Fukushima Devil Fish

More than two decades before the 2011 meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactors, manga artist Susumu Katsumata was already using his craft to warn Japan about the perils of atomic energy. Drawing on his academic background in physics and firsthand research visits to the now-infamous facility, Fukushima Devil Fish opens with two stories from the 1980s centered on "nuclear gypsies"—the exploited laborers who endure grueling, oppressive conditions to maintain the nation's network of power plants. These early narratives expose the human cost hidden behind Japan's industrial ambitions. The collection then shifts back to the late 1960s and 1970s, gathering tales originally serialized in the legendary alternative manga magazines Garo and COM. These earlier works weave together creatures drawn from Japanese folklore and isolated young men stripped of family and belonging, creating a world that is by turns haunting and deeply endearing. Through these interconnected themes, Katsumata demonstrates his mastery of comics as a poetic medium while standing as a steadfast advocate for those marginalized by Japan's rapid modernization. The volume concludes with a series of essays by the artist, historian Mitsuhiro Asakawa, and critic Yukihiro Abe, offering vital insight into Katsumata's life, career, and the enduring significance of his work in a post-Fukushima era.