In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy literature, where narratives frequently revolve around the battle between good and evil, Yuka Miura presents a bold divergence. As the creator of Kannazuki, a narrative renowned for its intricate characters and philosophical depth, Miura challenges the conventional binary of morality with a radical assertion: “I do not believe in evil.” Her words resonate with a profound sense of disillusionment that mirrors the complexities of contemporary life.
Yet, Miura’s insights stretch beyond the boundaries of literature, delving into the very fabric of human existence. “In many ways,” she muses, “modern society resembles a kind of hell, a construct where we easily lose sight of ourselves. In that way, one might say we possess the capacity to create our own personal hell. Evil, too, is not an external force—it is already woven into the tapestry of our being.”
The World of Kannazuki
Set in the small town of Kannazuki, nestled at the southern tip of the Toth Kingdom, Miura crafts a purgatorial stage, where history’s most notorious antagonist reemerges. The town’s inhabitants, an eclectic ensemble of characters, navigate the resurgence of a force they thought long extinguished, each grappling with their own inner conflicts.
Me: “What sparked the idea for Kannazuki?”
YM: “Since childhood, I’ve always read manga with my family. In Japan, manga is everywhere, and it often explores themes that, how should I put it—return again and again.”
Me: “Recurring themes?”
YM: “Exactly. There’s the hero, destined to defeat the villain—often a powerful sorcerer. The hero triumphs, and the story ends. But I always wondered, what happens after? Does the hero just go home? Does a new threat arise? What if the villain wasn’t as evil as everyone believed? Do you kill him again just because he’s the villain?”
A Tapestry of Beliefs
Miura’s complex approach to storytelling is perhaps rooted in her upbringing, where differing religious beliefs between her parents shaped her worldview.
Me: “Did you grow up in a religious household?”
YM: “My mother was religious; my father wasn’t. There was always a lack of harmony in that dynamic. Do you understand?”
Me: “Yes, misunderstandings. Many of the conflicts in Kannazuki seem to arise from misunderstandings as well, especially in the case of the demon girl, Lily.”
YM: “Ah, Lily! She’s everyone’s favorite. Have you read it?”
Me: “I started on the flight over.”
YM: “People often ask me online, ‘Why does Goge treat her so harshly?’ or ‘Will Lily reunite with her friends?’ But Lily is who she is—immutable. Her journey resonates with readers because they see themselves in her. In academia, we’re taught to accept certain truths as fact, but as we transition into adulthood, those truths can unravel.”
Reflecting Modern Society’s Confusion
Miura sees parallels between her story and the challenges individuals face today.
Me: “You’ve mentioned that your story reflects modern society’s confusion. What do you see as the greatest challenges facing individuals today?”
YM: “Confusion manifests in many ways. Adolescence is the first stage, when we begin to question everything we’ve been taught. Is this society sustainable? In Kannazuki, we witness a similar process. Lily questions the rules she’s always followed and finds herself outcast. This confusion continues into adulthood, as we start to see society and its institutions for what they truly are. We often realize that we’ve been complicit in maintaining the systems that uphold the status quo. And that’s where the illusion of evil comes in.”
Provocative Themes and Reader Response
Miura’s work, laden with graphic violence and adult themes, has sparked significant controversy, a reaction that surprised her.
Me: “Given the mature themes in Kannazuki, what response did you hope to evoke from your readers? Were you surprised by the controversy?”
YM: “Honestly, I didn’t expect Kannazuki to be so controversial. We see violence in media all the time and don’t think much of it. I wasn’t trying to make a political statement. The story reflects our inner selves—our lives—and in that way, it’s very personal. I was surprised by the attention it received.”
Lily, the Demon Girl: A Mirror of Human Experience
One of Kannazuki‘s most beloved characters, Lily, the demon girl, has captivated readers worldwide. Miura sees Lily’s journey as a reflection of the human condition.
Me: “Lily has become a fan favorite. What do you think her character represents in the broader context of human experience?”
YM: “I adore her. Lily’s story is deeply personal to me. Her struggles—the pain, fear, and the times she’s pushed down—feel real. I know it’s fiction, but there’s a truth in it. It mirrors how we, as individuals, are treated by society. But what resonates with readers is how she, this lost and forlorn creature, continues to push forward despite adversity.”
Can Love Conquer Evil?
Miura’s philosophical exploration in Kannazuki culminates in a profound question: Can love truly vanquish evil?
Me: “This brings us to a central theme in your narrative: Can love conquer evil?”
Miura smiled, her pause heavy with meaning, as if weighing the nuances of the question.
YM: “Love is a kind of evil, don’t you think? People say love can conquer all, but we know that’s a lie. That’s what I find so fascinating about the human mind—the constant struggle between truth and the comforting lies we tell ourselves.”
In Kannazuki, Yuka Miura pushes beyond traditional fantasy tropes, challenging readers to reconsider their understanding of morality, evil, and the self. Through her thought-provoking characters and narrative, she forces us to confront not only the darkness that lies within society but also within ourselves.