"Abandon the Old in Tokyo" is a manga series by Yoshihiro Tatsumi, originally serialized in the 1970s. The story is set in post-war Tokyo and explores themes of urban alienation, societal pressures, and the struggles of ordinary individuals in a rapidly modernizing society. The narrative is divided into several interconnected short stories, each focusing on different characters whose lives intersect in subtle ways.

The central story revolves around a young man named Hiroshi, who works as a low-paid factory laborer. Hiroshi is burdened by the responsibility of caring for his elderly, ailing mother, who has become increasingly dependent on him. As he navigates the challenges of his job and personal life, Hiroshi grapples with feelings of resentment and guilt, torn between his duty to his mother and his desire for personal freedom. The story delves into the psychological toll of caregiving and the societal expectations placed on individuals, particularly in a culture that values filial piety.

Another significant storyline follows a struggling cartoonist named Matsumoto, who faces professional and personal failures. Matsumoto's work is rejected by publishers, and his relationship with his wife deteriorates as financial pressures mount. His story highlights the harsh realities of creative work and the sacrifices required to pursue artistic ambitions in a competitive and unforgiving industry.

A third narrative thread focuses on a young woman named Keiko, who works in a factory and dreams of escaping her monotonous life. Keiko becomes involved with a married man, leading to a series of emotional and moral dilemmas. Her story examines themes of loneliness, desire, and the limited opportunities available to women in a patriarchal society.

Throughout the series, Tatsumi employs a stark, realistic art style to depict the gritty urban environment of Tokyo. The characters are portrayed as flawed and human, often making morally ambiguous decisions as they navigate their difficult circumstances. The interconnected stories collectively paint a vivid picture of life in post-war Japan, capturing the tension between tradition and modernity, individual aspirations and societal constraints. The series is a poignant exploration of human resilience and the complexities of interpersonal relationships in a changing world.