Hiroshima Boy

Mas Arai #7

by Naomi Hirahara

LA gardener Mas Arai returns to Hiroshima to bring his best friend’s ashes to a relative on the tiny offshore island of Ino, only to become embroiled in the mysterious death of a teenage boy who was about the same age Mas was when he survived the atomic bomb in 1945. The boy’s death affects the elderly, often-curmudgeonly, always-reluctant sleuth, who cannot return home to Los Angeles until he finds a way to see justice served.

Genres: Mystery, Japan, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Travel, Asian Literature, Crime

215 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2018

About the author

Naomi Hirahara is the USA Today-bestselling and award-winning author of multiple mystery series, noir short stories, nonfiction history books and one middle-grade novel. Her Edgar Award-winning Mas Arai series features a Los Angeles gardener and Hiroshima survivor. Her first historical mystery, CLARK AND DIVISION, which follows a Japanese American family from Manzanar to Chicago in 1944, won a Mary Higgins Clark Award in 2022. Her two other series star a young mixed race female LAPD bicycle cop, Ellie Rush, and a Filipina-Japanese American woman in Kaua'i, Lellani Santiago. She also has written a middle-grade book, 1001 CRANES. In 2025, the history book she co-wrote with Geraldine Knatz, TERMINAL ISLAND: LOST COMMUNITIES ON AMERICA'S EDGE, won a California Book Award gold medal. She, her husband and their rat terrier live happily in her birthplace of Pasadena, California.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Patrick Sherriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. My proper review is here: http://patricksherriff.com/2019/06/29...

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billed as the last of the series, in this book the protagonist and retired gardener Mas Arai goes back to Hiroshima, at the age of 86. Lucky man, still spry enough to get about on his own and in better shape than his suitcase with a wonky wheel. His errand is to deliver the ashes of his old friend Haruo to the family. Mas hasn't been back to Japan for at least 50 years, and the last time he lived there was as a teenager. (If you haven't followed the series, he was born in the USA, educated in Japan, and is a survivor of the A-bomb in 1945. He moved back to the US immediately post-war. He has dwindling family ties to Hiroshima.)

Naturally there some mishaps along the way, which include the discovery of a dead body in the water, and Mas feels compelled to investigate. The book has all the elements that I love about Mas—he's an unlikely detective, a bit crotchety but with a big heart, and he ruminates a lot while speaking little. If he were in my family, he'd certainly be my favorite uncle. I loved the way everything unfolded in this story, bringing together a lot of Mas's life threads that have run through the series. It's not a very long novel, and the action unfolds over only a few days.

The writing and editing are excellent throughout. I spotted zero typos. I paid full retail price for the e-book.

[Alexia Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proves mysteries don't have to be loud and bloody and chaotic in order to be thrilling.

[Ronald Barak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given to me by a new friend, HIROSHIMA BOY is what one might refer to as a "gentle mystery," as much about Japanese, if not human, tradition and culture as about the mystery itself. It tugs at the emotional heartstrings of the reader. One can only imagine the mixed feelings of the author in penning this final in the Mas Arai series. Well done. An enjoyable and worthy read.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters’ comments and culture all reminded me, in a good way, of growing up around my relatives and friends that spoke, acted, and felt like Mas Arai and the people around Hiroshima and Ino Island. This was a good, easy mystery and an enjoyable, quick read. Giving it tween a 3.5 and 4.

[Willy Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1994’s Summer of the Big Bachi, Hirahara introduced an unusual amateur sleuth, an elderly Japanese American gardener and survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Mas Arai’s first case involved secrets connected to that terrible August day in 1945, and now in the seventh and final mystery (after Sayonara Slam), he must return to a city that still holds painful memories for him. The octogenarian had come home only once before—to find a bride 50 years ago—but now Mas is delivering the ashes of his best friend Haruo (and fellow survivor) to Haruo’s sister, who lives in a nursing home on a small island near Hiroshima. On the ferry to the island Mas notices a teenage boy sitting alone; the next morning he discovers that boy’s body floating near a jetty. Was his death an accidental drowning, suicide, or something else? As Mas is reluctantly pulled into the investigation, he must also deal with the theft of his friend’s ashes. In the process, Mas revaluates his life and his family. “This trip to Hiroshima had changed the course of his life, or what was left of it.” VERDICT Hirahara completes her Edgar Award­–winning series with a quiet and melancholy mystery that explores the tragic legacy of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Not surprisingly, she dedicates this novel to the hibakusha, the survivors. (LJ 2/1/18)

[Samuel K. Yano · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a story about a Japanese man that had found his identity in America, only to be reminded of this when he returned to Japan, this book spoke to me. The main character was shades of my grandfather and my parents and as a Japanese-American, the Japanglish was spot on and a pleasure to follow as if I were a part of an exclusive group that was intimate with a cultural code not completely Japanese or American. But the mystery in Hiroshima did not offer me the same personal experience and while the motives of the murder had some cultural relevance I didn't quite feel it struck a nerve and more importantly I didn't feel much of any suspense or even surprise when it all unraveled. I didn't feel much for the characters and while I get that part of the charm of the series is in its pedestrian footing, both the plotting and characters felt a little too inconsequential or uninspired. But there's something in the ending of this book that was quite beautiful and I'll probably reread that section to connect even further with it. I think I'll give SNAKESKIN SHAMISEN a go - I failed to mention that this was my 1st Mas Arai read in the series, so I am not all that invested in the character... yet.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always this is top notch writing. A very interesting mystery set in Japan as Mas returns the ashes of his good buddy to their childhood stomping grounds.

His trip is strictly in service to Harou's wife Spoon, who has agreed to split the ashes of her dead husband with her husband's sister who is dying in an old folks home on Ino Island.

He witnesses the antics of some boy teenagers on the ferry and later discovers the body of one of them floating in the water. He extends his stay and quietly investigates.

There are a lot of disturbing descriptions of the area post A Bomb. Naomi does not pull any punches, nor does she point blame. A very difficult fine line.

I usually share my books with my reading group, but I don't know if any of them will want to walk this path.

I won a copy of this paperback through the Goodreads Giveaway.

SideNote: I think that this is one of the worst covers I have ever seen. I NEVER would have picked up this book based on the cover. This did not affect my rating of the actual book.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read any of the other books in the Mas Arai series, but felt like I could easily step into this final installment. The beginning has a leisurely start, getting Mas situated in Hiroshima and on Ino Island. As the story progresses, you realize Hirahara has laid a number of threads, and as you read further those threads come together into a really nicely woven plot that features murder, character development, and history. It was interesting to see Mas in his hometown to which he had not returned for 50 years, and especially interesting for it to intersect with a Hiroshima bombing memorial that he felt conflicted about. And finally, to have the mystery of the dead boy tie into cultural norms and shame around the bombing.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I think that is fine. I wonder just who Hirahara is calling “Hiroshima Boy?” At first I thought it was Sora, but I think maybe it is Mas. Sometimes I could guess at the Japanese words, but other times, not. I think that caused me to miss some nuances.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the last book in the series by Naomi Hirahara. So long Mas Arai, you will be missed.

[Petra Willemse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another new to me mystery series, but one I will more of. It’s refreshing to have a new type of character described so well and be so entertaining and informative.

[John Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It turns out that this is the final book in a seven volume series. I will go back and start a the beginning to see what I missed.

The main character is an 86 year old survivor of the Atomic bombing of Hiroshima who has been living in California for most of his life after leaving Japan not long after the bombing. There is a crime and he solves it, of course, but that is incidental to the real story which is about his return, briefly, to Japan and his observations.

I happen to be interested in Japan and its culture so I found it interesting.

[Audiobook Accomplice (Gillian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful but not much of a mystery—
My Full Review

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is billed as the last of the Mas Arai series. Since retired Japanese-American gardener Mas is 86, that would be understandable, however regrettable. Mas has been asked to travel back to Hiroshima, where he experienced the bombing, to deliver his best friend's ashes to the friend's elderly sister, now in a nursing home on an island near the city. But the ashes are stolen from his room before he can deliver them. He finds the body of a young boy, considered a suicide by the police, but cannot stop his curiosity from pondering the strange death. He--with the help of a few others--does find the secrets behind the boy's death, but more importantly he learns more about himself and his relationship, long dormant, with his Japanese family. The series as a whole is immensely moving as Mas, who does not feel wholly comfortable in either of his worlds, gradually opens himself up to the feelings he's repressed virtually all his life.

[Jennifer Chow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this ending book in the Mas Arai series! I particularly liked how this novel took us back to Japan. As with any Hirahara book, there's a lot of historical and cultural detail, and I admired how facts were sprinkled in with the unfolding mystery.

It's not just an antiquated book, though, since there are modern references to how technology has influenced the Japanese, particularly the younger generations. I also admired how Hirahara wove in complex themes, like Mas's need to reflect on family ties, analyze his personal journey, and reconcile different parts of himself.

With every Mas Arai book, I've felt unable to guess the perpetrator. Kudos to Hirahara for keeping that tradition going.

A great finale for a unique character.

[John Yingling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mas Arai has certainly become one of my favorite fictional characters this reading year. He has a conscience, he's loyal to his friends, he's a loving husband, and he is pulled between being a Japanese-American and the country of Japan, where he was living when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Plus, he's a senior citizen, and how nice that a senior is the main character of a story. This book is a good, solid mystery, a fascinating look at Japan and its culture, and a wonderful character study. Now I want to read all of the Mas Arai series.

[Kathryn Provence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will be the last book in Naomi Hirahara's Mas Arai mystery series. After all, Mas is now 86 years old. He has married for love this time and settled into a long delayed happiness. Only one thing left. His old friend Haruo has died and his older sister would like his ashes brought to Hiroshima. This request lead Mas on an actual journey and a spiritual journey to his past. Ms Hirahara's writing beautifully ends a unique series about a unique man and a unique city (music swells) Los Angeles.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Hiroshima Boy, Naomi Hirahara has written a quietly captivating mystery about an elderly amateur sleuth in an unusual fish out of water situation. Mas, an elderly Japanese-American man from California, feels like and is treated as a foreigner in Japan, despite his childhood years spent in Hiroshima. This cultural conflict runs beneath the mystery of a local boy's death like a current. As the final book in the Mas Arai series, Hiroshima Boy touches on the poignant realities of old age and brings Mas full circle to a deeper appreciation of home.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very sad to reach the end of the series. But, I am glad that I got to meet Mas Arai/Arai Masuo and spend a little time with him.

No spoilers, but Hirahara does a wonderful job of tying threads together across the Pacific Ocean. She deals very sensitively with selective memory and misunderstandings/misinterpretations.

[Stephanie Tanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent mystery that is enhanced by details of the fates of the victims and the survivors of the Hiroshima nuclear bombing.
Mas Arai is tasked with returning to Hiroshima at the request of his deceased best friend’s sister. Mas as usual, unwittingly becomes involved in a murder mystery.
Naomi’s writing and character development are excellent.

[Marleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mas Arai goes back to.his hometown to bring back the remains of his friend. He sees a depressed looking young man on the boat to an island to bring the ashes to the family. The young man is found floating in the water, dead. Once more Mas has a mystery to solve.

[Virginia Walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mas has reluctantly left his home and wife in Altadena to bring his dear friend Haruo's ashes to his sister on a small island in Hiroshima. The visit brings with it memories Mas has tried to bury -- and also the discovery of the body of a young boy.

[Rdr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sad that this book will be the last I read of Mas Arai. Ms. Hirahara wrote these mysteries from the perspective of an outsider that was not as much in opposition to the authorities as he was aware of how irrelevant they are. Goodbye Mas.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy's death; a tutorial on Japanese culture; and the ramifications of the atomic bomb make this mystery a captivating read. I recommend this novel. I received it as part of the Goodreads Giveaway program.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will miss this flawed character.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last and best of the Mas Arai series. Naomi Hirahara did a fantastic job of bringing Mas' story full circle, ending his adventures where they began: in Hiroshima.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching finale to this series about Mas Arai. This one has Mas traveling back to Hiroshima. I will be looking forward to see what Hirahara writes about next.

[Julie Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mas Arai was worried that the customs officer at Kansai Airport would find his best friend, Haruo Mukai, inside his suitcase. Mas had wrapped him in an old plastic bag...."
This was the beginning of one of the most remarkable books I've ever read.
The author manages to mix wry humor, sad contemplation, one of my favorite characters in fiction, and one of the worst acts of violence ever committed by humans against humans, into a very pleasurable and uplifting mystery that surprised and satisfied.
True to form, I started this series with what will be the last one (a pity). Mas Arai, an 86- year old gardener who was raised in Japan and survived the bombing of Hiroshima, is a wry and gentle treasure. He's made a life in California as a gardener, raising a daughter with his deceased wife and now remarried in his eighties. He is bringing his best friend's ashes back to Hiroshima after he, and his friend, spent decades in America. As he boards a ferry to the island of Ino, to give the ashes to his friend's sister, he feels his long-forgotten home sink back into his bones. He reaches the care home of the sister, but wants to create a more dignified presentation of his friend than a bag encased in a sock in his suitcase. Waiting for the next day, he settles into a guest room at the home. The next day, up early, he spies something in the water; it is the body of a young boy that Mas had seen coming to the island on the ferry. He gets involved, despite himself, in solving the boys death. Along the way he spends time with the boy's parents, befriends a Filipino girl working as a nurse, suspects the director of a boys' home, and rescues a one-eyed cat and a delinquent boy. The author never lets us forget the history of Hiroshima: here's a memorial where 600 bodies were found in the 1970s, here's where Mas was standing when he miraculously survived, here was another memorial. She is able to weave the solemnity into a warm and compassionate story, and the history has a direct cause in the solution to the crime. Along the way, we see that perceptions of ourselves and others are sometimes very different than the way others see us.
Who killed the boy? And, who stole the bag of ashes from Mas's room?
I'm not sure if the author has this same tone with the earlier six Mas Arai Mysteries, but look forward to reading them. I really love this character. The author also has a series, Ellie Clark. These are set in California. She's also written a children's book about the 1000 Cranes, and about the internment camps of Japanese Americans during WWII. Recommend highly.