Sushi, eel cookies, sake, ninjas, karate, zen and dysfunctional nuclear power plants are the way one featured artist introduces us to his country. But of course, Japan offers even more than that: manga, for example. We've decided to explore the hidden treasures of the Japanese comics scene and present you a valid wild mix of alternative manga — colourful, diverse and full of surprises.

Cover: Imiri Sakabashira
Contributors: Hironori Kikuchi, Imiri Sakabashira, Jiro Ishikawa, Jun Oson, Kanako Furugori, Katsuo Kawai, Keisei Kanamachi, mississippi, Nerunodaisuki, Nishioka Bro-sis, Nutoguran, Rokudai Tanaka, Takako Ooki, Tana Hiuchi, Tatari Takayama, Tokushige Kawakatsu, Tsuchika Nishimura, Wakana Yamazaki, Yoshie, Yuichi Yokoyama, Yuko Tateyama (all from Japan) and König Lü. Q. (not from Japan).