Veteran manga artist Hiroshi Motomiya is set to debut a new series titled Bunnaguri Sensei (Punching Teacher) in the upcoming issue of Shueisha’s Grand Jump magazine on September 17. The announcement, made in the magazine’s 19th issue this year, teases a compelling story about a passionate educator determined to revolutionize the school system with his unconventional methods.
A New Chapter for the Prolific Creator
Bunnaguri Sensei introduces a teacher who will “punch a hole in the school education with his own fist,” hinting at a fiery protagonist and a narrative focused on challenging established norms. This latest work follows Motomiya’s recent manga, Enma, which concluded in May, and Jinsei Iroiro (The Variety of Life), which launched in June 2024. The character design for Bunnaguri Sensei‘s protagonist reportedly bears a notable resemblance to Tetsutarō Kurosawa from Jinsei Iroiro, a character who impulsively resigned from his corporate job to live life by his own rules.
Motomiya’s Enduring Legacy in Manga
Hiroshi Motomiya, who began his career as a manga artist in 1965, has an extensive and diverse bibliography that spans decades and genres. He is renowned for creating narratives that often feature strong-willed male characters with steadfast philosophies on life, exploring themes ranging from politics and economics to the education system and societal issues. His dynamic art style and clear-cut storytelling have made him a consistent presence in the Japanese manga industry.
Some of his most iconic works include Otoko Ippiki Gaki Daisho, Ore no Sora, and Otokogi, many of which have inspired live-action and anime adaptations. Motomiya is also well-known for the long-running Salaryman Kintaro series, which debuted in Weekly Young Jump in 1994 and has seen several spin-offs and live-action films.
A History of Engaging Storytelling
Motomiya’s Takeki Ōgon no Kuni manga series, serialized from 1990 to 1992, focused on real-life Japanese historical figures. Over the years, this series has explored the lives of prominent figures such as Yatarō Iwasaki, Dōsan, Munenori Yagyū, Tadataka Inō, Sontoku Ninomiya, and Kimimasa Yuri. His ability to delve into varied themes and historical contexts underscores his versatility as a storyteller.
The upcoming launch of Bunnaguri Sensei continues Motomiya’s tradition of creating thought-provoking and engaging narratives that resonate with readers, further solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the manga world.
