Shinkaigyo

Over two decades before the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, Katsumata Susumu used his artistic talents to highlight the risks of nuclear energy in Japan. Drawing from his physics background and visits to the plant, his work includes 1980s stories about “nuclear gypsies”—laborers enduring harsh conditions at nuclear facilities. The collection also features earlier tales from the 1960s and 1970s, originally published in Garo and COM, blending Japanese folklore with themes of isolation and disconnection among young men. These stories alternate between melancholic and heartfelt, showcasing Katsumata's skill in comics as a poetic medium and his empathy for those affected by industrialization. Additional essays by the artist, a historian, and a critic provide context on Katsumata’s life, work, and relevance in the wake of the Fukushima incident.