Clannad

クラナド

45 chapters

8 volumes

2005 – 2009

In Clannad, Okazaki Tomoya is a disillusioned delinquent who feels his life lacks purpose and that he won't amount to much. Alongside his buddy Sunohara, he skips classes and plans to squander his high school days without aim. On his way to school one day, Tomoya overhears a girl whispering to herself before suddenly exclaiming "Anpan!"—a well-known Japanese pastry. Captivated by this outburst, he discovers her name is Furukawa Nagisa, and she cheers herself up by yelling out things she loves. Nagisa insists they are now friends, but Tomoya brushes off the claim and leaves. Despite his initial dismissal, Tomoya starts seeing Nagisa frequently around the school and eventually concedes to befriend her. He learns that Nagisa had to repeat a grade because of a grave illness and harbors a dream to revive the school drama club. With nothing else to occupy his time, Tomoya agrees to assist her, along with four additional girls. Through spending time with the girls, Tomoya gains insight into their individual challenges and hardships. As he helps each girl confront and overcome their issues, he gradually comes to see that life isn't as bleak as he originally thought.