The Samurai Detectives

The Samurai Detectives #1

by Shōtarō Ikenami, Yui Kajita (Translator)

Shogun meets Sherlock Holmes! Over 24 million copies have been sold of this beloved samurai adventure.

It has been half a year since Akiyama Daijiro became a samurai; half a year since he left his father Kohei – once the most skilled swordsman in the land – to set up his own blade school by the cool of the river. Ever since, amid the swaying bamboo groves, he waits patiently for his first disciple.

But his serenity is soon disrupted by the visit of a mysterious samurai with an unhonourable in exchange for a vast sum of gold, he must attack and injure the daughter of the Shogun’s most senior counsellor. Troubled by the proposal, Daijiro, alongside his father and Mifuyu, a female warrior without match, soon set out into the underworld of Edo-era Japan to uncover the conspiracy, before quickly finding themselves embroiled in a series of increasingly perilous adventures . . .

Widely considered to be the greatest work by Shōtarō Ikenami, the master of Japanese historical fiction, The Samurai Detectives is a twisting, page-turning portrayal of one of the most intriguing, evocative periods in the history of Japan.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Japan, Fiction, Crime, Mystery, Japanese Literature, Translated Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

See 池波 正太郎.

Reviews

[Alwynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Japan in the 1770s, initially published in the 1970s, this is the first in Shōtarō Ikenami’s hugely successful series. It originally appeared in serial form and was later adapted for TV and as manga. An interesting mix of episodic and character-led, it features a father-and-son duo who team up with numerous allies to solve mysteries and derail potential crimes. Daijiro is a highly-talented swordsman just like his father the retired samurai Kohei - who’s partly inspired by one of Ikenami’s favourite Kabuki actors. They’re followers of the Zen-like Mugai-ryū school. Despite his growing reputation as an excellent fighter, Daijiro’s newly-opened, rural dojo isn’t attracting students. Since this is a period of relative peace other suitable work’s scarce. This leads to Daijiro being singled out for a lucrative, clandestine assignment that involves disabling another swordfighter, something which violates Daijiro’s rigid code of honour. Daijiro turns to his father for advice. Living close to what’s now Tokyo, Kohei’s embroiled in a relationship with his much, much younger maidservant but otherwise finding retirement less relaxing than anticipated. So, he agrees to help Daijiro look into the curious task on offer. Their investigation brings them into contact with up-and-coming swordswoman Mifuyu. Loosely based on real-life Sasaka Rui, the androgynous Mifuyu’s the highly-skilled daughter of a powerful local figure’s former concubine. Their meeting sets the scene for a series of solo and combined adventures.

I wasn’t sure about this at first, the opening chapter’s dry and rather dense introducing a bewildering array of characters and background information. However, after I worked out who was who and what was what, I became increasingly gripped. Ikenami blends lyrical descriptive passages and arresting nature imagery with the more matter-of-fact – I can see why his work’s drawn comparisons with Sherlock Holmes. I really enjoyed the historical aspects and the exploration of samurai codes and culture: from the acceptability of queer relationships to expressive bonds of loyalty. And I was impressed by Ikenami’s examination of issues around mortality, nostalgia and generational divides. I was less keen on his portrayal of Kohei as irresistible to women including Mifuyu who has a crush on him - apparently this aspect is less marked in later books. Otherwise, I’m really looking forward to the next instalment. Translated by Yuj Kajita.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Penguin for an ARC

[Bear Mcbearington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell yeah, this book fuckin rips. I unironically believe it's older books like this that will solve the male reading crisis. We've gone too far into thinking world building makes a book better, they're too big. But a book small enough to fit in your pocket with a new mystery every 30-40 pages, with a cast of endearing characters? Fuck yeah that's the good stuff. I also think that one of the best things about this book is the characters aren't morons in order to advance the plot, which is such a common crutch in contemporary fiction. (Especially genre fiction which has for the most part just become an extension of YA).

If you're after an easy read, don't pick up some "cosy fiction" or some romance with the writing of a middle grade fiction but with sex, grab yourself a book with some god damn sword fights, political intrigue, murder plots and a great cast of characters.

[ImpFidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

From short-king demigods and gay archers to femboy and tomboy samurai alike, these stories genuinely have something for everyone.

[Matthew Yeldon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Positives:
• samurai sword fights
• father and son detectives
• intriguing historical facts surrounding political structures, treatment of women, etc
• it’s surprisingly queer!

Negatives:
I don’t know if it was common in Japanese writing at the time, but the over-abundant need to name every major and minor geographical location along with detailing each character’s social position is so off-putting, distracting, and damaging to the rhythm of the read, that I kept wanting to put the book down. I wanted to spend some time in the key settings. There are beautiful moments of description but they’re rare and brief. I also would’ve loved more of the key characters’ pasts. Maybe there is more in the subsequent soon-to-be published volumes, but I’ve had my fill. Disappointing.

[Filipa Manuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

No início foi complicado seguir com tantos nomes estrangeiros mas depois até se tornou uma leitura fácil. Foi giro mas gostava que tivesse mais enigma e uma história mais completa em vez de pequenas histórias.
3.5

[hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

**add to my must-read detective series

[Finn De Cuyper · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Samurai Detectives is een verrassend frisse leeservaring die bewijst dat een goed verhaal niet altijd honderden pagina's wereldopbouw nodig heeft. In plaats daarvan krijg je een compacte, vlot geschreven bundel vol avonturen waarin actie en sterke personages centraal staan. Het resultaat is een boek dat je gemakkelijk oppakt tijdens een korte pauze, maar dat tegelijk rijk genoeg is om je volledig in het verhaal te trekken. Wat dit boek bijzonder maakt is de structuur. In plaats van één groot verhaal bestaat het uit meerdere korte mysteries van ongeveer 30 tot 40 pagina's. Shotaro Ikenami slaagt er ook in om het Edo-tijdperk levendig neer te zetten. De dialogen zijn scherp en de combinatie van historische details en zwaardgevechten zorgt voor een perfecte balans tussen elegantie en spanning. Voor liefhebbers van Japanse literatuur, historische fictie of detectiveverhalen is The Samurai Detectives absoluut een aanrader.

[4cats · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic from Japan, set in the Edo period. A retired Samurai finds himself drawn into the affairs of the ruling class. He is joined by his son (a samurai) and a female Swords woman m in his adventures. Historically accurate and the translation is good.

[Mauireadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

I am trying to read more diverse and this was honestly something completely new for me! The Samurai Detectives is set in 1770's Japan, a period and country I am rather unfamiliar with. This book was originally published in the '70s and is now finally available in English. Apparently it's a real hit over there, so I am very curious to see how it will land in English, more 50 years later.

In this books, we follow Daijiro and his father Kohei, who are both samurai. When receiving an unhonourable request to injure the daughter of the Shogun’s most senior counsellor, both Daijiro and his father set out on a quest to go undercover into the world of conspiracies. We dive deeper into the Edo-era of Japan and learn a lot about samurai culture. I was unfamiliar with both so I cannot comment on the historical accuracy but I read that this book is supposed to be quite accurate.

The story reminds a little of Sherlock Holmes with all the mystery solving, undercover actions, and investigating. I really enjoyed this focus because it kept the story flowing and interesting. There were never any big plottwists but small revelations kept me engaged.

While there were a lot of terms that were, at first, unfamiliar, I did find this story to be quite an easy read. There are quite a lot of characters so I would suggest you take your time with this one. It's a small book (less than 300 pages) but offers a lot. Yes, there's a lot of difficult terms but you'll soon find yourself drawn to the characters, their lives and their journeys.

It is important to keep in mind that this book was, as mentioned before, written in the the 1970's and talks about the 1770's. I had some real issues with Kohei at times, but this is not a modern day book so you cannot expect a modern day approach to everything.

[Lewis Kettell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst I give a lot of my reviews 5 stars, I just keep reading bangers.

The Samurai Detectives, is a thrilling collection of interconnected stories of intrigue,drama, assassination & revenge - all held together by Kohei San and his interactions of 18th century Edo(Tokyo nowadays).

Like Sherlock Holmes, a captivating mystery that develops naturally but becomes that requires action. But unlike Holmes where genius level intellect is required to produce these solutions, an experienced samurai solves the problems with flare, drama and sometimes sword play.

Only iffy parts are the age gap of Kohei and his Partner Oharu and the translation. Having got a minor amount of Japanese under my belt it helped contextualise the words a little bit but I throughly enjoyed what was written and how. Whilst it might have been a different experience in Japanese directly the plot and characterisations would change. But overall definitely a 5 star book and excited to read more of their stories.

[planet.ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

i actually thought this book was super cool!! tbh i read it mainly as a break in between bigger books, but i really liked it in the end 🙀🙀 all the japanese terms could be quite confusing at times but it got my brain thinking and that's never a bad thing. all the little stories and mysteries were all really good and quite well thought out. one thing that i found a bit weird was the age gap between kohei and oharu, but since it's set in the 18th century then i guess it was normal back then. i thought mifuyu was so badass too 🥹🥹 she annoyed me at times, but she's so diva!! my favourite character is definitely daijiro, i just thought he was so cool 😌 i definitely recommend this book if you like things such as sherlock holmes or enola holmes, since they're similar kinds of short mystery stories. i hope you enjoyy!!

[hotsake (André Troesch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title had me believing that this would be a mystery novel but is really wasn’t. This was more of a historical period piece about the day to day life of a man and his adult son with a hint of intrigue.

[Joe Parsons · Rating 1 out of 5]

OMG finally finished that. I had no motivation and had no idea what was going on half the time. I'm sure it's a lovely book but just not my cup of tea.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful reading in the old style. Very enjoyable.

[Mike Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rip roaring episodic Edo period crime/action novel. A very fun read with endearing characters. As a big Jidaigeki (Japanese period drama) fan, its great to see more examples of the kind of mass market serialized stories that provided much of the source material. It is suprising how little has been translated into english. Already looking forward to the next instalment.

[Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Samurai Detectives sounds like slightly mad mash up of genres, but this is, apparently, a Japanese classic story. Those looking for a gonzo mix of katana and magnifying glass might not have all their wishes fulfilled, but this set of adventures and problems, told in a measured style, with sword fights and dishonourable dealings to sort out has much to recommend it.

The samurai involved are not generally detectives in the classic sense, they find themselves connected to or involved in events that involve some danger to others or a mystery to look into. Out of a sense of duty or friendship or loyalty they try to sort them out.

One of the books best parts is its view of another culture and another time. It is set during Japan’s Edo period: a long period of peace and the role of the samurai has changed from that of knight and warrior to something more like gentleman. Parts are familiar, others not at all. Modern western readers may find our central character’s almost mystical abilities, as a master swordsman, reminder of how martial arts reflect not just fighting, but philosophy and spiritual enlightenment; we might be surprised by the reference to income at the introduction of each new character; a character whose desire to fight only arrives when he realises but that his opponent is far more deadly than he had thought in a duel likely to end with the loss of his life, shows an aspect of the samurai thought process we may not naturally share. Other readers may find our central character’s attractiveness to young women some 40 odd years his junior puzzling (and for some perhaps a little disturbing). It would be a shame to let that put you off, however. Modern readers might also be interested in the young woman who acts as a samurai too and whose life becomes entangled with the main character and his son.


The telling of the tale is easy to read. The author’s voice conversational. There is much to enjoy in its portrait of a very different world.

If the concept appeals, it’s worth having a read

Advance copy supplied in return for honest review.

[Jarrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. The time period is so fascinating and it feels well researched and the mysteries and characters fit seamlessly into the historical backdrop. And it does all of this coming in with a huge 7 interlocking mysteries in a short page count. Fantastic.

[Robert Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shotaro Ikenami was a famous Japanese author of books and plays. First as a playwright in the 1950s and then a novelist from the mid-1950s. In the 1960 he started writing period stories, set in the Edo era, some with a crime element. The Samurai Detectives Volume 1 (translated by Yui Kajita) is a collection of his stories from the 1970s, also set in this era. In them Ikenami is as interested in the social manoeuvrings of the time as he is with any crimes or their investigation.
The central characters of these stories are a retired swordsman called Akiyama Kohei, his son Akiyama Diajiro and Mifuyu, the illegitimate daughter of a high ranking official, both of whom are also handy with the sword. The novel is a series of short stories recounting various problems that the trio need to solve.
There is a lot of period detail here, and it is sometimes easy to get put off by all of the names, familial relationships and allegiances. But once past this it is easy to be swept up in the lives of the main characters. The three characters and their circle of friends and helpers, are delightfully drawn, good at what they do but far from perfect.
The cover of the book compares this to Sherlock Holmes, which is a bit of stretch. For the most part, secret plans are uncovered by someone strategically placed to listen in to the bad guys having conversations or just following a suspect to see who they are working for. But despite its name, the detective work in these stories is not the main draw. It is the way in which the crimes, or planned crimes, shine a light on the culture of a particular point in Japanese history.
There is a fascinating and large back catalogue of Japanese crime fiction. Along with the works of Shotaro Ikenami, the long running golden age detective fiction of Seishi Yokomizo featuring his Sherlockian consulting detective Kosuke Kindaichi is also currently in the process of receiving new translations. It is a reminder of the power of this genre to transcend its origins and give readers an engaging glimpse of other times and places.

[Adam Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this being the first fully translated book I've read, I find it difficult to assign a rating to The Samurai Detectives, as I can't speak to the quality of the translation or the changes made from the original text.

What I can say with confidence, however, is that I am enamored with the setting, characters, and narration found in this first volume of Shotaro Ikenami's series.

the 1700s setting is fascinating to learn about through this historical fiction, particularly through the lens of the three core characters, each with their own view on the world.

Broken into short, sharp, and concise stories/adventures, I found myself turning page after page, wanting to reach the climactic reveal or battle that would cap off the case or journey.

With volume one being as accessible and consistently entertaining as it is, I'll be all too eager to jump into the next chapter in the series later this year.

[Lea Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The front runner of "Edo Noir," this book serves as a vivid, atmospheric journey into 18th-century Tokyo, masterfully blending the grit of a detective procedural with the rigid codes of samurai honor. At its heart is the brilliant chemistry between the world-weary Kohei and his principled son, Daijiro, a duo whose bond provides a grounded anchor as they navigate the city’s most dangerous shadows. I really appreciated the sensory style of this book you can practically smell the street food and hear the clatter of wooden sandals on the pavement as the pair hunts for clues. While the swordplay is swift and lethal, the real thrill lies in the intellectual game of chess played against the corrupt elite, exploring the tension between Shogunate law and the personal ethics of a Ronin. It is a blend of historical grit and classic "whodunit" mystery that appealed to me. A must-read for any fan of historical fiction or murderous plotted crime tales.

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely devouring this series! While The Samurai Detectives might feel a bit daunting at first if you aren’t familiar with the Edo period, stick with it. After a few chapters, the rich cast of characters starts to click, and you’ll easily distinguish the key players from the historical background.
The heart of the story is the wonderful dynamic between Kohei and Daijiro—a father and son duo of swordsmen navigating very different stages of life. The mysteries are perfectly paced with the seasons, moving from political intrigue to family drama against a vividly rendered backdrop of landscapes, bustling city settings, and quiet corners of nature.
What I loved most was how the book prompted me to dive down 'rabbit holes' learning about Edo-era jobs, food, and legends. The translation is incredibly smooth, making specific cultural nuances feel accessible and effortless. I’m already on Book 2 and crossing my fingers that the manga gets an English release next. Highly recommended!

[C.C. Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining collection of short stories. A lot of characters and places are introduced, which may confuse the reader, but there is plenty of fun to be had reading the adventures of the swordsmen and women of this period. The action scenes are written with authenticity and real care, and the description of the beautiful landscape really helps the reader picture the environment.

The detecting element is somewhat light, so don't expect a typical murder mystery with clues and swords and kimonos.

If you're a fan of Jidaigeki and want to learn more about the period, I would highly reccommend it. No doubt I shall be purchasing Vol. 2 when it comes on sale.

[David Garrity · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Engaging, easy to read and a great distraction from everything else going on in the world. The chapter like stories within the story made it easy to organise reading time.

[Lisa]

DNF on page 55

While the concept sounded interesting, the 19 year old girls being enchanted by a 60 year old man just doesn't work for me.

[Jonathan Lissner · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Some fun stories. Kohei was an interesting character, but Daijiro and Mifuyu felt underdeveloped. A good one if you’re after a light read.

[Theo Dives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun, made me want to stroke my chin from in a kimono like in Yojimbo.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the book was meh, but it picked up towards the end.

[Alisa Elinora Mellemsæther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Om du var jenta som digget Mulan som barn er denne for deg

[Camille · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found the characters names and places way too hard to follow as a westerner.

[MVV · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where is the detection?