[Agriculture x Essay] The Agricultural Essay That Candidly Depicts the Time Before the Author of 'Fullmetal Alchemist' Became a Mangaka is Now in Publication! Hyakushou Kizoku!

“Hyakushou Kizoku” is a truly unique manga work by Arakawa Hiromu, the author of the mega-hit “Fullmetal Alchemist.” The stage is Tokachi, Hokkaido, the author's family home, “Arakawa Farm” (tentative name). What unfolds there are days of wrestling with cows, vegetables, and sometimes even bears. The grueling, gritty, yet somehow hilarious daily life that fundamentally overturns the general public's image of a “farmer” is depicted with an overwhelming touch. As Arakawa Hiromu herself states, “I was seriously working as a farmer for seven years before becoming a mangaka,” the realism and persuasiveness are genuine. The author's struggle, immersed in year-round dairy farming with no distinction between morning, noon, or night, offers readers a new perspective: “Agriculture is this tough, yet this appealing.”

The appeal of this work isn't limited to just introducing farming experiences. Episodes with her excessively robust family, who truly embody the family motto “He who does not work shall not eat,” are scattered throughout, making you chuckle but also mutter, “This family is incredible......” In any case, the Arakawa family's energy is immense. Attending the birth of a calf, having a bear appear in the field, going on a rampage while riding a tractor (?). Amidst these turbulent days, tidbits about agriculture and discussions about farming policies are interwoven, making you feel a little smarter after reading. Furthermore, the story, which progresses in a dialogue format, has a good tempo, giving you a sense of realism as if you were hearing Arakawa Hiromu's story right there. The subtle technique of using flipbook animation also works well, giving it a complete and satisfying read.

The author's strong will can be glimpsed in the choice of the title's words, “Hyakushou Kizoku” (Farming Aristocrat). While the word “Hyakushou” (farmer/peasant) tends to be perceived as discriminatory in modern times, Arakawa Hiromu firmly and resolutely disagrees with that sentiment. In her words, “We just say 'Hyakushou' normally. It's sad when the original meaning of a word disappears due to excessive consideration,” you can feel the pride of someone who takes pride in agriculture. Indeed, when you read the work, it clearly conveys that the word “Hyakushou” is by no means base, but refers to individuals who confront nature by fully utilizing knowledge, skill, and physical strength—truly an existence like an “aristocrat.”

“Hyakushou Kizoku” is not just an agricultural manga. It's packed with the essence of “working” and “living.” It's a book that makes you laugh, surprise you, make you a little emotional, and above all, feel positive. You can connect with a real “will to live” that's hard to find out about in city life. After reading this work, a natural sense of gratitude will well up, knowing that people like this are behind the milk and vegetables lined up in the supermarket.