A peaceful, independent kingdom until its annexation by the Japanese Empire in the 19th century, Okinawa was the site of the most destructive land battle of the Pacific War. Today, the archipelago is Japan's poorest prefecture and unwilling host to 75% of all US military bases in Japan. Okinawa brings together two collections of intertwined stories by the island's pre-eminent mangaka, Susumu Higa, which reflect on this difficult history and pull together traditional Okinawan spirituality, the modern-day realities of the continuing US military occupation, and the senselessness of the War. The first collection, Sword of Sand, is a ground level, unflinching look at the horrors of the Battle of Okinawa. Higa then turns an observant eye to the present-day in Mabui (Okinawan for "spirit"), where he explores how the American occupation has irreversibly changed the island prefecture, through the lens of the archipelago's indigenous spirituality and the central character of the yuta priestess. Okinawa is a harrowing document of war, but it is also a work which addresses the dreams and the needs of a people as they go forward into an uncertain future, making it essential reading for anyone interested in World War II and its effects on our lives today, as well as anyone with an interest in the people and culture of this fascinating, complicated place. Though the work is thoroughly about one specific locale, the complex relations between Okinawan and Japanese identities and loyalties, between place and history, and between humanity and violence speak beyond borders and across shores. Please note: This book is a traditional work of manga and reads back to front and right to left.
Yoshiwara, old Edo's paradise of pleasure, has been reborn in modern-day Tokyo... In this playground of the powerful, where money rules all, women sell both their bodies and the idea of romance to their male clientele. Thrust into this world is the ingenue Asuka, who's been sold out by her foster parents to pay off their debts. While at first oblivious to the nature of Yoshiwara, she accidentally barges in on a "transaction" between a courtesan and her client. Confronted with her new reality of being bought and sold, she longs to make a break for it... but is there anyone around her she can trust...?!
The Rabbit Princess is the princess of the rabbit kingdom. Her daily life surrounded by many animals is heartwarming and cute... but it's not just that! Is there something poisonous about cute things? This surreal fairy tale manga is heartwarming, yet you can't let your guard down for even a single frame; it's an addictive roller coaster ride of relaxation and tension! Note: Originally published as a web manga released on the author’s Twitter and Pixiv accounts since May 6, 2022, and later published in print by Shogakukan on January 18, 2024.
A lone dad offers compassion to an inebriated stranger outside his establishment, but is met with cheeky and spirited remarks from his charming daughter. Little do they realize, the stranger will have a significant role in their future.
During the war, Germany was surprised to see the descendant of Ancient Rome pledging allegiance. When Germany met North Italy, the once-proud empire had become a weak, pasta-loving person that left Germany speechless. Adding to Germany's confusion, Japan, his only other ally, was puzzling and had equally strange tastes. As Germany struggled to deal with his unorthodox partners, the Allies arrived at his doorstep, ready for a fight. Hetalia Axis Powers is a comical interpretation of the events of World War I and II. Using personified nations and humor, the series explores the relationships between countries and includes amusing cultural references, providing a fresh and entertaining perspective on history.
A love story featuring the owner of a dress shop and her tailor.
A practical way to bring together the diverse members of society is by having a common adversary. Similar dynamics can also be expected within classroom settings since schools mirror a miniature version of society. In this particular class, the focal point is Xiao Shang. Yet, one of the high-achieving pupils gets captivated by Shang's straightforward and honest approach towards life.
Kai arrives in the town governed by two rival groups, Saruto and Maina, to discover the culprit who murdered his beloved. He infiltrates the town and secures the position of "Steel Ratri's" bodyguard, a man sporting the identical ring worn by Kai's lover. But...
In the wee hours of the night, Kamimura's radio captures an enigmatic radio channel. The following day, Michael, a man, walks in the electronics store where Kamimura is employed, and Kamimura instantly recognizes his voice as the disc jockey from the enigmatic radio station. In a surprising turn of events, Michael commends Kamimura's voice and extends an invitation for him to appear as a guest on his show.
In a charming narrative showcase, WoC Scans introduces the cute and cuddly cat companions of the mangaka. The tale is titled Attemo Nakutemo Neko no Shippo, which typically connotes an uncaring attitude towards meeting others. However, in this particular context, the title is used as wordplay, effectively capturing the very essence of the manga's feline-focused story.
Takumi Aiba, a recent recruit of the Kuremi Detective Agency as a Cyber Sleuth, is tasked with investigating a case of account hacking. Accompanied by his loyal Digimon, he delves into the synthetic digital universe of "EDEN" to recover the pilfered accounts and deliver retribution to those who were wronged.
The Alice franchise's short stories additionally include material that was exclusive to the game's limited edition, which serves as the basis for the series.
I am entirely dedicated to serving you and ready to fulfill any of your demands or desires.
During her childhood, Yuki Hiiragi was predominantly confined to her bedroom, engrossed in watching films. Upon enrolling in the film program at Asagaya Artistic High School, she possessed minimal self-confidence and lacked any significant goal, with movies remaining her only true passion. Nevertheless, her life unfolds in a new direction with a chance meeting of a stern instructor and a lesser-known filmmaker named Sumiji Kuroyama, who could potentially shift her perspective.
Trained defenders, known as Bastioners, employ the enigmatic power of Aegis to confront otherworldly invaders. Aegis boasts the ability to endow people and objects with formidable strength, but individuals cannot utilize this power on themselves, thus requiring pairs to harness its potential. Yorino Aratsugu and Yoko Kaminoi, two young girls, aspire to become skilled practitioners of Aegis. Yorino once shielded the meek Yoko from bullies, however, Yoko has now outshone her in every regard, except combat proficiency. As they approach full-fledged Bastioner status, Yorino faces the challenge of not being outshone entirely by Yoko's aptitude, all while grappling with complicated emotions for her longtime friend.
Living in the chaotic city of Donten, two siblings, Izumo and Shinonome, operate a peculiar employment agency. A young woman turns to them with a plea to catch the fugitive Ron Biscott and rescue her younger sibling. However, can they assist her given that one brother is preoccupied with his temporary work and the other is addicted to the computer?
