Silent Service 沈黙の艦隊

Silent Service Review (Rating: 5/5)

Overview

Silent Service is a Japanese manga series by Kaiji Kawaguchi. The story revolves around the state-of-the-art nuclear submarine Yamato and its crew, portraying both naval tactics and international political maneuvering. You can find more details on the English Wikipedia page.

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Synopsis

The story centers on Japan’s secretly built nuclear submarine, Yamato. Captain Shiro Kaieda decides to take independent actions following a certain incident. The Yamato becomes a target of both the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and foreign navies, forcing Kaieda to make bold choices that challenge national and international authority. Meanwhile, Hiroshi Fukamachi, Kaieda’s friend and rival, seeks to understand Kaieda’s intentions and ultimate goal, adding tension through their strategic and personal rivalry.

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Main Characters

• Shiro Kaieda
  The protagonist and captain of the Yamato. Kaieda is calm, careful, and methodical, with expert knowledge of submarine operations and tactics. His decisions extend beyond military action, significantly impacting national and international affairs.

• Hiroshi Fukamachi
  Captain of the Japanese diesel submarine Tatsunami, and Kaieda’s friend and rival. Both graduated from the National Defense Academy of Japan in the same year and were candidates for command of the new nuclear submarine Seabat. Fukamachi is more emotional and impulsive than Kaieda but constantly tries to figure out Kaieda’s intentions and ultimate objectives.

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Story Development

The story alternates between intense submarine operations at sea and political maneuvering on land. Kaieda acts according to his convictions, deepening conflicts with foreign navies and political authorities. Fukamachi, tracking Kaieda’s actions as both friend and rival, attempts to understand him. The manga also carefully depicts tension within the submarine and interactions among crew members. By focusing on both military tactics and political intrigue, the story delivers a deeply engaging reading experience.

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Features of the Manga

One of the standout features of Silent Service is the accuracy of its tactical depictions combined with realistic political context. Detailed portrayals of submarine interiors, equipment, and operations allow readers unfamiliar with submarines to feel the tension. The story also weaves in international political dynamics, giving it depth beyond a typical action manga. Although the series is older, its sense of urgency and compelling storytelling remain strong. International readers might notice uniquely Japanese perspectives or cultural nuances, which can feel unusual, but these aspects add to the work’s charm.

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My Thoughts

Personally, this is my favorite submarine-themed manga. It is compelling not only for its submarine combat scenes but also for its realistic portrayal of political maneuvering. Since it is written from a Japanese perspective, some elements might feel unfamiliar to international readers. However, the tension inside the submarine and the strategic and political intrigue make it a fascinating read. Even though the story reflects a different time period, its themes and character portrayals remain powerful today.

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Conclusion

Silent Service is a rare manga that successfully combines detailed submarine tactics with political storytelling. Through Shiro Kaieda’s bold decisions and his complex relationship with Hiroshi Fukamachi, readers are invited to explore the complexities of national and international politics and the impact of individual convictions. With its gripping combat scenes and realistic political depictions, the manga is accessible and engaging even for international readers. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in submarines or global political strategy.