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“Shima Kōsaku”: A Salaryman Manga and the Evolution of Japan’s Economy

  • Many Japanese identified with Shima’s way of life. Shima is currently an independent director. (© Hirokane Kenshi/Kodansha)

    Many Japanese identified with Shima’s way of life. Shima is currently an independent director. (© Hirokane Kenshi/Kodansha)

  • A positive portrayal of a Japanese salaryman, Shima’s image has been used in various collaborations and commercial tie-ups. The images above show Shima holding canned coffee in the fortieth anniversary edition of the manga anthology Morning. (© Hirokane Kenshi/Kodansha)

    A positive portrayal of a Japanese salaryman, Shima’s image has been used in various collaborations and commercial tie-ups. The images above show Shima holding canned coffee in the fortieth anniversary edition of the manga anthology Morning. (© Hirokane Kenshi/Kodansha)

  • While he rejected an invitation to get into politics in the manga serialization, Shima in 2023 was appointed an honorary deputy governor of Saga Prefecture. This was a collaboration with the prefectural government as part of a project to promote Saga Prefecture based on various creative projects called “Saga-prise!” (a play on “surprise!”). (© Hirokane Kenshi/Kodansha)

    While he rejected an invitation to get into politics in the manga serialization, Shima in 2023 was appointed an honorary deputy governor of Saga Prefecture. This was a collaboration with the prefectural government as part of a project to promote Saga Prefecture based on various creative projects called “Saga-prise!” (a play on “surprise!”). (© Hirokane Kenshi/Kodansha)

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