The 12th-century scrolls that may have birthed the world of manga

Art · Published 18 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Long before modern comics, Japanese artists were already using speed lines and expressive faces to tell stories. The Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga—a series of scrolls featuring anthropomorphic animals—blends high art with sharp satire, capturing a rebellious spirit that predates contemporary manga by centuries.

Belonging to the Kōzan-ji temple in Kyoto, these four picture scrolls (emakimono) are traditionally dated to the mid-12th century, with the final two potentially originating in the 13th century. While often attributed to the artist Toba Sōjō, stylistic variations suggest a collaborative effort by multiple hands. The work is celebrated for its vibrant ink monochrome brushwork and its unique ability to depict animals engaged in human-like behaviors, such as bathing, wrestling, and attending funerals.

The scrolls serve as a sophisticated vehicle for satire. By depicting animals like rabbits, monkeys, and frogs dressed in the robes of monks, the artists mocked the solemnities of contemporary Buddhist art and the perceived foibles of Japanese priests. This 'native wit' represents a reaction against religious formality, using humor to critique social structures. The first scroll alone measures 11 meters long and features a dense narrative of animals frolicking, stealing, and mourning.

The debate over whether these scrolls constitute the 'first manga' remains active in Japanese scholarship. While some historians point to the Shigisan-engi scrolls as the true origin, many animators and enthusiasts cite Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga as a foundational ancestor due to its use of expressive faces and early 'speed lines.' Regardless of the title, the work remains a masterpiece of secular narrative art that influenced Japanese visual culture for centuries.

Today, the scrolls are divided between the Tokyo National Museum and the Kyoto National Museum. Their enduring legacy is evidenced by their frequent adaptation into modern literature and art exhibitions, maintaining their status as a national treasure that bridges the gap between ancient religious tradition and modern popular entertainment.

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