NonNonBa

NonNonBa was originally published in 1977 as a semi-autobiographical manga by the renowned mangaka Mizuki Shigeru. The narrative centers on Mizuki's childhood in rural Tottori Prefecture during the early Showa era, specifically focusing on his relationship with an elderly woman nicknamed NonNonBa, who served as a housekeeper for his family and introduced him to the world of yokai—traditional Japanese folklore spirits. Through this lens, the work explores the transition from a traditional, superstition-rich way of life to the encroaching modernity of pre-war Japan.

The artistic style reflects Mizuki's signature approach, blending detailed, realistic backgrounds that capture the atmosphere of historical Japan with his distinctively caricatured, fluid designs for the spirits and younger characters. Upon its later translation and international release, the work received critical acclaim for its poignant humanism and historical insight. It notably won the Best Album award at the Angoulême International Comics Festival in 2007, solidifying its status as a seminal piece of manga literature that bridges the gap between historical memoir and supernatural fantasy.