Veteran manga artist Hiroshi Motomiya is set to launch a new series titled “Bunnaguri Sensei” (Punching Teacher) in Shueisha’s Grand Jump magazine on September 17. The announcement came in this year’s 19th issue of the magazine, teasing a story centered on a passionate teacher determined to reform the education system with his unconventional methods.
“Bunnaguri Sensei”: A New Take on School Education
The forthcoming manga, “Bunnaguri Sensei,” promises a compelling narrative about a teacher who “will punch a hole in the school education with his own fist.” While specific plot details remain under wraps, the thematic hint suggests a focus on impactful, perhaps even confrontational, approaches to pedagogical challenges. An image released by Grand Jump for “Bunnaguri Sensei” features a character strikingly similar to Tetsutarō Kurosawa from Motomiya’s “Jinsei Iroiro” (The Variety of Life) manga, which began serialization in June 2024.
Hiroshi Motomiya’s Prolific Career and Recent Works
Hiroshi Motomiya, who debuted as a manga artist in 1965, has an extensive and celebrated career spanning several decades and genres. Known for his dynamic style and characters with strong individual traits and philosophies, his works often delve into themes of politics, economics, yakuza gangs, education, and religion.
A History of Major Hits
Motomiya gained significant recognition with his early hit “Otoko Ippiki Gaki Daisho,” which began in 1968 and became one of the foundational successes for Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. This series notably influenced future generations of manga artists. Other prominent works include “Ore no Sora” (1975–1978) and “Salary Man Kintaro” (1994–2002), both of which have inspired various sequel series and adaptations, including live-action films. His diverse bibliography also features historical narratives like “Takeki Ōgon no Kuni,” which explored the lives of real-life Japanese historical figures across several installments.
Active and Engaged in Recent Years
Despite his long career, Motomiya remains an incredibly active creator. His manga “Enma” recently concluded in May, with its single compiled volume slated for a fall release. Prior to that, he launched “Enma” in Weekly Young Jump in January. Another recent work, “Jinsei Iroiro” (The Variety of Life), started in Grand Jump in June 2024 and follows a character who resigns from his corporate job to live impulsively. His commitment to storytelling continues to bring fresh narratives to readers, with “Bunnaguri Sensei” being the latest addition to his impressive portfolio.
