10 of the Best Japanese Crime Writers Today

Learn from the masters.

As I've written in a previous post (Reading Like a Writer, Writing Like a Reader: Mastering Rhetorical Effectiveness) becoming a better writer often involves becoming a better reader. Not everyone is trying to become a novelist, but we can still learn a thing or two about writing from some of the best creative writers from around the world.

British and Scandinavian crime/mystery fiction generally is about as foreign as the mass reader will encounter in America. However, I've read a lot of crime/mystery novels from around the world, and these are some of the best.

For those who are familiar with honkaku or shin-honkaku, you'll recognize the names on this list, but this list is for those uninitiated readers looking for a great new read from an amazing new locale. The authors on this list are still alive and writing today and ordered by age.

1. Sōji Shimada - The Tokyo Zodiac Murders

2. Natsuo Kirino - Out 

3. Arimasa Osawa - Shinjuku Shark

4. Hideo Yokoyama - Six Four

5. Keigo Higashino - The Devotion of Suspect X

6. Miyuki Miyabe - All She Was Worth 

7. Yukito Ayatsuji - The Decagon House Murders

8. Riku Onda - The Aosawa Murders

9. Kanae Minato - Penance 

10. Fuminori Nakamura - The Thief

1. Sōji Shimada - The Tokyo Zodiac Murders

Shimada is widely regarded as one of Japan's foremost mystery writers and a seminal figure in the support of honkaku and the development of shin-honkaku. His debut novel, The Tokyo Zodiac Murders (1981), is his most famous work, especially outside Japan, and is considered a masterpiece of the locked-room mystery. In The Tokyo Zodiac Murders, Shimada's writing is precise and meticulous with a complex cast of characters. Talk about nailing it the first time!

Detective, Kiyoshi Mitarai, is tasked with solving a case that has stumped police for 40 years, a gruesome and bizarre case that has come to be known as the "Tokyo Zodiac Murders." An eccentric artist named Heikichi Umezawa devised a plan to create the "perfect woman" by combining dismembered body parts from his daughters and nieces. Before he can complete his project, Umezawa is found dead in a locked room. However, his victims begin to die off as planned. As Mitarai delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit, jealousy, and madness that spans several generations. He must use his considerable deductive skills to unravel the mystery and find the killer before he strikes again. This masterpiece is a fascinating and intricate mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.

2. Natsuo Kirino - Out  

Natsuo Kirino is the pen name of Mariko Hashioka, born in Kanazawa, Japan, in 1951. She worked as a writer and an editor for several years before publishing her first novel in 1984. Kirino is known for her gritty, dark, and complex stories that often challenge traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Her characters are flawed and often deeply troubled, but they are also compelling and empathetic. It was her breakthrough novel, Out published in 1997, that brought her widespread acclaim and recognition.

Out is a gripping and unsettling thriller that tells the story of four women who work the night shift at a factory in Tokyo. When one of the women, Yayoi, kills her abusive husband, she turns to her co-workers, Masako, Yoshie, and Kuniko, for help in disposing of the body. As the women try to cover up the crime, they become embroiled in a dangerous and violent underworld of organized crime.

Out is an unflinching portrayal of the lives of working-class women in Japan. Kirino explores themes of poverty, abuse, sexism, and the struggle for survival in a male-dominated society. The novel is also notable for its portrayal of female friendships, which are often complicated and fraught with tension, but also strong and supportive. Out is a dark and intense read that will leave you questioning your own moral compass.

Since the publication of Out, Kirino has continued to write acclaimed novels, including Grotesque, Real World, and The Goddess Chronicle. Her works have been translated into several languages, and she has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Mystery Writers of Japan Award, the Tanizaki Prize, and the Shirley Jackson Award.

3. Arimasa Osawa - Shinjuku Shark

Arimasa Osawa, born in 1956, is a prominent Japanese author best known for his hardboiled crime fiction. With a keen sense of realism and an unflinching portrayal of Tokyo's criminal underworld, Osawa has earned a reputation as one of Japan's foremost crime novelists, garnering numerous literary awards for his works.

Osawa's distinctive style combines gripping action, rich character development, and intricate plots. His ability to capture the essence of the darker side of urban life has established him as a leading voice in contemporary Japanese literature. Osawa's Shinjuku Shark is a captivating blend of action-packed crime thriller and gritty noir, offering an authentic glimpse into Tokyo's seedy underbelly. Osawa's vivid descriptions and rich characterizations transport readers to the heart of the city, where danger lurks around every corner.

Shinjuku Shark, originally published in 1991, is the first novel in a popular series that follows the exploits of Detective Samejima, nicknamed "Shinjuku Shark" for his relentless pursuit of criminals and his refusal to conform to police bureaucracy. Set in the heart of Tokyo's bustling entertainment district, the story begins with a series of brutal murders that leave the city's law enforcement baffled. Samejima, a lone-wolf detective with a strong moral code, is assigned to the case and quickly becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious and ruthless killer. As the body count rises and the investigation deepens, Samejima uncovers a complex web of corruption, betrayal, and criminal intrigue. Shinjuku Shark is an adrenaline-fueled exploration of the darker side of human nature and the grim realities of life in the urban jungle.

If you're a fan of hardboiled crime fiction with a distinctly Japanese flavour, Shinjuku Shark is a must-read. Arimasa Osawa's masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters will keep you engrossed from start to finish, as you journey alongside Samejima through the shadowy streets of Tokyo's most notorious district.

4. Hideo Yokoyama - Six Four

Hideo Yokoyama is a prolific Japanese crime writer known for his intense and suspenseful novels. Yokoyama's works often delve into complex social issues and the psychological struggles of his characters. He began his career as a journalist, working for the newspaper Fukushima Minyu. His experiences covering crime and politics provided him with a wealth of material for his later works of fiction. Yokoyama's first novel, Seventeen, was published in 1993. He has subsequently written several critically acclaimed works of crime fiction.

Six Four was a massive bestseller in Japan and has since been translated into several languages, including English. The novel has been praised for its intricate plotting, vivid characters, and insightful commentary on Japanese society and law enforcement. Six Four is a gripping and multi-layered novel that centers on a police press department's struggle to handle a high-profile kidnapping case. The protagonist, Yoshinobu Mikami, is a police press officer who is grappling with the aftermath of a botched investigation and a strained relationship with his teenage daughter. As Mikami becomes more involved in the kidnapping case, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that threatens to bring down the entire police department.

Hideo Yokoyama is a master of the crime fiction genre, and Six Four is a thought-provoking and intense read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

5. Keigo Higashino - The Devotion of Suspect X

Born in Osaka, Japan, in 1958, Keigo Higashino is a Japanese crime writer known for his intricate plots and unconventional storytelling techniques. He worked as an engineer before turning to writing full-time. Higashino has written over 80 novels and short story collections, and his works have been translated into several languages. Higashino's first novel, Naoko, was published in 1985, but it wasn't until the publication of The Devotion of Suspect X in 2005 that he gained widespread recognition. He is known for his precise and nuanced writing and excellent ability to build suspense and tension throughout his novels.

The Devotion of Suspect X tells the story of a math teacher, Ishigami, who helps his neighbor, Yasuko, cover up the murder of her abusive ex-husband. When the police become involved, Ishigami uses his brilliant mind to create an airtight alibi for Yasuko. The investigation is led by Detective Kusanagi, who becomes increasingly frustrated as he struggles to piece together the evidence. Higashino delves deep into the minds of Ishigami, Yasuko, and Kusanagi, exploring their motives, desires, and vulnerabilities. The novel is also notable for its unconventional structure, which flips back and forth between the perspectives of the three main characters.

His 2011 novel, A Death in Tokyo, was recently published in English in 2022.

6. Miyuki Miyabe - All She Was Worth

Miyuki Miyabe is known for her complex and socially conscious novels. Miyabe's works often tackle issues such as corruption, inequality, and discrimination. Her writing is vivid and emotionally resonant, and she does an excellent job of portraying the complexities of her characters.

Born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1960, Miyuki Miyabe began her career as a science fiction writer but later turned her attention to crime fiction. Miyabe's first crime novel, Warera ga rinjin no hanzai (Our Neighbor's Crime), was published in 1989, and gone on to write several critically acclaimed works.

Miyabe's All She Was Worth, is one of her most well-known works, in which she examines the societal pressure to consume and accumulate wealth, and how this can lead to financial ruin and desperation. The novel is notable for its portrayal of the struggles of women in contemporary Japanese society, particularly the pressures and expectations placed on them by their families and partners. The novel was a bestseller in Japan, and it has since been translated into several languages, including English. It has been praised for its intricate plotting, compelling characters, and insightful commentary on Japanese society and culture.

Exploring the dark side of consumer culture, All She Was Worth is centered on a woman named Shoko Sekine, who goes missing shortly before her wedding. Shoko's fiancé, a young banker named Seiji, becomes increasingly desperate as he tries to find her. With the help of a sympathetic detective, Seiji uncovers a web of lies and deception that threatens to destroy everything he thought he knew about Shoko.

All She Was Worth is a gripping and socially conscious novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. If you're looking for a challenging and thought-provoking read, be sure to check out Miyuki Miyabe's All She Was Worth.

7. Yukito Ayatsuji - The Decagon House Murders

Yukito Ayatsuji, born in 1960, is the pen name of Naoyuki Uchida, a prolific Japanese mystery writer who has been enthralling readers with his complex, mind-bending puzzles, and unique storytelling style since the late 1980s.

Ayatsuji's work is primarily influenced by classic detective fiction, particularly the "Golden Age" mysteries of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and others. His writing, characterized by elaborate plots, logical deductions, and a flair for the dramatic, has earned him a dedicated following among fans of the genre.

The Decagon House Murders, originally published in 1987, is one of Ayatsuji's most famous works and a shining example of the honkaku (orthodox) mystery subgenre. The novel serves as a homage to Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, employing similar themes and plot devices while offering a fresh perspective on the genre.

Set on an isolated island off the coast of Japan, the story revolves around a group of seven members of a university mystery club who decide to spend their summer vacation at the peculiar Decagon House, designed by a recently deceased eccentric architect. They soon find themselves embroiled in a deadly game as one by one, they are gruesomely murdered.

If you're a fan of classic whodunits, The Decagon House Murders is a must-read. Ayatsuji masterfully blends the traditional elements of a locked-room mystery with a contemporary Japanese setting, resulting in a captivating tale that keeps you guessing until the very end.

8. Riku Onda - The Aosawa Murders

Riku Onda, born in 1964, is a contemporary Japanese author known for her evocative and character-driven stories. Although she started her literary career writing travel essays and short stories, Onda has found success in the realm of mystery fiction. Her distinctive style, which blends psychological insights with intricate plots, has garnered her numerous accolades and a dedicated following among fans of the genre.

The Aosawa Murders, originally published in 2005 and translated into English in 2020, is a multi-layered, non-linear mystery that centers around a chilling mass murder. Set in a coastal town in Japan, the story revolves around a horrific poisoning incident during the 1970s in which 17 people attending the Aosawa family's party die after consuming poisoned alcohol and soft drinks. The only survivor is the family's blind daughter, Hisako.

Years later, Makiko Saiga, a local resident who discovered the bodies, writes a bestselling book based on the case. As the novel unfolds, we learn about the tragic event and its aftermath through the perspectives of various characters, including witnesses, investigators, and those close to the Aosawas.

With no concrete evidence or motive, the case remains unsolved. However, suspicions continue to linger around Hisako. The Aosawa Murders is a story that examines the impact of this gruesome event on the community and the characters' lives, as well as the nature of truth and the limits of understanding.

The Aosawa Murders is a unique and thought-provoking mystery that takes a deep dive into the human psyche. Unlike traditional whodunits, the novel is less concerned with revealing the culprit and more focused on the lasting effects of trauma, the unreliability of memory, and the complexities of human relationships.

Riku Onda's writing is rich and atmospheric, enveloping the reader in a sense of unease that mirrors the unresolved nature of the crime. The novel's unconventional narrative structure, which weaves together multiple points of view and timelines, adds depth to the story and keeps the reader engaged throughout.

If you're looking for a mystery that transcends the boundaries of the genre and delves into the human condition, The Aosawa Murders is a must-read. This enigmatic tale will linger in your mind long after you've turned the final page.

9. Kanae Minato - Penance

Kanae Minato, born in 1973, is a Japanese author who has made a name for herself with her dark, character-driven psychological thrillers. Before she became a writer, Minato was a home economics teacher, but quickly gained international recognition with her debut novel, Confessions, which was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film.

Minato's works often delve into the darker side of human emotions, exploring themes such as guilt, revenge, and the consequences of past actions. Her intricate plots and compelling characters have earned her a reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary Japanese literature.

Kanae Minato's Penance is a haunting, suspenseful novel that delves into the complexities of guilt, atonement, and the long-lasting impact of trauma. Through the eyes of its flawed and relatable characters, the story explores how the consequences of a single event can reverberate through the years and shape the course of multiple lives. Minato's skillful storytelling keeps the reader engaged and guessing throughout, as she weaves together the individual narratives of the four women, slowly unveiling the dark secrets that bind them together.

Penance, originally published in 2009, is a chilling tale that begins with the brutal murder of a young girl, Emily, in a small Japanese town. The story follows the lives of Emily's four friends - Sae, Maki, Akiko, and Yuka - who were with her on the day of the murder but failed to prevent it. As the only witnesses, the girls are unable to provide any useful information to the police, and the case remains unsolved.

Emily's grieving mother, Asako, confronts the girls and demands that they either find her daughter's killer or atone for their failure in their own unique way. The novel then jumps forward in time, as we follow each of the girls, now grown women, as they grapple with the psychological burden of their shared past and the penance they must pay.

As the women's lives intertwine and unravel, the truth about Emily's murder and the events leading up to it are gradually revealed, culminating in a shocking and emotionally charged conclusion.

If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with a twist, Penance is a must-read. Minato's evocative prose and the expertly crafted plot will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you're drawn deeper into the chilling world she has created.

10. Fuminori Nakamura - The Thief

Fuminori Nakamura, born in 1977, is an acclaimed Japanese author known for his dark, atmospheric, and introspective literary noir. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human psyche, Nakamura delves into the complexities of morality, guilt, and the darker side of human nature in his works.

Since his debut, Nakamura has been the recipient of numerous prestigious literary awards, including the Akutagawa Prize and the David L. Goodis Award, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary Japanese literature.

Originally published in 2009 and translated into English in 2012, Fuminori Nakamura's The Thief follows a seasoned pickpocket, known only as Nishimura, who navigates the city streets with unmatched skill and precision, stealing from the rich and the unsuspecting.

The Thief is a mesmerizing blend of literary fiction and noir thriller, offering a unique perspective on the world of crime and the human psyche. Nakamura's evocative prose and rich characterizations draw readers into the shadowy world of Tokyo's underworld, while the novel's philosophical themes will have you pondering the nature of morality and the human condition. The Thief's protagonist, Nishimura, is a complex and enigmatic character, whose struggle to find meaning and redemption in his life of crime will resonate with readers long after they've finished the novel.

Nishimura's relatively stable existence is upended when he crosses paths with an old accomplice, Ishikawa, who involves him in a dangerous scheme to steal from a powerful crime boss. As Nishimura is drawn deeper into the world of crime, he forms a connection with a young boy who is also struggling to survive on the streets. With the stakes higher than ever, Nishimura is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and question the morality of his life choices. The Thief is a gripping exploration of the line between good and evil, as well as a meditation on the nature of fate and free will.

If you're a fan of literary thrillers with a dark, introspective edge, The Thief is a must-read. Fuminori Nakamura's masterful storytelling and thought-provoking themes will keep you engrossed from the first page to the last, as you journey alongside Nishimura through the murky depths of Tokyo's criminal underworld.