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Journalism of Courage
What is a visa? How is it different from a passport? wonders Yukichi Yamamatsu in his autobiographical Manga comic,Stupid Guy Goes to India that released in India this week. The 64-year-old had never left Japan before 2004,and New Delhi was to be his first brush with a foreign land.
The 230 pages of the comic depict Yamamatsus attempts to translate Manga the Japanese brand of comic books and graphic novels to Hindi and promote it in the Indian market. But while that was the premise of his visit,the real story lies in his sharp observations of the citys culture,etiquette and getting by without speaking English or Hindi. But this isnt another run-of-the-mill account of dirt,grime and diarrhoea but a survivors guide to the country.
Quite unlike the photo on the books cover that depicts him screaming out in what could be either anger,frustration or both,Yamamatsu is very cheerful,soft-spoken and calm in person. His sole mission when he came to India in 2004 was to promote the Japanese art form and perhaps write a book about his experiences. When you grow old,you want to retire but I didnt want to sit idle. So,I decided to introduce Manga to India, says the author.
Published by Blaft and Westland,Stupid Guy Goes to India is read from right to left to maintain the authenticity of Manga. But while graphic novels are gaining popularity in India,the genre still has a long way to go before it gets the same response as in Europe and America. Comic books in India are too expensive, said Yamamatsu whose book is priced at Rs 395,adding They need to be made more affordable to ensure sales.
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