It was March 11, 2011 when a massive earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami, which, in turn, destroyed the core three reactors of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. This tragedy cost almost 20,000 lives and devastated countless more, including Naoto Matsumura, a farmer evacuated from the deadly radiation zone.

Unwilling to abandon his beloved animals, Naoto chooses to return home to his farm -- and to fight for the beauty of life. This important graphic novel from France alludes to Japanese legends as an ode to Mother Nature, and human resilience.

This emotional title features a foreword by Tokyo-based writer, journalist, scholar and authority on Japanese and Western cultures Roland Kelts, photos from renowned photographer Ko Sasaki, a retrospective from Pray for Japan director Stu Levy, and educational bonus material about the tsunami and its aftermath.

"Blain's evocative illustrations, rendered using flat, vibrant colors and delivered via easy-to-follow panels, and paired with Grolleau's quietly profound dialogue, elegantly portrays wrenching events in Japan's history." -- Publishers Weekly

"[Guardian of Fukushima] is as powerful a read as it is a harrowing one when taking into account what transpired. Yet, presenting the story with sincerity under gorgeous art direction, and with additional content that lets the reader see beyond the story of Matsumura, the book is an unforgettable story that readers should seek out." -- Adam Symchuk, Asian Movie Pulse

"Contemplative and heartbreaking, Guardian of Fukushima is a portrait of European and Japanese humanism." -- Bleeding Cool

"Bravo to Grolleau and Blain for skillfully elevating an already profound story. I would recommend Guardian of Fukushima to anyone." -- Comics Beat

Author: Fabien Grolleau
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: TokyoPop
Published: 02/28/2023
Series: Junior Library Guild
Pages: 144
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 9.80h x 6.90w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781427871367


Award: 2024 Benjamin Franklin Award Silver Medal Winner - Graphic Novel


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 01/30/2023

About the Author

Author Fabien Grolleau was born in 1972. He began his career as an architect, then in 2003, he and Thierry Bedouet founded the publishing house Vide Cocagne, in Nantes, France, where he is still the publisher. In 2013, he began various collaborations as a screenwriter and continues to draw a long personal project, Mikaël. In 2017, he published Audubon, On the Wings of the World (Nobrow) in collaboration with Jérémie Royer. The illustrated biography met with critical and international success, including many translations and two Eisner nominations in 2018: Best Reality-Based Work and Best U.S. Edition of International Material.

Illustrator Ewen Blain was born in Orléans in 1981. Brought up on comics from an early age by his passionate father, he told himself that one day becoming a cartoonist would be a great idea. Here he is today illustrator of novels, albums, games, and other documentaries for children, he draws (almost) every day and that makes him happy.