Jim Rion reviewed Harmony by Satoshi Itō
Review of 'Harmony' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
This story is a deeply social SF, exploring the effects of hyper-advanced medical technology that makes humans essentially invulnerable to disease, and the social system that forces conformity to that technology. Three girls are so resistant to the restrictive nature of a "kind" society that they try to kill themselves, and this stuff the course of not only their futures but all of humanity.
This is a very thought provoking story, but I can see it causing some consternation in current society, with certain discussions of Naziism and politically correct ideas in lights that many people might not like. However, the base concepts of the cost of absolute safety and the choice between dangerous freedom and safe oppression is one that's always worth probing.
The translation by Alexander O. Smith is also excellent. It's smooth and natural, and never feels awkward.