Showa 1944-1953: A History of Japan

Shigeru Mizuki's Showa 1944-1953: A History of Japan is a sweeping yet intimate portrait of World War II's legacy in Japan, focusing on the Pacific War and its devastating consequences. The author's life is irrevocably changed in the shadow of history, and the book is a searing condemnation of war.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 536 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2022
Publisher: Drawn and Quarterly

Shigeru Mizuki's Showa 1944-1953: A History of Japan, the continuation of his historical and autobiographical account of Japanese life in the twentieth century, delves into the aftermath of World War II and its profound impact on the author and his fellow citizens. In this volume, the closing stages of the Pacific War and the devastating consequences they had on the author and his country loom large. Two rival navies engage in a deadly game of feint and thrust, waging a series of ruthless military campaigns across the Pacific islands. From Guadalcanal to Okinawa, Japan steadily loses ground. The United States unleashes the atomic bomb, a new and terrifying weapon, delivering the ultimate and definitive blow. The catastrophic fallout from both explosions surpasses the limits of popular imagination.

Mizuki's own life is irrevocably altered in the shadow of history. After losing an arm during his service, the author faces the challenging task of forging a path into the future. Should he remain on the island of Rabaul as an honored friend of the local Tolai? Or should he return to the rubble of Japan and rekindle his earliest artistic inclinations? This penultimate installment of a landmark series serves as a searing condemnation of war, told with the deft hand of Japan's most celebrated cartoonist.

The series, which began with the award-winning manga series Showa 1941-1945: A History of Japan, has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of Japanese society and culture during this tumultuous period. Mizuki's storytelling is characterized by his ability to blend historical facts with personal experiences, creating a deeply relatable and emotional narrative. Through his characters, he explores the complexities of war, its toll on individuals and society, and the difficult choices that people must make in times of crisis.

Showa 1944-1953: A History of Japan is a testament to Mizuki's talent as a storyteller and his commitment to exploring the human experience. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, culture, and the consequences of war. As the series continues, readers will eagerly anticipate the final installment, which will bring this remarkable story to a close.

Weight: 1030g
Dimension: 165 x 221 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781770466272