Akiyama Ayuko made her debut in Garo in 1992. Her work represents an odd combination: ethnology, or minzokugaku in Japanese, and entomology. From the first, her stories have adapted the themes and feel of Japanese folklore and recast many of its human actors with insects. She is particularly fond of butterflies. There is also frequent citation of pre-modern art, from medieval emaki (narrative handscrolls) to the flora and fauna of Edo-era luminaries like Utamaro, Jakucho, and Hokusai. As such, Akiyama's work extends one of the prime vocations of alternative manga since the early 1960's; that is, as a repository and rejuvenator for native popular culture within the context of mass modernity.