“It's not about the destination - it's about the journey.”

Most of the manga I've read have a linear plot. The author takes you from point A, explains how you arrived at point B... leaves you crying (or enraged?) at point C.
Mushishi is nothing like this. With seemingly no story progression, the reader follows Ginko in his travels and the many people and mushi he encounters. Other than a few recurring characters, you could probably scramble the order of the chapters and retain it's core.

Usually, I don't like reading things with a lack of direction. I feel they are pointless and tend to leave the reader with the feeling of "why did I read this?" Without consistent progression, there can't be any serious development, making it very difficult to leave the reader with any long-lasting impressions besides regret.

However, Mushishi accomplished just that. There is something about how the author portrays and tells their stories. They made me think and feel things I've never thought of before, as if I was traveling and seeing the same scenery as Ginko. Every chapter had something different to tell, to teach, to ask, or simply just to illustrate. Looking back after finishing it, it's like I've read 48 separate stories, each with their own sorrows, joys, frustrations, reliefs, but most importantly their pains. There in it lies a beauty few would desire, but even fewer would relinquish.

There is no conclusive end to the story, but I don't think there is any other way to write it. The point of this manga is not where Ginko's journey ends, but the countless number of lives he's interacted with and touched - including the readers.

Mushishi is truly a timeless manga that will continue to hold its meaning and significance no matter the era. Even decades later, there are still people who have - and will - decide to read this, going on a journey that will undoubtedly change them.

Mine certainly did, and I can only hope yours does too.