Renowned manga artist Hiromu Arakawa, celebrated for her exceptional creation Fullmetal Alchemist, is set to receive another accolade as her autobiographical manga, Hyakushō Kizoku (The Peasant Noble), is slated for an eagerly anticipated anime adaptation. Delving into Arakawa’s pre-manga life, the series provides a captivating glimpse into her seven-year tenure as a farmer in Hokkaido, a period that profoundly influenced her subsequent work, including the critically acclaimed manga Silver Spoon.
The exciting announcement of the Hyakushō Kizoku anime was made by Japanese publisher Shinsokan, known for their publication of Tokyo Babylon, during a momentous exhibition dedicated to the manga series. The exhibition, held at Tokyo University of Agriculture, also served as a platform to unveil various reproduced drawings from Hyakushō Kizoku, along with an array of meticulously selected items from Arakawa’s personal “treasured collection.” The series’ official Twitter account echoed the thrilling news, generating fervent anticipation among fans and enthusiasts alike.
This announcement comes hot on the heels of the highly successful Hiromu Arakawa Hyakushō Kizoku x TOKYO NODAI 2022 exhibition event, which served as a follow-up to a previous exhibition held at the university in 2021, just prior to the release of the seventh tankōbon volume on October 22, 2021. The ongoing exhibition, scheduled to captivate attendees until March 2023, showcases the artistic prowess of Hyakushō Kizoku through its meticulously reproduced drawings, granting attendees an intimate glimpse into Arakawa’s creative journey and the genesis of her beloved manga series.
Originally serialized in 2006, Hyakushō Kizoku experienced a transition from Shinsokan’s Unpoko magazine to Wings in July 2009 following the latter’s cessation. JManga previously handled the English publication of the series online before concluding in May 2013. Currently, Arakawa irregularly publishes new chapters of Hyakushō Kizoku in Wings magazine, further captivating readers with her unique storytelling approach.
Silver Spoon, another notable manga by Arakawa revolving around the theme of farming, found its place in Shōgakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday magazine from April 2011 to November 2019. Set in Hokkaido, the manga delicately explores the life of a city-dwelling high school student who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and gains profound insights into the grueling realities of agricultural life. Silver Spoon garnered widespread acclaim, earning prestigious accolades such as the 2012 Manga Taishō and Booklog awards, in addition to the coveted Shōgakukan Manga Award in the shōnen category in 2013.
Hiromu Arakawa’s magnum opus, Fullmetal Alchemist, remains a testament to her creative genius. Initially serialized in Weekly Shōnen Gangan from 2001 to 2010, the awe-inspiring series spanned an impressive 27 volumes. Fullmetal Alchemist garnered international recognition and garnered a dedicated global fan base. The series received English publication by VIZ Media and was subsequently adapted into two animated series in 2003 and 2009, accompanied by a pair of animated films and two live-action sequel films released in May and June respectively, commemorating the series’ 20th anniversary.
With the impending anime adaptation of Hyakushō Kizoku, Hiromu Arakawa continues to solidify her status as an exceptional storyteller, captivating audiences with her unique blend of personal experiences and vivid imagination. Her remarkable ability to bring forth relatable narratives steeped in authenticity sets her apart, and fans eagerly await the opportunity to embark on a new visual journey into Arakawa’s formative years through the upcoming anime adaptation.
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