Manga (Japanese comics) have become a proud cultural phenomenon for Japan, spreading around the globe. The “TODAI COMINTARY” series introduces manga recommended by Todai Shimbun journalists. This article’s featured manga is Cells at Work! by Akane Shimizu.
What is happening in our bodies every day?
Cells live and work in our bodies to protect our health. The story revolves around a red blood cell with a terrible sense of direction and a white blood cell (neutrophil) who must help the red blood cell while warding off outside invaders, along with an expressive cast of other cells. The original manga was adapted into an anime, as well as a live-action film released on 13 December 2024. Each cell is personified, and inner workings are portrayed through real-world analogies. For example, sneezes are rocket launches, and fevers are depicted as cells pouring hot water on the viruses. Through such descriptions, even people without specialised knowledge can understand what is happening inside the body.
For example, Volume 1 Chapter 2 is titled “Cedar Pollen Allergy”—something many in Japan struggle with every year. This chapter explains the mechanisms behind the sniffles and sneezes that occur when cedar pollen enters the body. The chapter starts with spherical objects suddenly falling from above, with cedar pollen allergens emerging from these spheres. Far larger than the body’s cells, cedar pollen invades the bloodstream through the drainage channels connecting the mucus membranes and blood vessels. Although B cells defeat the pollen using antibodies fired from bazookas, the volume of invading pollen increases, and more and more antibodies are being used. Consequently, the amount of histamines also surges, creating a tidal wave of histamines in the vessels. Amidst various other abnormalities and internal strife among the cells, a robot named “steroid” arrives from outside the body… Will peace ever return to the body? Readers can enjoy a fast-paced, suspenseful story while learning about the immune system.
Moreover, a standout feature of this work is the clear explanations of technical content depicted in the manga. For readers who are unfamiliar with biology, many of the phenomena and cells depicted may be new, but the explanations make it an easy read. Simply by reading this manga, readers can learn about what is happening in our bodies. While we go about our daily lives, cells are constantly at work to keep us healthy, and when something goes wrong in our bodies, they risk their lives to protect us. Once you understand what’s happening inside your body, you’ll learn to appreciate each cell. And when you realise that these cells are unmistakably a part of you, you may be motivated to live a healthier life for them. As you read this series, take a moment to reflect on the cells that tirelessly support you every day. 【Author・桃, Translator・樺】
The post 【Comic x Commentary = TODAI COMINTARY】A Fun Way to Learn About Cells: “Cells at Work!” By Akane Shimizu first appeared on 東大新聞オンライン.
【Comic x Commentary = TODAI COMINTARY】A Fun Way to Learn About Cells: “Cells at Work!” By Akane Shimizu 2026 IUSTITIA.BG – Investigations 2009-2025 2026-05-03 02:00:07
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