The manga “Oshi No Ko” is filled with dark charm beyond imagination, depicting the behind-the-scenes of the entertainment world and chasing the real culprit of murder, a development one couldn’t expect from the cover alone.
In episode 7, Aqua is seen reading a quite thick novel by an author named Natsuhiko Kyogoku during kindergarten, while being stared at with discomfort by the teacher, ignoring the other children playing.
Many might have been curious about this book, so this article introduces it.
Why This Novel is Featured in the Manga
I also read this book when I was in high school. This Novel depicts bizarre murder cases and phenomena involving Japanese folklore and mythology, where an intellectual protagonist logically analyzes and leads to resolution throughout this dictionary-like novel. It’s interesting, but it’s difficult to carry around due to its thickness and tough to read for long hours.
In the manga “Oshi No Ko,” it’s amusingly portrayed as a gap scene where Aqua, a kindergarten child, reads such difficult and heavyweight content.
The author of the novel:Natsuhiko Kyogoku
Natsuhiko Kyogoku: Natsuhiko Kyogoku is a Japanese novelist known for his works in the realm of mystery and horror literature. His works often incorporate traditional Japanese ghost stories and myths, enriched with contemporary perspectives and unique interpretations, which captivate readers with their dark and eerie charm. As mentioned in the manga, his books are usually oversized, exceeding a thousand pages but are published in paperback size, hence nicknamed “dice books.”
The title and story of the novel
Book Aqua is reading: “Jorogumo no Kotowari” The story unfolds at the ancient bookshop “Kyogoku-do” in Kyoto, Japan. The shop owner, Kyogoku, is interested in old books and yokai folklore, surrounded by various mysteries and inexplicable events.
In “Jorogumo no Kotowari” , Kyogoku gets involved in an incident related to a yokai called “Jorogumo” (the binding bride), which possesses men and leads them to their deaths. The reason and background of this phenomenon remain shrouded in mystery.
The story follows Kyogoku’s investigation into the truth behind Jorogumo, as he delves into old books and legends, interacts with various people, and strives to uncover the identity and motives of the entity.
Summary
As Natsuhiko Kyogoku’s works have been translated into English, I will include an Amazon link here. I hope people overseas can experience the thickness, weight, and strange stories of his works.
