VIZ Media have announced the release of Fumi Yoshinaga’s “ŌOKU: THE INNER CHAMBERS” will be today, August 8th 2009!

The story of this historical manga takes place in an alternate version of Edo-era Japan (1603 to 1868), where a disease called Redface Pox is taking it’s toll on the males – and 80 years after the first outbreak the male population is a quarter of the total female population. Women dominate careers once only held by men, with some even being a Shogun. Men are carefully protected, with the most beautiful being sent to serve in the Shogun’s Inner Chambers.

Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Marketing at VIZ Media explains:

“ŌOKU: THE INNER CHAMBERS is an acclaimed story that blends science fiction themes with strong female characters and will captivate readers with a mix of historical drama and royal intrigue,” says Gonzalo. “Incorporating the richly detailed history of Edo era Japan, ŌOKU presents a unique portrayal and examination of gender roles in Japanese society. The series was a commercial as well as a critical success in Japan and we look forward to the readers in the US and Canada discovering this unique story.”

“ŌOKU: THE INNER CHAMBERS” has received many awards including the 2009 Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize and the 2006 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Award. The author, Fumi Yoshinaga, has even had nominations in the United States for the Eisner Award for Best Writer/Artist in 2008. She was born in Tokyo and is probably best known for her debut manga “THE MOON AND THE SANDALS” which came out in 1994.

“ŌOKU: THE INNER CHAMBERS” is released under the VIZ Signature imprint, is rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences and will carry an MSRP of $12.95 U.S. or $15.00 CAN.