Datebashira

伊達柱

12 chapters

1 volumes

2009 – 2010

Date Bashira presents a collection of tales set during Japan's Sengoku period. Yet rather than centering on the Shogun or the era's well-known historical figures like most textbooks and historical manga do, this work shines a light on the hidden stories that revolve around those famous personalities. In one chapter, for instance, the narrative explores why attractive young men always accompanied the shoguns to the battlefield. Since women were prohibited from battle zones, warlords turned to these teenage boys to fulfill their sexual desires. Another chapter delves into the lives of the Shoguns' wives, highlighting the role women played during the Sengoku era. Because young women were often pushed into arranged marriages—typically serving as peace offerings or spies—their husbands frequently met early deaths on the battlefield, given the constant warfare of the time. Date Bashira raises questions about whether these women remarried, whether their affections were genuine, or whether they were merely acting out the part of a wife. By offering a fresh viewpoint on one of Japan's most discussed historical periods, Date Bashira manages to remain educational without ever feeling like a lecture. Its gorgeous artwork, touches of comedy, and obscure yet fascinating historical insights keep readers thoroughly engaged from page to page.

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