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1960s: A hunter prowls the night spots of Shinjuku. But he’s the one walking into a trap…
The Lady Killer
What you need to know before your trail
Ichiro Honda leads a double life: by day a devoted husband and a diligent worker, by night he moves through the shadow world of Tokyo’s cabaret bars and nightclubs in search of vulnerable women to seduce and then abandon. But when a trail of bodies seems to appear in his wake, the hunter becomes the prey and Ichiro realises he has been caught in a snare. Has he left it too late to free himself before time runs out?
Travel Guide
Tokyo
Set firmly in the dark and murky world of 1960s Tokyo, this novel was first published in 1963 and is somewhat of a pulp classic
It’s the swinging sixties here too and the city is abuzz with music, new record stores, clubs and bars all playing their part in the new vibrant atmosphere. The clubs are often seedy and in the darkest parts of the city. One man hunts women in both the clubs, the streets and interestingly the museums too. any where is a hunting ground for him.
This is somewhat of a gruesome guide to the city of Tokyo but it’s a fascinating one through the eyes of a killer.
Kabukichō
Kabukichō is an entertainment and red-light district in Shinjuku and is often called the “Sleepless Town”.
Shinjuku Oiwade
There is a fine music shop here as described in the novel all displayed in a nicely lit window. This is a sideline however as one of the characters is being followed…The area however is full of students and people buying and listening to music. They pass the Isetan Department store which is worth a visit in real life.
Kōenji
Kōenji is a district of Tokyo in Suginami ward, west of Shinjuku. The district is named after some old temples in the area.
The National Museum of Western Art
Museums are this killer’s hunting ground. But don’t be afraid to go to myusem such as this one in Tokyo as it’s full of Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso & Monet.
Booktrailer Review
Susan: @thebooktrailer
Set firmly in the dark and murky world of 1960s Tokyo, this novel was first published in 1963 and is somewhat of a pulp classic. I don’t know why I haven’t read it before as it was a great insight into the city of the 60s. It was a unique visit to the city going round all the dodgy areas and into the backstreets and clubs, following women through the eyes of a killer. Very chilling especially when he picks out the one women who seems disappointed a colleague is getting married. There’s a man set up for the crime as these women are ones he’s recently slept with. So even though a short novel, this one really packs a punch and tasted like Pulp Fiction Tokyo style.
Booktrail Boarding Pass: The Lady Killer
Destination : Tokyo Author/Guide: Masako Togawa Departure Time: 2000s
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