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Inspired by the true story of Midori Nakamura.
Midori is ten years old in the summer of 1945. So far, Hiroshima has escaped firebombing. But there is a feeling in the air: something big is coming. To be safe, Midori and her little brother, Yasuo, are sent to a forest temple. A fox spirit leads them into the mystical realm of the Shinto gods who—to Midori's surprise—have brought her here for a startling reason.
With vibrant illustrations, award-winning artist Erich Owen combines history and fantasy into a powerful graphic novel. |
Grandmother
The tough matriarch of the family has seen her country, her city, and her family lose so much over the years. With her ever-present broom, she keeps her tiny corner of the universe in order. She is the only fearless person Midori has ever known. |
Midori
Midori is sent to a forest temple for safety. There she meets Kitsune, a mischievous fox spirit. As the war races toward a fiery end, Midori follows Kitsune into a mythical world—and learns how the fate of even the gods are at stake. |
Father
A gifted storyteller who has the ability to make his listeners feel as if they are in the story. After witnesses the Tokyo firebombing, he sends his children away from Hiroshima, but stays behind to help the city prepare for the end. |
Akiko
Though only two years older than Midori, Akiko is more mature than most adults. Too old to be evacuated with the other children, she stays behind to help build firebreaks—and meets an American POW who has a profound impact on her life. |
Yasuo
His name means peaceful, the last word that comes to mind when meeting Yasuo. Midori's little brother resents being sent to the boring temple, and is determined to make as much trouble for the monks as he can—with surprising results. |
Part 1: Witness (Early Sketches)
