The Book Report Episode #18

Episode #17

Tokyo Express By Seicho Matsumoto

The Book

This book was initially published in 1958 by Kobunsha Co Ltd. But then later translated by Jesse Kirkwood in 2022 and published by Penguin Modern Classics.

This is a crime thriller story. Generally not the usual books I read, but I have a soft spot for Japanese culture. So, finding this book was a bonus.

A film was made named Ten and Sen. This translates to Point and Line. Also in 1958. Would you like to see the subbed version of the film? Then click here.

What Did I Think

The story is about a couple. Found dead on a rock at the beach. A lover’s suicide. But is it?

The very first indication I knew it wasn’t was something so simple. Why were Toki’s shoes clean? She had been walking on the sand and concrete to get to the rock to commit suicide. Why were they clean? And if she did change them, where were the original pair?

I did make a mistake when first reading this novel: Why weren’t they using CCTV to help with the investigation? I didn’t look at the date of when it was first published. But as I continued to think that way. This story would never work today in this present society. The premise of this book is stuck in the need to be able to hide in plain sight. And also being able to move about as efficiently and less seen as possible. This would only work as a period piece.

There is no shock or awe I found in this story. But the time and effort the author took to weave this intricate labyrinth of movement to design a “perfect” murder. That must have mentally draining.

Hitchcock or Columbo

I have read some reviews comparing this story with a Hitchcock style. But I suppose the best way I would describe it is something close to an original Columbo story. But set in Japan. If you already know how the general storyline of the TV series is laid out. You know who did it. It’s Columbo’s job to work how they did it. But this story is more detailed than the Peter Falks’ TV show. I suppose that would be the Hitchcock style of it.

The story starts with you believing that Detective Torigai Jutaro would be the main character to lead to the investigation of the double suicide. Mainly because he realises some things off about how things are laid out, but it turns out he is to be the introduction to a Tokyo detective named Mihara Kiichi. Who takes over the case from him, taking it back to Tokyo. Where all the characters seem to originate.

The story isn’t exciting or anything like that. It is a slow, methodical look at how when someone is determined. They will never stop to follow the evidence until they get the answers they want. Exposing the lies and misdirection wherever it may lead them. Even when they may hit a wall.

And they hit the wall several times in this book.

Would I Recommend

Do you like crime stories? Enjoy old but newly translated tales from another country? Another culture. Another world. Then yes, I would recommend this book to you.

As much as It wasn’t the most fast-paced and adventurous of all stories. It was a compelling distraction. And I wouldn’t say no to any other of his books.

Would you like to purchase your very own copy?

You could try these online stores: Amazon UK USA, Waterstones, AbeBooks UK USA, and eBay UK USA.

Alternatively, you could try your local bookshop or even your local library.