Manchuria Opium Squad

Set in the puppet state of Manchukuo during the 1930s, this manga follows Isamu Higata, a botanical expert conscripted into the Japanese army who discovers an opium field. Rather than engaging in combat, Higata uses his knowledge to manufacture and distribute narcotics, navigating a dangerous landscape defined by drug cartels and state corruption. The story operates as a dark examination of Japan's wartime economy, where the opium trade served as a primary revenue stream for the military and the puppet government.

The original run was marked by tragedy when illustrator Shikako died from choroidal melanoma on December 21, 2025, at the age of 37 while the series was still serializing. Kodansha paused production but resumed serialization on September 28, 2026, with new artist Tsurushima taking over the artwork to complete the narrative. An official statement confirmed the team would finish the story as originally planned despite the loss of the creator.

Critics often compare the work to Breaking Bad due to its intense focus on the drug trade and the protagonist's moral descent. The series blends historical fiction with high-stakes action, offering a gritty look at the illicit economy that sustained the occupation. English digital releases began in September 2024 under Kodansha USA, and an anime adaptation entered production in October 2026. [edit]