As we know, manga is one of the entertainment that is quite popular with many people. The problem is that this manga has a variety of genres and stories that are suitable for various ages, ranging from children to adults. Speaking of manga, this time we will discuss the oldest manga in history.
Manga are comics created in Japan or using the Japanese language, according to the style developed there in the late 19th century. The term manga refers to comics originally published in Japan.
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Here’s a list of the oldest manga in history
So what are the oldest manga in history? If you’re curious, you can check out the list and full explanation below.
1. Choju Jinbutsu Giga
The first oldest manga in history is Choju Jinbutsu Giga. No one is sure when the Choju Jinbutsu Giga manga was created, but historically it has been around since the 12th or 13th century.
The meaning of Choju Jinbutsu Giga is Ancient Scrolls of Humans and Animals Playing. Some historians believe that this manga shows images of animals created by the painter Toba Sojo. However, there are also many who say that this manga was created by someone else.
2. Toba Ehon
The next oldest manga in history is Toba Ehon. According to the information we got, the Toba Ehon is a collection of images whose creation process took place from 1603 to 1867.
There are many artists involved in making this manga, and people refer to them as Ehon. It is said that Toba Ehon is the forerunner of modern manga which has a more imaginative drawing style.
3. Shiji no Yukikai
The next oldest manga in history is Shiji no Yukikai. According to history, Shandou Kyouden first released his work in 1798 entitled Shiji no Yukikai. The manga was a collection of his works that he created during his free time as a tobacco shop owner.
Initially, he made Shiji no Yukikai as a form of promotion. But many people bought his tobacco because of his work. The meaning of Shiji no Yukikai itself is Four Seasons, so Shandou Kyouden’s pictures show more of daily life in Japan at that time.
4. Manga Hyakujo
Then there’s Hyakujo Manga. So this Hyakujo Manga was released in 1814, it managed to revive the Japanese people’s interest in ancient paintings. You see, the creator of the Hyakujo Manga is Aikawa Minwa.
It uses a style of illustration that is similar to 12th century paintings. Hyakujo Manga means Thousand Women, so this artwork is mostly about the lives of Japanese women at the time.
5. Hokusai
The next oldest manga in history is the Hokusai Manga. This artwork is a Japanese manga by Hokusai. Hokusai originally illustrated the situation around him at the time, starting from sketches of human faces, animals, plants, and so on.
He created these drawings from 1814 to 1878, which eventually led to Hokusai collecting all the drawings he had made into what is known as Hokusai Manga.
6. Eshinbun Nipponchi
The next oldest manga in history is Eshinbun Nipponchi. According to the information we got, Eshinbun Nipponchi means illustrated news. So in 1874, Kanagaki Rubun and Kawanabe Kyosai released a Japanese magazine.
This manga still uses the old Japanese language in every image. The reason for this is because Kyosai is the son of samurai who went through the Edo and Meiji periods, so he often brings some of the old Japanese traditions into his work.
7. Astro Boy
Then there’s Astro Boy, who doesn’t know about this series? Although many people know about this manga, but many also don’t know when the first edition of Astro Boy was released. According to the information we got, the Astro Boy manga was first released in 1952.
This manga tells the story of a robot child, although he is just a robot, but as time goes by slowly the robot begins to develop feelings like a human.
8. Chiisana Koi no Monogatari
The next oldest manga in history is Chiisana Koi no Monogatari. For those of you who don’t know, Chiisana Koi no Monogatari is a romantic comedy manga by Mitsuhashi Chikako that was released in 1962.
It tells the story of a schoolboy named Chiiko who likes Sally. Unfortunately Sally already has a boyfriend named Tonko. Because of this, there is a love triangle between Chiiko, Sally, and Tonko.
9. Golgo 13
The next oldest manga in history is Golgo 13. Surely you are familiar and have heard the name Golgo 13, right? This manga is a work by Takao Saito that was released in 1968.
Golgo 13 tells the story of a hitman named Togo, when he is carrying out his actions, he always uses a long-barreled M16 weapon. Before Takao Saito in 2021, he hopes that his work will continue and the editorial department of Saito Production will continue the Golgo 13 manga.
10. Sazae-san
The last oldest manga in history is Sazae-san. Just like Astro Boy, you must know this series or at least be familiar with the name. So Sazae-san is a short story manga that contains stories of everyday life.
In the past, Machiko Hasegawa had to work with the publisher of the local newspaper Fukunishi Shinbun, to release her work. Since then Sazae-san has become one of the mainstays of the Fukunishi Shinbun publishing house.
This is the list of the oldest manga in history. After reading this article and seeing the list of manga, do you think you collect one of the series? Then don’t forget to always visit Dafunda.
