Nejishiki

Nejishiki is a collection of Yoshiharu Tsuge's iconic scenes and beloved stories, a cornerstone of Japan's 1960s counterculture. It follows injured young man, weary travelers, and banal activities, exploring the emotional and erotically charged imagery of postwar Japanese society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2023
Publisher: Drawn and Quarterly

Nejishiki, a captivating anthology curated by Yoshiharu Tsuge, unveils a treasure trove of iconic scenes and beloved stories from the esteemed body of his work. Serving as a cornerstone of Japan's legendary 1960s counterculture, this remarkable collection galvanized avant-garde manga and comics criticism, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic landscape.

The title story, "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter," follows a wounded young man as he meanders through a village of strangers, seeking solace for his emotional and physical pain. Through his journey, he encounters a series of weary travelers who, amidst sultry nights, face menacing doppelgangers. Even the most mundane activities, such as leisurely afternoon strolls, reveal hidden impulses and unspeakable desires.

The emotionally and erotically charged imagery collected in this third volume remains as shocking and vivid today as it did upon its debut fifty years ago. Tsuge's stories push boundaries, abruptly crossing the threshold of conventional storytelling. Unassuming protagonists venture further into eerie symbolism against a shadowy, perceptibly dreamlike landscape, easily mistaken for the real world. The angst that pervades postwar Japanese society threatens to consume his characters and their pastoral sensibilities as each protagonist's wanderlust turns surreal.

Nejishiki is a testament to Tsuge's exceptional talent and his ability to delve into the depths of the human psyche. Through his intricate narratives and captivating characters, he explores the complexities of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels surreal and unfamiliar. This anthology is a must-read for fans of manga, comics, and those who seek to explore the boundaries of storytelling and the human condition.

Weight: 664g
Dimension: 164 x 220 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781770465060