DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

The Kingdom of the Wind

A struggle for survival against corporate greed and cultural loss

Hiroyuki Itsuki author Meredith McKinney translator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Anthem Press

Published:1st Apr '14

Currently unavailable, our supplier has not provided us a restock date

The Kingdom of the Wind cover

A journalist teams up with a nomadic religious group to combat a conglomerate threatening their environment and way of life in The Kingdom of the Wind.

In The Kingdom of the Wind, journalist Takashi Hayami encounters Ai Katsuragi, a devoted member of the secretive religious organization known as Tenmu Jinshinko. This group embraces a nomadic lifestyle reminiscent of their ancestors, rejecting modern societal norms such as family registrations, tax obligations, and compulsory education. Their commitment to living freely and independently often puts them at odds with governmental regulations, yet they remain steadfast in their beliefs and practices, choosing to live as ambulatory people. The group's connection to their heritage is a source of strength, allowing them to maintain their identity in a rapidly changing world.

As the narrative unfolds, Hayami learns that Tenmu Jinshinko relies on the support of a company called Ikarino to fund their various initiatives aimed at preserving their unique way of life. However, the situation takes a dire turn when Ikarino transforms into a powerful conglomerate that threatens to devastate the forests and mountains that are vital to the community's existence. Faced with this looming threat, Hayami finds himself compelled to ally with the members of Tenmu Jinshinko, joining their efforts to protect their cherished environment and cultural identity.

The Kingdom of the Wind explores themes of resilience, identity, and the struggle against corporate greed. It highlights the importance of preserving one's heritage in the face of modern challenges and invites readers to reflect on the balance between progress and tradition.

ISBN: 9781783081295

Dimensions: 216mm x 135mm x 26mm

Weight: 454g

340 pages