Japanese crime mystery novels have long been a niche genre in English-speaking countries, but in recent years, they have been gaining popularity in Britain. Leading the charge is mystery writer Kotaro Isaka, whose works have been making waves in the literary world. Isaka’s novel Ax, also known as The Mantis in English, was nominated for the prestigious Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award in May 2024. This award recognizes outstanding mysteries, including espionage and adventure fiction, and Isaka’s nomination is a testament to the growing recognition of Japanese crime novels in the UK.
Four out of the six finalists in the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger category this year were US authors, highlighting the significance of Isaka’s nomination. Despite not winning the award, Isaka’s presence in such a competitive field is a significant achievement for Japanese crime fiction. British publisher Pushkin Press, known for its publication of Japanese mystery novels by authors like Seishi Yokomizo, also won the CWA Daggers award in the publisher category, further solidifying the presence of Japanese crime novels in the UK.
While Japanese authors have yet to win a CWA Dagger award, Isaka’s nominations for his novels Ax and Maria Beetle (Bullet Train) have brought him closer to this prestigious accolade. Bullet Train, which was adapted into a film starring Brad Pitt, showcases Isaka’s talent for crafting gripping and suspenseful narratives. The Tattoo Murder by Akimitsu Takagi is another legendary Japanese whodunit that has captivated readers with its intricate plot and clever twists.
Book reviewer Matsukoi Sugie praised Isaka’s work for its humanism and vivid foreshadowing, noting that The Mantis resonates well with British audiences. Isaka himself expressed his gratitude for being shortlisted for the award, emphasizing the significance of the recognition from a foreign literary community. In a time when global content consumption is on the rise, foreign titles in the mystery genre are finding a more receptive audience, paving the way for Japanese crime novels to gain wider recognition.
Last year’s Dagger awards saw unexpected Japanese nominees in the Crime Fiction in Translation category, including Kaoru Takamura’s Lady Joker and The Tattoo Murder by Akimitsu Takagi. Lady Joker, inspired by a real-life corporate extortion case in Japan, offers a dark portrayal of post-war society, while The Tattoo Murder is a classic locked-room mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Pushkin Press’s commissioning editor Daniel Seton believes that the interest in Japanese mysteries in Britain will continue to grow, citing Japan’s rich crime-writing culture as a source of untapped potential for British readers. As more Japanese crime novels make their way into the English-speaking market, readers can look forward to discovering the diverse and captivating world of Japanese mystery fiction.