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Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Invisible Helix: Keigo Higashino weaves another elegantly knotted mystery
Keigo Higashino might be arguably the best-known mystery novelist in Japan, and even a famous literary figure globally, but for many of us in India, he is 'the guy whose book inspired Drishyam.' While there has been no official confirmation of this (Jeetu Joseph, the director of the OG Drishyam starring Mohanlal, has denied that the book played any role in the film), the similarities between the box office blockbuster in three languages and Higashino's The Devotion of Suspect X remain uncanny. It has also resulted in Higashino becoming identified with books that come with well-crafted and elaborate plots that have unexpected twists in them, and made Manabu Yukawa (nicknamed Detective Galileo), a science professor who helps out the police, the closest thing to a Japanese Sherlock Holmes. And intricate plots, surprise twists and Galileo, are all present in Higashino's latest, Invisible Helix. The book, like so many of Higashino's works, revolves around a murder. And equally like so many of his works, it begins like a simple, melancholy tale as a young mother abandons her child at an orphanage. We then move forward in time and the body of a young man is found in the ocean near Tokyo. Closer inspection reveals that he was shot. Suspicion immediately falls on his girlfriend, with whom he had been living for a while, and who, rather mysteriously, is nowhere to be found, even though she has a perfect alibi (in best Higashino tradition). Chief Inspector Kusanagi and Detective Inspector Kaoro Utsumi make inquiries, and discover that the dead man actually used to violently assault his girlfriend, which makes her a prime suspect in his murder. Of course, it is not that simple. As Kusanagi and Utsumi dig deeper, another character emerges – a lady with whom the suspect seems to have run away after the murder of her boyfriend. As they try to find out more about this new character, they come across a name in the bibliography of one of the books written by her- Manabu Yukawa, Detective Galileo himself, a legend in the police force, and with whom they have worked before (Kusanagi has actually studied with him at college). The two reach out to Yukawa, who is away from the university and nursing his ill parents. Yukawa agrees to help them but with some reservations – 'You really are pinning your hopes on the flimsiest of leads! Flimsier than the filaments of a spider's web,' he warns them. As the investigations proceed, a new character enters the fray, and suddenly you understand the significance of the mother who abandoned her child at the very beginning of the book. As Yukawa gently untangles a knotted cluster of relationships – some true, some false and some hidden – the identity of the murderer and the reason for the murder become seemingly obvious. Only, this is Keigo Higashino, so there are a few twists and turns along the way, and by the time you reach the final page, you realise that the book is as much about relationships and their complexity as about a murder investigation. Hence the title – Helix is the structure of a DNA, and the book uncovers hidden strands of relationships between seemingly different characters. Those expecting a tense, suspense-laden page-turner on the lines of The Devotion of Suspect X are likely to find Invisible Helix a little on the slow side. Its 350-odd pages do not exactly fly past, and we would advise most newcomers to Higashino's world to be patient with the book. Even Yukawa enters the scene more than fifty pages into the story and is not a very strong presence for most of it. Invisible Helix also gives us a whole new perspective of Yukawa (who is actually never referred to as Detective Galileo even once in the book). Although still a genius with a deep understanding of human nature, he is also shown as a caring son – his mother has dementia and he tries his best to help his father take care of her, even while arguing with him. He is as much a man of the world as a super detective. Invisible Helix does not have any memorably strong characters or dramatic conversations, partly because the spotlight is shared by so many. This is Higashino in almost Ruth Rendell mode – gently elegant and quietly stirring rather than shocking. Even though he keeps shifting between different time periods and character perspectives, he does so at a leisurely pace, and his denouement and twists will surprise rather than stun you. Invisible Helix is not the sort of book that you will keep reading through the night. You will read it, think, put it down and go back to it again. And when you have finished it, you will find yourself thinking about the characters and why they acted in the way they did, and what love and concern can make one do. We do not think that Invisible Helix is the best book in the Detective Galileo series (most prefer the famous The Devotion of Suspect X, while the intricately plotted Silent Parade is our favourite), but it certainly is one of the most elegantly written mysteries of the year. Read it if you love your mysteries to be suspenseful rather than spectacular, and if you prefer the tension of thought over action in the field. Invisible Helix ends with Kusanagi and Yukawa doing a fist bump. We would have done the same with the author.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Was Sasuke ever stronger than Naruto? Here's what the Anime tells us
The rivalry between Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha has driven one of anime's most beautifully animated, smoke-puffing, emotional and action-packed storylines. Fans still argue today: Was Sasuke ever really stronger than Naruto? Picture this In the world of anime, no rivalries rival the strength and tenacity of Naruto and Sasuke's. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These two iconic characters from the award-winning, record-breaking, global phenomenon series Naruto grew up together as spirited rivals and soul mates. His and the rest of the Takarazuka founders' journey from childhood to adulthood is what would ultimately create the story behind one of the world's most popular anime franchises. Was Sasuke ever stronger than Naruto … a question that continues to rage in a divided fandom. The answer isn't that straightforward — it all depends on when you ask. Why Sasuke was clearly more powerful in early Naruto Shippuden After Sasuke defected from the Hidden Leaf Village to train with Orochimaru, he returned with some seriously strong new skills. When Naruto and Sasuke finally did encounter each other again in Naruto Shippuden, Sasuke was decisively ahead. He had fully controlled the Curse Mark, learned devastating advanced jutsu such as Kirin, and he wielded the infamous Kusanagi sword. Naruto's training with Jiraiya didn't advance him like that. In fact, some fans go so far as to claim Jiraiya didn't do enough to teach Naruto how to face the challenges that await him. Sasuke's sharigan techniques, speed, precision all made him a legitimate physical threat — even to Naruto. In the story so far, Sasuke was obviously the more powerful of the two. Naruto took the lead with sage mode and the nine-tails Everything flipped upside down when Naruto trained with Toad Sages on Mount Myoboku. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He mastered Sage Mode, a strong technique that greatly enhanced his physical strength, speed, and sensory abilities. Then, by learning to control the chakra of his mentor (enemy, friend) the Nine-Tails (or Kurama), Naruto increased his speed, strength and ability to take damage. The greatest turning point came when Naruto was given the Six Paths Sage Mode from Hagoromo Otsutsuki, the Sage of Six Paths. This god-tier power made Naruto the ultimate balancer of ninjutsu. It unleashed Truth-Seeking Orbs, sensed invisible enemies, and accelerated his natural energy control to nonsensical proportions. With these improvements, Naruto was playing at an elite level. Naruto vs Sasuke, Who was the final battle's stronger shinobi During the conclusion of the Fourth Great Ninja War, Naruto and Sasuke fought against each other one final time. Their last fight was a draw, with both leaving the ring after losing an arm. If you look more closely Naruto clearly proved stronger. Sasuke was fighting to kill, Naruto was trying not to hurt his friend — saving his friend. Nevertheless, Naruto was able to keep up with Sasuke blow for blow. Either Sasuke wouldn't have made it out of the fight if Naruto had fought him at full strength. Final verdict: Naruto surpassed Sasuke While Sasuke may have been stronger during certain parts of the story, Naruto eventually surpassed him in nearly every way. His growth as a ninja, and as a person, was unmatched. By the end of Naruto Shippuden, and especially in Boruto, Naruto's strength, heart, and leadership made him the clear winner of this long-standing rivalry. Why it still matters The Naruto vs Sasuke debate is more than just a power-level discussion. It represents two different paths — one of pain and revenge, and the other of hope and perseverance. Their friendship, despite all the fighting, continues to resonate with fans across the world. So whether you're team Naruto or team Sasuke, one thing is clear: their story is one of the most unforgettable in anime history.
SoraNews24
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Sailor Moon and others teach foreign tourists Japanese etiquette in Manga Manners art series
Characters from Akira, Cardcaptor Sakura, Ghost in the Shell, and more explain the basics of Japanese manners at Shinkansen stations. Manners are important in Japan, and while most of the country's etiquette has its roots in common sense, certain points might not be so intuitive for visitors from other parts of the world. Thankfully, people in Japan are pretty understanding of innocent mistakes, and the locals are often happy to explain the most useful aspects of Japanese etiquette, and those helpful locals now include Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura. Manga Manners is a series of informative poster-style art panels featuring characters from popular series from publisher Kodansha who give quick single-point pieces of advice about Japanese manners and customs. The Manga Manners project made its debut in the international arrivals area of Narita Airport, and now it's come to Japan's rail network. Starting April 24, the displays can be seen in the Shinkansen sections of Tokyo, Shinagawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin Osaka Stations, with six brand-new designs bringing the total number of represented series up to 17. The complete list of series consists of Chiikawa, Fire Force, The Seven Deadly Sins, Ghost in the Shell, Shota no Sushi, Sailor Moon, Tokyo Revengers, Skip and Loafer, Attack on Titan, Cardcaptor Sakura, Akira, Blue Lock, Parasyte, Cells at Work, Fairy Tail, Medalist, and Kaiji. ▼ There's also a Manga Manners pamphlet, available in limited quantities at the stations, showing the whole group. A broad range of topics are covered, some of which are rules which will cause genuine offense if not followed, such as the explanation that you're supposed to wash your body before entering the communal tub at public baths or hot springs, or that there are places in Japan where you'll be required to remove your shoes before entering. Others are a bit more on the side of advice to help you enjoy your time in Japan to the fullest, like Chiikawa teaching visitors that 'Kanpai!' is what you say as a toast when drinking together with someone in Japan, or Fire Force's Shinra letting you know it's OK to slurp Japanese noodles. The selected manga panels highlight the point being covered too. Sailor Moon for example, is dressed in a kimono on the poster where she explains that the left side of the robe goes over the right, even for women. Likewise, Ghost in the Shell's Major Kusanagi raises a sake cup as she informs everyone that the legal drinking age in Japan is 20 (and if you are old enough to drink, you'll know to give the Major a hearty 'Kanpai!' thanks to what you learned from Chiikawa). A few of the panels relate more to safety than etiquette, but are still good to keep in mind. Akira biker Kaneda's reminder that vehicles drive on the left in Japan is especially important if you're visiting from the U.S. or another drives-on-the-right country, since you'll need to remember to reverse your muscle memory and look first to your right to check for traffic when crossing the street, not to your left like you would at home. ▼ In a more manners-related corollary, Japan driving on the left also means that it's the custom for people to walk on the left on sidewalks, in station passageways, and so on. Really, the only point of advice that feels like it might be a little overblown is Cardcaptor Sakura's, which says that 'A bow at 45 degrees is customary to show gratitude.' Honestly, such a deep bow is probably a bit much for the kind of situations most travelers are likely to encounter (thanking restaurant staff at the end of the meal, showing appreciation for someone who pointed you toward the station exit you're looking for, etc.), and a less pronounced bending at the hips is fine, and likely a little more natural. That said, a 45-degree bow isn't impolite, and it is in keeping with Sakura's earnest, pure-hearted personality. The Manga Manners displays will be up until the end of June, but the advice they give will be useful no matter when you're traveling in Japan. Source, images: PR Times ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
CNA
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Netflix's Bullet Train Explosion puts Shinkansen at heart of high-speed Japanese thriller with a ticking bomb
The highspeed bullet train says Japan as much as Godzilla, sushi and Mount Fuji. And it takes center stage in Shinji Higuchi's new film, Bullet Train Explosion, which premiered on Netflix Wednesday (Apr 23). Higuchi, the director of the 2016 Shin Godzilla (or 'New Godzilla,") has reimagined the 1975 Japanese film The Bullet Train, which has the same premise: A bomb will go off if the train slows down below 100 kph. That original movie also inspired Hollywood's Speed, starring Keanu Reeves, which takes place mostly on a bus. Higuchi recalled being fascinated by the aerodynamically shaped bullet trains growing up as they roared by, almost like a violent animal. To him, as with many Japanese, the Shinkansen – as the trains are called in Japan – symbolise the nation's efforts to become 'top-rate,' superfast, precise, orderly and on time. 'It's so characteristically Japanese," Higuchi said in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday. 'To complete your work, even if it means sacrificing your personal life, is like a samurai spirit living within all Japanese." The film's realism was achieved by a smooth combination of computer graphics and miniature train models, built to one-sixth the size of the real thing. A huge LED wall was used on the set to project visuals of passing landscapes as seen from the train window, and those shots were juxtaposed seamlessly with footage shot on a real train. The explosions are strangely exhilarating, and beautifully depicted with scattering sparks and smoke. Higuchi stressed that the filmmakers were careful to make sure the criminal act, as depicted, is not physically possible today. He said Bullet Train Explosion marked a challenging departure from his past movies that were about heroes and monsters. 'I examined the question of evil, and how we pass judgment on a person,' he said. 'That's what my predecessors did as directors before me: Try to show what happens if you commit evil," he added. "And I tried to give my answer.' One departure from the original, which starred the late Ken Takakura as the bomber, is that Higuchi chose to focus on the train workers. Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, formerly a member of boys' band Smap who portrayed a transgender woman in Eiji Uchida's Midnight Swan, is convincing as a dedicated Shinkansen worker. 'I always have fun working with the director,' Kusanagi said of Higuchi at a Tokyo premiere earlier this week. 'I've loved him for 20 years.' Kusanagi starred in Sinking Of Japan, Higuchi's 2006 science-fiction thriller about a natural catastrophe that threatens Japan's very existence. East Japan Railway Co, formed after the national railway was privatised, which operates the bullet train featured in Higuchi's reboot, gave full support to the film. It allowed the use of real trains, railway facilities and uniforms, as well as helping train the actors to simulate its workers and their mannerisms. The bullet trains have long been a symbol of Japan's blossoming as a modern economy and peaceful culture in the decades following World War II. The first leg, connecting Tokyo with Osaka, opened with much fanfare in 1964. The system now connects much of Japan, from the northernmost main island of Hokkaido through southwestern Kyushu. The train featured in Higuchi's work connects Tokyo with northern Aomori.
The Mainichi
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
A new Netflix film features a hurtling Japanese bullet train with a ticking bomb
TOKYO (AP) -- The highspeed bullet train says Japan as much as Godzilla, sushi and Mount Fuji. And it takes center stage in Shinji Higuchi's new film, "Bullet Train Explosion," which premieres on Netflix Wednesday. Higuchi, the director of the 2016 "Shin Godzilla" (or "New Godzilla,") has reimagined the 1975 Japanese film "The Bullet Train," which has the same premise: A bomb will go off if the train slows down below 100 kph (62 mph.) That original movie also inspired Hollywood's "Speed," starring Keanu Reeves, which takes place mostly on a bus. Higuchi recalls being fascinated by the aerodynamically shaped bullet trains growing up as they roared by, almost like a violent animal. To him, as with many Japanese, the Shinkansen -- as the trains are called in Japan -- symbolize the nation's efforts to become "top-rate," superfast, precise, orderly and on time. "It's so characteristically Japanese," Higuchi said in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday. "To complete your work, even if it means sacrificing your personal life, is like a samurai spirit living within all Japanese." The film's realism was achieved by a smooth combination of computer graphics and miniature train models, built to one-sixth the size of the real thing. A huge LED wall was used on the set to project visuals of passing landscapes as seen from the train window, and those shots were juxtaposed seamlessly with footage shot on a real train. The explosions are strangely exhilarating, and beautifully depicted with scattering sparks and smoke. Higuchi stressed that the filmmakers were careful to make sure the criminal act, as depicted, is not physically possible today. He said "Bullet Train Explosion" marked a challenging departure from his past movies that were about heroes and monsters. "I examined the question of evil, and how we pass judgment on a person," he said. "That's what my predecessors did as directors before me: Try to show what happens if you commit evil," he added. "And I tried to give my answer." One departure from the original, which starred the late Ken Takakura as the bomber, is that Higuchi chose to focus on the train workers. Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, formerly a member of boys' band Smap who portrayed a transgender woman in Eiji Uchida's "Midnight Swan," is convincing as a dedicated Shinkansen worker. "I always have fun working with the director," Kusanagi said of Higuchi at a Tokyo premiere earlier this week. "I've loved him for 20 years." Kusanagi starred in "Sinking of Japan," Higuchi's 2006 science-fiction thriller about a natural catastrophe that threatens Japan's very existence. East Japan Railway Co., formed after the national railway was privatized, which operates the bullet train featured in Higuchi's reboot, gave full support to the film. It allowed the use of real trains, railway facilities and uniforms, as well as helping train the actors to simulate its workers and their mannerisms. The bullet trains have long been a symbol of Japan's blossoming as a modern economy and peaceful culture in the decades following World War II. The first leg, connecting Tokyo with Osaka, opened with much fanfare in 1964. The system now connects much of Japan, from the northernmost main island of Hokkaido through southwestern Kyushu. The train featured in Higuchi's work connects Tokyo with northern Aomori.
