The manga series Orange by Ichigo Takano is a heart-warming exploration of the IB Learner Profile attribute of caring, discussing themes of empathy, friendship, mental health, and personal growth. Through the heartfelt story of Naho Takamiya and her friends, we are encouraged to embrace compassion and responsibility in their relationships with others.

Empathy and Support

At the heart of Orange lies Naho’s determination in supporting Kakeru Naruse, a transfer student who was struggling with the emotional aftermath of his mother’s suicide. Guided by letters from her future self, Naho embarks on a mission to make decisions that ease Kakeru’s pain and prevent a tragic outcome. This central narrative thread highlights the transformative power of empathy as Naho learns to understand Kakeru’s struggles and takes meaningful action to help him feel valued and supported.

Friendship and Community

The story emphasizes the strength found in collective care. Naho and her friends band together to create a safe, supportive space for Kakeru, demonstrating how friendships and community efforts can profoundly impact mental well-being. Their united approach underscores the importance of fostering relationships that encourage mutual care, aligning with the IB’s focus on building a supportive and compassionate world.

Mental Health Awareness

Orange sensitively addresses mental health, tackling topics like depression and suicide with care and authenticity. By delving into Kakeru’s inner turmoil and its ripple effects on those around him, the manga urges readers to become more attuned to mental health issues. It also inspires a sense of responsibility, reminding us that acts of kindness and understanding can play a vital role in someone’s healing process.

Taking Responsibility for Others

Naho’s journey is a testament to the proactive nature of caring. Her determination to act on the advice from her future self reflects a deep sense of responsibility for Kakeru’s well-being. Whether it’s encouraging him to participate in activities or making sure he feels included, her actions illustrate how caring goes beyond intention—it requires commitment and effort to create real change.

Personal Growth Through Caring

As Naho navigates her path, she undergoes personal growth, discovering the profound impact of caring on both herself and those around her. Her journey reveals that empathy and compassion not only strengthen bonds but also lead to self-awareness and a richer understanding of human connection.

This series exemplifies the IB Learner Profile attribute of caring by sensitively addressing mental health and the value of supportive relationships, the manga serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of kindness. Its lessons resonate deeply, inspiring everyone to foster a caring mindset in their own lives.

Orange series 

Written by Ichigo Takano

2013-2022, Seven Seas

ISBN: 9798888433218

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Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian, Founding Chair of the Toucan Award, and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a-kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian

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