Kujo no Taizai

Today’s spotlight is on Kujou no Taizai, the latest manga by Shohei Manabe, the creator of Yamikin Ushijima-kun! While Ushijima tackled the shocking world of underground loan sharks, Kujou no Taizai takes on another dark theme—a lawyer who defends shady businesses and criminals. Just like Ushijima, this series dives into the grim reality of Japanese society: hit-and-run cases, corrupt nursing homes, fraudulent businesses—things you’ll rarely see portrayed this vividly. (If you’re curious, I’ve also reviewed Yamikin Ushijima-kun—be sure to check that article too!) So, what makes Kujou no Taizai truly captivating? The same thing that made Ushijima unforgettable: its raw, unfiltered realism. The protagonist, Taito Kujou, is an attorney notorious for defending half-gangsters, yakuza, and other underworld figures. Branded by society as a “corrupt lawyer,” he still pursues every case with cold precision. While Ushijima mainly depicted ordinary people drowning in debt, Kujou no Taizai shifts its focus to exploitative institutions and shady businesses, exposing an even wider scope of Japan’s societal darkness. (That said, the graphic violence is toned down compared to Ushijima.) Many of the cases are inspired by real-life events, which might make readers feel disgust toward Kujou for defending such clients. Yet, since the opposing lawyers are often equally corrupt, there’s a strange sense of satisfaction in seeing Kujou’s brilliance prevail. The very first chapter sets the tone: a man who killed a parent and child in a drunk-driving hit-and-run hires Kujou to defend him. With the victims having no legal support, they receive almost no compensation—hammering home how dangerous ignorance of the law can be. Manabe reportedly interviewed over 100 legal professionals, including lawyers, while also employing legal supervision to ensure the manga’s accuracy. He himself has said: “I don’t draw these stories to make readers feel bad. It’s just that when I depict people truthfully, this is how it turns out.” That’s exactly what makes Kujou no Taizai so impactful. It portrays human greed and the dark corners of Japanese society with piercing realism, making it a must-read for fans of Yamikin Ushijima-kun. (And fun fact: Manabe-sensei actually became a manga artist because he loved Doraemon—though you’d never guess it from his current works!)

August 22, 2025