Mr. Murao's Personal File

A social detective story set in 20th century Kyoto. Arishima Emilia, a girl with Japanese, Russian, and German roots, searches for her place in a society that does not easily trust outsiders. Working as an editor brings her into contact with a well-known writer, Murao Ken'ichiro: he asks her to locate a woman connected to his own long-standing crime. A simple request turns into a real investigation.

Everything — from chance encounters to old letters — is woven into the plot in such a way that it finds its place in the overall picture over time. The atmosphere of the 1950s is recreated with attention to detail: urban landscapes, car models, and everyday trifles correspond to historical realities. The characters encounter linguistic puzzles that add intrigue. And those who love 20th century Japanese literature will be pleased to find its characteristic features here: multilayeredness, attention to subtext, and hidden meanings that are revealed only through careful reading.