Japanese novelist Uketsu was named a finalist for the CWA Dagger Award in the translation category but did not win the prize [1].
The recognition marks a significant international milestone for the masked author, whose work is gaining traction in the global mystery market. The award, organized by the Crime Writers' Association, highlights the most distinguished translated crime fiction of the year [2].
Uketsu's novel, "Strange Pictures," was one of six works selected as finalists on June 28 [1]. The award ceremony took place in London on July 2, where the prize was awarded to Finnish author Antti Tuomainen for the book "Winter Work" [3, 4].
Responding to the nomination, Uketsu said, "When I first heard the news, I couldn't believe it and thought it was a dream" [5].
The author attributed the atmosphere of the story to his personal history, specifically a four-year period spent living in the United Kingdom during his childhood [5]. He noted that while he found beauty in British gardens, streetscapes, and cultural properties, he also perceived a certain eeriness within them. Uketsu said the experience of living in the UK influenced his storytelling process [5].
Despite missing the top prize, the nomination places Uketsu among a small group of internationally recognized mystery writers. The author said he wants to continue creating "borderless" stories that resonate across different cultures and languages [5].
“"When I first heard the news, I couldn't believe it and thought it was a dream"”
The inclusion of Uketsu in the Dagger Award shortlist signals the growing influence of Japanese 'masked' or conceptual mystery writers in the Western market. By blending childhood experiences in the UK with Japanese horror sensibilities, Uketsu is bridging the gap between Eastern and Western crime fiction, suggesting a trend toward more hybridized, globalized narratives in the mystery genre.
