Hideo Okuda

Hideo Okuda is fast becoming famous as the next Kaori Ekuni, who wrote “Between Calm and Passion.” His name has become a household name after his book “A Swing in the Air” sold over 300,000 books after being first published in January 2005. The first half of his two-volume book, “Southbound,” sold over 100,000 books, making him the most-read author in the last two years.

“A Swing in the Air” won the Naoki Award for its popularity, but the power of this writer lies in his ability to attract a varied audience. Most Japanese novels target females in their twenties to thirties, but those in their teens to late thirties are also flocking to the scene. This book appeals especially to males.

According to the publishing company, more than half of the readers have been shown to be men in a research conducted by a large bookstore.” Publishing critic Lee Kwon-woo said of the book, “It’s lightweight and sharp, but it also has a serious mindset with its battles over history and social issues.” It is not the typical detached Japanese novel, but has attracted men with its “detached yet serious” plot.

He is not the biggest star, but a small number of “mania groups” have appeared. Writers like Miyuki Miyabe and Kotaro Isaka sold less than 10,000 to 20,000 books for each novel, but they have avid, loyal readers. Hideo Okuda is the same, but unlike precedent novels that appealed to the emotion in women, he made his writing curt and plot heavy.

Miyuki Miyabe, who is dubbed the queen of mystery novels, introduces characters like “Copycat” and ‘Stepfather Step.” Readers say that unlike Western mystery novels that bide time to kill, her approach to dealing and depicting societal problems is refreshing.

Kotaro Isaka has released seven translated novels in Korea, including “Rush Life.” Popular among Japanese critics and editors, there are “maniacs” in Korea as well. The complicated plots and witty imagination are cited as unique merits.

Riku Onda, who published five novels last month including, “A Fruit Sunk in Sea of Oats,” is also achieving stardom.

Because consumers are clamoring for these kinds of novels, there is a need for Korea authors to satisfy this demand domestically. The publishing industry believes that the so-called popular books that are out there are not enough to satisfy the readers, who are a step ahead. We need not only writers who strive to become Kenzaburo Oe, but also authors like Asada Jiro. It’s time for Korea to produce novelists who can write sophisticated, yet lightweight stories for the bright-eyed readers.

kimjy@donga.com