In This Corner of the World

This historical manga series was adapted into an anime film of the same name in 2016, and it was a huge success. If you've seen the movie, you should definitely read the manga. In This Corner of the World tells the story of World War II from the perspective of an ordinary, innocent Japanese person over three volumes that will stay with you forever. Suzu, a talented young artist living in Hiroshima, is the main character. When a young naval officer professes his love and proposes, she accepts and relocates to Kure with his family.

But war looms, closes in, and then arrives. And, based on the manga's setting and what people know about history, they fear for Suzu and her loved ones from the first page. Suzu's innocence as a painter who creates beauty from nothing is especially poignant against the backdrop of destruction, domination, and bloodshed. Witnessing World War II from her perspective is both moving and humbling. More historical manga should be written with the same nuance and humanity as this one.

Author: Fumiyo Kōno
Original run: January 5, 2007 – January 6, 2009
Volumes: 3
Status: Completed
Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/In-This-Corner-of-the-World-3-book-series/dp/B07JN5RGVS