7_Seeds

<i>7 Seeds</i>

7 Seeds

Japanese manga series


7 Seeds (stylized as 7SEEDS) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yumi Tamura. It is set in a post-apocalyptic future, long enough after a meteorite hits Earth that new species have evolved, and follows the struggles of five groups of young adults to survive after they are revived from cryonic preservation. The title comes from five groups of individuals in cryogenic chambers along with supplies, called "seeds", laid down by the Japanese government.

Quick Facts Genre, Written by ...

The manga was originally serialized in Shogakukan's Bessatsu Shōjo Comic magazine, premiering in the November 2001 issue; it transferred to Flowers magazine in April 2002, where it ran until its conclusion in May 2017. Shogakukan collected the individual chapters into 35 bound volumes.

An original net animation (ONA) adaptation, produced by Gonzo and directed by Yukio Takahashi, was announced in November 2018. The first season was released worldwide on Netflix in June 2019. A second season produced by Studio Kai premiered on 26 March 2020.

In 2007, 7 Seeds won the 52nd Shogakukan Manga Award for the shōjo category. Including digital sales, it has sold more than 6 million copies in Japan.

Story

When astronomers predict that the Earth will be hit by a meteorite, the world leaders meet to develop a plan for human survival called the Seven Seeds project. Each country agrees to preserve numbers of healthy young people through cryogenics, which will allow them to survive the devastation of the impact. After a computer determines that Earth is once again safe for human life, it will revive each group. The Japanese government creates five groups of survivors named Winter, Spring, Summer A, Summer B, and Fall. Each group consists of seven members, who are not told about what will happen before they are placed in cryonic preservation, and one adult guide who is trained in wilderness survival. These groups are scattered across Japan: the Summer groups in southern and northern Kyūshū, Fall in western Honshū, Spring in central Honshū near Tokyo, and Winter in Hokkaidō.

Awoken from the cryogenic sleep many years later, the young men and women find themselves amidst a hostile environment bare of any human life. Their former home country Japan has greatly changed. Completely alone, they must depend only on themselves to survive in the new world.

Setting

7 Seeds takes place an unknown number of years after the collision of a large meteorite with Earth. As a result of the impact, the climate of Japan has greatly changed from what the characters knew from the present day. In the Kansai region there are only two seasons, a dry season and a longer, heavier rainy season.[2] Takahiro of Winter group describes the winters in the northern island of Hokkaidō as being as mild as in Kanagawa Prefecture where he grew up.[3] In addition, sea levels have risen greatly: downtown Yokohama is completely underwater,[4] only the top hand of the statue in Nagasaki Peace Park is above the surface of the ocean.[5] The geography of Japan has changed as well: after an eruption of Mount Aso, Kyūshū has been split into two islands,[6] and the Kansai region is separated from central Honshū by a wide strait.[2] The series depicts a Japan in which, as a result of the new environment and mass extinctions, ecosystems have changed and several new species of animals and plants have evolved.

For example, on the island where Summer group B first lands, off the coast of Nagasaki Prefecture, Botan notes how few of the ecological niches are filled, including no birds or flying insects, and that the limited number of species are still radiating to fill empty niches.[7] In particular, a local rodent resembling a rabbit is in the process of speciation into herbivorous and ravenously carnivorous versions, which are still visually similar. Other dangers new to the characters include swarms of carnivorous white cockroaches and gigantic Venus flytraps, sundews, and nepenthes. Species that are unchanged but were previously unknown in Japan include banana trees and crocodiles. Semimaru notes that neither on the island nor on the Kyūshū mainland do they see any ants, bees, or similar insects.[8]

In the Kansai region, Fall group domesticates flightless birds about the size of a chicken and sheep that have grown to resemble llamas, which can be ridden, milked and shorn for wool. Izayoi tells Natsu that a local wasp is deadly, killing with a single sting, and another species has a sting that sickens the victim for a day.[9] According to Akio, corn is the only crop from their seed cache that grows in the area's soils, but Fall group also cultivates a variety of tobacco with a narcotic effect when smoked.[2]

In the southern part of central Honshū, Natsu, Arashi, and Semimaru of Summer group B cross a desert with cactus scrub. Throughout the region they find remains of large reptiles that revive from estivation during the rainy season, which remind Natsu of velociraptors from Jurassic Park.[10] These "dinosaurs", as the characters call them, have grassland and woodland varieties, and during the rainy season are the dominant predator from the south coast to at least as far north as Tokyo.

On the island where the Spring group first lands, off the coast of the Kantō region, Hana notes that there are no vertebrates on land or in the sea, and Momotaro describes the ecology as similar to that of the Carboniferous Era.[11] On land, there are giant insects the characters call "boat beetles" and swarms of bees with stings that are painful but not deadly, which force the group to live on rafts off-shore. In the island's swamps, there are giant praying mantis and giant dragonflies. While at the island, the group lives off shellfish and shallow-water nautiluses, but see no bony fish. The characters find the climate changed as well, as it is too overcast to see the stars for the first two weeks after they are awake, even though it is spring, a season that in the present day is noted for clear weather.

On the mainland of the Kantō region, Spring group meets large aquatic lizards living among the submerged ruins of Yokohama, which hunt in groups. Nearby, in the ruins of central Tokyo, the party from Summer group B is attacked by a giant predatory fish, which Takahiro of Winter group identifies as descended from a deep-sea fish, the only kind of bony fishes to have survived.[12] They also meet a fungus-like growth Takahiro calls "blue mucus", which infects Hana's skin when she touches it. This growth goes dormant in the dry season, and Takahiro realizes it is intolerant to salt and uses it to cure her.[13]

In northern Honshū near Sendai, Natsu, Arashi and Semimaru of Summer group B find the first flowers they have seen during their journey over most of the length of Japan.[14]

In southern Hokkaidō, Winter group encounters grasslands populated by many mammals they do not know, including small-eared rodents, herds of unknown ruminants, and tigers with saber-teeth. They also meet wolves with the ability to project illusions normally used to help hunt.[3]

The project organizers also prepared sealed caches containing seeds and instructional books near the "seven Fuji". These seven Fuji are not related to the famous Mount Fuji, but are regional landmarks also named Fuji:

Development and production

In an author's note, Tamura says that 7 Seeds was inspired by news reports that near-Earth object (89959) 2002 NT7 might potentially collide with Earth.

Songs

Yumi Tamura often includes certain songs in her chapter titles. If there is further info material available, you can find it using the links in the 'manga' table.

There are also songs that do not appear in chapter titles but still play a major role at turning points in the manga. Those are listed below.

The four seasons

The four seasons serve as the theme for 7 Seeds , since every team is named after one of them: Spring, Summer A/B, Autumn, and Winter.[15] The team members were chosen into their teams based on which seasons their names matched best.

Almost every 7 Seeds chapter arc is named after one of the 24 solar terms consisting of the 72 pentads (Shichijūni kō). The Rainwater chapter, for example, completely consists of Shichijūni kō.

Media

Manga

7 Seeds was written and illustrated by Yumi Tamura and published by Shogakukan. It began serialization in the November 2001 issue of the monthly shōjo manga magazine Bessatsu Shōjo Comic.[16] In April 2002, it transferred to the monthly josei manga magazine Flowers.[17] The final chapter was published in the July 2017 issue of Flowers, released on 27 May.[18]

Shogakukan collected the individual chapters into 35 bound volumes, printed under the Flower Comics imprint, and later, under the Flower Comics Alpha imprint. The first volume was released on 26 March 2002; the last volume was released on 10 August 2017. Each volume was divided into sections focusing on different groups of survivors, with section titles containing a kigo (seasonal word) appropriate for the group name.[19][20] Shogakukan also published an official fanbook, titled Edge of Emotions, on 9 December 2011. The fanbook contained detailed character profiles, a color illustration gallery, and a long interview with Tamura.[21]

In 2008, Pika Édition licensed the manga in France, where it was marketed as a seinen series.[22] In 2011, Pika announced that negotiations with the Japanese publisher, Shogakukan, had been unsuccessful, and therefore, they would cease publishing 7 Seeds and two other titles.[23] In total, Pika published 10 volumes of the manga in French.[24][25]

In 2017, after the conclusion of the 7 Seeds manga in Japan, Tamura announced the launch of a spin-off series in Flowers. The first chapter was published in the magazine's October issue, released on 28 August; the final chapter was published in the December issue, released on 28 October.[18][26] Shogakukan collected the chapters into a single bound volume on 10 January 2018.[27]

Drama CDs

7 Seeds was adapted into a radio drama which was broadcast in Japan from 9 December 2003 to 6 February 2004. The nine episodes were collected on three drama CDs:[28]

  • 7 Seeds 1, released on 26 March 2004, focuses on Summer group B and dramatizes the events of volume 1 of the manga.
  • 7 Seeds 2, released on 23 April 2004, focuses on Winter group and dramatizes events of volume 4 of the manga.
  • 7 Seeds 3, released on 21 May 2004, focuses on Spring group and dramatizes events of volumes 2 and 3 of the manga.

A fourth drama CD was released in Japan on 10 August 2017, bundled with a limited edition of volume 35 of the 7 Seeds manga. The story was based on an original scenario written by Yumi Tamura. Several voice actors who would later be cast in the anime adaptation of 7 Seeds were first featured on the drama CD, including Kazuhiko Inoue as Kaname Mozunoto, Shō Hayami as Takashi Sugurono, Nozomu Sasaki as Takahiro Aramaki, and Katsuyuki Konishi as Semimaru Asai.[1]

Anime

An anime adaptation was announced on 26 November 2018.[29] The series is animated by Gonzo and directed by Yukio Takahashi, with Touko Machida handling series composition, Youko Satou designing the characters, and Michiru composing the music.[30] The series was originally scheduled to release on Netflix in April 2019,[31] but it was delayed to 28 June 2019 due to production delays.[32][33] Amatsuki performed the series' opening theme song "Ark", while Majiko performed the series' ending theme song "WISH".[34][35]

A second season premiered on 26 March 2020. The main cast and staff members reprised their roles, and Studio Kai producing the animation.[36] Mone Kamishiraishi performed the second season's opening theme song "From the Seeds", which was composed by Glim Spanky, while Cider Girl performed the second season's ending theme "Synchro".[37][38]

On 4 January 2021, the staff members announced that the second season's ending animation sequence has been removed after they were notified that it had similarities to the anime Beyond the Boundary's ending theme.[39]

Season 1 (2019)

More information No. overall, No. in season ...

Season 2 (2020)

More information No. overall, No. in season ...

Reception

7 Seeds won the 52nd Shogakukan Manga Award for the shōjo category in 2007.[40] The series ranked number 10 on the top 20 list of manga for female readers in the 2018 edition of Takarajimasha's Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook.[41] It was nominated in the comic category for the 49th Seiun Awards in 2018.[42]

Including digital sales, the series has sold more than 6 million copies in Japan.[43] Volume 12 reached number 7 on the Tohan best-seller list and volume 13 reached number 10.[44][45]


References

  1. 「7SEEDS」完結巻に田村由美書き下ろしシナリオのドラマCD、flowersに外伝も. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). 10 August 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  2. Tamura, Yumi (2004). "Pampas Grass Seed Chapter 3". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 5. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138017-3.
  3. Tamura, Yumi (2004). "Winter Chapter 4". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 4. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138016-6.
  4. Tamura, Yumi (2003). "East Wind Chapter 1". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 3. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138015-9.
  5. Tamura, Yumi (2003). "Beginning of Summer Chapter 1". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 3. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138015-9.
  6. Tamura, Yumi (2003). "Beginning of Summer Chapter 2". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 3. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138015-9.
  7. Tamura, Yumi (2002). "Island Chapter 3". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 1. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138013-5.
  8. Tamura, Yumi (2004). "Pampas Grass Seed Chapter 1". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 5. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138017-3.
  9. Tamura, Yumi (2004). "Pampas Grass Seed Chapter 2". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 5. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138017-3.
  10. Tamura, Yumi (2004). "Pampas Grass Seed Chapter 4". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 5. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138017-3.
  11. Tamura, Yumi (2002). "Early Spring Chapter 2". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 2. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138014-2.
  12. Tamura, Yumi (2004). "Pampas Grass Seed Chapter 6". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 5. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138017-3.
  13. Tamura, Yumi (2004). "Pampas Grass Seed Chapter 7". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 5. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138017-3.
  14. Tamura, Yumi (2005). "Rainwater Chapter 10". 7 Seeds (in Japanese). Vol. 6. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4-09-138018-0.
  15. GQ Staff (28 May 2019). "What Is 7 Seeds? The Post-Apocalyptic Anime Series That's Gone Viral". GQ. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  16. 月刊flowers (2/4) – コミックナタリー 特集・インタビュー. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). 26 February 2010. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  17. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (28 May 2017). "Basara's Yumi Tamura Ends 7SEEDS Manga After Nearly 16 Years". Anime News Network. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
  18. 7SEEDS 1 (フラワーコミックス). Shogakukan (in Japanese). Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  19. 7SEEDS 35 (フラワーコミックス). Shogakukan (in Japanese). Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  20. 「7SEEDS」番外編収録のファンブック、藤田和日郎ら寄稿. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). 9 December 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  21. "7Seeds". Pika Édition (in French). Archived from the original on 13 May 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  22. "Pika fait le point sur certaines séries". Manga News (in French). 19 April 2012. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  23. 7 Seeds, Tome 1 (in French). ASIN 284599835X.
  24. 7 Seeds, Tome 10 (in French). ASIN 2811603689.
  25. Baker, Bayleigh (30 October 2017). "Basara's Yumi Tamura Ends 7SEEDS Spinoff Manga, Launches New Series". Anime News Network. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  26. "7SEEDS". bestack.co.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 15 September 2008.
  27. Sherman, Jennifer (26 November 2018). "7SEEDS Manga Gets Anime on Netflix". Anime News Network. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  28. Pineda, Rafael Antonio (26 November 2018). "7SEEDS Anime Reveals Cast, Staff, April 2019 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  29. Pineda, Rafael Antonio (5 March 2019). "7SEEDS Anime Delayed 2 Months to June". Anime News Network. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  30. Pineda, Rafael Antonio (8 March 2019). "Netflix Premieres 7SEEDS Anime Worldwide on June 28". Anime News Network. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  31. Sherman, Jennifer (11 February 2019). "majiko Performs 7SEEDS Anime's Ending Theme Song". Anime News Network. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
  32. Pineda, Rafael Antonio (22 March 2019). "7SEEDS Anime Unveils Teaser Video, More Cast". Anime News Network. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  33. Pineda, Rafael Antonio (21 October 2019). "7SEEDS Anime Gets 2nd Season on Netflix in 2020". Anime News Network. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  34. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (27 December 2019). "Rock Band Cider Girl Perform Theme for 7SEEDS Anime's 2nd Season". Anime News Network. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  35. Pineda, Rafael Antonio (4 February 2020). "Mone Kamishiraishi Performs 7SEEDS Anime Season 2's Opening Song". Anime News Network. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  36. Miller, Evan (24 January 2007). "Shougakukan Manga Awards Announced". Anime News Network. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  37. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (8 December 2017). "Kono Manga ga Sugoi! Reveals 2018's Series Ranking for Female Readers". Anime News Network. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  38. "Introduction". 7 Seeds Official Anime Website (in Japanese). Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  39. Loo, Egan (6 February 2008). "Japanese Comic Ranking, January 29–February 4". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on 18 September 2008. Retrieved 12 September 2008.
  40. Loo, Egan (18 July 2008). "Japanese Comic Ranking, July 8–14". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on 8 September 2008. Retrieved 12 September 2008.

Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article 7_Seeds, and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.