Backlight

‘I have admired, the Akutagawa Prize-nominated Hanawa’s literary style for a long time. Each time he is nominated, I recommend him. And I am delighted that he continues to write at the same prize-winning level.’ Shohei Ooka, novelist and winner of the Mystery Writers of Japan Award, as well as the Noma, Asahi and Yomiuri Prizes

“is an important work of social commentary doing what all the greatest short stories do: opening a rabbit hole of thought down which the reader will fall”. The Japan Times

‘At short novella-length, Backlight is a quick story — but quite effective at raising interesting questions, including about cultural and social differences and attitudes, and parental responsibilities… the universal issues and questions it addresses give it the air of larger work.’ The Complete Review 

‘There’s a sense that Hanawa is subtly mocking his characters, and the way society handles events such as the boy’s disappearance.  As the ‘experts’ enjoy the hot baths and fancy dinners, their theories on the nature of abandonment and the different ways western and Japanese children cope with the concept of freedom only serve to show how little they really know.’ Tony's Reading List. 

‘The universal and timeless theme of this thought-provoking and intriguing story is one of identity and self-worth. It cleverly touches on the realms of family dynamics, child psychology and even the influence of legends and fairytales on the collective consciousness – whether inside or outside Japan. And as the story closes we come to fully understand our protagonist’s initial cynicism and reluctance to take part in the search for the missing boy in the first place, as this perfectly structured tale comes full circle.’ Alex Pearl, author of Sleeping with the Blackbirds

‘He writes with a surreal style, similar to how I do on occasion, which I find very interesting and stimulating. But what makes me really happy is that he does it so much better than I do.’ Makoto Shiina, author of Gaku Monogatari

‘Using a real-world news story that’s fresh in everyone’s minds as a way to discuss with the reader cultural anomalies in Japan and how it varies from that of outside nations is something that had me nodding and grinning, thinking, ah, you clever clogs.’ Books and Bao