Children of the Sea - Daisuke Igarashi
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| Cover of the first volume |
Children of the Sea (海獣の子供, Kaijū no Kodomo) is a contemplative manga by Daisuke Igarashi, published between 2006 and 2011 in Shōgakukan's Monthly Ikki magazine. In France, the series was released by Sarbacane. This story blends mystery, ecology, and spirituality, offering a poetic journey into the depths of the ocean and the human soul.
Ruka, a rebellious middle schooler, is expelled from her handball club at the start of summer break. She takes refuge in the aquarium where her father works—a place filled with childhood memories and a deep fascination for the sea. There, she meets Umi and Sora, two mysterious boys raised by dugongs, who appear to have a supernatural connection to the ocean. Together, they witness strange phenomena: fish disappearing, falling meteors, and marine songs echoing from the depths.
The manga explores profound themes such as humanity's connection with nature, the origins of life, and the mysteries of the universe. Igarashi employs a detailed, organic drawing style—often using ballpoint pen—to create immersive scenes that engulf the reader in the vastness of the ocean. The transitions between reality and fantasy are seamless, enhancing the sense of wonder and existential reflection.
In 2019, an animated film adaptation was produced by Studio 4°C, with a soundtrack composed by Joe Hisaishi. The film was praised for its fidelity to the manga’s spirit and its outstanding visual quality.