Shimazaki in the Land of Peace Vol. 1

平和の国の島崎へ [Heiwa no Kuni no Shimazaki e] #1

by Gouten Hamada, Takeshi Seshimo (artist)

After surviving a terrorist incident as a child, Shingo Shimazaki was forced to join the League for Economic Liberations' revolutionary army. Now, thirty years later, he's back in Japan and trying to assimilate to a normal life. His Japanese may be awkward, and his grasp of ordinary tasks a little weak, but he has all the combat and surveillance training of a green beret. There are many kindhearted souls who want to help him-and a few not so kind ones who will do anything to stop him.

Genres: Manga, Comics, Seinen, Action, Drama, Slice Of Life, Crime

Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2024

About the author

Gouten Hamada (濱田轟天 ,Hamada Gōten) is a Japanese mangaka.

Reviews

[Chantaal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took a chance on this because the description immediately brings into mind The Way of the Househusband, and I need to stamp out any expectations on that front, as they will be to the detriment of the reading experience of Shimizaki.

Househusband lives firmly tongue in cheek, intending to be light and humorous and a bit silly but with loads of heart. Shimizaki follows the same basic idea of a man of violence retiring to a quiet life, but it does not intend to be light or heartwarming. Parts of it certainly are heartwarming as Shimizaki builds his new life, but it's a more quiet sort of story. There's no goofiness here, not really. It's pretty straightforward and more serious, as each chapter provides more of the violent backstory of Shimizaki's life.

Kidnapped as a child and raised in a terrorist organization, Shimizaki has a lot of heaviness on his shoulders as he returns to his childhood home of Japan and tries to retire and live a quiet life. He makes friends. He has a job. But the specter of his past is constantly hanging over him, and certain events means he still has to use his deadly skills to keep his quiet life quiet.

This is a decent story, but ultimately it fell flat for me. It's just...well, it's boring. I don't have much to say beyond that. Even with getting good chunks of backstory, I didn't find myself caring much for Shimizaki as a person.

The art is serviceable, but not very dynamic or exciting either. Characters often exist in blank white space in panels, and when backgrounds or other people are drawn, they're mostly there as a reminder that the world exists and that this isn't taking place in a completely blank void.

It's fine. Chapter 1 is free on the Kodansha website - give a try, it's a great indicator of if this story will work for you. It didn't for me, unfortunately.

Many thanks to Kodansha and NetGalley for the eARC for review. Shimizaki in the Land of Peace Vol 1 is available now.

[BlaireReadsTheThings · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC of this volume.

This is just not my speed. The storyline is dull, but violent and a bit confusing. The art is good, but I'm just not a fan.

[Martin Iguaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andaba con ganas de arrancar una nueva serie de manga, y me atrajo la foto de la portada: la mirada dura, un poco psicótica de Shimazaki, el protagonista de esta historia.

Shimazaki fue secuestrado a los nueve años por un grupo terrorista que, en el mundo ficticio de la serie, parece existir en todo el mundo y emplea una violencia propia de ISIS: decapita rehenes, ataca civiles, tortura y lleva a cabo todo tipo de atentados. Durante treinta año-de los que sabemos poco y nada, pero podemos intuir fueron tremendos-Shimazaki peleó por ellos, hasta que tuvo la oportunidad de desertar y vivir una vida normal en su país natal. Le interesa el arte y vivir en paz, no andar cortando cabezas en nombre de una causa ajena.

Pero como toda reintegración, no le resulta fácil: apenas domina el idioma y las costumbres, y el gobierno y sus viejos camaradas no se la van a hacer simple. De hecho, el manga tiene una suerte de cuenta regresiva donde se menciona que Shimazaki volverá al campo de batalla en menos de un año.

Me gustaron los dibujos y la serie tiene buenas dosis de violencia y suspenso. Es un buen primer volumen, veremos si el resto de la serie se mantiene.

[Dandy ˙ᵕ˙ · Rating 3 out of 5]

first, thank you netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this manga!

this book follows the everyday life of a man forced to be a terrorist for years after he had escaped. the juxtaposition between the slice-of-life cafe parts and the sudden assassination attempts can feel a bit awkward, and a lot of the scenes feel rushed. i think the writing style is just a bit cramped in such a short manga. if there were more panels to flush specific actions and scenes out, it likely wouldn't feel as strange.
regardless of writing style, I do like the plot, but all of the characters except for Shimazaki feel pretty flat. I bet the characters will evolve over the next volumes, but they all feel pretty much the same.
not sure if I'd check out the other volumes, but I'm sure this is to someone's tastes.

3/5

[The Resistance Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️ I love these types of storyline! Shimazaki had a hard life but the skills he walked away from is still there! He’s more of a vigilante in the cafe and a few people. I love when he took pictures and you get to see thru his eyes what he sees even though he’s a kind young man! Very intrigued to see what happens in this series

[Amara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

Shimazaki has been trained as a soldier of the terrorist organization known as LEL, after they hijacked the plane he was on as a child. Many years later he seems to have finally escaped, and is getting a fresh start in his native country, Japan. However can he really be rid of his past this easily?

"The LEL's cause is righteous, and desertion is tantamount to sacrilege! We will hound deserters to the ends of the earth, and we will kill them!!"

Shimazaki in the Land of Peace is a highly character-driven story. While our titular main character is quiet and socially awkward, his actions show his big heart. Because of these reasons I feel this story needs more time to develop than just one volume, and I find it hard to judge it based on just this volume, as I don't feel very attached to the characters yet. I do however see a lot of potential.

Hamada has a realistic leaning, contemporary art style. There is a lot of drama and stark contrast to be found in the art of this manga, as well as dynamic action scenes. We get simple panels focusing on the characters, and panels with realistically detailed backgrounds or weapons. All of this is broken up by pages filled with greyscale watercolour. An intriguing combination.

"If you ask me, we need imagination to protect ourselves. It's art that can reach the human heart."

Shimazaki in the Land of Peace is the perfect manga for those that love character-driven stories that handle serious subject matter. Including politics, terrorism, indoctrination and murder. If you enjoyed Chainsaw Man, you should give this manga a shot.

Thank you Kodansha Comics and Gouten Hamada for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[lauras_garden_of_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Menschen beschützen ihre Seele mit Träumen und Idealen. Und Gewalt kann sie nicht daran hindern, in solche Tiefen dringt sie nicht vor. Gewalt hat nur ein gewisses Ausmaß an Macht und kann nicht alles erreichen.”

Diese Reihe hat mich auf den ersten Blick zunächst nicht so angesprochen, durch diverse positive Besprechungen und Empfehlungen wollte ich mir dann aber doch selbst einen Eindruck verschaffen und bin sehr froh darum.

Denn mit “Shimazaki - In The Land Of Piece” bekommt man eine vielschichtige und tiefgehende Geschichte, die sich mit Kriegs-Traumata auseinandersetzt und dies beeindruckend in Szene setzt.
Shimazaki wurde mit 9 Jahren von der Terrororganisation LEL entführt, zum Kämpfer ausgebildet und weltweit in Kriegsgebiete geschickt. Wie genau ihm 30 Jahre später die Flucht gelang, erfährt man in diesem ersten Band (noch) nicht, doch Shimazaki lebt nun wieder in seinem Heimatland Japan, zusammen mit einer paar anderen Geflüchteten. Alles was er möchte, ist, ein friedliches und “normales” Leben zu führen. Doch die Spuren des Krieges, des Kämpfen und Tötens sind nicht spurlos an ihm vorbeigegangen. Größtenteils ausdruckslos, sieht man kaum Emotionen in Shimazakis Gesicht und seine Augen sind in den Zeichnungen oft hinter den Brillengläsern verborgen und können so auch keine Gefühle verraten. Nur hin und wieder gibt es mal kleine emotionale Regungen, die dann besonders schwer ins Gewicht fallen und mich, so klein sie auch sein mögen, berührt haben. Shimazaki hilft einem Mangaka bei der Arbeit und fängt an, in einem Café zu jobben. Kurze Rückblenden geben uns Einblicke in Shimazakis Vergangenheit. Sein Alltag ist geprägt von Flashbacks, die die posttraumatischen Folgen zeigen, und nah gehen.
Durch die bedrückende Grundstimmung der Geschichte kommen hin und wieder mal ganz kurz kleine Sonnenstrahlen durch, die dann aber auch schnell wieder verschwinden und von der Dunkelheit verdrängt werden. Ein Countdown am Ende mancher Kapitel impliziert nichts Gutes und die LEL hat schon ihre Späher und Killer ausgesandt, um Abtrünnige zu finden und zu töten. So gibt es neben ruhigen Alltags-Szenen auch einige Action-Szenen und Brutalität zu sehen. Und während Shimazaki um sein Überleben kämpft, findet er immer noch Kapazitäten sich Sorgen zu machen, ob er es pünktlich zu seiner Schicht im Café schafft.
Ein bedrückender, Slice-of-Life-artiger Action-Manga mit Tiefgang.
Ich bin sehr froh, diese Reihe begonnen zu haben und bin gespannt auf Band 2.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha/Vertical Comics for an eARC of this book to read and review.

Ok, this one has potential for future volumes I feel. It leaves me wanting more, not because it is so suspenseful, but because it leaves too much dangling in the breeze. The jump-cuts are too sudden, the storyline doesn't make much sense as what is revealed needs more information to make the reader say "Aha!" instead of "Whut?".

I guess it makes sense for the MC to be all stone-cold with no visible or obvious emotions, but would it hurt to show the guy have a real and not feigned smile/tear/emotion? He's just a blank slate. We KNOW he's been through a LOT, but there is this wall, a disconnect between knowing it and FEELING it.

This might sound like I didn't like it and won't read the next volume, BUT. I have hopes that this will pick up a bit in the next volume. I want to know more about the characters and how they are able to transition from where they were to where they are now. I want a HEA dang it! So I'll give it one more volume to see if it was worth my hope. We shall see.

Also, no honorifics were used at ALL and that really threw me. Not a deal breaker, it was just unexpected.

If you like violence in your manga and mysteries that aren't revealed until further into the series, then this may be the series for you.

2, not bad but I need more in the next volume to continue with the series, stars.

[Ghada ツ · Rating 4 out of 5]

An equally heartwarming and gory narrative that follows Shingo Shimazaki, a man who, after spending thirty years fighting for a terrorist organisation that kidnapped him as a child, has finally made it back to Japan and is planning to lead a quiet life, but old habits die hard, and his past just won't stay in the past.

Shimazaki in the Land of Peace is a riveting and genre-bending manga with a healthy mix of slice-of-life humour and gore. I loved the art style and the realistic depiction of PTSD. I highly recommend it particularly to readers who enjoyed works such as The Way of the Househusband and Spy × Family.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[ru · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like series like Sakamoto Days or The Way of the Househusband, you're sure to like this one. While I personally don't find the recurring cast as interesting, I do appreciate how diverse it is. I found this enjoyable and interesting, series that put on a timer for something to happen in the future always make you want to keep reading to reach the end of that timer and see what will happen. I'm curious to see how that's gonna go. The last page making a reference to the title of the series is also fun, I love when that happens.

[DianaRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!

political intrigue mixed with slice of life makes for an interesting first volume — despite the blood and gore, i really enjoyed this first volume. the art style was unique, and shimazaki’s depressing background was compelling. i also really enjoyed the snippets about food items featured in between chapters!

i’ll definitely look into continuing the series

[chi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this volume! It starts out with Shimazaki escaping the LEL which is a terrorist organization and going back to his home in Japan. He wants to live a normal life after 30 years of being away from everything. The plot of the story was concise and gripped me till the end. I like that it explored political and societal concepts in each chapter and how it relates to the community Shimazaki surrounds himself with. It was nice seeing how episodic this was and the art style really matched the aura of the manga. I would like to see where the rest of the story goes and would recommend If you like slice-of-life thrillers!

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this e—ARC!

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

My very first manga and I enjoyed it. The backstory made it fascinating for me. A man seeking respite from the life he was forced to live. On to number 2.

[Emily Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the publisher for the e-arc of this Manga!

Overall, I enjoyed reading this, it's fast-paced, and the premise is very interesting. I did however, find it kind of hard to really get into the story. So many characters are introduced in so little time that it's difficult to really become attached to any of them or root for them. I look forward to continuing to reading this series as it comes out!

[Rob Pettinato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha/Vertical for the review copy.

Kidnapped as child and raised in a terrorist association called the LEL, Shimazaki finds himself at odds with his homeland of Japan when he returns as an adult. Seemingly AWOL, Shimazaki can't quite grasp the language, culture, and mores, which, at times, garners some unwanted attention. He initially finds himself working at a manga studio, and when some artwork is stolen, the reader begins to see his past military skills come into play.

I have seen others complain about the pacing of Shimazaki in the Land of Peace, but I found it to be well-paced. Weaving through past and present perfectly, the book never loses sight on character development, plot, and the merging of two worlds. An engaging story full of beautiful artwork, fun and honest supporting characters, and a story that both feels fantastical and oddly poignant at once, this is a manga I will highly recommend and I cannot wait to read the rest of this series.

[Vigneswara Prabhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, a serious, psychological, and slice of life (?) manga, which keeps you engaged and keep turning pages. Also one which makes you introspect and think about the human condition?

It's a rare kind of book. As much as mainstream Manga is filled with generic hero stories which serve to pass time and give you that essential hit of escapism from the troubles of normal life.

Sometimes you just need the hit of reality, about what it means to be normal, the privilege of living In a relatively peaceful society where the biggest concerns are far too mundane if you really thing about it.

I mean, being offended because someone used the wrong pronouns when referring to you is such a first world non problem when compared to the existences of some for whom the next day, next night, the next moment is a gift. Those who are scarred by war, violence, corrupted ideologies and all the f**ked up evils that humanity is capable of mustering.

In our world, we have dictatorial regimes which oppress and torture people in the name of religion. Ones that oppress people for the revolutionary ideals of garbage like communism. And the plain scum warlords of places like Africa who commit war crimes for shits and giggles.

In this fictional setting, that role is occupied by the 'league of economic liberation', a pan global extremist organization which seeks to bring equality through conflict, violence and training indoctrinated child soldiers.
Echoing boko haram and the north Korean regimes.

Our protagonist, Shimazaki is a highly trained, hyper lethal operative of the lel. Abducted from a plain hijacking which killed his family, trained and indoctrinated to be the killing tool for the LEL for close to 30 years, he manages to escape and return to his home nation of Japan.

And along with other groups of dissidents, they lay low, and are trying to reintegrate into peaceful society. But then ghosts from the past and evils of the present continue to draw them back into the life they so desperately escaped from.

At first glance the same template seems to repeated from other stories which has elements of former hitmen or secret agents becoming family men and trying to live a normal life. The recent anime breakout 'Sakamoto days' comes to mind.

But where this series sets itself apart is in how it explores the psychological and psychological affect such a life of violence has. Of how staring death every moment of your existence can make you feel far from human, and completely unfit for regular society.

The peace, the calm, the safety is such an alien concept your very being begins to rebel and seek out threats to your life which for the most part are not there.

As the story progresses, of course there is action, and gratuitous amounts of violence. But also, we get to see how shimazaki and the rest of his clan, even those of his enemies who hunt them, deal with this existence of being trained killers always primed for violence.

It's not all doom and gloom though. The manga is also an exploration of what it means to have a purpose in life. Of how, even in the worst of time, you can find help and companionship in the kindness of others. How, your own self identity can help you overcome past trauma. And how your actions can make you a better person, not only for yourself, but for others to whom need help just like you.

I haven't felt this invested in the minds of the characters, since I read the Korean manhwa 'The boxer'. Which is also the solid read in the mature psychological genre.

When I started reading there were

[IvyInThePages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.33 leaves out of 5
-Characters: 4/5
-Story: 4/5
-Writing: 5/5
Type: Manga
Worth?: Yes

Hated|Disliked|Meh|It Was Okay|Liked|Really Liked|Loved

Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.

This was such a sweet and sad manga. The undertone is sad but the MC have me cheering for him. If you like war and mad fighting skills while a man is trying to live a happy life this one is for you. I am not big on the war thing but the rest I liked. Another dock off the rating had to be the art style. It is def not one of my favs.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an advance copy of this manga graphic novel about a person trying to come to terms with a life was formed by violence, one that still haunts him, and and a shadow that seems to follow him everywhere, even in the new peaceful life he is trying to create.

There is a very fine line when creating a work that wants to show the effect of violence and trauma, and how one can change, even when that change involves pages of fighting, beatings, and much more. Some books try and come out very heavy handed. Others just seem to loose coherence, dropping in an action scene, followed by oh woe is me, why did it put that guy through a wall. Characters are important. One has to care that a person has a particular set of skills, but care about the person when they don't use those skills, or find they have other things that bring them joy. Such as making a good cup of coffee. Shimazaki in the Land of Peace Vol 1 written by Gōten Hamada and illustrated by Takeshi Seshimo is the perfect example of this, telling the story of a person shaped to be a weapon, finding both freedom, trust and a willingness to help others, even if he has to call on his terrible ability to hurt people.

Shingo Shimazaki was nine years old when the plane he was on was hijacked by the international terrorist group called LEL. Taken in by them Shimazaki was made a weapon, killing all over Africa and the Middle East, until finally getting free of LEL and returning to his home country of Japan, after thirty years. A country that is as alien to him as the idea of being normal is. Shimazaki is watched by members of the Japanese police to make sure that he is not there to commit crimes, and that LEL does not strike out at him. Shimazaki is lost, looking for something and he begins to find it in art. And working at a small cafe which brings him into contact with people. People he begins to care for. People he is willing to do things for. However a person like Shimazaki can never really leave the life he had, and shadows are starting to converge around him, shadows that might make the peace Shimazaki wants so desperately be the peace of the grave.

A very good story that sets the scene and the pacing perfectly. There is a lot going on in this story, and one that gives a different view of Japan than many might be familiar with. Politics, crime, manga production, food, immigrants and the anger that seems to fill so many is shown, as are many peaceful moments. The making of a cup of coffee. Turkish sandwiches. The ingredients in cookies, the secret being gun oil. Shimazaki is a very well-crafted character, a person made by violence to be be violence, finally away from the killing fields. The story moves well, has a good cast, and drops many hints to what might be coming. The art is very good. The characters are all smooth, and the action, there is quite a bit of action, is really well done. Lots of cool moves, lots of jump scares, and again a real smoothness to the story. One that I want to know much more about.

An action story with a moral, a slice of life story with a little bit of bloodlust. There are many ways to look at this tale, one I enjoyed and can't wait the read more of.

[E (manga_runner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between 3-4 stars (varies on mood reading)
When I read the description I thought it might be similar to The Ways of the House Husband; however, it was not. Not saying that it is a bad thing, the series just turned to take a somewhat different direction than I was predicting. It does go back and forth between the Shimazaki’s past and the present at moments and there are some chapters where we see the past of characters being introduced for a moment, which generally leads to a situation where Shimazaki gets involved. Shimazaki does his best at trying to keep a low profile, but it does seem that the terrorist organization is sniffing out the communities that were able to get away.

After the first time reading through this volume, I was not sure if it would be one to continue or maybe just let it go a couple volumes and do a reread of it. It is definitely different from a good chunk of manga I read, but I guess in a way you could see it similar to the shounen ones where you have an organization taking over and a group trying to stay alive/defeat them- just no random powers or a fantasy set up. I did like how they had the detail that although Shimazaki has some skills there are aspects he is very weak in others (like reading) due to the fact he was brainwashed, by the organization after they hijacked a flight, at a young age and forced into “combat” in order to survive. It also depicts that just because he was able to run away from the organization, he will not be able to truly live a normal life and has to overcome different obstacles. Something I am curious about is the agents following him and his comrades. Are they there to make sure they are not up to something? Seeing if they can get intel on the organization? Or more to sorta help protect them? But if these agents have eyes on them then there is no reason why the organization can’t easily find them either. My other question is if Shimazaki disappeared during a mission, how was he able to pull it off without help? I hope at some point there is a flashback to how he was able to get away.

This series is a type of slice of life. In the description it said “fish-out-of water comedy”, but I didn’t think there was much of any comedy. Maybe it went over my head or I just didn’t think too much about it.

I did do another read of this and did get a different opinion from the first time through. I noticed the art’s background is pretty detailed in majority of the panels and some comments characters make. The title is mentioned at the end, which shows how Shimazaki views the world through a lens but also through his drawings- both contrast each other. I do think there is more to why Shimazaki was sent to visit his friend at another colony, to find them “discarded”. There is violence, so if you are looking for a warm-hearted, sweet slice of life don't be surprised.

[Off Service Book Recs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Gouten Hamada, and Vertical Comics for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this title!

As a child, Shing Shimazaki was captured and forced to join the League for Economic Liberation's revolutionary army, undergoing intense military training, completing secret missions, and otherwise becoming a human weapon of destruction against his will. Thirty years later, he returns to his native Japan to try and assimilate into the land of his childhood. While he struggles with ordinary tasks, reading his home language, and fitting into a life without war and the horrors it entails, his prior training and willingness to change will serve him well as he tries to regain what was lost.

This was a choice a little out of my wheelhouse, but I overall enjoyed the concept and will probably seek out further issues of this novel. The idea of a 40-something-year-old with Green Beret-level training trying to make it as a restaurant server and part-time graphic novel artist while avoiding his past was really interesting, and while this was not a silly goofy good time, I think there were some poignant moments here regarding regret, the trauma of war, the hard work it takes to break out of a mold you've been cast in, and the perspectives of what it means to live and how what you did in the past doesn't have to be what you do in the future. This is definitely a manga meant for adults so read with care!

[EJ Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shimazaki is the biggest man child ever in this, but in the absolute best way possible.

While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel—there are plenty of manga with similar premises—but it’s really well done. I love stories where the main character is older and just now trying to figure life out, although this is from a former terrorist trying to start over angle.

Since Shimazaki has been all over the world, they even included foreign dishes, coffee, and little cultural details, which I thought was such a nice touch. Like, sure, he learned how to murder people, but he also picked up a lot about other cultures along the way. I love when stories sneak in little things like that—it’s always fun learning something new in the most unexpected ways.

This one kind of has it all—it’s a slice of life with comedy, but it also dives into heavier issues and, of course, has action and fight scenes. For something that covers so much, it’s surprisingly well-balanced. The writing even caught me off guard a few times with how deep it got.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It wasn’t necessarily my usual cup of tea, but it had some really great touches that stood out. If you’re into action manga or the synopsis catches your interest, I’d 100% recommend giving it a read~

*I received an e-arc of this manga in exchange for an honest review

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shimazaki was kidnapped as a child by an international terrorist organization known as LEL. As an adult, he has finally escaped from them and made his way back to his homeland in Japan. He lives in a house share with other people who have escaped from LEL, all trying to put the past behind them, but forced to be constantly looking over their shoulders. Now it seems that LEL has caught up to Shimazaki and he must do his best to evade them while still trying to live a normal life.

I did like the premise of this story, but I think that the execution was just a bit confusing. I wasn't entirely sure how all of the characters were related to one another, who was a civilian, who was an ex-operative, and which organizations the various villains worked for. I found the political ideas that were starting to be developed in this first book to be interesting and they also feel like they're topical in today's political climate. I think I would have liked the book a bit more if the story and characters were just a bit more fleshed out in this first installment. This will be a good one for people who enjoy action-packed manga, but this story does depict violence, so be aware of that.

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for the gifted copy.

[Siina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shimazaki in the Land of Peace is very interesting! This is an alternate historical political thriller about Shingo Shimazaki, who was kidnapped by LEL as a kid and trained to be a killer of sorts. LEL is a terrorist organization brainwashing people to believe in their agenda. After thirty years Shingo Shimazaki managed to free himself and now he has returned to his native country, Japan. He just wants to live in peace. This isn't like Sakamoto Days, but darker and there's no humor as such. There's this depressing and suffocating feeling to the manga, which is super delicious. I also loved the whole setting and how LEL feels so familiar considering real history. I wish there were more stories like this, political ones I mean.

The art looks great and realistic. The flashbacks are awesome and overall the rhythm is nice, everything flows with easiness. I think I have to keep reading this, since it's hard to find series like this - they aren't made anymore. Their peak was in the 1980s. But! This surely is refreshing and somehow so different.

[Dxdnelion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shimazaki in the Land of Peace is way different than I expected. The premise reminds me of Sakamoto Days and The Fable but this one has a more serious tone and slightly heavier themes to be discussed in the upcoming volume.

The story is about Shimazaki, who's been captured as a child by a terrorist organization and then trained to be an 'elite' soldier/assassin. Somehow he manages to escape that life of violence with a group of others in the same circumstances and lives in Japan, trying to adjust to a normal life and making new friends even as his past haunts him. There's not much explained about how he escaped, nor is there that much information about the organization, except they're slowly trying to kill those who have escaped, including Shimazaki.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next volume, as we're expecting more action and how Shimazaki will handle it. 3.5 for now ⭐️

[Conni Wayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A unique plot with unexpected elements. The illustration style did not appeal to me as the proportions of the body parts seemed mostly unbalanced, but the background scenery and the wildlife were drawn very true-to-life. I think I was expecting the plot to be more like 'The Way of the House Husband,' and so I was expecting more humor in the slice-of-life vignettes, but despite the humor being more understated than expected, I did find many of the interactions between the characters to be wholesome and refreshing in their authenticity. It is fun seeing such dangerous skills used in mundane locations and activities.

[Ni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shimazaki in the Land of Peace 1, was a bit different than what I had extended it to be. The manga follows Shimazaki who returns to Japan after a long time. He tries to adjust to a normal and quiet life, which turns out to be harder than expected although he continues to try. It’s quite gory and gets pretty heavy and dark. But it often then followed by scenes that are depicting everyday life, but where trauma and the past still shows up here and there. Before reading it, I had expected it to be more lighthearted than it was. I would have read the manga at another time had I been aware it was not, and would probably have enjoyed it a bit more.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Michelle G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit I got interested in this manga, because the main character looks like Mads Mikkelsen, which would rather be confirmed by the artist, But I as I started reading it, I started enjoying it and wanting to know more. The main characters hidden struggles from changing his environments and changing his way of life so he can enjoy the little of freedom that was taken from him and his comrades. This premise has always been an interesting and sadden concept to read but in this manga, it takes it time and show you from the prospective from him and those around him. I recommend it if you want something different from romcoms or the hundreds of isekai out there. I will be excited to read the next volume.

[hopenpuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

❝It's art that can reach the human heart. Violence doesn't have that kind of power.❞

Shimazaki in the Land of Peace 1
👤 Gōten Hamada
📎 200 pages
🏠 Kodansha Comics
★★★★☆

Thank you Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review!

This manga just exceeded my expectation! When you read the blurb, i know there's gonna be a lot of violence and maybe slight gore. But they combined that with a slow pace slice of life which gave you the contrast between Shimazaki's past and present life. It's very philosophical, heavy on human's counter to trauma and interpersonal matter. I want to know more about the Shirazaki's past and the people around him. Surely a great read!

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shingo Shimazaki was inducted in to the LEL terrorist group as a young boy. After 30 years, he has managed to get back to his native Japan where he is trying to assimilate himself into society. He has found a job working at a cafe and helping at a manga studio which he is learning to enjoy and finding acquaintances who do not know his past. He tries to help those around him without revealing that past. But the past is catching up anyway as he finds out. So what will Shimazaki do to keep his current peaceful life? We will find that out in the next volume.

Thanks Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for the chance to read this title!

[slashyrogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my attention because the main character looks like an actor I like. I wouldn’t have normally even given this a second glance from the description. But reading it I became very engrossed in Shingo’s story, a little John Wick-ish with him helping the manga artists he starts working with and even the restaurant people with the violence he ran away from after being taken by the LEI and brainwashed as a child.

I’m very intrigued and do plan on reading the second one when it comes out so I highly recommend this title.

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.