, is a Japanese manga series by Moyoco Anno. It was serialized in Kodansha's manga magazine Evening from August 2001 to May 2003, with its chapters compiled in one volume. The manga is about a girl who goes through different names throughout the story and becomes a , or high ranking (courtesan). North American publisher Vertical Inc published it in English in July 2012.
Plot
A young (maid in a brothel) is sold into the red-light district of Yoshiwara and is put under the care of the of the house, Shōhi, who names her Tomeki. The girl is very rebellious, leading to the heads of the household considering her potential future as a successful , as a high-ranking courtesan needs not only beauty and talent but also the tenacity to maintain their position in order to be successful.
Tomeki later takes the name O-Rin as a (or courtesan-in-training), and later takes the name Kiyoha, and is considered the most beautiful girl in the household. Her popularity threatens the position of the household's other , Mikumo, which creates great tension between the two. Kiyoha's rivalry with Mikumo is not the only challenge she faces, as the appearance of a young man named Sōjirō faces her with the impossibility of finding love in her position.
Media Manga Written and illustrated by Moyoco Anno, Sakuran was serialized in Kodansha's manga magazine Evening from its inaugural issue in August 20, 2001, to May 27, 2003. Its chapters were compiled in one volume, released on November 6, 2003.
Film A live-action film adaptation was released in Japan on February 24, 2007. The film stars Anna Tsuchiya and marks the directorial debut of photographer Mika Ninagawa. Ringo Sheena's album Heisei Fūzoku acts as the soundtrack.
Cast Anna Tsuchiya as Kiyoha Ayame Koike as Young Kiyoha Asuka Saito as Tomeki Kippei Shiina as Kuranosuke Yoshino Kimura as Takao Hiroki Narimiya as Sōjirō Miho Kanno as Shōhi Ai Yoshikawa as Nihohi Masatoshi Nagase as Mitsunobu Masanobu Andō as Seiji Renji Ishibashi as Owner Kyōko Koizumi as Oran
References
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