top of page
Search

Transparency Report: Release of the Revised Edition of The Torah With Graphic Storytelling, Vol. 8 – Parashat Vayishlach

Writer: 石川尚寛（Naohiro Ishikawa)
石川尚寛（Naohiro Ishikawa)
Sep 7
2 min read

Naohiro IshikawaRelease Date: July 31, 2024

1. Introduction

Thank you for your continued support of the Emaki Torah (Picture-Scroll Torah) series.

We are pleased to announce the release of the major revised edition of The Torah With Graphic Storytelling, Vol. 8 – Parashat Vayishlach.

This volume is the 8th installment in the complete 54-volume series that visually brings to life all 4,993 verses of the Torah (the Five Books of Moses). It covers Genesis 32:3 through 36:43, depicting Jacob's return home, his reconciliation with his brother Esau, the mysterious wrestling at the Jabbok River, and the bestowal of the name "Israel"—one of the most dramatic and transformative narratives in the Old Testament.

2. What's New in This Major Revision

Approximately three years after the original release (September 18, 2021), this major revision includes the following comprehensive updates:

Revision Item

Details

Complete Visual Overhaul

Adoption of the latest generative AI technology to achieve higher resolution and more poetic imagery—capturing the landscapes of the ancient Near East, the textures of garments, and the subtle expressions of each character with unprecedented fidelity.

Redesigned Panel Layout & Speech Bubbles

Thorough restructuring of the manga-style flow to maximize emotional immersion and narrative impact.

Updated Historical Research

Incorporation of the latest biblical scholarship and archaeological findings; character appearances, costumes, and background settings have been redesigned based on historical facts.

Enhanced Commentary

Additional explanatory notes throughout the volume to deepen understanding of the cultural and historical context of each passage.

These revisions have transformed the work into a more vivid and emotionally resonant experience—allowing readers to encounter the "living cry" of the Bible that words alone could never fully convey.

3. Format and Platforms

4. Production Structure and Use of Funds

This project is directed, written, and illustrated by independent creator Naohiro Ishikawa.

Primary production costs include the following (in accordance with previously published transparency reports for other volumes):

  • Production & Distribution: Image generation/editing software,素材 licenses, cloud service fees, etc.

  • Website Operation: External contracting fees for site maintenance and updates

  • Advertising & Promotion: Fees for YouTube and Amazon promotions (e.g., 3,000 JPY was used for advertising during the revision of Leviticus Vol. 8)

  • Research & Study: Purchase of academic literature for biblical interpretation and historical research

This series is fundamentally provided ad-free and at no cost. To ensure the sustainability of the project, reader support—whether through social media shares, reviews, or small donations—serves as a tremendous encouragement.

5. Future Plans

The Emaki Torah series continues its mission to visualize all 54 volumes, from Genesis to Deuteronomy. We remain committed to creating works that allow readers to experience the world of the Old Testament visually, rather than merely reading it.

Thank you for your continued support.

Naohiro IshikawaTorah Manga Project

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page