Hyakusho Kizoku (The Noble Peasant Farmer) is an autobiographical series based on Hiromu Arakawa’s experiences as a farmer. It’s a bit different from the manga series she’s known for. It’s a wide divergence from Fullmetal Alchemist, and there’s no ongoing story arc like her previous farming manga Silver Spoon. Regardless, Hiromu Arakawa knows how to make even farming seem interesting.
This farming series will premiere on July 7th, 2023. Until these cows come home, we have a trailer to enjoy.
Studio Pie in the sky (what is this name?) is adapting Hyakusho Kizoku to anime. They have set up a home page, and an official Twitter page, to promote the series. Behind-the-scenes information, as well as series updates, can be found there. The key visual is showcased as a bonus.
Life at the Arakawa Farm in Hokkaido
Hyakusho Kizoku is more of a biographical story than anything. It’s basically Hiromu Arakawa, as voiced by Mutsumi Tamura, explaining the finer details about what she saw and did during the seven years she lived in Hokkaido working on her family’s farm. Hiromu, whose real name is Hiromi, is presented in the series using her author profile picture: a dairy cow with glasses. You can see her original portraits below. Her love of cows is evident even after leaving the farm.
Hiromu’s conversation with a certain “Ms. Ishii” (Mariko Honda) from the publisher Shinshokan may be a framing device for the series. It’s a shame these two couldn’t voice themselves. Even Tite Kubo provided the voice of Kon when possessing Ichigo’s body in Bleach: Memories in the Rain.
As previously stated, there’s no story arc. Hiromu discusses the value of milk and how healthy it is to drink. She explains the time her family was requested to drain a great deal of milk when there was a surplus due to fewer milk consumers. Hiromu also debunked several myths surrounding the consumption of milk.
Hiromu also discusses the time she left Hokkaido to move to Tokyo to become a manga creator. She loved the freedom, but she was surprised by the differences. Potatoes cost money at the store, which surprised her because she always received free potatoes from her family’s farm.
Hyakusho Kizoku is a more realistic take on farm life. Silver Spoon (Gin no Saji), the farming manga created by Hiromu Arakawa, deals with aspects of agriculture, although through a fictional character’s eyes. Despite leaving her family’s farm in Hokkaido, it’s evident that those memories and experiences will live with her and provide plenty of fun stories to tell.
Hyakusho Kizoku Origins
As previously stated, Hyakusho Kizoku is written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa herself. Shinshokan began publishing the series on December 28th, 2006. Seven volumes have been released thus far, providing plenty of dairy farming fun for her fans.
If the thought of pretty ladies in cow costumes appeals to you, then the J-List shop has you more or less covered. The Ushi Musume 1/6 Figure -First Try at Cosplay! figure is available for pre-order. Yes, that cow print bikini does come off.
Are you looking forward to watching Hyakusho Kizoku? Does Hiromu Arakawa’s time on a farm catch your interest? Would you ever work on a dairy farm? Let us know in the comments below.
