Seiichi Morimura ​

Seiichi Morimura is a renowned Japanese author of mystery and historical novels. Some of his more famed works include the "Inspector Totsugawa" series and "The Devil's Ballad". He is a recipient of the prestigious Naoki Prize for literature.

Quick Facts ​

• Notable for a variety of best-selling books, such as The Devil's Whisper, which have been translated into over a dozen languages.
• His works have been adapted for film and television.
• Won the prestigious Naoki Prize for new writers in literature.
• Although his works are crime stories, they often reflect the social conditions of Japan.
• Respected for his extensive research that goes into making his stories as realistic as possible.

Background ​

Morimura was born in 1933 in Osaka, Japan. He spent his early childhood years living in Manchuria due to his father's work before returning back to Japan in 1946. After graduating from Osaka University with a degree in French literature, he worked as a high school French teacher for a brief period.

Later, he turned his focus to writing and published his first novel, "Nippon Dorobō Monogatari," in 1967. He became well-known for his detective and mystery novels, many of which offered social criticism and commentary on contemporary issues. He won numerous awards for his literary works including the prestigious Naoki Prize for his novel "The Devil's Discus" in 1971. He is also known for his novels that delve into war-related issues such as "The Black Rose Mansion" and "The Devil's Gluttony." He passed away in 2018.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Seiichi Morimura's writing style is known for its complexity and profundity, often exploring the intricacies of human society, complex espionage plots and historical fiction. His work is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history, offering a unique perspective often not seen in Western literature. His writings have been praised for their immersive storytelling and insight into various aspects of human life, and have been influential in shaping modern Japanese literature.

Notable Works ​

• The Devil's Whisper (1980)
• The Black Curtain (1985)
• Vengeance Is Mine (1997)
• The Castle of Sand (1973)