Children of the Sea (manga)

Japanese manga series

For the film, see Children of the Sea (film).

Children of the Sea

First tankōbon volume cover

海獣の子供
(Kaijū no Kodomo)
Genre|

* Drama[1]
* Mystery[1]
* Supernatural[2]

Manga
Written by| Daisuke Igarashi
Published by| Shogakukan
English publisher|

* NA: Viz Media

Imprint| Ikki Comix
Magazine| Monthly Ikki
English magazine|

* NA: SigIkki.com

Demographic| Seinen
Original run| December 24, 2005 – September 24, 2011
Volumes| 5
Anime film

* Children of the Sea (2019)

Children of the Sea (Japanese: 海獣の子供, Hepburn: Kaijū no Kodomo; lit. "marine mammal children") is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Daisuke Igarashi. It was serialized in Shōgakukan's seinen manga magazine Monthly Ikki from December 2005 to September 2011. Shōgakukan has collected the series into five tankōbon volumes published between July 2007 and July 2012. The manga is licensed in North America by Viz Media, who serialized it online at SigIkki.com and released the five tankōbon volumes from July 2009 to June 2013.

An anime film adaptation by Studio 4 °C premiered in May 2019 in Japan.

In 2009, Children of the Sea was awarded an Excellence Prize at the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival.

## Plot

[edit]

On the first day of summer vacation, Ruka Azumi deliberately injures a playmate who had tripped her up. Excluded from the club for all the holidays, she decides to leave for Tokyo for a day. As night falls, she meets Umi, a strange boy raised by dugongs who dives and disappears into the murky waters of Tokyo Port. She finds him a few days later, requisitioned by his oceanographer father, to work in the aquarium he takes care of. But Umi is no longer alone, he is accompanied by Sora, who also has supernatural aquatic gifts.

## Characters

[edit]

Ruka Azumi (安海琉花, Azumi Ruka)
Voiced by: Mana Ashida[3] (Japanese); Anjali Gauld[4] (English)
Umi (海)
Voiced by: Hiiro Ishibashi[3] (Japanese); Lynden Prosser[4] (English)
Sora (空)
Voiced by: Seishū Uragami[3] (Japanese); Benjamin Niewoodr[4] (English)
Anglade (アングラード, Angurādo)
Voiced by: Win Morisaki[3] (Japanese); Beau Bridgland[4] (English)
Masaaki Azumi (安海正明, Azumi Masaaki)
Voiced by: Goro Inagaki[3] (Japanese); Marc Thompson[4] (English)
Kanako Azumi (安海加奈子, Kanako Azumi)
Voiced by: Yu Aoi[3] (Japanese); Karen Strassman[4] (English)
Sensei (先生)
Voiced by: Tohru Watanabe[3] (Japanese); Wally Wingert[4] (English)
Jim (ジム, Jimu)
Voiced by: Min Tanaka[3] (Japanese); Michael Sorich[4] (English)
Dede (デデ)
Voiced by: Sumiko Fuji[3] (Japanese); Denise Lee[4] (English)

## Development

[edit]

The concept originated from artist Daisuke Igarashi's interest in marine life and his habit of collecting field guides on marine animals. Initially titled Fish Girl, the story was inspired by mermaid mythology and the natural behavior of dugongs, which led Igarashi to imagine children raised by marine creatures. Igarashi sought to balance imaginative storytelling with scientific accuracy, consulting marine mammal researcher Yūko Tajima for factual details, such as the anatomy of sperm whales. Despite being published in a seinen manga magazine, the series was created with a female readership in mind.[5]

## Media

[edit]

### Manga

[edit]

Children of the Sea, written and illustrated by Daisuke Igarashi, was serialized in Shōgakukan's seinen magazine Monthly Ikki from December 24, 2005, to September 24, 2011.[6][7] Shōgakukan compiled its chapters into five tankōbon volumes, released from July 30, 2007, to July 30, 2012.[8][9]

The manga is licensed in North America by Viz Media,[10] who serialized it online at SigIkki.com[11] and released the five tankōbon volumes from July 21, 2009, to June 18, 2013.[12][13]

#### Volumes

[edit]

No. | Original release date  | Original ISBN  | English release date  | English ISBN

|
|
|
|

1|  July 30, 2007[8]| 978-4-091-88368-1| July 21, 2009[12]| 978-1-4215-2914-1

* 01\. "Ruka" (琉花)
* 02\. "The Day of Thunder" (神鳴りの日)
* 03\. "Hitodama" (人魂)
* 04\. "Marine Mammals"
* 05\. "Patterns" (図様)
* 06\. "Ghost of the Sea" (海の幽霊)
* 07\. "Chair" (椅子)
* 08\. "The Realm of the Sea" (水界)

2|  July 30, 2007[14]| 978-4-091-88369-8| December 15, 2009[15]| 978-1-4215-2919-6

* 09\. "Isana"
* 10\. "A Strong Wind at Sea"
* 11\. "Beyond the Tide"
* 12\. "Falling Rain Collecting in Pools"
* 13\. "Soaked Children"
* 14\. "Rakshasa"
* 15\. "The Last Day of the Month"
* 16\. "Takeoff"

3|  July 30, 2008[16]| 978-4-091-88422-0| June 15, 2010[17]| 978-1-4215-2920-2

* 17\. "Kuroshio Current"
* 18\. "Far Out at Sea"
* 19\. "Mirage"
* 20\. "Dugong"
* 21\. "Gondwana"
* 22\. "Ripples in the Wave"
* 23\. "Trap"
* 24\. "Internal Organs"
* 25\. "Sea Border"

4|  July 30, 2009[18]| 978-4-091-88470-1| December 21, 2010[19]| 978-1-4215-3541-8

* 26\. "Marine Animals"
* 27\. "Pierced Body"
* 28\. "Muddied Waters"
* 29\. "Sea of the Universe"
* 30\. "Pregnancy"
* 31\. "Crucible"
* 32\. "Interception"
* 33\. "Preparation"
* 34\. "Venus"
* 35\. "Water Demon"

5|  July 30, 2012[9]| 978-4-091-88590-6| June 18, 2013[13]| 978-1-4215-3848-8

* 36\. "Eyelids"
* 37\. "Birth Rite I"
* 38\. "Birth Rite II"
* 39\. "Birth Rite III"
* 40\. "Birth Rite IV"
* 41\. "Birth Rite V"
* 42\. "Iruka"

### Film

[edit]

Main article: Children of the Sea (film)

A Japanese animated film adaptation of the manga was announced by Studio 4 °C on July 16, 2018.[20] The film is directed by Ayumu Watanabe, with Kenichi Konishi as character designer, chief supervising animator and unit director and music by Joe Hisaishi. It is produced by Eiko Tanaka.[21][22] The theme song, "Umi no Yūrei" (海の幽霊; lit. "ghost(s) of the sea"), is written and performed by Kenshi Yonezu.[23][24]

The film had its world premiere on May 19, 2019[25] and was released in Japan on June 7, 2019.

## Reception

[edit]

Children of the Sea was nominated for the 12th and 13th Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize in 2008 and 2009, respectively.[26][27] Daisuke Igarashi was awarded a Japan Cartoonists Association Awards excellence award for drawing Children of the Sea in 2009.[28] Children of the Sea was the recipient of an Excellence Prize in the Manga Division at the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival in 2009.[29][30]

About.com's Deb Aoki commends the manga for its "vibrant, detailed artwork that takes its inspiration from nature, real people and real places" but criticizes the manga for its slow plot which "picks up the pace after a few chapters".[31] PopCultureShock's Sam Kusek comments on the interactions between the main characters, saying, "[Umi, Sora and Ruka] all share something in common, the fact that they are outsiders from the norm. Ruka is not your normal girl. As athletic as she is, her attitude and aggression towards her teammates leave her high and dry for the summer. Consistently throughout the book, people are badmouthing her as she passes them on the street. Umi and Sora are obviously outsiders due to their extreme circumstances, wearing large robes to cover a majority of their skin and having to constantly bathe in water. Sora especially has a frail constitution, spending most of the book in and out of a hospital. All three are young children, and that is shown throughout the book, but they also have a unique sense of maturity that sets them apart not only from other children but most adults."[32]

Anime News Network's Carlo Santos commends the manga for its "subtle, seamless storytelling and first-class artistry combine to form a fascinating tale of the sea" but criticizes it for "mundane events and superfluous scenes sometimes slow down the plot".[33] ICv2's Steve Bennett commends the manga for "the art is rich with photorealistic details which help to give the fantasy a solid grounding in reality, and has strong, emotionally honest characters which should make this young adult fantasy appeal to both fans of epic fantasy and contemporary teen dramas."[34] Coolstreak Comics' Leroy Douresseaux comments that he is reminded of the "1980s ecological sci-fi comic book, The Puma Blues" when reading the manga. He also commends on Igarashi's "earthy art, with its busy line work and crosshatching and unsophisticated figure drawing, grounds this series in reality, which makes the moments of enchantment all the more breathtaking." He also recommends the manga to those who liked Inio Asano's Solanin.[35]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "The Official Website for Children of the Sea". Viz Media. Archived from the original on July 23, 2017. Retrieved October 28, 2017.
2. ^ Beasi, Melinda (June 27, 2009). "Children of the Sea, Vol. 1". Manga Bookshelf. Archived from the original on November 11, 2011. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Pineda, Rafael (April 16, 2019). "Children of the Sea Film Recasts Sora, Adds 2 More Cast Members". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 4, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
4. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Children of the Sea (2020) – English Dub Cast". Behind The Voice Actors. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
5. ^ Morrissy, Kim (April 19, 2019). "Manga Artist Daisuke Igarashi Shares Inspirations Behind Children of the Sea". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
6. ^ 月刊ＩＫＫＩ 2月号 (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on December 28, 2005. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
7. ^ 五十嵐大介「海獣の子供」完結、最終5巻は画集と同時発売. Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. September 24, 2011. Archived from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
8. ^ a b 海獣の子供 1 (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
9. ^ a b 海獣の子供 5 (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
10. ^ Loo, Egan (November 21, 2008). "Ōoku, Detroit Metal City, More New Manga Listed for Viz". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 22, 2009. Retrieved November 21, 2008.
11. ^ "Children of the Sea". Viz Media. Archived from the original on July 31, 2009. Retrieved November 21, 2008.
12. ^ a b "Children of the Sea, Vol. 1". Viz Media. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
13. ^ a b "Children of the Sea, Vol. 5". Viz Media. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
14. ^ 海獣の子供 2 (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
15. ^ "Children of the Sea, Vol. 2". Viz Media. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
16. ^ 海獣の子供 3 (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
17. ^ "Children of the Sea, Vol. 3". Viz Media. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
18. ^ 海獣の子供 4 (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
19. ^ "Children of the Sea, Vol. 4". Viz Media. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
20. ^ Rafael Antonio Pineda (July 16, 2018). "Children of the Sea Manga Gets Anime Film by Studio 4°C". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
21. ^ "Animēshon eiga Kaijū no Kodomo kōshiki saito" アニメーション映画「海獣の子供」公式サイト [Animation film Children of the Sea official site] (in Japanese). Children of the Sea Committee. Archived from the original on March 21, 2019. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
22. ^ Ressler, Karen (February 26, 2019). "Children of the Sea Film's Teaser Previews Joe Hisaishi's Music". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 27, 2019. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
23. ^ "主題歌が米津玄師の新曲「海の幽霊」に決定！". news.eigafan.com (in Japanese). Starcast Japan. April 24, 2019. Archived from the original on May 22, 2019. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
24. ^ Sherman, Jennifer (May 9, 2019). "Children of the Sea Film's 2nd Trailer Previews Kenshi Yonezu Song". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 10, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
25. ^ "5/19（日）世界最速ワールドプレミア上映会、実施決定！". news.eigafan.com (in Japanese). Starcast Japan. April 26, 2019. Archived from the original on June 23, 2019. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
26. ^ Loo, Egan (March 14, 2008). "12th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Nominees Announced". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 30, 2009. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
27. ^ Loo, Egan (March 5, 2009). "13th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Nominees Announced". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 25, 2009. Retrieved March 5, 2009.
28. ^ Loo, Egan (May 8, 2009). "38th Japan Cartoonist Awards Announced". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 11, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2009.
29. ^ Loo, Egan (December 3, 2009). "Summer Wars, Vinland Saga Win Media Arts Awards". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015. Retrieved December 3, 2009.
30. ^ "Excellence Prize - Children of the Sea". Japan Media Arts Plaza. Archived from the original on April 4, 2010. Retrieved April 4, 2010.
31. ^ Aoki, Deb. "Children of the Sea Volume 1". About.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2009. Retrieved July 21, 2009.
32. ^ Kusek, Sam (June 27, 2009). "Children of the Sea, Vol. 1". Manga Recon. PopCultureShock. Archived from the original on August 1, 2009. Retrieved June 27, 2009.
33. ^ Santos, Carlo (June 22, 2009). "Children of the Sea GN 1 – Review". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 23, 2009. Retrieved June 22, 2009.
34. ^ Bennet, Steve (March 23, 2009). "Review of Children of the Sea Vol. 1 (Manga)". ICv2. Archived from the original on March 25, 2009. Retrieved March 23, 2009.
35. ^ Douresseaux, Leroy (July 15, 2009). "Children of the Sea: Volume 1". ComicBookBin. Toon Doctor. Archived from the original on July 18, 2009. Retrieved July 15, 2009.

## Further reading

[edit]

* Garrity, Shaenon K. (February 5, 2015). "Children of the Sea - House of 1000 Manga". Anime News Network.

## External links

[edit]

* Official Ikki Children of the Sea web page (in Japanese)
* Official Viz Media Children of the Sea web page
* Children of the Sea (manga) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia

* v
* t
* e

Works by Daisuke Igarashi

* Little Forest (2002–2005)
* Witches (2003–2004)
* Children of the Sea (2005–2011)
* Saru (2010)
* Designs (2015–2019)

* v
* t
* e

Monthly Ikki series

The magazine was called Spirits Zōkan Ikki before 2003

2000–02|

* Dorohedoro (2000–14) †
* G Senjō Heaven's Door (2000–03)
* No. 5 (2000–05)
* Sexy Voice and Robo (2000–02)
* Freesia (2001–09)
* Sukimasuki (2001–03)
* Tetsuko no Tabi (2001–06)
* Noramimi (2002–09)

2003–09|

* Heibon Punch (2003–05)
* Rideback (2003–08)
* Witches (2003–04)
* Period (2003–14)
* Natsu no Kumo (2003–07)
* Bokurano (2003–09)
* Kingyo Used Books (2004–14) ‡
* Hakai (2004)
* Tsukidate no Satsujin (2004–06)
* Children of the Sea (2005–11)
* House of Five Leaves (2005–10)
* Saturn Apartments (2005–11)
* Yomawari Sensei (2005–09)
* I'll Give It My All... Tomorrow (2007–12)
* Saruman 2.0 (2007–08)
* Afterschool Charisma (2008–14)
* Sex Nanka Kyōminai (2009–12)
* Wombs (2009–10) ‡
* Shin Tetsuko no Tabi (2009–13)
* Takanashi-san (2009–12)

2010–14|

* Gunjō (2010–12)
* Yorukumo (2010–14)
* I (2010–13)
* Nickelodeon (2010–14)
* Sunny (2010–14) †
* Futagashira (2011–14) †
* Golondrina (2011–14) ‡
* Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita: Nonbirishita Hōkoku (2011–12)
* Babel (2012–14) ‡
* Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita: Nonbirishita Hōkoku 4-koma (2012)
* Watashi no Uchū (2012–14)
* Levius (2012–14)
* Ore wa Motto Honki Dashitenai Dake (2012–13)
* Kajiba no Baka IQ (2013–14) ‡
* Kūya Shōnin ga Ita (2013–14)
* Lotta Rain (2014) †

Related series|

* Not Simple (2006)
* Saru (2010)

* Monthly Ikki
* Hibana

† Indicates titles that continued serialization in other magazines
‡ Indicates titles that continued publication via compiled volumes
*[lit.]: literal translation
*[No.]: Number
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