I LOVE slice of life manga that's all about coming of age and exploring what it means to be alive. And if there's a bit of romance thrown in there too, that's perfect! Manga like Koe to Katachi (A Silent Voice), Hourou Musuko (Wondering Sun), and even Your Lie In April. Any suggestions?
In order of what I think fits best, one being that it fits really well. Not necessarily in the order of what I think is the best manga. First three are must-reads.
1) "Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku." reminds me a lot of Koe no Kotachi."
2) "Satougashi no Dangan wa Uchinukenai: A Lollypop or A Bullet" is very "Your Lie in April," but darker. I will never forget this story.
3) http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/tetsugaku_letra/ is brilliant, imo. Fits the criteria pretty well.
4) http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/doukyuusei_nakamura_asumiko/ and its sequels. Much lighter, but still with its drama.
5) http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/aku_no_hana/ is VERY dark, but absolutely AMAZING. It gets much happier towards the end, though.
6) http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/hyakuman_tsubu_no_namida/ is supernatural, but definitely fits, imo.
7) http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/udagawachou_de_mattete_yo/ is about coming to terms with sexuality
8) http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/can_t_see_can_t_hear_but_love/ isn't really coming-of-age, but definitely about what it means to be alive.
9) http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/bokutachi_futari_ga_koisuru_riyuu/ fits.
10) http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/sannin_gurashi/
http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/haru_no_houtai_shoujo/, while supernatural, gives that kind of feel. Might be a long shot, though.
11) http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/inari_konkon_koi_iroha/ might be pushing it, but it definitely gives off coming-of-age to me, though the mood is a lot different than the series you mentioned.
12) "Sennen no Yuki" is really pushing it, but I felt it was worth adding.
Omg how could I have possibly forgotten?!
http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/kouya_no_koi/
Strange request, I know, but I'm looking for something like Zankoku Na Kami Ga Shihai Suru. I'd like something with plot. Essentially I want something where the kid gets raped and then his mentality pays the price as he slowly goes insane or depressed or whatever. I have my reasons. Anyone have any suggestions? (The longer the better.)