The Samurai Detectives

The Samurai Detectives #1

by Shōtarō Ikenami, Yui Kajita (Translator)

Shogun meets Sherlock Holmes! Over 24 million copies have been sold of this beloved samurai adventure.

It has been half a year since Akiyama Daijiro became a samurai; half a year since he left his father Kohei – once the most skilled swordsman in the land – to set up his own blade school by the cool of the river. Ever since, amid the swaying bamboo groves, he waits patiently for his first disciple.

But his serenity is soon disrupted by the visit of a mysterious samurai with an unhonourable in exchange for a vast sum of gold, he must attack and injure the daughter of the Shogun’s most senior counsellor. Troubled by the proposal, Daijiro, alongside his father and Mifuyu, a female warrior without match, soon set out into the underworld of Edo-era Japan to uncover the conspiracy, before quickly finding themselves embroiled in a series of increasingly perilous adventures . . .

Widely considered to be the greatest work by Shōtarō Ikenami, the master of Japanese historical fiction, The Samurai Detectives is a twisting, page-turning portrayal of one of the most intriguing, evocative periods in the history of Japan.

Genres: Japan, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Crime, Mystery, Japanese Literature, Translated Fiction

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

See 池波 正太郎.

Reviews

[Alwynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Japan in the 1770s, initially published in the 1970s, this is the first in Shōtarō Ikenami’s hugely successful series. It originally appeared in serial form and was later adapted for TV and as manga. An interesting mix of episodic and character-led, it features a father-and-son duo who team up with numerous allies to solve mysteries and derail potential crimes. Daijiro is a highly-talented swordsman just like his father the retired samurai Kohei - who’s partly inspired by one of Ikenami’s favourite Kabuki actors. They’re followers of the Zen-like Mugai-ryū school. Despite his growing reputation as an excellent fighter, Daijiro’s newly-opened, rural dojo isn’t attracting students. Since this is a period of relative peace other suitable work’s scarce. This leads to Daijiro being singled out for a lucrative, clandestine assignment that involves disabling another swordfighter, something which violates Daijiro’s rigid code of honour. Daijiro turns to his father for advice. Living close to what’s now Tokyo, Kohei’s embroiled in a relationship with his much, much younger maidservant but otherwise finding retirement less relaxing than anticipated. So, he agrees to help Daijiro look into the curious task on offer. Their investigation brings them into contact with up-and-coming swordswoman Mifuyu. Loosely based on real-life Sasaka Rui, the androgynous Mifuyu’s the highly-skilled daughter of a powerful local figure’s former concubine. Their meeting sets the scene for a series of solo and combined adventures.

I wasn’t sure about this at first, the opening chapter’s dry and rather dense introducing a bewildering array of characters and background information. However, after I worked out who was who and what was what, I became increasingly gripped. Ikenami blends lyrical descriptive passages and arresting nature imagery with the more matter-of-fact – I can see why his work’s drawn comparisons with Sherlock Holmes. I really enjoyed the historical aspects and the exploration of samurai codes and culture: from the acceptability of queer relationships to expressive bonds of loyalty. And I was impressed by Ikenami’s examination of issues around mortality, nostalgia and generational divides. I was less keen on his portrayal of Kohei as irresistible to women including Mifuyu who has a crush on him - apparently this aspect is less marked in later books. Otherwise, I’m really looking forward to the next instalment. Translated by Yuj Kajita.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Penguin for an ARC

[Bear Mcbearington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell yeah, this book fuckin rips. I unironically believe it's older books like this that will solve the male reading crisis. We've gone too far into thinking world building makes a book better, they're too big. But a book small enough to fit in your pocket with a new mystery every 30-40 pages, with a cast of endearing characters? Fuck yeah that's the good stuff. I also think that one of the best things about this book is the characters aren't morons in order to advance the plot, which is such a common crutch in contemporary fiction. (Especially genre fiction which has for the most part just become an extension of YA).

If you're after an easy read, don't pick up some "cosy fiction" or some romance with the writing of a middle grade fiction but with sex, grab yourself a book with some god damn sword fights, political intrigue, murder plots and a great cast of characters.

[Filipa Manuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

No início foi complicado seguir com tantos nomes estrangeiros mas depois até se tornou uma leitura fácil. Foi giro mas gostava que tivesse mais enigma e uma história mais completa em vez de pequenas histórias.
3.5

[4cats · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic from Japan, set in the Edo period. A retired Samurai finds himself drawn into the affairs of the ruling class. He is joined by his son (a samurai) and a female Swords woman m in his adventures. Historically accurate and the translation is good.

[Mauireadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

I am trying to read more diverse and this was honestly something completely new for me! The Samurai Detectives is set in 1770's Japan, a period and country I am rather unfamiliar with. This book was originally published in the '70s and is now finally available in English. Apparently it's a real hit over there, so I am very curious to see how it will land in English, more 50 years later.

In this books, we follow Daijiro and his father Kohei, who are both samurai. When receiving an unhonourable request to injure the daughter of the Shogun’s most senior counsellor, both Daijiro and his father set out on a quest to go undercover into the world of conspiracies. We dive deeper into the Edo-era of Japan and learn a lot about samurai culture. I was unfamiliar with both so I cannot comment on the historical accuracy but I read that this book is supposed to be quite accurate.

The story reminds a little of Sherlock Holmes with all the mystery solving, undercover actions, and investigating. I really enjoyed this focus because it kept the story flowing and interesting. There were never any big plottwists but small revelations kept me engaged.

While there were a lot of terms that were, at first, unfamiliar, I did find this story to be quite an easy read. There are quite a lot of characters so I would suggest you take your time with this one. It's a small book (less than 300 pages) but offers a lot. Yes, there's a lot of difficult terms but you'll soon find yourself drawn to the characters, their lives and their journeys.

It is important to keep in mind that this book was, as mentioned before, written in the the 1970's and talks about the 1770's. I had some real issues with Kohei at times, but this is not a modern day book so you cannot expect a modern day approach to everything.

[hotsake (André Troesch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title had me believing that this would be a mystery novel but is really wasn’t. This was more of a historical period piece about the day to day life of a man and his adult son with a hint of intrigue.

[Mike Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rip roaring episodic Edo period crime/action novel. A very fun read with endearing characters. As a big Jidaigeki (Japanese period drama) fan, its great to see more examples of the kind of mass market serialized stories that provided much of the source material. It is suprising how little has been translated into english. Already looking forward to the next instalment.

[Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Samurai Detectives sounds like slightly mad mash up of genres, but this is, apparently, a Japanese classic story. Those looking for a gonzo mix of katana and magnifying glass might not have all their wishes fulfilled, but this set of adventures and problems, told in a measured style, with sword fights and dishonourable dealings to sort out has much to recommend it.

The samurai involved are not generally detectives in the classic sense, they find themselves connected to or involved in events that involve some danger to others or a mystery to look into. Out of a sense of duty or friendship or loyalty they try to sort them out.

One of the books best parts is its view of another culture and another time. It is set during Japan’s Edo period: a long period of peace and the role of the samurai has changed from that of knight and warrior to something more like gentleman. Parts are familiar, others not at all. Modern western readers may find our central character’s almost mystical abilities, as a master swordsman, reminder of how martial arts reflect not just fighting, but philosophy and spiritual enlightenment; we might be surprised by the reference to income at the introduction of each new character; a character whose desire to fight only arrives when he realises but that his opponent is far more deadly than he had thought in a duel likely to end with the loss of his life, shows an aspect of the samurai thought process we may not naturally share. Other readers may find our central character’s attractiveness to young women some 40 odd years his junior puzzling (and for some perhaps a little disturbing). It would be a shame to let that put you off, however. Modern readers might also be interested in the young woman who acts as a samurai too and whose life becomes entangled with the main character and his son.


The telling of the tale is easy to read. The author’s voice conversational. There is much to enjoy in its portrait of a very different world.

If the concept appeals, it’s worth having a read

Advance copy supplied in return for honest review.

[Robert Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shotaro Ikenami was a famous Japanese author of books and plays. First as a playwright in the 1950s and then a novelist from the mid-1950s. In the 1960 he started writing period stories, set in the Edo era, some with a crime element. The Samurai Detectives Volume 1 (translated by Yui Kajita) is a collection of his stories from the 1970s, also set in this era. In them Ikenami is as interested in the social manoeuvrings of the time as he is with any crimes or their investigation.
The central characters of these stories are a retired swordsman called Akiyama Kohei, his son Akiyama Diajiro and Mifuyu, the illegitimate daughter of a high ranking official, both of whom are also handy with the sword. The novel is a series of short stories recounting various problems that the trio need to solve.
There is a lot of period detail here, and it is sometimes easy to get put off by all of the names, familial relationships and allegiances. But once past this it is easy to be swept up in the lives of the main characters. The three characters and their circle of friends and helpers, are delightfully drawn, good at what they do but far from perfect.
The cover of the book compares this to Sherlock Holmes, which is a bit of stretch. For the most part, secret plans are uncovered by someone strategically placed to listen in to the bad guys having conversations or just following a suspect to see who they are working for. But despite its name, the detective work in these stories is not the main draw. It is the way in which the crimes, or planned crimes, shine a light on the culture of a particular point in Japanese history.
There is a fascinating and large back catalogue of Japanese crime fiction. Along with the works of Shotaro Ikenami, the long running golden age detective fiction of Seishi Yokomizo featuring his Sherlockian consulting detective Kosuke Kindaichi is also currently in the process of receiving new translations. It is a reminder of the power of this genre to transcend its origins and give readers an engaging glimpse of other times and places.

[David Garrity · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Engaging, easy to read and a great distraction from everything else going on in the world. The chapter like stories within the story made it easy to organise reading time.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful reading in the old style. Very enjoyable.

[Jarrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. The time period is so fascinating and it feels well researched and the mysteries and characters fit seamlessly into the historical backdrop. And it does all of this coming in with a huge 7 interlocking mysteries in a short page count. Fantastic.

[nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason the concept of reading about samurais never crossed my mind until I stumbled upon this book. And now I will not stop reading about samurais.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been six months since Akiyama Daijiro became a samurai, and left his father Kohe to establish a dojo of his own. He hopes to become as famous and skilled as his renowned father, but even though he is already an accomplished warrior in his own right, he must wait patiently for his first student. Daijiro's hopeful meditation is interrupted by a visit from a mysterious samurai who offers him a fortune to take on a mission to break the arms of an unknown target. He feels in his bones this is not an honourable task, so refuses, even though his funds are running very low.

Upon consulting his father for advice, they discover that the target would have been Mifuyu, a female warrior without match, who has vowed to only marry a man who can best her in combat. Subsequently, Kohe makes a point of helping her save herself from the disreputable attentions of the politically motivated suitor who aimed to tip the odds in his favour. This twist of fate brings Mifuyu, daughter of the Shogun’s most senior counsellor, together with Daijiro and Kohe, and embroils them in a series of adventures that take them deep into the corrupt heart of Edo-era Japan.

Volume one of The Samurai Detectives unfurls from the perspectives of a sprawling cast of characters, who immerse you beautifully in its sinuous meanderings, and bring alive time and place in Edo-era Japan - where bribery, corruption, and murky machinations have been allowed to fester beneath the veneer of an age of peace.

The going is slow, very much in keeping with a classic Japanese adventure, wreathed in cunning moves and counter-moves, punctuated with mysteries to be solved and bursts of samurai action - living up to its tag-line of Shogun meets Sherlock Holmes. Its episodic format gradually delves into the lives of its characters as they go about their adventures, with lashings of detail about what makes them tick in a time ruled by tradition and honour (on the surface at least).

The central characters do hold your attention, and gain your affections (Mifuyu was my favourite), nevertheless this is a book you need to give your full attention in order to appreciate every nuance of the translation from Yui Kajita. I promise your dedication will be amply rewarded by this fascinating glimpse of Japanese history.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Thanks to Penguin for the advanced proof of this title in return for an honest review.

Oh how I wanted to love this. I love translated fiction, especially Japanese, and I'd heard such brilliant things about this but it wasn't quite there for me.

I really struggled with it. I'm aware that it's not always easy to read a translated book, because the names are different to what you would normally read in a book written in your language, there are historical and contextual elements in the story you may not be familiar with, so it's not always plain sailing, but I struggled with this more than I thought.

It is very heavy on the history of the Japense Samurais, which is interesting in itself, but it was so heavy on the detail that I found myself switching off.

There are a lot of characters in this. And so I was getting lost and needed to keep a note on who was whom and how they related. There's also not a whole lot of description as to the setting or anything other than conversation and fight scenes, which is fine in small doses but I was itching for that sumptuous description that I've come to expect from Japanese fiction.

What I did enjoy is that it showed me a part of Japanese history that I knew nothing about. I enjoy learning things and I enjoy reading, so I love it when a novel can teach me new things. And clearly Shotaro was a very learned man and you could see his passion for storytelling.

I found it interesting and I was captivated enough to continue with it, but I struggle to pinpoint what it was actually about and what was going on. I liked how the stories interlinked with an overarching character and theme, that was good, albeit somewhat repetitive.

Overall I'd say it's an interesting idea, a completely unique (to me) premise, and gives some interesting contextual information, but the characters lacked depth, I found it very confusing. I'd have liked more detail outside of the Samurai side of it. A solid story but not one I'm going to rush to recommend.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Japan during the Edo period, specifically the late 1700s, which was a time of peace and the samurai are no longer warriors but the social elite, who became administrators and bureaucrats. Following three main characters, Akiyama Daijiro who runs a blade school, his father Akiyama Kohei, a skilled swordsman, and female warrior and daughter of the shogunate Sasaki, Tanuma Mifiyu. The opening chapter is quite slow with a lot of characters to take in and I did resort to pen and paper but keep going. It’s worth it.

Briefly, with his dojo less than successful Daijiro is offered a job but it is one that would break the samurai code of honour so he goes to discuss his situation with Kohei. Together they decide to look further into the proposal and this brings them into contact with Mifiyu. What follows are a number of episodic tales of epic adventures that put me in mind of Greek mythology.

I loved all the cultural and historical aspects of this book; and there are a lot of them. It’s a fascinating period in Japanese history and I enjoyed most of the characters although Kohei would definitely have qualified as a misogynist if he was around today! Unlike most Japanese translated fiction I’ve read this isn’t so descriptive about place, but is very detailed about samurai. I enjoyed the book, despite its complexity, not least because of, what to me are, unusual names. An entertaining read. 3.5⭐️

[Acantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful book.

Set in Japan in the 1770s, during the Shogunate, this follows Kohei and his son Akiyama Daijiro, with a number of recurring characters. Each 'chapter' is in reality its own mini story as the characters solve mysteries ranging from an attempted poisoning to a honour duel, although nothing is ever simple, with many layers just waiting to be unpeeled.

I can understand why this has been compared to Sherlock Holmes, the knowledge, wisdom and conclusions drawn by Kohei is something amazing.

Some of the descriptions are absolutely stunning, there was a boat ride in the first chapter or two which discussed the scenery and it was very invocative. The translator has done a great job breathing English life into this text, I can only imagine how hard a task it has to be to keep the feel of the story while still rendering it enjoyable to read in another language. It is easy to see why Shōtarō Ikenami is so highly regarded as an author.

This really digs into the mindset and honour code of a samurai, and some of the actions taken might seem strange to a Western viewpoint, because of our own upbringing. A lot of the names can take some getting used to, as quite often it will dip into the history of characters, with many being introduced in a short span of time, but it is worth the effort.

Very very enjoyable, I hope to read more of this series.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me knows I love my Asian literature, so when I got my hands on The Samurai Detectives, I was absolutely ecstatic.

Imagine Shogun meeting Sherlock Holmes and yes, it’s every bit as brilliant as that sounds!

The story follows Akiyama Daijiro, a newly minted samurai who’s set up his own sword school by a tranquil riverside. Half a year passes without a single disciple… until a mysterious samurai arrives with a shocking request: injure the daughter of the Shogun’s top counsellor in exchange for gold.

What unfolds from there is a tangle of honour, conspiracy, and moral dilemma with Daijiro, his father Kohei (a legendary swordsman), and the fierce warrior Mifuyu diving into Edo’s dangerous underworld to uncover a plot that runs deep through feudal Japan.

This book has everything I love! Rich historical detail, razor sharp dialogue, and that classic mystery tension where every sword strike feels like a clue. Ikenami captures Edo era Japan so vividly you can almost hear the rustle of bamboo and the clang of steel.

It’s both elegant and thrilling, full of heart, wit, and honour. A must read for fans of Japanese historical fiction, samurai epics, or anyone who loves a smart, twisty detective story set against a gorgeously rendered backdrop. Highly recommend!

[Pupak · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 A classic samurai mystery full of honour, secrets, and one seriously cool female warrior.

The Samurai Detectives is set in Edo-period Japan and follows father-and-son duo Kohei and Daijiro, a retired samurai and his newly independent son, as they get caught up in conspiracies, moral dilemmas, and underworld mysteries. Along the way, they team up with Mifuyu, a brave and brilliant female warrior who quickly became my favourite character.

Originally published in 1973, this is the first book in Shōtarō Ikenami’s famous series, now translated beautifully by Yuji Kajita. It’s written as seven interconnected cases, almost like short stories, and once you get used to the big cast of characters, it becomes really gripping.

I loved how it combines action and mystery with deeper themes, such as loyalty, honour, and the changing world of the samurai. It also explores gender, class, and moral codes in an interesting way. The translator’s note at the start is super helpful if you’re new to this period of Japanese history.

Mifuyu totally stood out to me. She’s strong, skilled, and full of personality. I’ll definitely be picking up the next instalment.

Huge thank you to Viking Books for the proof copy, and happy publication day to The Samurai Detectives.

[Dave Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a time capsule / Story gets better as it goes
Historical fiction / cultural-historical snapshot / NOT western style mystery

FYI, this book was originally published in 1973. It's set in the 1770s Japan so it's dated twice over. This translation is from 2025 so the language feels modern enough and there are no 70s-isms like "the fuzz" or "jive turkey". Still it is set in a feudal land with no civil law enforcement. Ideas and attitudes seem consistent with what Samurai fiction I've previously encountered.

Nobody in this book starts out as an official 'Detective'. Events conspire to pull people into mysteries very naturally.
That's a bit of a hurdle at first because nothing much happens for while as we get background and world building. After a few of these guys get a reputation as 'problem solvers' the pacing works itself out.
Currently there only seems to be one book translated out of the 16+ books, but that was published Oct 25 so I expect to see more of these soon.

[Spacey Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Samurai Detectives sounds like a video game when you read the back, set in Japan's Edo period we follow "detectives" not in the traditional sense, windling swords, solving crimes and following mysteries throughout the land. This classic Japanese series translated by Yui Kajita  is a tale of samurai (or detectives) who look into the mysteries and danger that surround others whilst binding together through friendship and love of their craft. 
The most fascinating element of the story is, as a white irish gal, stepping into another culture and time, learning a small portion about Japan's Edo period and how the place of samurai shifted in these times. It was also impressive to see a femal swordswoman/samurai incorporated into the story. 
It is a fun swashbuckling adventure that will transport you away for a short period of time. 
Thanks to Penguin for the advanced readers copy !

[Emma Grave · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC review*

The Samurai Detectives details a series of investigations carried out by retired samurai Kohei. It is episodic in nature, telling tales about threats of violence, duels, power plays, poison, deception, and murder.

Set in the Edo period of Japan, we follow Kohei, his samurai son Daijiro who recently opened his own dojo, and the female warrior Mifuyu. Readers are given a detailed and engaging insight into Japanese culture at that time.

The samurai are not official detectives, rather they find themselves drawn into mysteries connected to acquaintances and decide to figure them out. I found it to be a quick and enjoyable read, with impressive translation. I would love to read more in this series and find out what the characters get up to next.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is a short book, it is a long read. The beginning is heavy with detail and characters, but is really setting the scene for the mysteries to follow. Set in the late 1700s Japan, we meet Daijiro, a young Samurai who has started his own dojo, unfortunately also still waiting for his first pupil, his father Kohei and the Swordwoman Mifiyu. Even though Daijiro has no income he still refuses the offer of easy money, he is asked to break someone’s arms, his father investigates this and discovers the person to be attacked is Mifiyu.
Well written and a good read, even with all the characters to try and keep in mind.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that I picked up on impulse in a bookshop and do not regret it at all! The mystery (or mysteries, since this is a book with many little ones), the historical setting, the main characters (Kohei and his son, Daijiro), the major side characters (Mifuyu), and the way that samurai and the politics and shifting loyalties of the time were intermingled - I loved all of it. It was a very slow-paced book, I couldn't sit down and finish it quickly and I was glad for it.

I would have loved to have seen more major female characters who didn't fancy Kohei but considering what I was expecting, the female characters we did get were a delight. Definitely going to continue the series!

[Isla]

'The Samurai Detectives' is a mystery novel following a struggling samurai who is given the tempting offer of causing harm to a person in exchange for money. The novel unravels who and why this proposal is made. I did not finish this book in it's entirety because it is an extremely dense and has so many characters that dip in and out of the narrative that I found myself getting very lost or bored by the almost list-like descriptions.

I would recommend thsi book if you like Japanese history.

Thank you to #netgalley for this ARC

[Beth Younge · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so wanted to love this book but it just didn't work for me. The writing didn't hold me and i really struggled to power through this. The characters felt a little flat and i thought that some of the side characters needed fleshing out a bit more. There were moments where this book had promise but it failed to deliver on them.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

[Ollie Eglington · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I found this book a bit challenging to begin with. There are many characters introduced in quick succession, and the book goes into quite a lot of detail on 18th century Japanese history, something I know very little about, so it was a bit bewildering at first. Once I’d settled into the rhythm of this book it was really engrossing. The characters were memorable, and Kohei’s dilemma (no spoilers) towards the end of the book was a highlight for me.

[Erin Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book fucking slaps. a book small enough to fit in your smallest handbag with a new mystery every 30-40 pages? FUCK yeah that's good shit.

if you're after a quick easy read, don't pick up some bollocks with the writing of a 14 year old - grab a book with some motherfucking sword fights, political standings and solicitation to murder

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this but did struggle with it. There's a lot of characters, fight scenes and dialogue but it's hard to get the context and follow it as an English reader and keep track of how it all links together.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the free review copy

[Farouk · Rating 5 out of 5]

great if you like the genre