After very good publications such as Higher than the sky or The cop of Roppongi, Black Box editions have just launched a new fundraising campaign for a work unfortunately unknown to the general public, Itoshi no Irene.
Itoshi No Irene
Itoshi no Irene is a six-volume work by Arai Hideki in Japan. In France, several works by this mangaka were published, such as The World is Mine (Sakka/Casterman), Ki-Itchi (Delcourt), Ki-Itchi VS (Delcourt) and the one-shot La vie devant toi (Akata). Itoshi no Irene addresses societal issues such as racism or misogyny. Indeed, this series tells the story of Irene, married to a Japanese man who came to look for a wife in the Philippines. Once in Japan, she will discover the racism of the locals, the misogyny of her husband and the horrible behavior of her mother-in-law.
All volumes will be translated by Alexandre Goy. He is a translator who has worked on the works of authors such as SYUFO or Rokuda Noboru, also published by Black Box Editions.
Here is a press release from the publisher:
"We are very happy to finally be able to offer a new work by Arai Hideki in France. He is an important author on the contemporary manga scene, which already shines with a few strokes of brilliance, such as The World is Mine, a series bluffing by its violence and the themes put forward, as well as its complex and uncompromising philosophy. It seemed essential to us not to let this artist fall into the French cultural landscape, and we are very proud to be able, in turn, to contribute to the building of his international recognition. It is hoped to publish other works of the master, but Itoshi no Irene is already cut to be a great success, as it was in Japan. We wanted to start with this title, which touches on important social issues without taking gloves, from racism to misogyny, always in a graphic style in accordance with the fury of the subject. We are convinced that this sulphurous author, a little punk and sometimes nihilistic, with a devastating style, will leave no reader indifferent."
Who is Arai Hideki?
Arai Hideki is a 58-year-old Japanese mangaka. He made his first work in 1990, then, over the years, no less than sixteen works have emerged. He was also shortlisted for the Chiba Tetsuya Award, won the 4 Seasons Award of Afternoon in 1989 and the Shogakukan Prize in 1992. Works
- Hachigatsu no hikari (1990)
- Miyamoto kara kimi e (1991)
- Itoshi no Airiin (1995)
- The World is mine (1997)
- Amanatsu (2001)
- Ki-itchi!! (2002)
- Sugar (2002)
- RIN (2006)
- Ki-itchi VS (2008)
- Scatter! – Anata ga Koko ni Ite Hoshii (2010)
- Life Before You (2013)
- Nagisa Nite (2015)
- Hitonoko (2015)
- Kiss Kyôjin, Sora wo Tobu (2017)
- Sekai, WORLD, Sekai (2017)
- Pangea Ne (2021)
Where can I get the series?
If, as for us, this work caught your eye, we encourage you to hurry to get it. Indeed, it will only be published in 500 copies. The first three volumes will be released in December and the last three in February. Two packs are available:
- A patron pack containing the names of the contributors in the book as well as a collector's metal plaque with an illustration.
- A support pack containing only the names of the contributors in the book.
Patrons Pack: https://www.blackbonesboutique.com/itoshi-no-irene-de-arai-hideki-6-tomes-votre-nom-dans-les-livres-plaque-metal-15x20cm.htm Support Pack: https://www.
