Kōji Yanagi, the acclaimed author behind the Joker Game series, is set to see another one of his novels adapted into manga. His 2024 novel, Unbreakable ~Yaburezaru Monotachi~ (Unbreakable: The Undefeated), will receive a manga adaptation by newcomer Tamaki Kaigane, debuting in the 18th issue of Akita Publishing’s Young Champion magazine on August 26.
The announcement comes as exciting news for fans of Yanagi’s distinctive storytelling, known for its intricate plots and historical settings, as exemplified by his award-winning Joker Game novels.
A Glimpse into the “Unbreakable” Narrative
Unbreakable ~Yaburezaru Monotachi~ is set against the backdrop of Japan’s Peace Preservation Law of 1925, a period marked by heightened surveillance and suppression of perceived ideological threats. The story centers on proletarian writer Takiji Kobayashi, who chooses the harsh working conditions of a crab cannery ship as the subject for his next novel. This decision draws the unwanted attention of a special police task force, leading to two spies being dispatched to monitor his activities. The novel was originally published by Kadokawa in 2024.
Kōji Yanagi’s Legacy: Beyond “Joker Game”
Kōji Yanagi is widely recognized for his Joker Game series, which first began with the original novel published in 2008. This novel garnered the prestigious Nihon Suiri Sakka Kyōkai-shō (Mystery Writers of Japan) award in 2009 and has since expanded into a franchise with over 1.35 million copies in print. The series has seen multiple adaptations, including a live-action film in 2015, a television anime by Production I.G in 2016, and various manga adaptations. Yanagi also penned three sequel novels: Double Joker, Paradise Lost, and Last Waltz, released in 2009, 2012, and 2015, respectively. The new manga adaptation of Unbreakable further solidifies Yanagi’s position as a prominent figure in Japanese literature and its cross-media adaptations.
