Kazuya Takino leads a quiet life running a supermarket in the Tokyo suburbs. But when an extortionist tries to force him out of business, he finds ...
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reviews
Nov 26, 2008
Dj
rated it: 
This is the third book by Kenzo Kitakata that I’ve read, the first two being Ashes and Winter Sleep. Translated by Paul Warham, this book is a fitting addition to Kitakata’s works in English. The hardboiled styling of this book is more in line with 1990s Hong Kong action films rather than Japanese novels, but it makes the book a fast and enjoyable roller coaster ride.
The Cage continues in the style set up in these previous books, with the focus on two main characters, Kazuya Takino a More...
The Cage continues in the style set up in these previous books, with the focus on two main characters, Kazuya Takino a More...
Mar 11, 2010
Made
rated it: 
Takino has lead a quiet life for the past 6 years. He runs a small, local supermarket in Tokyo with his beautiful wife. But he used to be yakuza. When an extortion racket comes round demanding he sell his store and his land, Takino can't comprehend what the fuss is all about. When digs deeper, he digs himself into a hole from which there is no escape.
This is a brilliant noir crime novel set in 80s Japan. It's bleak and hardboiled. Well-paced, the book is a smooth read that builds to More...
This is a brilliant noir crime novel set in 80s Japan. It's bleak and hardboiled. Well-paced, the book is a smooth read that builds to More...
Mar 23, 2009
David
rated it:
The story of Takino, an ex-Yakuza who has settled into straight life running a supermarket and a coffee shop with his wife. Six years have passed since Takino left the gangster world, but when he squares off against a punk who has caused trouble in his store, Takino feels "a strange rush of something close to happiness." The old Takino has emerged from his cage--one of several metaphorical "cages" in the novel--and he knows at once that he does not want to go back inside.
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Dec 08, 2011
John
rated it:
This was an excellent crime novel out of Japan! Many crime books these days get labeled as "hard-boiled," this is a book that actually deserves that honor. As the plot slowly unravels, you are introduced to fascinating and enjoyable characters (not least of which is the lead, Takino, a small-time grocery store owner with something of a past) and get taken through some rough, but well written, scenes of violence and desperation. The book ends as it has to leaving you satisfied but so
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Jul 27, 2011
Seabirdicat
rated it: 
Well this was definitely written by a man for men. There is very little emotion in the book, and loads of violence and mistresses and action and golf. Can't say I enjoyed it too much since I like drama quite a bit.. still, if you're into this kind of book, it'd probably be perfect for you. I have to wonder if it feels exactly like this in the original japanese, but well....probably :D
Jan 19, 2012
Robin
rated it:
This is the most skillfully written/translated piece of crime fiction that I have read in a long time, possibly ever. A reformed yakuza walks quite deliberately back into the life for reasons that are not completely clear until the very last page. He is hunted by a man who is almost completely empty of any enjoyment of life beyond his ever-present Gauloise. You wouldn't think this could be a great story, but it is.
Dec 17, 2009
Jim
rated it:
Hardboiled Japanese crime, pairing Detective Takagi, a policeman with a taste for poetry and French cigarettes, against Kazuya Takino, a retired criminal who regretfully goes up against a Yakuza gang. Great bedtime reading with a shot of something strong.
Jul 28, 2008
Noah
rated it:
Was popping along quite nicely until the unimaginative and predictable ending ruined it. Yes, I know it's supposed to be hardboiled lit, but really, all the usual gritty poetry that ends most hardboiled stories was totally missing.
Jul 15, 2008
melvinhiddenelder
rated it:
One hell of a hardboiled novel! If you like noir, you will like this book. It's characters are fully realized, they are, but then again, are not predictable. It's fast pacing keeps you reading on towards an inescapable end.
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