How Much Of My Manga Collection Have I Read? A Quest for Completion and KonMari Peace

Table of Contents

How Much Of My Manga Collection Have I Read? A Quest for Completion and KonMari Peace

Konnichiwa, fellow manga enthusiasts! Today, we embark on a journey of self-reflection, a little bit of organizational psychology, and a healthy dose of otaku introspection. We're diving deep into the heart of our beloved manga collections and confronting a question that haunts many of us: How much of this have I actually read?

As someone who deeply appreciates the art of Japanese design, the meticulous craft of storytelling, and the joy that a perfectly bound volume can bring, I understand the allure of collecting. Each cover is a mini masterpiece, each spine a promise of adventure. But as our collections grow, sometimes they become less a source of joy and more a...responsibility. Dare I say, a potential source of clutter?

The purpose of this exercise isn't to shame anyone (least of all myself!). It's about reclaiming that initial spark of joy, understanding our reading habits, and ensuring that our cherished manga bring us genuine happiness, not just shelf-envy.

Why This Matters: Beyond Shelf Aesthetic

Before we start counting and cataloging, let's consider why understanding the reading status of our manga collection is important. It goes beyond just knowing what's been read; it taps into several key aspects of a fulfilling manga-collecting hobby:

1. Optimizing Reading Time: Time is a precious commodity. Knowing which series you've started (and perhaps abandoned) allows you to prioritize your reading list. Instead of constantly picking up new volumes, you can focus on completing existing series, maximizing your enjoyment and sense of accomplishment.

2. Identifying Reading Preferences: Have you noticed a pattern? Do you consistently read shojo romances but abandon the mecha epics? Understanding your reading habits can help you curate your collection more effectively. You can focus on genres and authors you genuinely enjoy, reducing the likelihood of impulse purchases that languish unread.

3. Reducing Clutter and Decision Fatigue: An unread manga collection can be a source of low-level anxiety. The sheer volume of unread books can lead to "decision fatigue," making it harder to choose what to read. By addressing the backlog, you can create a sense of calm and control over your collection.

4. Maximizing Value and Enjoyment: Manga are an investment, both financially and emotionally. By reading and engaging with our collection, we're maximizing the value of that investment and ensuring that our love for the art form continues to grow.

5. KonMari Method Connection: Marie Kondo's famous method emphasizes keeping only what "sparks joy." If a manga sits unread for years, is it truly sparking joy, or just taking up space? By understanding your reading habits, you can make informed decisions about what to keep, what to donate, and what to pass on to other enthusiasts who will appreciate it.

The Inventory Methods: From Analog to Digital

Now, let's get practical! How do we actually figure out how much of our collection we've read? Here are a few methods, ranging from simple to sophisticated:

1. The "Visual Sweep" (The Analog Approach):

This is the simplest, most immediate method. Just stand back and look at your shelves. Grab a notepad (a beautiful, perhaps floral-patterned one, naturally) and follow these steps:

a. The Quick Glance: Scan your shelves. Visually estimate the percentage of your collection that looks "familiar." This is a gut-check starting point.

b. Series by Series: Go series by series. For each series, note down the following:

1. Series Title
2. Total Number of Volumes Owned
3. Number of Volumes Read (Estimate if unsure)
4. Percentage Read (Calculate: (Volumes Read / Total Volumes) 100)

c. Categorize: Divide your series into categories like "Completed," "In Progress," and "Unread." This helps visualize your progress.

d. The Physical Test: Pull a random volume from a series you think you've read. Can you recall key plot points, characters, or art styles? If not, it might be time for a reread!

This method is quick, but it relies heavily on memory and can be prone to inaccuracies. It's a good starting point, but for a more precise picture, consider the next methods.

2. The Spreadsheet Savior (The Semi-Digital Approach):

Ah, the spreadsheet! A beloved tool for organization and data analysis. This method requires a bit more setup, but it provides a much more accurate and detailed picture of your reading habits.

a. Choose Your Weapon: Use Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, or any spreadsheet program you prefer. (Consider a aesthetically pleasing theme for your spreadsheet. Cherry blossoms? Waves? Your favorite manga character? Why not!)

b. Create Columns: Here are some suggested columns:

1. Series Title
2. Volume Number
3. Owned (Yes/No)
4. Read (Yes/No)
5. Date Read (Optional, but helpful for tracking progress)
6. Notes (e.g., "Reread," "Favorite Scene," "Lent to a Friend")

c. Data Entry: Systematically go through your collection, entering each volume into the spreadsheet. Be meticulous! This is the most time-consuming part, but it's worth it.

d. Calculate the Numbers: Use spreadsheet formulas to calculate the percentage of your collection read, the number of completed series, and other relevant statistics. For example, in Google Sheets, you could use the COUNTIF function to count the number of "Yes" entries in the "Read" column.

e. Data Visualization: Create charts and graphs to visualize your data. A pie chart showing the percentage of read vs. unread manga can be surprisingly motivating!

This method offers accuracy and detail, but it requires a significant time investment. However, once the spreadsheet is set up, maintaining it is relatively easy.

3. The App-tastic Approach (The Fully Digital Solution):

For the tech-savvy manga enthusiast, several apps and websites are designed specifically for cataloging and tracking manga collections.

a. Research Your Options: Some popular options include:

• MyAnimeList (MAL): While primarily focused on anime, MAL also has a robust manga database.
• MangaUpdates: A comprehensive database with detailed information on manga releases and user reviews.
• AniList: Another popular anime and manga tracking platform with customizable lists and social features.

b. Create an Account: Sign up for an account on your chosen platform.

c. Add Your Collection: Search for your manga series and add them to your "collection" or "list." Most platforms allow you to specify which volumes you own and which you've read.

d. Track Your Progress: Regularly update your reading progress. Many platforms offer features like progress bars and notifications to help you stay on track.

e. Enjoy the Community: Many of these platforms have active communities where you can discuss manga, share recommendations, and connect with other fans.

This method is convenient, especially if you prefer to manage your collection on the go. It also offers the added benefit of social interaction and community engagement.

The Art of Rereading: Rediscovering Forgotten Treasures

As you go through your collection, you might stumble upon volumes you vaguely remember reading. Perhaps the plot is hazy, or the characters seem unfamiliar. This is the perfect opportunity to embrace the art of rereading!

Rereading manga isn't just about filling in the gaps in your memory. It's about rediscovering the nuances of the story, appreciating the art from a new perspective, and reigniting your love for the series. You might notice details you missed the first time around, or connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Think of it like returning to a favorite cafe after a long absence. The familiar aroma of coffee, the comfortable seating, and the friendly faces create a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Rereading manga can evoke a similar feeling of comfort and joy.

What To Do With The "Unread" Mountain

So, you've completed your inventory and discovered a significant portion of your collection remains unread. Don't panic! This is a common situation for manga collectors. The key is to develop a strategy for tackling the "unread mountain" and transforming it into a source of reading pleasure.

Here are a few tips:

1. Prioritize by Interest: Identify the series that genuinely excite you. Start with those. The initial momentum will make the process more enjoyable.

2. Schedule Reading Time: Treat reading manga like any other important appointment. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to read. Even 30 minutes can make a difference.

3. Break It Down: If a series is particularly long, break it down into smaller, manageable chunks. Read a few volumes at a time, then take a break before tackling the next set.

4. Create a Reading Nook: Designate a cozy space in your home specifically for reading manga. Add comfortable seating, soft lighting, and perhaps a calming aroma diffuser (lavender or sandalwood are excellent choices).

5. Don't Be Afraid to DNF (Did Not Finish): If you've given a series a fair chance and you're still not enjoying it, don't feel obligated to continue. Life is too short to read manga you don't love. Donate it or pass it on to someone who might appreciate it more.

6. The "One In, One Out" Rule: For every new manga you buy, commit to reading one from your unread pile. This helps prevent the backlog from growing out of control.

7. Embrace the "Manga Marathon": Dedicate a weekend or day to manga reading. Stock up on snacks, clear your schedule, and immerse yourself in the world of manga.

Celebrating Your Progress: Small Victories, Big Joy

As you make progress in reading your collection, be sure to celebrate your achievements! This could be as simple as treating yourself to a new volume of your favorite series, indulging in a delicious Japanese snack, or sharing your progress with fellow manga enthusiasts online.

Remember, the goal is not to read your entire collection in record time. It's about enjoying the process, connecting with the stories and characters, and finding joy in the art of manga.

By taking the time to understand your reading habits and actively engage with your collection, you can transform it from a source of potential stress into a wellspring of inspiration and delight. And that, my friends, is the true essence of a beautifully curated manga collection.

So, grab your favorite beverage (perhaps some matcha tea?), pick up that unread volume, and dive in! O genki de!