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Land, Vol. 1
In a village where all residents die upon reaching fifty lives a girl named An, whose older twin sister was sacrificed to the “other world” that lay beyond the mountains. This village, called “our world” and governed by people wearing animal skins, is watched over by deities. When An seeks the truth about the mysterious inhabitants of the mountains, hope and despair await her...
658 pages, Hardcover
Published September 9, 2025
12 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Kazumi Yamashita
170 books8 followersName (in native language) : 山下和美
Zodiac : Leo
Blood Type : AB
Although she writes primarily older shoujo manga, she is best known for The Life of Genius Professor Yanagizawa, which was published in the seinen magazine Morning, and for which she received the 2003 Kodansha Manga Award for general manga.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazumi_Y...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 22, 2025
Yamashita Kazumi was one of the featured artists/creators at the currently on-going Art of Manga exhibit at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco. Her artwork on display and this story in particular caught my eye. This is a relatively recent compilation and translation to English of the first 18 installments of "Land."
Twin sisters separated harshly at an early age have their fates cross as such stories do. The pencil work and shading are nice, the story itself is more staggering. One sister lives in the village proper, the feral other in the hinterlands with a ragtag band out of outcasts. Both are within a world bracketed and patrolled by four large statue/gods each stationed at the north, east, south and west.
But there apparently is a world beyond this bracketed one, and glimpses of it come with a cost.
Things are not as they appear; in the village politics, in the animals roaming the wilderness, and perhaps in the Logan's Run/Naryama aspects of elder-care.
Unfortunately missed the SF presentation by Yamashita. My kids were familiar with may of the featured artists at the De Young but had not heard of before Yamashita before. I am grateful for the introduction.
The second English volume is not due until Apr 2026 on Zen Press.
Twin sisters separated harshly at an early age have their fates cross as such stories do. The pencil work and shading are nice, the story itself is more staggering. One sister lives in the village proper, the feral other in the hinterlands with a ragtag band out of outcasts. Both are within a world bracketed and patrolled by four large statue/gods each stationed at the north, east, south and west.
But there apparently is a world beyond this bracketed one, and glimpses of it come with a cost.
Things are not as they appear; in the village politics, in the animals roaming the wilderness, and perhaps in the Logan's Run/Naryama aspects of elder-care.
Unfortunately missed the SF presentation by Yamashita. My kids were familiar with may of the featured artists at the De Young but had not heard of before Yamashita before. I am grateful for the introduction.
The second English volume is not due until Apr 2026 on Zen Press.
February 9, 2026
When twin girls are born in a superstitious village, one twin must be sacrificed to the gods to protect the village. So, Sutekichi takes one of his daughters to the mountains and raises his other daughter, An, in the village. When An gets older, she begins asking questions about the four gods at each point of the village, but also asking why every villager dies right at the age of 50. It gets even weirder when a feral child comes into the village.
I had a hard time with this one, which sucks because I wanted to like it, but I think it’s a little too out there for me. I made it about half way through before I started just skimming it, which is still a lot since this book is 658 pages!
I didn’t understand the animal heads, or why they wouldn’t answer An. .
Overall, I still think this would be a great read for those who like to immerse themselves in a rich fantasy world with unique rules. I myself was a little impatient when it came to reading this, so just give yourself some time and I think you would enjoy it.
I had a hard time with this one, which sucks because I wanted to like it, but I think it’s a little too out there for me. I made it about half way through before I started just skimming it, which is still a lot since this book is 658 pages!
I didn’t understand the animal heads, or why they wouldn’t answer An. .
Overall, I still think this would be a great read for those who like to immerse themselves in a rich fantasy world with unique rules. I myself was a little impatient when it came to reading this, so just give yourself some time and I think you would enjoy it.
March 30, 2026
'Land' has a classic epic feeling to it that makes it into quite a reading experience, but there was a few things that felt slightly confusing, so it just sits at 4.25 stars for me.
I think some character development was a bit lacking, considering we are talking about a first volume that surpasses the 600 pages. Plus there were a couple of instances where we get a glimpse of the 'Beyond' that felt intriguing, but also a bit disappointing in their pure teasing quality.
Over all, this was particularly good when it comes to the mythology and world construction, but it is not perfect, as it often happens with first instalments.
I most definitely would read volume 2, if possible.
I think some character development was a bit lacking, considering we are talking about a first volume that surpasses the 600 pages. Plus there were a couple of instances where we get a glimpse of the 'Beyond' that felt intriguing, but also a bit disappointing in their pure teasing quality.
Over all, this was particularly good when it comes to the mythology and world construction, but it is not perfect, as it often happens with first instalments.
I most definitely would read volume 2, if possible.
December 23, 2025
Yamashita Kazumi is one of the featured artists at the currently Art of Manga exhibit at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. This story in caught my attention and I got the book right away. The art and the story are wonderful, I can't wait to read the rest.
December 13, 2025
The art, worldbuilding, and overall premise are very promising. The flow of plot/dialogue can be a little uneven and confusing to follow at times.
March 17, 2026
Takes a dash of Princess Mononoke inspiration, stirs in original mythology and serves up a whole new epic. Best manga in many a year
January 6, 2026
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
Twin girls born to a superstitious village in the middle of a valley must have one twin sacrificed to the gods to protect the village. Thus, Sutekichi takes one of his daughters to the mountain. He raises his other daughter, An, who is energetic and inquisitive. She begins to ask questions and investigate the workings of the gods, including why every villager seems to die when they reach age 50. The mystery is intriguing and Yamashita's beautiful soft art perfectly suits this esoteric, haunting story.
Full review in Booklist Magazine.
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 10-12
Twin girls born to a superstitious village in the middle of a valley must have one twin sacrificed to the gods to protect the village. Thus, Sutekichi takes one of his daughters to the mountain. He raises his other daughter, An, who is energetic and inquisitive. She begins to ask questions and investigate the workings of the gods, including why every villager seems to die when they reach age 50. The mystery is intriguing and Yamashita's beautiful soft art perfectly suits this esoteric, haunting story.
Full review in Booklist Magazine.
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 10-12
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews