Strand

Name: Strand
Rating: 3.9 (89 reviews)
Author: NUMBER8,Ryohei Masuko

3.9

Author: NUMBER8,Ryohei Masuko

Publisher: Shogakukan

Magazine: Weekly Shōnen Sunday

Volumes: 4

Release Date: 2025-01-17

Age Rating: All Ages

Synopsis

Strand is set in modern-day Japan, where an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack disables all electronic devices and plunges civilization into collapse. The story follows four high school students as they struggle to survive in this extreme scenario. Susumu Manaka, Kanata Asahina, Keinosuke Shirane, and Kokoro Narusawa—second-year students from Gifu Prefecture—are on a school trip to Tokyo when they suddenly encounter the “Silent Disaster”: the Shinkansen and all electronic devices abruptly stop functioning. With smartphones, transportation, and infrastructure paralyzed, panic and violence erupt throughout the city. The four must cooperate to survive and find a way back home to their families, facing countless crises along the way. They contend with resource shortages in a society without functioning machines or infrastructure, stumble upon plane crash sites, and risk their lives in deadly confrontations with delinquent gangs and organized crime groups. Amid these life-or-death struggles, their relationships constantly shift—shaped by their personalities, inner conflicts, and the courage they find in moments of crisis. Strand delivers a gripping tale of survival, human bonds, and resilience in a world stripped of modern technology.

Rating Metrics

Story

3.7

Characters

3.9

Artwork

3.6

World Building

4.3

Themes

4.2

Pacing

3.8

Editorial Reviews

Japan’s Civilization Collapses. What Would You Do?

Today I’ll be introducing another brand-new and exciting manga: Strand. Volume 1 of Strand was released in 2025, making it one of the most talked-about new titles this year. The story begins when Japan is struck by an EMP attack from an unknown source. All electronic devices suddenly stop, and modern civilization collapses. The protagonists are four high school students from a rural town: Manaka, skilled at making money. Narusawa, a bright and carefree beauty. Asahina, poor but highly adept at survival skills thanks to living without relying on electronics. Shirane, a mysterious handsome boy. While on a trip to Tokyo, the four are caught in the EMP disaster. Asahina insists on checking on his younger brother’s safety, so they decide to travel from Tokyo to Toyama Prefecture. The straight-line distance is about 300 km, and without electronics, they must rely on their wits while facing the countless challenges of a collapsed civilization. This journey forms the backbone of Strand. The manga’s biggest appeal lies in its world-building and the survival ingenuity of the four teens. Human behavior during such a catastrophe is depicted with striking realism: some people perform good deeds, while others take advantage of the chaos. It’s easy to imagine that if Japan ever suffered such a disaster, life would become exactly like the world of Strand. My favorite character is Asahina. Since he was already used to living without electronic devices, he cleverly repurposes items like lighters as currency, constructs makeshift showers, and demonstrates resourcefulness that gives the group a chance at survival. The series also teases many mysteries. For example, there’s a scene showing U.S. military planes stationed in Japan evacuating safely, implying that only Japan’s electronics were disabled. Was it the U.S.? Was it China? The truth behind the EMP attack has yet to be revealed. How will Japan rebuild its civilization? Why was Japan targeted with an EMP attack? Will Asahina and the others safely reach Toyama? The future developments are impossible to look away from. If you’re a fan of survival stories, Strand is a must-read manga.

September 20, 2025