In an exciting development for fans of both cinema and manga, it has been recently reported that Mads Mikkelsen‘s acclaimed film, The Promised Land, is officially releasing in Japan on February 14, 2025. This epic historical drama film gained significant attention and appreciation for Mikkelsen’s performance, which has inspired Takeshi Seshimo, the illustrator of the manga series Shimazaki in the Land of Peace, to create a special illustration of the actor. Seshimo’s work ties into the manga’s protagonist, Shingo Shimazaki, who remarkably resembles Mads Mikkelsen. This revelation sheds new light on the character’s creation and links the worlds of film and manga in a fascinating way.
Shimazaki in the Land of Peace, often considered one of the more underrated entries in the Seinen genre, delves into themes encompassing war, action, and even a touch of comedy. Its narrative is rich with political thriller elements that add complexity to the storyline. The protagonist, Shingo Shimazaki, not only captures the physical likeness of Mads Mikkelsen but is also said to be inspired by him, though their personalities may not be similar. This connection has excited fans, as it reveals the thought that went into the character’s design.
The Promised Land, based on Ida Jessen’s 2020 book The Captain and Ann Barbara, follows the journey of a Danish soldier and explorer named Ludvig Kahlen. Kahlen’s story, depicting his struggles as he cultivates Denmark’s wild Jutland, received praise for its thrilling narrative and strong character development. Although the film was hailed critically and even served as the Danish entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards, it struggled at the box office and did not achieve commercial success. This has prompted anticipation regarding its release in Japan, where it is expected to perform better.
As part of the celebration for the film’s Japanese release, Seshimo has officially confirmed the inspiration behind Shimazaki in the Land of Peace’s main character. Comic Natalie reported on this exciting news and shared Seshimo’s illustration of Mads Mikkelsen, enhancing the buzz surrounding this crossover of pop culture. Seshimo addressed early speculation that Shingo was inspired by a character from the popular series Jujutsu Kaisen, providing clarity on the true inspiration behind Shingo, combining the allure of both Mads Mikkelsen’s persona and the intense storytelling of the manga.
Currently, Shimazaki in the Land of Peace is in its seventh volume, indicating the potential for further developments in the series. Fans are also abuzz with speculation regarding the possibility of an anime adaptation, which could expand the reach of this compelling story. It is available for readers on Kodansha, and the excitement surrounding both the film’s release and the manga’s evolution signals a promising future for both mediums.
In conclusion, the intertwining paths of Mads Mikkelsen and Shimazaki in the Land of Peace illustrate the impact of cross-creative influences in contemporary storytelling. As audiences in Japan prepare to welcome The Promised Land into theaters, the intriguing connection with the manga character Shingo Shimazaki stands out, inviting fans to reflect on the depths of inspiration that fuel artistic creation. With this connection, both the film and the manga are poised to capture the hearts of new audiences and continue their stories of resilience and identity.
