Hyperinflation ハイパーインフレーション

Hyperinflation Review (Rating: 4/5)

Overview

Hyperinflation is a Japanese manga by Kyuu Sumiyoshi, serialized on Shonen Jump+ from 2020 to 2023. Set in a fictional empire where slavery and monetary systems dominate everyday life, it blends fantasy with economic theory in a uniquely engaging way.
Reference: Hyperinflation – Wikipedia (English)

Synopsis

The story takes place in a vast empire where slavery is commonplace, and power is maintained through money and exploitation. The protagonist, Luke, is born as a slave and lives under harsh conditions. One day, he awakens to an extraordinary ability: he can produce banknotes from his own body.
Although this ability seems like a miracle, it threatens to destabilize the empire’s economy. Luke begins to use his power to resist the empire’s oppressive rule, while confronting the dangers of currency, value, and control.

Characters

• Luke
  The main protagonist, a 12-year-old boy from the Gabour tribe. After losing his parents in a slave raid, he survives with his sister Haru. A god grants him the power to generate perfect counterfeit bills of the empire’s currency, the Berg, at the cost of his reproductive ability. However, all the bills share the same serial number, a fatal flaw. Using this ability alongside his sharp intellect, Luke strives to rescue Haru and secure freedom for his people.

• Gresham
  A powerful slave trader and head of the “Gresham Company.” Obsessed with money and profit, he is both ruthless and pragmatic. He is responsible for the raid that captured Haru and devastated Luke’s village. Though initially an enemy, he later allies with Luke when he sees potential profit in Luke’s power, always with the possibility of betrayal.

• Legat
  A key figure with a complex role. Though a Gabour tribesman, he secretly works as a spy for the empire. At first, he recognizes Luke as a potential savior for his people, but he also acts to protect imperial interests. Notably, he identifies the flaw in Luke’s counterfeit bills early on and works to counter it. His past hardships shape his divided loyalties and pragmatic choices.

• Haru
  Luke’s older sister, respected among the Gabour as a spiritual leader. Calm yet strong-willed, she embodies dignity and faith. She is captured by Gresham’s raid and sold into slavery at an auction, which becomes the catalyst for Luke’s journey. Later, she serves as both a political and spiritual leader, providing a moral compass in the struggle against the empire.

Story Development

At the beginning, the narrative portrays Luke’s suffering as a slave, which quickly shifts when he gains his mysterious ability. Unlike a typical power-up story, his ability directly affects the economy itself, creating ripple effects across society and the empire.
As the story progresses, the threat of hyperinflation, the logic of capitalism, and the fragility of trust in money take center stage. While grounded in serious economic themes, the plot remains entertaining and character-driven. By the end, the resolution ties back to modern monetary theory in a way that feels both unexpected and deeply satisfying.

Distinctive Features

What sets Hyperinflation apart is its seamless fusion of entertainment and economics. The concept of “creating money out of thin air” begins as fantasy but is gradually explored through realistic economic logic. Slavery, imperialism, and financial systems intertwine, giving weight and credibility to the story. Readers are invited to think critically about the value of money, inflation, and trust—while still enjoying a gripping, fast-paced narrative.

Personal Impressions

Although often presented with a comedic tone, the series also provides serious and clear explanations of monetary systems and capitalism. The way the author takes the impossible premise of producing money from one’s body and translates it into a realistic economic scenario is masterfully done.
The conclusion, in particular, resonated strongly with me. It aligned surprisingly well with ideas in modern monetary theory, giving the ending a sense of intellectual coherence. Beyond being entertaining, Hyperinflation also offers genuine educational value, making it a fresh and stimulating read.

Conclusion

Hyperinflation is a unique manga that combines the excitement of fantasy storytelling with the rigor of economic thought. Its balance of humor, serious themes, and innovative worldbuilding creates an experience unlike most other manga.
It is highly recommended not only for readers interested in economics and social systems, but also for those seeking a thought-provoking story that challenges conventional adventure narratives.