The manga Nankai Megathrust Earthquakes has seen a significant spike in access on the Magazine Pocket app following the M6.0 earthquake in southern Miyazaki Prefecture on August 8th, as announced by Kodansha. In an interview with ORICON NEWS, the editor in charge expressed mixed feelings, stating, "This isn't something we can celebrate without reservations."

The manga, which began serialization on "Gendai Business" in May 2023, is a fictional work that meticulously researches past real-life disasters to depict a story centered on the Nankai megathrust earthquakes. The protagonist, Mei Saito, finds himself in Nagoya Port when the earthquake strikes. As he witnesses the devastation and hears a "tsunami warning," he attempts to escape to higher ground. However, he is faced with the dilemma of whether to abandon or help an elderly person who is injured and unable to move. This story, rooted in thorough research, portrays the terrifying reality of an inevitable disaster and poses the question: What will happen when the unthinkable occurs, and how can one survive?

Since its launch, the manga has surpassed 10 million page views on "Gendai Business," and the first volume of the comic saw an immediate reprint upon release. The second volume includes a 26-page disaster prevention guide by disaster prevention advisor Tomoya Takani.

Kodansha reported that access to the manga on Magazine Pocket surged in late July, with a further increase after making all but the latest chapter free to read from July 30th. During this period, sales on Magazine Pocket increased 18-fold, a level comparable to the peak interest during the anime adaptation of the popular manga Deer Friend Nokotan. On August 8th, following extensive media coverage on the Nankai megathrust earthquakes, access to the manga surged even more.

The editor revealed that the decision to serialize the manga was not easy, given the sensitive subject matter. "This work includes shocking depictions of events like tsunamis and deaths by fire. With many readers having experienced actual disasters, there were concerns that treating a 'megathrust earthquake' as an entertainment subject might be seen as inappropriate," the editor confessed.

"However, I also believed that manga has a unique ability to convey messages in a way that text and video cannot. There are likely many readers who would pick up this story precisely because it is in manga form. If this work can raise awareness about disaster prevention, even slightly, it could contribute to saving lives, making it incredibly meaningful," the editor explained.

The editor also emphasized that both authors, Biki-sensei and Yoshizuki Kumichi-sensei, were eager to tackle this project, believing it to be socially significant. "This isn't just entertainment; it's a work that can contribute to the future of our readers. Sharing this vision with the authors strengthened my resolve to bring this work to the public."

Reflecting on the recent earthquake in Miyazaki, the editor admitted, "The increased attention due to the Nankai megathrust earthquake warnings is not something we can purely celebrate," but added, "However, if this ultimately helps raise disaster awareness among our readers, then the publication of this work has served its purpose."

The editor also encouraged readers to use the disaster prevention information included in the manga volumes, hoping it will aid in their disaster preparedness.

Source : ORICON NEWS