Taiyo Matsumoto's Early Work 'Brothers of Japan' to Be Published in English
One of the most distinctive names in the manga world, Taiyo Matsumoto's early work Brothers of Japan is being prepared for English publication. The independent publisher Manga Mavericks Books will bring this cult manga to English-speaking readers for the first time. The work is a short series published in Japan between 1995 and 1996, telling the story of two samurai brothers.
Taiyo Matsumoto is an award-winning mangaka known for masterpieces such as Tekkonkinkreet and Ping Pong. However, Brothers of Japan (Japanese title Nippon no Kyōdai) is a work from the master's more experimental period. The story is a samurai epic set in the Sengoku period, where two brothers are tested by loyalty, honor, and betrayal. The artwork features early examples of the raw, energetic style that became Matsumoto's signature.
Manga Mavericks Books' move is part of a recent trend of bringing to light classic and rare manga that major publishers have overlooked. The company has previously licensed works by masters such as Jiro Taniguchi and Usamaru Furuya. Brothers of Japan is especially a treasure for fans of Matsumoto, as this work contains the seeds of the themes in the master's later masterpieces.
According to the release plan, the book will be on shelves in the second half of 2025. The edition, expected to be published as a single volume, will be available in both digital and physical formats. Price and pre-order details will be announced in the coming months. The revival of this work in the West, which has been out of print for a long time even in Japan, is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to fully access Matsumoto's body of work.
