MANGA REVIEW: Sayuri

SAYURI
by Rensuke Oshikiri
Available now

Back in 2024, I covered a news story about a live-action film adaptation of Rensuke Oshikiri's manga Sayuri. I knew nothing about the original manga, but I was intrigued by the description of it as an antidote for audiences tired of people fighting losing battles against the paranormal. So when I heard the original manga was getting an English-language release, I figured it was time to see what all the fuss was about.

And, okay. I get it.

Sayuri was originally published in two volumes, each very tonally different from the other. This release compiles both volumes into one, but the divide is very clear. In the first half of the story, Norio Kamiki's happy family is terrorized by something haunting their new home. The first half is unapologetically dark, gory, and depressing. But even if you're not into that style of horror, hang in there. The second half makes it worthwhile.

Young Norio gets tough love and support from an unexpected source. And when it seems the Kamiki family (or what's left of it) has nothing left to lose, it's time to fight back. Why is Sayuri so angry? How did she die? And how can she be stopped?

Sayuri is grim and gritty, but also strangely cathartic. Koji Shiraishi, who directs the film adaptation and also directed 2016's Sadako vs. Kayako, said he believes the film will "shake up the stagnant J-horror genre." And while it's true that Japan is doing horror better than just about anyone in the world right now, it also has a tendency to sink into certain tropes. Sayuri challenges those and asks the big question at the center of any encounter with The Horrors: "What are you going to do about it?"

TEA PAIRING: Poet's Study
A grim story deserves a dark and broody blend. Poet's Study is pretty much my favorite Earl Grey, and I highly recommend it. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!