Dōsei jidai di Kamimura Kazuo: una semiotica dell’immagine tra cinema, fumetto e realtà

The purpose of this article is to analyse the social and cultural impact of Dōsei jidai (The age of cohabitation). This manga was written by Kamimura Kazuo (1940-1986) and published between 1972 and 1973 in the magazine Weekly Manga Action. After examining the genesis and structure of this work and identifying the possible influences related to the world of cinema and comics, an attempt of analysis will be conducted on the concept of cohabitation in Japan in the 1970s. It has emerged as a form of rebellion against the system that forced young people to make precise choices also in their sentimental sphere. Cohabitation allowed them to discover and experiment new forms of love and release themselves from ethical norms. From this point of view, The age of cohabitation became an essential mirror in which moods and behaviours of young cohabiting couples were reflected. For this reason, this manga is still an important historical-cultural document as well as artistic. It shows in which way the new generation is in search of emotional and sentimental freedom.