Yukarism
Plot. Seventeen year old Yukari Kobayakawa is a famous author of historical fiction novels about the Edo period in Japan. The interesting thing about his work is that it’s so prolific; he writes as if he was living in Edo. Coincidentally, Yukari never had to do any research to write about the past because he already knows it! Actually, Yukari was born with his memories from his past life still intact. He remembers his life as a female courtesan from Edo's Yoshiwara district. Yukari's past memories came to life in his dreams when he met his  classmate Mahoro for the first time. It appears that Mahoro is somehow linked to Yukari’s past. Along the way, Yukari meets with other reincarnated souls from his previous life; in the hopes of finding out who killed him in Edo. Setting. Yoshiwara, also known as the red-light district, was located in the city of Edo (now known as Tokyo). For hundreds of years, many men visited Yoshiwara to be entertained by beautiful geishas, courtesans, and dancers. The women of Yoshiwara consider their work as a form of art, much like geishas do. They require years of training to  become proficient in their trade. Only the best woman in Yoshiwara can have the title of Oiran. Where they are treated like celebrity entertainers. Samurai, ninja and high-ranking officials often visited Yoshiwara during the Edo period after Tokugawa shogunate established it in 1604. The lifestyle of the people in Yoshiwara, their clothes, dancing, and mannerism influenced the world outside Yoshiwara. Tales about Yoshiwara often depict the women as highly sought-after flowers that capture the attention of political figures from all across Edo. They are not permitted to leave the brothels of Yoshiwara unless they elope with customers, hence  why some people consider their profession a form of imprisonment. Historical documents also show that some of the women that worked at Yoshiwara were the wives or daughters of fallen samurai or feudal lords. Some poor families sell their daughters to Yoshiwara in order to provide food for themselves. Reception. "Yukarism" was listed as one of the 15 top graphic novels for teens by YALSA in North America. Rebecca Silverman from Anime News Network praised its interesting concept and historical setting.