”Debu to Love to Ayamachi to!!” is a story about a woman who loses her memory in an accident and learns to love herself wholeheartedly, leading to a brighter life. The protagonist, Kouda Yumeko, was an ordinary, unconfident office worker at a confectionery company. Before the accident, she had a severe complex about her appearance, and even looking in the mirror was a daily torment. But when she woke up after the fall, she had transformed into a completely different, super-positive person who was bright and confidently declared herself “plump and cute!” Her sudden change surprises those around her, but eventually, her cheerfulness and drive begin to change the atmosphere of her workplace.

Even after losing her memory, Yumeko returns to her job at the confectionery company Saibara with her inherent brightness and positive attitude, and begins to work so vibrantly that she is unrecognizable from her former gloomy self. Attracted to such a Yumeko is Vice President Yuuki Keisuke. Their meeting was accidental, but the relationship that blossoms from it slowly but surely closes the gap between them. While readers are warmed by Yumeko's romance, the unsettling shadow surrounding the fall accident gradually closes in within the story. The presence of Detective Minami, who is pursuing the truth of the incident, the unsettling behavior of her boss, Section Chief Maezono, and the presence of the president's daughter, Ririko, also add to the mix, and the story, while being a romantic comedy, takes on elements of an unconventional suspense thriller.

The greatest charm of this work is, without a doubt, Yumeko’s “self-affirmation.” We often worry about our appearance and what others think, losing confidence, but Yumeko fully affirms herself and lives seemingly happier than anyone else. Of course, her current positivity shines precisely because of the deep wounds and loneliness she once had in her past, but nonetheless, her single phrase, “I'm cute,” holds power, making readers like us feel, “It's okay to like myself more.” The way her colleagues change, influenced by her brightness, is also realistic, depicting how human relationships can create a positive chain reaction; it is truly a “feel-good manga.”

While ”Debu to Love to Ayamachi to!!” may seem like a work with strong comedic elements at first glance, the number of heartwarming scenes increases as you read further. Starting from self-denial, then loving, believing, and moving forward. Yumeko’s transformation has the power to brightly illuminate someone’s life itself. With mystery and romance intertwined, the story progresses at a good pace and keeps readers engaged until the very end. Above all, this work gently yet powerfully conveys that “everyone is worthy of being loved.” Many people will surely be encouraged by Yumeko’s presence.