Oyaji

親父

25 chapters

3 volumes

2000 – 2001

Living in the impoverished areas of Osaka, Kumada devotes himself to supporting his wife and two young children. Despite his intimidating appearance, covered in scars and with a rough exterior, he works tirelessly, smoking and drinking sake as if it were water. Although gruff and rarely speaking, Kumada holds a deep affection for his family and would go to any lengths to protect them. When yakuza members try to burn down his home to push through a real estate deal, he retaliates by killing them and ends up imprisoned for murder, as they intended to harm his family. After fifteen years, he is released and reunites with his family, only to face the doubt of his children, who believe he abandoned them. Undeterred, Kumada seeks to reclaim his role as a parent, starting with his son, who has become a streetwise youth frequently targeted by local bullies.