Director Tomoyuki Takimoto of the Hit Drama 'You're Gonna Fall to Hell' Praises Shino Sakuragi's Novel 'Ijo ni Arazu'

The Mitsubishi Bank hostage incident occurred in January 1979 when Kiyoshi Hanakawa barricaded himself inside the Sakura Bank Kitabatake branch in Osaka City, taking approximately 30 employees and customers hostage. The following day, the Osaka Prefectural Police dispatched a helicopter to bring Hanakawa's mother, Kayo, who lived in Kagawa, to persuade her son. However, for two hours before boarding the helicopter, the mother disappeared and was having her hair set at a beauty salon. Hanakawa refused to speak with his mother when she arrived. The incident ended with Hanakawa being shot dead. Kondo, a desk editor at Mainichi Shimbun, was struck by Hanakawa's words and, believing the incident had not been fully explained, launched a serialized feature in the newspaper and began his investigation. This novel 'Ijo ni Arazu' by Shino Sakuragi delves into that incident.

The Netflix series 'You're Gonna Fall to Hell' has been an unprecedented hit, and director Tomoyuki Takimoto was astonished.

Shino Sakuragi's novel 'Ijo ni Arazu'. Director Takimoto has provided a recommendation!

The Mitsubishi Bank hostage incident—a heinous crime etched into the memory of those who lived in the Showa era. As she unravels its background, Sakuragi's gaze turns towards the women. The perpetrator's mother and his lover. Women who bear the stigma of guilt yet continue to live their lives. Her gaze at these two women is sometimes coldly analytical, and at other times, unbearably gentle. I let out a breath, thinking, 'This is Sakuragi's signature style.'

— Tomoyuki Takimoto (Film Director)

'Ijo ni Arazu' is generating buzz across media including NHK Radio, Bunka Hoso, Nippon Hoso, Kyodo News, Mainichi Shimbun, Shukan Gendai, and Shukan Post. Please pick up a copy!

■ Comment from Author Shino Sakuragi

As I approached the end, I came across the fact that all sages and criminals alike are born from women. From that point on, it became a time for me to reflect on my own past as a human being and as a mother.

◼️ Book Description

The most heinous bank hostage-taker—what drove him? Was it his mother, a woman, society, or himself? The author, who has consistently depicted parents, children, and people in works like 'Hotel Royal' and 'Family Closing', takes on this ultimate question and approaches the truth in this full-length novel.

◼️ Author Introduction: Shino Sakuragi

© Shinchosha

Born in Hokkaido in 1965. Won the All Yomimono Rookie of the Year Award in 2002 for 'Yukimushi', the Shima Kiyoshi Love Literature Prize in 2013 for 'Loveless', the Naoki Prize in the same year for 'Hotel Royal', and the Chuo Koron Literary Prize in 2020 for 'Family Closing'. Other works include 'Hyogenya', 'Sajo', 'Futarigurashi', 'Hino Kawa', 'Kocho no Shiro', 'Heroine', 'Tani kara Kita Onna', 'Jinsei Gekijo', and many others.

◼️ Book Data

[Title] Ijo ni Arazu

[Author] Shino Sakuragi

[Release Date] Wednesday, April 22

[Format] 46-size hardcover

[Price] 2,750 yen (tax included)

[ISBN] 978-4-10-327727-9
[URL] https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/327727/