Wild Strawberry

**Wild Strawberry** (ワイルドストロベリー, *Wairudo Sutoroberī*) is a Japanese manga that combines action, thriller and fantasy elements, written and illustrated by the manga artist Ire Yonemoto. It has been serialized in Shonen Jump+ since July 14, 2023.

## Premise

The narrative of Wild Strawberry immerses us in an alternative Tokyo, Japan, where a peculiar transformation has occurred. Evolved flowers possess the ability to consume humans, resulting in the emergence of formidable creatures known as Jinka. To counter this threat, the Flower Funeral Force has been established to eliminate the Jinka as well as those who aid or shelter them.

The manga revolves around the experiences of two central characters, Kingo and Kayano, as they navigate the treacherous landscape. When Kayano undergoes a transformation into a Jinka, Kingo is unwavering in his determination to retrieve her at any cost, making their survival and reunion the driving force of the plot.

## About

Set in an apocalyptic rendition of Japan, Tokyo finds itself engulfed by a relentless onslaught of foliage. This botanical invasion has not only devastated the city but also brought about a perilous threat in the form of Jinka, parasitic organisms with a voracious appetite for human sustenance, posing a grave danger to the vulnerable population. The world now lies in ruins, struggling to cope with the catastrophic changes.

Within this dystopian backdrop, we are introduced to our protagonist, Kingo, a resident of the city who spends his days as a part-time weeder, striving to provide for his sister, Kayano. Tragically, Kayano fell victim to Jinka in her youth, but her condition differs significantly from the norm. As they remain confined within Tokyo, Kingo nurtures a fervent aspiration to take Kayano to a family restaurant, a symbol of hope and normalcy amidst the chaos.

However, their aspirations are hindered when a group called the Flower Funeral Force becomes involved. This faction is determined to exterminate both the Jinka creatures and any individuals infected by them, adding an element of urgency to Kingo's quest to find a solution for Kayano before it's too late.

While the initial chapter may appear to follow familiar patterns, there are hidden depths to Wild Strawberry that set it apart. It offers more than just the tale of a resourceful young adult striving to protect his sister, and the story holds intriguing surprises for those who delve into its pages, promising a unique and captivating journey.

One intriguing aspect of this setting is the fact that the world hasn't succumbed to complete destruction. A vaccine exists, enabling people to remain uninfected amidst the foliage invasion. However, this situation brings to light the economic disparity, where the less fortunate are unable to afford the vaccine, leaving them vulnerable to infection. This unique premise sets the work apart from many others in the same genre.

In our first encounter with Kingo, he is desperately attempting to secure food for his sister, leading to a tense exchange with a clerk. This seemingly normal scenario takes a drastic turn when the clerk becomes a victim of the surrounding plants. It's astonishing that amidst the rampant growth of untamed foliage, some form of order is still maintained in society.

The existence of a protective vaccine may shield people from harm, yet it's astonishing that the presence of lethal and contagious plants doesn't raise greater concerns. The presence of individuals tasked with clearing the streets by incinerating Jinka, as evidenced by Kingo's work as a weeder, adds a disconcerting element that holds the potential for rich worldbuilding. It would be fascinating to explore how various people navigate their lives in this green hellscape, as well as the broader international implications of such a world. This opportunity for exploration can elevate the manga beyond its perhaps more conventional main storyline.

## History

The author of the manga Wild Strawberry remains a mysterious figure, and not much is known about them, including their gender, which is a common characteristic among many mangakas. What we do know is that they are the creator of this new manga, making it likely their debut work. Additionally, they have a public Twitter account, which seems to have been established relatively recently, possibly around the time of the manga's release.

## External Links

* Official Shounen Jump+ Website (in Japanese)
* English Official - MANGAPlus (in English)
* English Official - VIZ Media (in English)
* Author's Official Twitter Account (@ire\_yonemoto)