Get ready to step into the fiery chaos of feudal Japan with Hikuidori: Ushūboro Tobigumi, a historical novel by Shogo Imamura that’s already sparking excitement ahead of its manga and anime adaptations. Set during the devastating Great Meiwa Fire of 1772, this gripping tale follows Matsunaga Gengo and his bold firefighting crew as they tackle flames and secrets in late 18th-century Edo. With a manga hitting Weekly Shōnen Champion in spring 2025 and an anime by SynergySP arriving in winter 2026, now’s the perfect time to discover this epic story that blends history, heroism, and heart.
Spoiler Alert! This article contains spoilers for Hikuidori. Proceed with caution if you haven’t read it yet!
Novel Overview: A Naoki Prize-Winning Gem
Hikuidori: Ushūboro Tobigumi isn’t just any novel—it’s a 13-volume masterpiece that earned author Shogo Imamura the Naoki Prize in 2022. For those unfamiliar, the Naoki Prize is Japan’s version of the Pulitzer Prize, a top honor awarded twice yearly to exceptional works of popular literature. Winning it means Imamura’s storytelling isn’t just good—it’s phenomenal, striking a chord with readers through its depth and universal appeal.
What sets this series apart is its fresh take: it shines a spotlight on Edo-era firefighters, a group rarely celebrated in fiction. With meticulous historical detail and edge-of-your-seat drama, Imamura brings to life a wooden city where every spark could spell disaster. Toss in the upcoming adaptations, and you’ve got a cultural phenomenon in the making. Whether you’re a history buff or just love a great story, this novel delivers big time!
Historical and Cultural Context
Picture Edo in the late 18th century: a city of wooden homes, flickering lanterns, and constant danger from fire. Hikuidori: Ushūboro Tobigumi plunges readers into this volatile world, spotlighting the Great Meiwa Fire of 1772—a real disaster that torched Edo and claimed over 6,000 lives (Great Fire of Meiwa). Known as the Gyōninzaka Fire, this tragedy shapes the novel’s tension, showcasing the raw courage of firefighters in an era where every blaze threatened total destruction. It’s a vivid backdrop that grounds the story in history while fueling its drama.
Character and Plot Overview
At the core of Hikuidori: Ushūboro Tobigumi is Matsunaga Gengo, dubbed the “Fire Eater” for his daring Meet Matsunaga Gengo, a retired firefighter once dubbed the “Fire Eater” for his fearless reputation. After a traumatic incident, he swore off the flames—until Edo’s crumbling fire brigade drags him back. With little support, Gengo forms the Boro-Tobi-gumi, a scrappy crew of oddballs with serious skills:
- Hojiro: A massive ex-sumo wrestler who smashes burning structures to halt fires’ spread.
- Hikomi: A nimble acrobat who leaps across rooftops to save trapped residents.
- Seijuro: A brainy scholar who reads wind and weather to outsmart the blazes.
As this unlikely team gels, Edo faces a wave of mysterious fires. Gengo smells foul play and digs deeper, uncovering a conspiracy tied to the city’s power brokers. Then comes the Great Meiwa Fire—a real-life catastrophe that torched Edo and killed over 6,000 people. In the chaos, Gengo and his squad throw themselves into the fight, battling both the inferno and their enemies.
The climax sees Gengo facing his past while leading a high-stakes rescue, proving the Boro-Tobi-gumi’s grit. But the adventure doesn’t stop there—the series’ 13 volumes keep the action rolling, making it a saga of bravery and brotherhood you won’t want to miss.
Adaptation Details
Anime and manga fans, get hyped! The manga adaptation of Hikuidori: Ushūboro Tobigumi, illustrated by Shinobu Seguchi, kicks off in spring 2025 in Weekly Shōnen Champion—home to high-octane series like Baki. Then, in winter 2026, SynergySP (Hayate the Combat Butler) brings the anime to screens worldwide, promising sizzling visuals and heart-pounding action. These adaptations will thrust Gengo and his crew into the spotlight, making this a must-watch for anyone who loves historical epics with an anime twist (Shōgo Imamura’s Historical Firefighter Novel).
Why It’s Worth Your Time
- History Comes Alive: Feel the heat of Edo’s fire-prone streets, where every day was a gamble.
- Characters You’ll Root For: Gengo’s crew is quirky, flawed, and totally unforgettable.
- Future Hype: Beat the crowd to this story before the manga (spring 2025) and anime (winter 2026) drop!
This Naoki Prize winner is a thrilling ride through a forgotten corner of history. Whether you’re new to Japanese novels or a longtime fan, Hikuidori: Ushūboro Tobigumi is a page-turner that’ll keep you hooked.
Final Thoughts and Expectations
Hikuidori: Ushūboro Tobigumi fuses history and heart-pounding action into a saga that’s hard to put down. Its manga and anime adaptations promise to set screens ablaze, delivering a fresh spin on Edo’s firefighting heroes for fans worldwide.
| Aspect | Details |
| Author | Shogo Imamura |
| First Published | 2017 |
| Total Volumes | 13 |
| Setting | Edo period, Great Meiwa Fire of 1772 |
| Main Character | Matsunaga Gengo (“Fire Eater”) |
| Key Group | Boro-Tobi-gumi (firefighting team) |
| Manga | Spring 2025, Weekly Shōnen Champion, by Shinobu Seguchi |
| Anime | Winter 2026, SynergySP |
| Awards | Sixth Yoshikawa Eiji Bunko Award, 2021 |
Hikuidori: Ushūboro Tobigumi is more than a novel—it’s an adventure through flames and fellowship, led by the unforgettable Matsunaga Gengo. With its manga and anime on the way, this is your ticket to a world where courage meets catastrophe. Check out the official site (hikuidori-project.com) for updates, and brace yourself for a journey into Japan’s fiery past!
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