Auf der Suche nach Sharaku

by Katsuhiko Takahashi

Japans Kunstszene steht unter Schock: Wie es scheint, hat ein namhafter Kunsthistoriker Selbstmord begangen. Doch Tsuda, ein junger Kunststudent, zweifelt daran und macht wenig später eine Entdeckung, die eines der größten Rätsel der japanischen Kunstgeschichte zu lüften verspricht: die wahre Identität des bekannten Ukiyoe-Künstlers Sharaku. Dieser tauchte 1794 als Unbekannter auf und wurde binnen kurzer Zeit zum Star der Kunstwelt. In wenigen Jahren veröffentlichte er unzählige Drucke und verschwand dann ganz plötzlich unter mysteriösen Umständen. Tsuda glaubt nun zu wissen, warum, und das bringt ihn selbst in Gefahr … Ein japanischer Kunst-Krimi par excellence!

Genres: Japan, Mystery, Japanese Literature, Detective, Art, Mystery Thriller, Crime

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Nancy Oakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

like a 3.8 rounded up

I never do this, but I have to confess to buying this book because of the ukiyo-e art on the cover. It is called "Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edobei in the Play "Koinyōbō Somewake Tazuna," a fact I picked up by visiting the website of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. The artist's name is Tōshūsai Sharaku, and he produced this piece in 1794. As it just so happens, Sharaku plays a featured role in this book, although the story is set in modern times (well, at least in the 80s when it was written). The Case of the Sharaku Murders is a good book, although it's probably more appealing to people who have an interest in a) the history of Ukiyo-e or Japanese art in general, b) Japanese history, and c) murder mysteries anchored in the world of academia. Geeky me has a fascination with all three. Another thing I ought to mention before launching into this book: the dustjacket notes that it is "specially selected for the Japanese Literature Publishing Project, started in 2002 " to promote the awareness and popularization of modern Japanese literature to the world."

The Case of the Sharaku Murders begins on a dark and windy night with two men looking for someone along the cliffs on Japan's northeast coast near Tanohata. The man in question has a vacation cottage there, and a phone call made earlier in the day had led the two men to search for him. One of the searchers is the man's brother-in-law, Mizuno Keiji, who had filed a missing persons report when the search proved fruitless. A newspaper article four days later reveals that the missing man is Saga Atsushi, an award-winning calligrapher, chairman of the Tokyo Bibliophilic Society, scholar of ukiyo-e and a "central figure in the Ukiyo-e Connoissership Society," and that his body had been found floating in the ocean, picked up by a man on a squid fishing boat. The verdict is suicide. At Saga's funeral, two university friends, Ryohei and Yosuke, run into each other for the first time in over two years. Both had (at different times) been students at Musashino University, and both had studied under Professor Nishijima, who taught art history, who is a foremost authority on ukiyo-e, and an expert on the artist Sharaku. Ryohei became Nishijima's research assistant while Yosuke, who took a job in a trading company, had a falling out with another alum and Nishijima student Yoshimura Kentaro. Nishijima's powerful clout in the art world ensured that the students he favored would acquire great jobs in publishing, museums, and other forms of mass media. The action starts when Mizuno sells Ryohei a book from Saga's collection, a painting catalogue of Akita School paintings. Going through the preface, Ryohei discovers something interesting -- and teaming up with Yosuke and his sister Saeko, he begins a research project of his own that might possibly turn out to be the greatest find in the world of ukiyo-e. But, after people connected to Ryohei, Yosuke and their quest begin to die, a police inspector begins to wonder if the death of Saga was a suicide after all.

While there's so much more to this book, murder is at its heart, and there are a number of possible suspects to keep things interesting -- once the author leaves the history of ukiyo-e behind. I would estimate that about one third of the book is an exposition on the history of this art form, although since the story involves Ryohei's research, it seems justified here. On the other hand, he throws in so many names, places, and historical periods that I had to start keeping a list of who was who, where they were, yada yada. Once the writer gets back to the mystery, there is twist after twist, especially one really big one that I never saw coming, turning the story completely on its head. The point is that this is a book I had to take my time reading -- it got a little boggy with so much detail -- but the payoff was a good, solid whodunit. Along with the history of ukiyo-e and a smattering of Japanese history, it also explores the "dog-eat-dog world" of academia and the professional rivalries that exist within the art world.

The Case of the Sharaku Murders is only the first of a trio called the "Ukiyo-e Murder Trilogy," but the other two have not yet been translated. Although I would definitely read another book by this author based on this one, it's not a book for people who want a quick, slam-bam mystery so while I recommend it, it's definitely not for everyone. If you are into Japanese fiction, or Japanese art history, it might be right up your alley, but it's so specialized and detailed that I can understand people being less than awed. However, as I noted earlier, sticking with it brings a very nice and twisty payoff.

[Jeridel Banks · Rating 3 out of 5]

When it comes to ukiyo-e, or woodblock prints, learners tread lightly--it's not an easy part of Japanese art history as it's extensive and sometimes mysterious. The Case of the Sharaku Murders delves into the ukiyo-e world with gusto--and copious amounts of historical naming and event plastering. For readers who have never studied Japanese art history or taken ukiyo-e classes, this book will sit on bookshelves until someone who has plucks it from its dusty stores. For those who know a little bit of ukiyo-e, this book recaps then dives headfirst into Japanese art history without regard for the reader's desires. The murders, which promises a more noir spell to the Japanese background, are almost non-existent in 50% of the book. The dialogue is a transparent ploy to look at the reader and say, "Here's how this works," grasped hands included. For ukiyo-e and Edogawa Rampo enthusiasts, this book is perfect for them. For the noir and crime lovers without a specific ukiyo-e background, this book should stay on the shelves.

[Japan Connect (Fabienne) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ein Kunst-Krimi aus der Japan-Reihe des Be.Bra Verlags.

Der wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter Tsuda entdeckt in einem alten Bildband aus ein Gemälde, das mit Sharaku signiert ist. Ihm bleibt der Atem weg: ist das der Ukiyo-Maler der Edo-Zeit und kann es sein, dass sich hinter dem Pseudonym … verbirgt?

Eine Forschungssuche beginnt, die Tsuda nicht nur in den Nordosten Japans und die Vergangenheit sondern auch auf die Spur eines perfiden Verbrechens führt.

Mehr zum Buch im Lesemonat Oktober (YouTube)

https://youtu.be/4l7e02JA8hc

[E. Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Japanese mysteries are a bit of a hit or miss thing for me. There's probably entire sub-genres tuned for different tastes, just as in the US mysteries; unfortunately we only get a small sample translated.

This one was a definite hit. The author's wry sense of humor regarding art academics comes through nicely, the investigation was nicely resolved and had a neat twist at the end, the characters were pretty well drawn and believable.

This guy is going on my waiting the translation list along with Natsuhiko Kyogoku.

[flum · Rating 2 out of 5]

for ukiyo-e academics and those with a grasp of japanese geography

i gave this a real effort, i even started over once about half way through when i really aught to have given up entirely.

the author clearly did his research: details about art dealings, fraudulent practices, the cut-throat nature of academia, theoretical factions.... just at the end of the day the book had no character. when deaths occur they just simply happen and we're back to analyzing things you have no attachment to.

the entire middle section was just lost on me. it's densely populated with references to political and artistic figures that are briefly given context and become the basis of a historical puzzle road trip. i could have done without the detailing of all the extraneous theories in favor of a tighter delivery.

and when they finally get back to trying to solve the murder case, the solution ends up being highly circumstantial... at which point i had stopped caring anyway.

[Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is largely about the mystery of who is Sharaku? like at least 50% of the book is really about that. it's an interesting framing device because it kind of obscures or eclipses the second mystery, which is a more traditional question of suicide or murder.

I'm not very knowledgeable about ukiyo-e, so the academic sections were a bit dense (but not overwhelmingly so, and I enjoy learning). I looked just now and there was a Sharaku whose identity remains a mystery. I'm curious whether this was written to put forth a reasonable theory (I absolutely do not know anything and therefore can't even begin to speculate) or if it was just written about something that is culturally a compelling mystery. basically, was this written for a super niche audience to appreciate the academic's attention to detail and as a sort of back-door entry to put scholarship out in the world, OR is this something that the average person would be like oh Sharaku how interesting.

it was an interesting read but did a few things I don't appreciate in mysteries, e.g. hiding information so the reader can't figure it out alongside the characters and revealing things through an explanatory monologue. in that sense, this appears to have been more a vessel for theorizing than crafting a tightly woven mystery narrative. still, the framing device (or at least that's how I'm conceptualizing it) was interesting and I did learn some things. it was astonishing to think that people could forge things with such impunity in the art world, and I wondered if some of the techniques in this story are really used.

one minor note, I read this digitally and it had several typos (like using the wrong tense for a verb) and there was no formatting to indicate a change of scene so sometimes it took some time to catch up to what was going on.

[Mehedi Sarwar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel won Edogawa Rampo award for best Japanese mystery. And this story is related to Japanese art. These two reasons are enough to pick my attention.

A Japanese art scholar mysteriously found dead and floating in the sea. Before his death, he tried to send a book to a antic bookshop owner which was the first clue. But it is still no conclusive enough to declare the death as murder or suicide. Two art research assistant of a famous art professor started to investigate the book. I eventually, the investigation lead to some painting of a mysterious artist from the late eighteenth century named Sharaku whose real identity is still unknown. And when they get closer to revealing the identity of Sharaku , more mysterious death started to follow.

The mystery aspect of the story is very good but the story is written extremely densely for my taste. Specially, for an English readers, all the Japanese names started sounded similar . And so many characters were introduced during the Sharaku research that it’s very difficult to keep track of the characters , their timeline and motivation.

[Paul Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of the attraction of reading Japanese detective mysteries, of course, is the unique Japanese atmosphere they contain. With The Case of the Sharaku Murders, I may have encountered the most "Japanseist" atmosphere ever. Not only do you get a clever murder mystery, but you're taken on an educational journey through Japanese art history and political history during the late Edo era. I became enmeshed in the story. So much so, I stopped a couple of chapters into it and read up on the art movements and central figures being referred to. It also helps to read this with a Kindle that allows you to look up these names, places, movements, and political influences as you come across them in the text.

The novel is complex. It is certainly going to make more than a few readers toss it. But give it a chance. Study the scores of people. Enjoy the historical background. It all pays off for the final 30 percent of the book, which I simply could not put down. Ukiyo-e, the particular genre of Japanese art around which the story takes place, becomes live and real. The world of scheming academics devoted to it also seems authentic.

[Jami Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would be great for art history buffs who like a good mystery. Although the title says "Murders" the deaths (of art historians) recede into the backdrop (at least at first) of the larger mystery: that of the true identity of a late 18th century Japanese ukiyo-e artist, Sharaku. (Similar to our Shakespeare, in that there are several competing theories as to who this person "really" was.) Could almost be called "cozy" in that there is very blood or gore, but much more academic than what we think of as a cozy mystery. So many pages dedicated to figuring out connections of 18th century warlords and artists to see if the theories of Sharaku's identity hold water. Much more Sherlock Holmes-esque than today's mystery/suspense/thriller-- more of an intellectual mystery.

[Anni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ A Japanese murder mystery with art history, academic research and intrigues, and somewhat uneven pacing that picked up by the end. I liked the characters, and the story had some interesting twists. The research part of the story was nice but a little slow and often confusing (especially for someone with little knowledge of Japanese art and history) as there were so many names and historical facts to keep track of. When the focus shifted more to the murder mystery, the story really hooked me. A nice "classical" whodunit.

[Liam Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reads like a textbook at times. Interesting enough although it feels as though the character’s work was ultimately irrelevant given the ending.

[David Magill · Rating 3 out of 5]

It takes far too long and with too much artistic exposition to get to the mystery, and the scholarly mystery is too erudite. But once it got to the mystery I enjoyed the unraveling.

[Norbert Preining · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently, in the Japan Times I am getting to my door every day, I found a book review that stirred my interest: Katsuhiko Takahashi (高橋克彦) - The Case of the Sharaku Murders (写楽殺人事件), for which the author won the Edogawa Rampo Award (江戸川乱歩賞). Written by a former Ukiyo-e researcher turned to writer, the book tells the story of a great research discovery with some bumps, including suicide and murder. A funny, practically always very entertaining book that not only functions as thriller, but also explains lots of details on the history of ukiyo-e. The only critic I could utter is that at times the historic exposition on ukiyo-e are getting a bit long for the non-initiated. But this is probably also due to the many Japanese names appearing. All in all, a surprisingly interesting and funny book. (Side node for ebook reader: both version, the Japanese and the English one are available from Amazon and probably some other places)

[Sae-chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detective Onodera was not the only one to learn about ukiyo-e from this case :-)
Too bad there were so many typos, it started to get annoying.

[Jack Heath]

Synopsis: Japan's connoisseur of woodblock prints drowns and research assistant Ryohei wonders if there is more to it.