One Thousand Years of Manga

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One Thousand Years of Manga by Brigitte Koyama-Richard offers an essential and visually stunning overview of manga’s long and vibrant history. Far more than a modern pop culture phenomenon, manga is deeply rooted in Japan’s artistic traditions, with origins that can be traced back to seventh-century temple murals and medieval narrative scrolls.

This comprehensive volume presents manga as a reflection of Japan’s cultural evolution, highlighting both its artistic value and social significance. From the satirical sketches of Hokusai Manga (1814) to the groundbreaking works of Tezuka Osamu (Astro Boy), from samurai sagas to shojo manga like Lady Oscar by Riyoko Ikeda, the book spans centuries and styles with clarity and depth. It also explores lesser-known avant-garde movements such as the Garo magazine, the eerie tales of Mizuki Shigeru, and the refined narratives of Jiro Taniguchi.

Illustrated with more than 400 images, this book is both a scholarly reference and a feast for the eyes. Koyama-Richard expertly guides readers through the complexity and creativity of the medium, placing manga in its rightful place alongside the most respected art forms of Japan’s visual culture.