Masami Yuuki’s manga series, Shinkurō, Hashiru! (新九郎、奔る！), has entered its final arc, marking a significant moment for fans of the historical manga. Launched in 2018, the series has captivated readers with its unique take on the life of Ise Shinkurō Moritoki, who later became known as Hōjō Sōun, the founder of the Later Hōjō clan.
Who is Masami Yuuki?
Masami Yuuki, born Shūji Satō on December 19, 1957, is a renowned Japanese manga artist known for his diverse works and contributions to the manga and anime industries. He was born in Kutchan, Hokkaido. Yuuki is a member of the artist group Headgear. He is a familiar cartoonist to Newtype readers because he has been consistently publishing column comics in the animation magazine Newtype since its first issue.
Notable Works
Yuuki’s most famous work is Mobile Police Patlabor, which received the 36th Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen in 1991. Other notable works include:
- Birdy the Mighty
- Assemble Insert
- Jaja Uma Grooming Up!
- Atom: The Beginning
- Hakubo no Chronicle
Yuuki is also credited as the designer of the avatar mascot for the Vocaloid Gumi.
Yuuki’s Style and Themes
Masami Yuuki is known for his ability to blend realism with elements far from reality, creating engaging and immersive stories. His works often feature intricate settings, foreshadowing, and well-developed characters. Yuuki’s storytelling approach involves a relaxed, funny, and tense style that gradually builds to a climax.
Delving into Shinkurō, Hashiru!
Shinkurō, Hashiru! (“Shinkurō, Run!”) is a historical manga series written and illustrated by Masami Yuki. It was initially serialized in Shogakukan’s Monthly Big Comic Spirits from January 27, 2018, to October 26, 2019, before moving to Weekly Big Comic Spirits on January 11, 2020. As of March 12, 2025, nineteen tankōbon volumes have been released.
Storyline
The manga follows the life of Ise Shinkurō Moritoki, who would later be known as Hōjō Sōun, the first head of the Later Hōjō clan. The Later Hōjō clan was one of the most powerful samurai families during Japan’s Sengoku period. The series portrays Shinkurō as a member of the Ise clan who holds public office in the Muromachi Shogunate, depicting his journey to becoming a feudal lord. Shinkurō, Hashiru! presents a new interpretation of the life of Ise Shinkurō, a man who lived and carved out a path at the beginning of the Sengoku era, before the rise of famous military commanders such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Themes and Historical Context
Shinkurō, Hashiru! is set in the Sengoku period, a time of significant social upheaval, political intrigue, and near-constant military conflict in Japan. The story explores themes of ambition, survival, and the rise of powerful figures during this tumultuous era.
Reception
Shinkurō, Hashiru! has garnered attention as a unique historical manga that offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal figure in Japanese history. Masami Yuuki’s storytelling and artistic style have been praised for bringing the Sengoku period to life, and is currently ongoing with 19 volumes.
The Final Arc
With the manga entering its final arc, fans eagerly anticipate the conclusion of Shinkurō’s journey and the resolution of the many plot threads woven throughout the series. The final arc promises to be an exciting and memorable chapter in the saga of Shinkurō, Hashiru!
