Long considered as one of Osamu Tezuka's most political narratives,
Ayako is also considered to be one of his most challenging as it
defies the conventions of his manga by utilizing a completely original
cast and relying solely on historical drama to drive the plot. Ayako,
pulls no punches, and does not allow for gimmicks as science-fiction or
fantasy may. Instead Tezuka weaves together a tale which its core simply
focuses on a single family, a family that could be considered a metaphor
for a rapidly developing superpower.
Overflowing with imagery of the cold war seen through Japan's eyes,
Ayako is firmly set in realism taking inspiration from a number of
historical events that occurred over the American occupation and the
cultural-revolution which soon followed. Believed to be Tezuka's answer
to the gekiga (dramatic comics) movement of the 60's, Ayako should be
considered one of the better early examples of a seinen (young adult)
narrative to be published.
Initially set in the aftermath of World War II, Ayako focuses its
attention on the Tenge clan, a once powerful family of landowners living
in a rural community in northern Japan. From the moment readers are
introduced to the extended family, it is apparent that the war and
American occupation have begun to erode the fabric that binds them all
together. The increasing influence of political, economic and social
change begins to tear into the many Tenge siblings, while a strange
marriage agreement creates resentment between the eldest son and his
sire. And when the family seems to have completely fallen apart, they
decide to turn their collective rage on what they believe to be the
source of their troubles--the newest member of the Tenge family, the
youngest sister Ayako.
