On Their Frontlines: The Lives of Japanese War Brides Vol. 1 Review

by Catalina Bonati

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

On Their Frontlines: The Lives of Japanese War Brides Vol. 1 (to be published August 2026) by Marina Lisa Komiya and translated to English by Diana Taylor is a Japanese post-war manga that focuses on the lives of Haru and Yori, two lovers who have been parted by the war and try their hardest to come to terms with their separation and continue with life in war-torn Japan as best they can.

The manga starts with a preface by the author which is a strong introduction to the themes that are covered in the story. The overall story is quite heartfelt, just like the author’s preface, and the local historical aspect of different cities and dialects in Japan are well-researched. The story focuses on the Japanese post-war experience, not just in Japan but also the internment camps for Japanese-Americans in the United States. The story is mainly focused on Haru and Yori, but also focuses on the lives of the men who are dear to them (Arthur and Scott). The manga has multiple POVs and all characters are likeable.

Haru and Yori individually go through different ordeals, such as being forced into sex work or drifting into an unwanted yet evitable marriage of convenience. Work is a crucial aspect in the lives of these female characters yet it is also a chain of dependence rather than independence. Haru and Yori go through cruel, life-changing experiences that shape their futures in ways beyond their reach, and their longing for each other gives them the hope they need to face each day. This is a story of platonic love through turbulent times, in which American and Japanese culture are at odds both socially and politically.

The art in this manga is at times confusing. It’s often hard to tell Haru and Yori apart because they are too similar. The dialogue boxes are also strangely placed which makes dialogue disjointed to read. Sometimes the correct order of scenes is from right to left and other times from left to right, which adds to the overall confusion of the story.

Overall, the structure of this story is a bit hard to figure out but the story is heartfelt. The ending is a little underwhelming as well. This manga is recommended for lovers of historical fiction, queer stories, and women’s literature.