Fumi Yoshinaga - Ōoku: The Inner Chambers Manga

In an alternate Edo-period Japan devastated by the “Redface Pox,” a mysterious plague that kills most young men, women rise to positions of political, military, and economic power. Within this matriarchal society, the shogunate maintains the Ōoku, a secluded inner chamber filled exclusively with the nation’s most beautiful men—kept as attendants, political pawns, and potential consorts for the female shogun.

The story follows generations of these men and the women who govern them, revealing hidden histories, forbidden romances, bitter rivalries, and the shifting social structures of a nation rebuilt in the plague’s wake. Each era exposes new tragedies and triumphs as Fumi Yoshinaga reimagines history through gender inversion, court intrigue, emotional intimacy, and political drama.

Ōoku blends historical fiction, feminist social commentary, palace intrigue, tragedy, and deep human storytelling, becoming one of the most celebrated josei works of its time.

Yoshinaga conceived Ōoku after imagining how drastically Edo-period power structures would change if men were the scarcity rather than women. This premise—rooted in gender inversion—shaped every political and personal conflict in the series.

Yoshinaga consulted historians on Edo-period customs, ranks, and court life to ensure the societal structures remained authentic despite the alternate-history twist. Editorial collaboration at Hakusensha helped organize the generational arc into distinct shogunate eras.

Other Notable Works

• What Did You Eat Yesterday?

• Antique Bakery

• Flower of Life

Japanese Name: 大奥 (Ōoku)
English Title: Ōoku: The Inner Chambers
Story & Art: Fumi Yoshinaga
Original Publisher: Hakusensha (Melody)
English Publisher: Viz Media (Signature Edition)
Release Years: 2004–2020
Volumes: 19 (completed)
Age Rating: Mature (18+)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Josei Drama, Political Intrigue, Alternate History, Romance

Comics & manga are assumed VG+ or better unless otherwise noted. No broken spines, no writing, no stickers, and may have light shelf wear. All manga and comics are assumed to be pre-owned.