Basara Series by Yumi Tamura, 田村 由美

Basara is a post-apocalyptic fantasy adventure series and one of the most popular shôjo manga of the 90s in Japan. It is the story of how a young girl becomes "the child of destiny" and finds the strength to free her people and seek revenge for the death of her brother.

In this volume, Sarasa travels by land and sea to seek freedom for her village and revenge for her murdered family. Captured in battle after witnessing the terrifying spectacle of a massacred village, Sarasa learns that violence, intrigue, and even romance rule this postapocalyptic fantasy world.

Sometimes destiny is a choice.Born under a prophecy that will liberate and unite Japan, Sarasa has had to take her brother Tatara's place as the "Boy of Destiny." Fighting for the oppressed, Sarasa journeys across Japan to gain allies and defeat her enemies--all while keeping her identity a secret!Accepting the identity and responsibility of the "Boy of Destiny" following her brother's death, Sarasa has left her people in safety, traveling alone to Kyushu in search of allies... moreSometimes destiny is a choice.Born under a prophecy that will liberate and unite Japan, Sarasa has had to take her brother Tatara's place as the "Boy of Destiny." Fighting for the oppressed, Sarasa journeys across Japan to gain allies and defeat her enemies--all while keeping her identity a secret!Accepting the identity and responsibility of the "Boy of Destiny" following her brother's death, Sarasa has left her people in safety, traveling alone to Kyushu in search of allies. After surviving great perils and gaining a new companion, Sarasa arrives at her destination only to discover it's no longer there! less

Sometimes destiny is a choice.Born under a prophecy that will liberate and unite Japan, Sarasa has had to take her brother Tatara's place as the "Boy of Destiny." Fighting for the oppressed, Sarasa journeys across Japan to gain allies and defeat her enemies--all while keeping her identity a secret!Secretly taking her late brother's identity, Sarasa must gain support as the "Boy of Destiny... moreSometimes destiny is a choice.Born under a prophecy that will liberate and unite Japan, Sarasa has had to take her brother Tatara's place as the "Boy of Destiny." Fighting for the oppressed, Sarasa journeys across Japan to gain allies and defeat her enemies--all while keeping her identity a secret!Secretly taking her late brother's identity, Sarasa must gain support as the "Boy of Destiny." Her courage and quick wits have turned the pirates who captured her into allies and an impossible situation into victory. Now she must survive an erupting volcano and a tenacious enemy. less

In this volume, Sarasa travels by land and sea to seek freedom for her village and revenge for her murdered family. Captured in battle after witnessing the terrifying spectacle of a massacred village, Sarasa learns that violence, intrigue, and even romance rule this postapocalyptic fantasy world.

In this volume, Sarasa travels by land and sea to seek freedom for her village and revenge for her murdered family. Captured in battle after witnessing the terrifying spectacle of a massacred village, Sarasa learns that violence, intrigue, and even romance rule this postapocalyptic fantasy world.

In this volume, Sarasa travels by land and sea to seek freedom for her village and revenge for her murdered family. Captured in battle after witnessing the terrifying spectacle of a massacred village, Sarasa learns that violence, intrigue, and even romance rule this postapocalyptic fantasy world.

Sarasa and Shuri travel toward Kanto to attack the Blue King. Assumed to be runaway slaves, they are captured by the Blue King's Royal Guard and forced to compete in the infamous Suzkuka Murder Race, in which slaves must run for their lives and avoid being killed by men on horseback and chariots. If they can make it through the Suzuka Ridge and return to Nagoya, they can claim an extraordinary prize.

Sarasa has been blinded, and the Red King's rule has finally been torn apart by outside influences. Now both find themselves in Okinawa-she to heal her eyes, he to heal his soul.

Sarasa and Shuri travel toward Kanto to attack the Blue King. Assumed to be runaway slaves, they are captured by the Blue King's Royal Guard and forced to compete in the infamous Suzkuka Murder Race, in which slaves must run for their lives and avoid being killed by men on horseback and chariots. If they can make it through the Suzuka Ridge and return to Nagoya, they can claim an extraordinary prize.

Sarasa and Shuri travel toward Kanto to attack the Blue King. Assumed to be runaway slaves, they are captured by the Blue King's Royal Guard and forced to compete in the infamous Suzkuka Murder Race, in which slaves must run for their lives and avoid being killed by men on horseback and chariots. If they can make it through the Suzuka Ridge and return to Nagoya, they can claim an extraordinary prize.

The northern rebels have sent a terrifying message, but Sarasa is determined to make contact with them and retrieve her missing ally Hayato. Unfortunately, Sarasa not only fails, but she and her comrades find themselves inmates in a bizarre underground prison!

Sarasa and Shuri travel toward Kanto to attack the Blue King. Assumed to be runaway slaves, they are captured by the Blue King's Royal Guard and forced to compete in the infamous Suzkuka Murder Race, in which slaves must run for their lives and avoid being killed by men on horseback and chariots. If they can make it through the Suzuka Ridge and return to Nagoya, they can claim an extraordinary prize.

Sarasa's ploy to distract King Ukon's magistrate from attacking her allies has succeeded, but she must pay the price in tragedy and strife. Her arduous role as Tatara causes her to question her identity as the dawn of a critical battle approaches.

At last, Sarasa's journey has come full circle. Having begun with a haphazard scheme to save her people from the Red King's destruction of Byakko village, Sarasa has now reached the point where she can bring the fight to him. If only she knew who the Red King truly is! On the eve of battle, Sarasa and Shuri are reunited. Both have survived horrible trials and face dire futures, so there is no reason to hold back. Finally, they can express their true feelings... moreAt last, Sarasa's journey has come full circle. Having begun with a haphazard scheme to save her people from the Red King's destruction of Byakko village, Sarasa has now reached the point where she can bring the fight to him. If only she knew who the Red King truly is! On the eve of battle, Sarasa and Shuri are reunited. Both have survived horrible trials and face dire futures, so there is no reason to hold back. Finally, they can express their true feelings. Yet how can they keep their secret identities hidden from each other if they will soon be crossing swords? less

At last, "Tatara" and the Red King have met in battle. The fighting was fierce, but the revelation of their true identities proved to be the most devastating. Now they must find a way to carry on and fulfill their destinies.

In the future, an apocalypse all but destroys the world. making Japan a pretechnological desert wasteland where fierce kings use murder and destruction to keep the terrified peasantry in line. When Tatara, the propheside "Child of Destiny" is murdered, his twin sister Sarasa must face Red king... and the possibility of yet another apocalypse.

In the future, an apocalypse all but destroys the world. making Japan a pretechnological desert wasteland where fierce kings use murder and destruction to keep the terrified peasantry in line. When Tatara, the propheside "Child of Destiny" is murdered, his twin sister Sarasa must face Red king... and the possibility of yet another apocalypse.

In the future, an apocalypse all but destroys the world. making Japan a pretechnological desert wasteland where fierce kings use murder and destruction to keep the terrified peasantry in line. When Tatara, the propheside "Child of Destiny" is murdered, his twin sister Sarasa must face Red king... and the possibility of yet another apocalypse.

In the future, an apocalypse all but destroys the world. making Japan a pretechnological desert wasteland where fierce kings use murder and destruction to keep the terrified peasantry in line. When Tatara, the propheside "Child of Destiny" is murdered, his twin sister Sarasa must face Red king... and the possibility of yet another apocalypse.

Allies from all over are gathering at Tatara's base camp in preparation for a massive assault. Meanwhile, Shuri has a plan to establish his authority in Kyoto and deplete his rivals' funds. On a reconnaissance mission, Taro finds information crucial to the war effort. All the while, a battle between Tatara and Shuri is imminent!

In the future, an apocalypse all but destroys the world. making Japan a pretechnological desert wasteland where fierce kings use murder and destruction to keep the terrified peasantry in line. When Tatara, the propheside "Child of Destiny" is murdered, his twin sister Sarasa must face Red king... and the possibility of yet another apocalypse.

War will determine who wins control of Japan--but the bonds of love and loyalty will decide the nation's future. As the battle reaches its climax, will Shuri pursue his destiny as king or trust Sarasa's dream of democracy? When placed on the throne of Kyoto, will Asagi turn on Sarasa? And when Sarasa is forced to choose between her love for Shuri and her loyalty to her comrades, can she make the right decision?

As the war for Japan rages on, the battle reaches the Royal Castle itself. Sarasa penetrates the castle's defenses to confront the traitorous Asagi. Shuri, wounded and crippled, pursues Sarasa even though the chase may kill him. Ageha descends into a labyrinth beneath the castle to stop a deadly mechanism designed to destroy them all. And King Ukon, now a pathetic, desperate shell of a ruler, grimly awaits Tatara's arrival!

asa has led her army to victory, faced down King Ukon, and won the hearts and minds of her people. Now, in the final hours of battle, her actions--and Shuri's--will decide Japan's ultimate fate. Sarasa began her quest in Tatara's shadow. The time has come for her to step into the light, speak her real name, and accept her true destiny as the woman who will lead Japan into a new age of peace and freedom!

Sarasa's quest for freedom has ended, but Basara isn't over yet! In this volume of special side stories, Yumi Tamura goes deeper than ever before to explore the characters and world of Basara. Hijiri and Nachi recount childhood memories of ships, sea monsters and mermaids. A band of star-crossed rebels arises in another time--and changes the course of Sarasa's battle. And Asagi finds his new calling...fronting a boy band?

In this special collection of side stories, join Sarasa and Shuri after the war, as they rebuild Japan and travel the world together. In the distant Huang Empire, Sarasa is infected with a fatal disease--but will Shuri betray the Huang Emperor to save her? And when the new Japanese government is beset with turmoil, it's up to two children to convince a reclusive hermit named Hayato to lead his country. Finally, Yumi Tamura offers a glimpse of life before the apocalypse.. moreIn this special collection of side stories, join Sarasa and Shuri after the war, as they rebuild Japan and travel the world together. In the distant Huang Empire, Sarasa is infected with a fatal disease--but will Shuri betray the Huang Emperor to save her? And when the new Japanese government is beset with turmoil, it's up to two children to convince a reclusive hermit named Hayato to lead his country. Finally, Yumi Tamura offers a glimpse of life before the apocalypse...before the ruined world Sarasa knows...before the beginning of Basara! less