SANCTUARY is the story of Hojo Akira and Asami Chiaki, two young Japanese boys who survived the Cambodian Killing fields. Although SANCTUARY begins nearly ten years after their return to Japan, their harrowing experience is portrayed in flash backs (mostly in volume 2), so it is easy to understand the characters, their dedication, and their determination to build a sanctuary out of Japan. After all, when they returned to Japan they looked around and saw a country filled with people that were lazy, content, and too worried about comfort to think about the future Japan would have in the world. In Asami's own words, "When I came back to Japan and saw Japanese, the first thing I thought was, 'What do these people think it means to be alive?'"
Early in Volume 1 it is revealed that as high school students Hojo and Asami made a pact; one would take the path of darkness and the other would take the path of light and together they would take over Japan. Hojo joined the Yakuza while Asami entered politics.
SANCTUARY is a fascinating combination of political thriller and crime story that is held together by the strength of its characters and their convictions.
As of the writing of this review, I have read up through Graphic Novel #5. I must warn other readers that each and every volume ends right in the middle of some crucial plot development, making it very painful to wait for the next volume. However, before this review becomes just another slobbering testimonial, allow me to present some more specific evaluations.
The story is strong. Interesting. Well crafted. The story intertwines both large scale and personal developments for the main characters and the parallels between organized crime and politics make me wonder exactly which path is truly the path of darkness. Fumimura creates such a vivid world that it is difficult to believe it is entirely fictional. I look forward to reading more SANCTUARY and will be on the lookout for anything else written by Fumimura-san.
The art is typical Ikegami--fantastic. There's incredible realism and detail for his character designs, and the staging fuels the intensity and emotion generated by the story. An interesting side note: the political characters supposedly look very much like some actual Japanese politicians!
Characters are also strong and intense. Fumimura and Ikegami team up beautifully to portray each of the main characters such that the reader develops an emotional investment in the fate of these fascinating people.
My only gripe is that 90% of the women in SANCTUARY are presented simply as penis-fodder. There are only a couple of interesting female characters in the series and they are either grandmothers or have been/are love interests for the main characters. One such character, Ishihara Kyoko, is the Deputy Chief of the Roppongi Police and also the main love interest for Hojo. While taking a shower, she actually says, "Why did I have to be born a woman?" I'm not quite sure where this misogynistic slant comes from.
Fortunately, the rest of the manga is so well constructed that this is only an occasional annoyance. Actually, I know several women who are similarly addicted to SANCTUARY, so this must not be too distracting.
What I admire most about SANCTUARY is its ability to make me think. Running themes and social commentary about Japan can easily be applied to the USA or to many of the corporations that I have encountered. I frequently found myself thinking of how little I am doing to make my mark on the world, and about how much of the world's injustice continues to exist simply because of general apathy.
Reading SANCTUARY one will find that, politically and philosophically, it is a bit extreme but presents some good points. The world is run by people with the motivation to chase their dreams, and when there are no dreams, people decay and stagnate.
Have you chased your dreams lately?

SANCTUARY
STORY BY FUMIMURA SHO
ART BY IKEGAMI RYOICHI