Imai Arata - Flash Point

Flash Point, by Imai Arata, is a bold manga that dives into the political and social tensions of contemporary Japan.

It begins with a young girl who, on a sweltering summer day, skips school and starts making silly videos with her sister’s unemployed husband. The content goes viral. But when she’s spotted at a rally for Shinzo Abe — who is assassinated shortly after — things spiral into the surreal, dragging her into a world of post-truth, conspiracy theories and far-right symbolism. This book tackles taboo subjects in Japan, from online radicalisation and the “Great Resignation” to populism and the public’s obsession with controversial leaders. Arata, previously known for his underground manga F, continues to explore uncomfortable realities most publishers won’t touch. Behind its pop-style visuals, Flash Point delivers biting satire and sharp social commentary — a punch in the gut at a time when fiction struggles to outdo reality.