rather than prioritizing what I think they need.

This is absolutely a masterwork by Kuzushiro-sensei, and a must-read manga for everyone.

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 9 (But wait…there’s more!)
Characters – 9
Service – 0
Yuri – 4

Overall – 9

 I’ve started to need a wheelchair at times and I’m so thankful for them when I do, but it is always apparent to me, even when I am fully mobile, how many barriers there are in public places. So – especially when I am fully mobile – I will comment to event runners about the inequities they allow in their set-up. It’s important for able and healthy people to advocate for people who need accommodation, because, in the best of scenarios, we will all become old and need accommodations ourselves.