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Mr. Turtle
In a world of humans, what's a cyborg turtle to do?
It's a fair question in the bizarre, compelling story of Mr. Turtle. Yusaku Kitano's science fiction masterpiece, originally published under the eponymous title Kame-kun, renews the visionary integrity that won it the Nihon SF Taisho (Japan's equivalent of the Nebula) Award in 2001 as it finds its way into English at last. Kitano's protagonist is a hero in a half shell of an altogether different sort, a killing machine designed for combat who wants only to enjoy the simple pleasures of his daily life-working a blue collar job, going to the library, and typing on his laptop-even as he is haunted by vague memories of a war on Jupiter.
In order to determine his future, he must piece together his past, navigating an unsympathetic society toward revealing the novel's philosophical heartbeat. A character study of surreal wit, Mr. Turtle delivers action and insight, all the while crafting an homage to its chosen genre unlike any other.
It's a fair question in the bizarre, compelling story of Mr. Turtle. Yusaku Kitano's science fiction masterpiece, originally published under the eponymous title Kame-kun, renews the visionary integrity that won it the Nihon SF Taisho (Japan's equivalent of the Nebula) Award in 2001 as it finds its way into English at last. Kitano's protagonist is a hero in a half shell of an altogether different sort, a killing machine designed for combat who wants only to enjoy the simple pleasures of his daily life-working a blue collar job, going to the library, and typing on his laptop-even as he is haunted by vague memories of a war on Jupiter.
In order to determine his future, he must piece together his past, navigating an unsympathetic society toward revealing the novel's philosophical heartbeat. A character study of surreal wit, Mr. Turtle delivers action and insight, all the while crafting an homage to its chosen genre unlike any other.
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
3 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 5, 2021
surprising depth, odd charm, was sad to have finished reading it.
May 10, 2020
3.5/5
An odd read. It doesn't lack charm but lacks answers. It's a deceptively simple story about AI, a replican[t]turtle, a human-sized turtle-like being. Kame-Kun's memories were erased, although he does experience flashes of his past.
All told, it's short, quick to read, rather interesting, but it lacks something.
An odd read. It doesn't lack charm but lacks answers. It's a deceptively simple story about AI, a replican[t]turtle, a human-sized turtle-like being. Kame-Kun's memories were erased, although he does experience flashes of his past.
All told, it's short, quick to read, rather interesting, but it lacks something.
February 4, 2017
A wonderful read. 3.5 stars. This story is an English translation of a Japanese science fiction story.
The Mr. Turtle of the title is Kame-kun. He has just moved into a small studio apartment, is looking for work, and is a distinct minority. Wherever he goes people hold him in derision, there are whispers calling into question his very being. Who is Kame-kun? He is a bipedal, man-sized turtle, not a land turtle, but then maybe not a turtle at all. Is he a war veteran? Has he been to Jupiter? Even he doesn't really know who he is. Perhaps he has lived a full life, but memories of yesterday have faded and he faces each day one at a time. Is he recovering from some tragic event--post traumatic stress disorder?
At some point in the book I begin to wonder if I am a turtle.
Yes, yes, it is just a story, but even if the author refuses to allow Kame-kun's experiences to be a metaphor for something more concrete, does this mean there cannot be parallels to life as we know it?
One has to wonder, and this sense of wonder made the story more enjoyable.
There is humor in this story which reminded me of Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, except that this humor is directed toward the sensitivities of a Japanese reader, not a sarcastic British reader. Those familiar with Japanese culture and language will certainly be rewarded with several humorous episodes. There are a couple of segments that lose a little in translation. One day out in the park turns into a humorous discussion about nutria and otters. If your knowledge of protein food sources doesn't extend beyond the menu at Chipotle, chances are this segment, and other humorous digressions will come off as droll or confusing.
The author describes certain foods that Kame-kun likes to eat, and I find this a delightful aspect of the story, how Kame-kun perceives his food. "On his way home, Kame-kun bought some cabbage, fried calamari, and apples." Thus commences a quiet, lonely night at home after work. Despite the fantastic events of the day "Kame-kun continued to eat his cabbage, enjoying the sounds of his beak tearing into each fleshy leaf." Kame-kun enjoys good apples. Granted Kame-kun's tastes tend to favor Japanese food with a strong turtle bent, but each time he enjoys food the author is able to draw out depth in his characters. Does Kame-kun's enjoyment of his food indicate that he has reached a level of enlightenment that should not be possible for the type of turtle he is?
Kame-kun enjoys visits to the library. A reader who enjoys library visits will empathize with Kame-kun. "Every time he visited the library, Kame-kun would browse the New Books Shelf for anything of interest before going to the circulation desk." If, on your next visit to the library (or favorite bookstore) you see this book, put your strategic maneuvers to good use and take the time to enjoy this wonderful read in your quiet time after a day of battles at the office.
The Mr. Turtle of the title is Kame-kun. He has just moved into a small studio apartment, is looking for work, and is a distinct minority. Wherever he goes people hold him in derision, there are whispers calling into question his very being. Who is Kame-kun? He is a bipedal, man-sized turtle, not a land turtle, but then maybe not a turtle at all. Is he a war veteran? Has he been to Jupiter? Even he doesn't really know who he is. Perhaps he has lived a full life, but memories of yesterday have faded and he faces each day one at a time. Is he recovering from some tragic event--post traumatic stress disorder?
At some point in the book I begin to wonder if I am a turtle.
Don't go looking for deeper meaning when there might not be any. The point is that Kame-kun is Kame-kun, and nothing but Kame-kun.
Yes, yes, it is just a story, but even if the author refuses to allow Kame-kun's experiences to be a metaphor for something more concrete, does this mean there cannot be parallels to life as we know it?
"At the end of the day, it all comes down to Robo-Turtle versus Super Crayfish, and this is your battleground." Seeing as this combat was never-ending, Kame-kun wondered if the war, said to be over, wasn't ongoing after all.
One has to wonder, and this sense of wonder made the story more enjoyable.
Worker: Time to put those strategic maneuvers to good use.In the broadest sense this story could be a metaphor for modern life. Dear reader, your mileage may vary.
Haru: Strategic maneuvers? You sound like you're going into battle.
Worker: Think of it as combat in the broadest sense.
Haru: [you must like Combat...]
Worker: I am from the anime generation.
There is humor in this story which reminded me of Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, except that this humor is directed toward the sensitivities of a Japanese reader, not a sarcastic British reader. Those familiar with Japanese culture and language will certainly be rewarded with several humorous episodes. There are a couple of segments that lose a little in translation. One day out in the park turns into a humorous discussion about nutria and otters. If your knowledge of protein food sources doesn't extend beyond the menu at Chipotle, chances are this segment, and other humorous digressions will come off as droll or confusing.
The author describes certain foods that Kame-kun likes to eat, and I find this a delightful aspect of the story, how Kame-kun perceives his food. "On his way home, Kame-kun bought some cabbage, fried calamari, and apples." Thus commences a quiet, lonely night at home after work. Despite the fantastic events of the day "Kame-kun continued to eat his cabbage, enjoying the sounds of his beak tearing into each fleshy leaf." Kame-kun enjoys good apples. Granted Kame-kun's tastes tend to favor Japanese food with a strong turtle bent, but each time he enjoys food the author is able to draw out depth in his characters. Does Kame-kun's enjoyment of his food indicate that he has reached a level of enlightenment that should not be possible for the type of turtle he is?
Kame-kun enjoys visits to the library. A reader who enjoys library visits will empathize with Kame-kun. "Every time he visited the library, Kame-kun would browse the New Books Shelf for anything of interest before going to the circulation desk." If, on your next visit to the library (or favorite bookstore) you see this book, put your strategic maneuvers to good use and take the time to enjoy this wonderful read in your quiet time after a day of battles at the office.
February 9, 2022
This is the saddest book about I turtle I’ve read so far this year.
August 9, 2022
Kame-kun made me laugh out loud at certain parts, which some would agree is rare
I was delighted by the subtle and or off-beat humor
I really felt emotionally intrigued by Kame-kun. After all, it was implied his final days were approaching; he even acknowledged that the other turtles would enjoy his provisions post- hibernation, as opposed to himself. He yearned for companionship and I can't help but find it a compelling, well organized tale
I was delighted by the subtle and or off-beat humor
I really felt emotionally intrigued by Kame-kun. After all, it was implied his final days were approaching; he even acknowledged that the other turtles would enjoy his provisions post- hibernation, as opposed to himself. He yearned for companionship and I can't help but find it a compelling, well organized tale
December 29, 2025
This story reads as a slice of life story set in a Japan far in the future from the pov of a cyborg turtle named Kame-kun. There is something going on with a war on Jupiter and turtle shells being hard drives filled with information and memories but it ultimately takes a back seat to Kame-kun’s day to day life filled with work, taking walks and visiting his local library.
I originally read half of this book years ago Japanese literature class and only now got back to it. I’m glad I did.
I originally read half of this book years ago Japanese literature class and only now got back to it. I’m glad I did.
February 17, 2024
I loved this book but what was it ???
Another Japanese reading experience where you feel more like you are dreaming than reading. I have no idea if there was a deeper meaning other than the enchanting tale of Mr Turtle itself. I'm sure an explanation of a deeper meaning would only spoil it really.
If you want a break from your self and your life invest an hour or two with Mr Turtle
Another Japanese reading experience where you feel more like you are dreaming than reading. I have no idea if there was a deeper meaning other than the enchanting tale of Mr Turtle itself. I'm sure an explanation of a deeper meaning would only spoil it really.
If you want a break from your self and your life invest an hour or two with Mr Turtle
February 28, 2017
A combination of cultural specific satire and odd comedy that I suspect works much better for Japanese readers.
February 5, 2017
Dec. 19, 2016 Update: Interview with translator Tyran Grillo at http://selftaughtjapanese.com/2016/12...
[4.5] = GR's "Really Liked It"
Deceptively simple fable-like animal tale takes some mind-bending turns and leaves you wanting more.
Kame-kun aka Mr. Turtle is a cyborg anthropomorphic turtle who can only talk in grunts but has human-like hands and feet which allow him to type on a keyboard (and thus have a communication interface) and to walk upright. He spends a lot of time in the library and also eventually gets a job as a forklift operator. The job however seems to also entail battling some sort of monstrous crawfish that emerge from containers shipped via wormhole from Jupiter!
Yusaku Kitano makes the transition from a simple earthly life to a mind-bending interplanetary war in a very gradual way. Even in the end it wasn't at all clear to me what was a memory of the past, what was the present and what was a vision of the future but the Kame-kun character is more memorable and endearing than dozens of standard stereotypical heroes and protagonists whether fantasy, sci-fi or any fiction. As said by the translator Tyran Grillo in his excellent introduction: "This turtle has your back."
Stray Observation:
Yusaku Kitano isn't done with his turtleverse and has already issued a related book カメリ (Kamélie aka Ms. Turtle). Hopefully a translation will be made available.
[4.5] = GR's "Really Liked It"
Deceptively simple fable-like animal tale takes some mind-bending turns and leaves you wanting more.
Kame-kun aka Mr. Turtle is a cyborg anthropomorphic turtle who can only talk in grunts but has human-like hands and feet which allow him to type on a keyboard (and thus have a communication interface) and to walk upright. He spends a lot of time in the library and also eventually gets a job as a forklift operator. The job however seems to also entail battling some sort of monstrous crawfish that emerge from containers shipped via wormhole from Jupiter!
Yusaku Kitano makes the transition from a simple earthly life to a mind-bending interplanetary war in a very gradual way. Even in the end it wasn't at all clear to me what was a memory of the past, what was the present and what was a vision of the future but the Kame-kun character is more memorable and endearing than dozens of standard stereotypical heroes and protagonists whether fantasy, sci-fi or any fiction. As said by the translator Tyran Grillo in his excellent introduction: "This turtle has your back."
Stray Observation:
Yusaku Kitano isn't done with his turtleverse and has already issued a related book カメリ (Kamélie aka Ms. Turtle). Hopefully a translation will be made available.
October 23, 2024
A book whose protagonist is android Turtle doesn't seem to be an ideal character for a very philosophical and humours novella, but it does on all accounts. An interesting take on the science fiction genre that references both the works Philip K. Dick in name and nature as well The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. An interesting read, to say the least
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews