Sensei's Mark
Sensei's Mark is a symbol created by Koumi'ishi Alpha in her youth[1], and carried with her by various means through the course of her life. It takes the shape of an upper portion made of a dot inside of a circle. Connected to the circle is a line that curves left, before ending in a semi-circle. Below the circle is another semi-circle curving upwards, around the bottom half of the circle.
Origin
Appearance
- Ultramarine blue
Sensei's Mark is often depicted in blue on a white background. This is the case when Sensei explains the meaning of the symbol to Ojisan in their youth.
- Appears similar to the "ko" in sensei's family name "Koumi'ishi."
Meaning
When Sensei paints the symbol on her bike in her youth in chapter 53, she explains to Ojisan that it means "[s]omeone who enjoys going here and there and seeing what there is to see." Those that wear the symbol of Sensei share this common vision. When Director Alpha is asked about it in chapter 59, she recalls that "[t]he meaning was something like 'wander and see the world.'" In Sensei's older years, the symbol takes on a different meaning. When Sensei gives her necklace bearing the symbol to Alpha Hatsuseno in chapter 132, she ask Alpha to "[t]hink of it as my eyes and legs, back when I was young."
Appearances
The following is a list of places in the manga where Sensei's mark appears. When this mark appears, it is worn by or appears on someone or something that shares Sensei's common vision to go see what there is to see.
| Volume | Chapter | Page Number (Original JP) | Wearer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 15 "Sandy Road" | 113-115, 118. 120 | Koumi'ishi Alpha's Bike |
| 4 | 26 "The Blue M1" | 45-47, 49 | Director Alpha |
| 6 | 53 "Sensei's Mark" | 137-139, 144-151 | The Misago (Ship Class), Koumi'ishi Alpha, Koumi'ishi Alpha's Bike |
| 7 | 59 "Two Drops of Indigo" | 49-55 | Director Alpha |
| 14 | 132 "One Who Sees, Walks, and is Delighted" | 28, 29, 31 | Koumi'ishi Alpha, Alpha Hatsuseno |
| 14 | 139 "A Calm Evening's Communication" | 129-131, 133-136 | Alpha Hatsuseno |
In-Universe Legacy
Sensei's symbol is carried into the future by Alpha Hatsuseno and Director Alpha. When Sensei gives her necklace bearing the symbol to Alpha Hatsuseno in chapter 132, she asks Alpha to "[t]hink of it as my eyes and legs, back when I was young," and to "[t]ake it into the future." Alpha responds by assuring Sensei by saying "I understand. As far as I can go, we'll go together."
In chapter 139, Alpha is walking with her camera while wearing the necklace, and pauses to say "I... still am... going many places. Seeing many things," likely in reference to Sensei and her Owner. The somewhat sombre and reflective tone of this chapter, along side it's chronological location in the manga as the second to last chapter seem to indicate that at this point Sensei is no longer alive, and her legacy is being carried on by Alpha Hatsuseno and Director Alpha - the bearers of her symbol.
Real-World Legacy
- A few pieces of merchandise feature it
- Some fans have recreated sensei's mark on various items
- It has become synonymous with Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou to those who know about it
References
- ↑ Ashinano, Hitoshi. Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou. Translated by Yugen, scanned by MangaProject, edited by Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou Manga Scanlations, vol. 6, ch. 53, Kodansha, 1999, pp. 144.
