This is the final volume of the main series, and it brings the story to a close. By this point, we understand who Touko Kirishima really is and how Miori Mitou factors into everything. Across the series, each character’s encounter with Adolescence Syndrome has reflected their insecurities in one way or another. In this final volume, Sakuta is finally forced to face his own internal conflict and, as some might say, grow up.
He is told that he needs to reject Adolescence Syndrome, but the truth is that it has become a part of him. He has spent so much time deeply involved in the lives of others who suffer from it that he has used that role to avoid confronting his own fears. What may go over some people’s heads is that Sakuta has consistently avoided facing his own insecurities about moving forward into adulthood by throwing himself into other people’s problems. Letting go of that role is hard for him because it has become part of how he defines himself.
He is finally able to break free from Adolescence Syndrome by accepting that he cannot live in a state of emotional suppression forever. He comes to understand that he cannot save everyone, and that continuing to try to do so is a way of avoiding his own growth.
Miori, in turn, must face reality and accept the future rather than hiding from it. In the end, Adolescence Syndrome is something that’s cured, but outgrown.
When looking at the series as a whole, Rascal Does Not Dream is ultimately a coming-of-age story. What makes it stand out is how it explores the reality of adolescence and highlights some of the difficult experiences people must face on the way to adulthood.
Even though the story reaches a conclusion, Sakuta doesn’t reject Adolescence Syndrome. He accepts it as part of what shaped him and chooses to keep moving forward. He’s no longer stuck or holding himself back. In the end, the series shows that growing up does not mean leaving people behind, but learning how to move forward without losing yourself in the process.
That’s how I feel about Sakuta and everyone in this series. I’m sad it’s over. I really enjoyed this story.
What does it mean to be a “grown up”? I had to think hard about that when it was brought up. Even though I’m an adult myself, I don’t FEEL it? Anyway, I do like that Sakuta “grew up” at the end but didn’t let go of his memories of his adolescence. Yeah, we all have moments we want to forget from puberty (lots of cringe lol) but adolescence is where you meet so many people who shape you! And change your life and teach you so much… I like that this series was all about those moments but the author made it more fun with the supernatural twists. Sakuta has become one of my favorite characters in a story. I love this series because of him. Mai may get all the attention and merch but Sakuta truly is the best (please make more merch of him!!!! lol).
I definitely recommend this series, whether you are a teen or an adult, you will relate to adolescence syndrome!
It’s very melancholy to read a the final chapter in a story you’ve been following since you were 13. Despite its silly title and premise, this story has had such an influence on my life and while seeing it come to an end is incredibly rewarding, it also just exemplifies my growing age, especially with the main theme of this volume being growing up and moving on. This ending was terribly satisfying and it felt like saying goodbye to an old friend. This series will always have a special place in my heart.
I read a fan translation. A worthy final chapter to this series that quite literally changed my life. I'm sad to see it end but so glad I was able to be there to see it happen.
Update: I've now read the official translation. Reading this book I remembered the exact passage that, when I read it the first time, made me decide I wanted to quit my job and become a teacher. I read this book again on the exact same day that my application to become a student teacher got approved.