Chapter 3 of Part Four
“Introduction to the Works of Japanese Mystery Novelist Seicho Matsumoto”

1. Life and Representative Works
   
   Seicho Matsumoto (1909–1992) was a renowned Japanese mystery novelist, acclaimed as the pioneer of “social mystery fiction”. His works are known for their profound social insight and meticulous depiction of human nature. The following are some of his representative novels, arranged by publication year:

I •Points and Lines
Published in 1958, it tells the story of an apparent suicide case that occurs on a train of the Japanese National Railways, revealing underlying political corruption and societal darkness.

1. Zero Focus
   Published in 1959, it depicts a newlywed wife who, after her husband goes missing, uncovers shocking secrets in her search for the truth, reflecting the complex interpersonal relationships in postwar Japanese society.
2. The Castle of Sand
   Published in 1961, it revolves around a bizarre murder case and delves deeply into human weaknesses and social prejudice.
3. The Amagi Mountain Case
   Published in 1961, it recounts a mysterious case that occurs on Amagi Mountain, revealing the complexity of human nature and the dark aspects of society.
4. Japan’s Dark Mist
   Published in 1965, this is a work of nonfiction literature that exposes various dark sides of Japanese society, reflecting the author’s deep concern for social issues.
5. Villain
   Published in 1975, it tells the story of an ordinary person who gradually descends into crime under social pressure, reflecting the fragility of human nature and the indifference of society.
6. The Painter Who Murdered His Lover
   Published in 1980, it portrays a painter who becomes entangled in a murder case due to emotional conflicts, revealing the darkness of the art world and the complexity of human nature.

II. Characteristics of Seicho Matsumoto’s Novels and Reasons for Popularity

1. Social and Realistic Focus
   Seicho Matsumoto’s works break away from the traditional mystery novels that focus solely on “solving puzzles,” advocating that a work should act like a mirror, vividly reflecting social reality. He frequently uses political, economic events or major social issues as subjects, exposing social darkness and reflecting the contradictions and anxieties of people.
2. Profound Depiction of Human Nature
   His novels not only focus on the methods of crime but also emphasize the psychological portrayal of criminals. Through delicate depictions of criminal motives, backgrounds, and other factors, he achieves insight into human nature.
3. Critical Realism Approach
   Using the method of critical realism, Matsumoto gathers firsthand materials through various channels and organizes them rigorously and logically, surpassing the conventions of traditional detective fiction.
4. Prolific Creative Output
   Over a creative career spanning more than forty years, he completed nearly 800 works, covering novels, nonfiction literature, and various other genres, demonstrating his extraordinary creativity and profound social insight.

Seicho Matsumoto’s works, with their deep social insight, meticulous depiction of human nature, and bold exposure of social issues, have been widely welcomed by readers, establishing him as a milestone in the history of Japanese mystery fiction.

III . Analysis of Representative Works

(I) Points and Lines

1. Story Summary
   Points and Lines is Seicho Matsumoto’s classic social mystery novel published in 1958, considered a major milestone in the history of mystery literature. The story takes place in 1950s Japan, a period of rapid economic growth, beginning with a man and a woman discovered dead on a beach near a train line. The couple is initially believed to have committed double-suicide for love, but a meticulous police detective notices numerous inconsistencies. During the investigation, the truth gradually emerges, revealing a complex case involving collusion between government officials and business interests, as well as abuse of authority. The novel organically connects seemingly unrelated events through the concepts of “points” and “lines,” ultimately revealing the full picture.
2. Film and Television Adaptations
   Points and Lines has been adapted into multiple visual works:

• 1958 Film Version:
  Director: Tsuneo Kobayashi
  Starring: Rentaro Mikuni, Yoko Katsuragi
  Faithfully presents the social background and investigative process of the novel, using a calm and realistic style to recreate Matsumoto’s literary touch.
• 2007 Japanese Drama Version:
  Director: Kan Ishibashi
  Starring: Masakazu Tamura, Miki Nakatani
  Interprets the story from a more modern perspective, emphasizing deep human conflicts, with realistic and tension-filled scenes.

1. Narrative Methods

• Narrative Perspective:
  The story employs a third-person omniscient viewpoint, with the author revealing the truth through the observations of the investigating police.
• Narrative Focus:
  The author focuses not only on the case itself but also uses it to reflect postwar Japanese society’s corruption and inequality. This socially critical perspective allows readers to consider broader societal issues while following the mystery.

1. Suspense, Conflict, and Memorable Dialogue

• Suspense:
  The novel opens with the “double-suicide” case, creating immediate suspense. As the investigation progresses, various inconsistencies—such as train schedules and alibis—become key clues in solving the case.
• Main Conflict:
  The investigation pits the police against powerful forces seeking to obstruct the truth, resulting in intense struggles between law enforcement and entrenched interests.
• Memorable Dialogue:
  “A single straight line is not much of a problem; the question is where these two lines intersect.” This metaphorical statement highlights the importance of finding the convergence points of various events during the investigation.

1. Psychological Analysis of Protagonists and Antagonists

• Protagonist: Inspector Washimi
  He is an experienced and justice-driven police officer. Despite multiple obstacles, he persistently seeks the truth.
  Psychological Depiction: Washimi’s meticulousness and dedication to justice drive him, as he maintains his duties and beliefs against the backdrop of a rapidly developing postwar society.
• Antagonists: Corrupt Officials and Business Groups
  These colluding figures aim to protect their power and interests, attempting to cover up any evidence exposing their scandals.
  Psychological Depiction: They appear calm but are extremely sensitive; their fear of the truth being exposed motivates them to continually fabricate lies.

1. Selling Points of the Novel

• Ingenious Logical Reasoning:
  Matsumoto uses the train timetable as a central clue, employing the “points” and “lines” concept to show the complexity of intersecting events, a method that impresses readers.
• Social Critique:
  The novel deeply examines postwar Japanese societal issues, from political-business collusion to corruption scandals, making it highly relevant.
• Strong Sense of Realism:
  Detailed and vivid depictions of settings and scenes immerse readers in the story.
• Exploration of Human Weakness:
  Characters’ psychological depth, especially subtle portrayals of justice and evil, invite reflection.

Points and Lines successfully captivates readers through precise reasoning and profound social analysis, becoming an enduring masterpiece of Matsumoto’s works and a paradigm of social mystery fiction.

(II) Zero Focus

1. Story Summary
   Zero Focus (original title: 零の焦点) is a classic work by the Japanese mystery master Seicho Matsumoto, published in 1959. This novel is a masterpiece combining suspense, social critique, and psychological exploration of human nature, centering around a bizarre disappearance case:

A newlywed woman, Atsuko Murota, discovers that her husband, Kenichi Murota, has disappeared without a trace shortly after leaving home. During her investigation into her husband’s disappearance, Atsuko gradually uncovers his hidden past and becomes entangled in a web of continuous lies and truths. Kenichi’s disappearance is not only related to a mysterious identity case between Kanazawa and Tokyo but also involves a series of shocking family scandals and the darker sides of society. Ultimately, she discovers a truth behind the case that is capable of overturning her beliefs and her marriage.

The novel uses a familial mystery to provoke discussion about social issues and human nature, guiding readers through multiple plot twists into the dark psychological world for which Matsumoto is renowned.

1. Film and Television Adaptations
   Due to its high drama and social depth, Zero Focus has been adapted multiple times:

• 1961 Film:
  Director: Yoshitaro Nomura
  Starring: Yoshiko Kuga, Ryoji Hayama
  The black-and-white film faithfully recreates the novel’s plot, capturing the essence of the work through gloomy visuals and suspenseful pacing.
• 2009 Film:
  Director: Isshin Inudo
  Starring: Ryoko Hirosue, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Miki Nakatani
  Reinterprets the original work using modern film techniques. The movie emphasizes the psychological portrayal of female characters and enhances visual dark imagery, resonating with the themes of the original.
• Television Adaptations:
  The novel has been adapted into Japanese TV series multiple times, with the 1970s and 1980s versions being the most well-known.

All these adaptations showcase the dramatic tension and social critique depth inherent in Matsumoto’s work.

1. Narrative Methods and Perspective

• Narrative Method:
  The novel employs a layered, linear narrative combined with retrospection and on-site investigation. As Atsuko’s viewpoint steadily approaches the truth, Matsumoto constructs tightly linked reasoning and investigative sequences with a cold yet precise style of writing.
• Narrative Perspective:
  A. Alternating First-Person and Third-Person: Atsuko serves as the primary viewpoint character, driving the story forward through her investigation; the author also interjects from an omniscient perspective to explain the backgrounds of central figures such as Kenichi.
  B. Multiple Narratives: Different character perspectives are pieced together to reconstruct the truth—for example, gradually reconstructing the full picture from Kenichi’s letters and recollections of others.

1. Suspense, Main Conflicts, and Memorable Dialogue

• Main Suspense:
  What is Kenichi’s true identity?
  Why did he choose to disappear from home?
  How is this connected to the series of mysterious incidents in Kanazawa?
• Main Conflicts:
  Opposition between truth and illusion: The husband’s image in Atsuko’s mind is repeatedly overturned.
  Clash between human nature and society: Tensions arising from class differences, desires for power, and criminal acts.
• Memorable Dialogue:
  Atsuko questions a witness:
  Atsuko: “In Kanazawa, exactly who was he involved with? Aren’t you going to tell me those things?”
  Witness (coldly smiling): “Is knowing the truth really that important to you? Don’t forget, this is Zero Focus.”

This brief dialogue highlights the symbolic concept of Zero Focus, both pointing to the theme and deepening the suspense.

1. Character Analysis: Psychological Depiction of Protagonist and Antagonist

(1) Protagonist: Atsuko Murota
Personality: Resilient and independent, possessing both intelligence and courage, yet when confronted with the truth, she also reveals inner fragility and contradictions.
Psychological Analysis: Atsuko is simultaneously a wife faithful to traditional family roles and a symbol of a woman struggling against the inequities of modern society. Her investigative process functions as a dual awakening—both of self and of society.

(2) Antagonist (some key characters revealing the truth contain elements of antagonism)
Personality: Deeply influenced by structural injustices in society, outwardly cold and rational, yet internally harboring inexpressible pain and resentment.
Psychological Analysis: In a certain sense, the antagonists are not purely malevolent; they are also victims. Through them, Matsumoto’s novels exemplify the complexity of human nature and the roots of tragedy that are characteristic of his works.

1. Selling Points of the Novel

(1) Profound Revelation of Social Issues
Zero Focus is not only a classic mystery novel but also a mirror reflecting Japan’s social class differences, gender discrimination, and the effects of urbanization. This critical perspective attracts a broad readership.

(2) Powerful Suspense Narrative
Matsumoto excels at using “fragmented clues” to captivate readers. Suspense layers upon layers, the plot is tight yet logically coherent, creating an irresistible reading experience.

(3) Deep Portrayal of Human Nature
Unlike traditional detective fiction, Matsumoto emphasizes the depiction of complex and realistic character psychology. His works break away from the old dichotomy of “good versus evil,” provoking profound reflection on morality and society.

(4) Adaptability to Film and Television
Matsumoto skillfully designs cinematic scenes and dialogues, imbuing his novels with dramatic tension. This makes them not only compelling to read but also highly suitable for adaptation into film and television, which is a key reason for the enduring popularity of this work.

Seicho Matsumoto’s Zero Focus is a classic work combining thriller, suspense, and social analysis. It introduces innovative approaches to narrative and reasoning in the field of mystery fiction, securing an unshakable position in literary history and in the minds of readers.

(三) The Devil’s Ballad (Suna no Utsuwa / The Sand Vessel)

1. Story Outline
   The Sand Vessel (original title: 砂の器) is a social mystery masterpiece published by Seicho Matsumoto in 1961. Centered on a complex murder case, it delineates the struggles of human nature and the oppression embedded in social structures. At the beginning of the story, an unidentified man is found dead at a train station in Tokyo. Police investigations reveal that the deceased uttered a cryptic dialect word, “高炉 (Takaro),” whose meaning remains unknown. Detectives Konishi and Yoshimura launch an extensive investigation that spans across Japan to solve the case.

As the story unfolds, the truth gradually emerges. The deceased is revealed to have an unspeakable connection with a young pianist and composer, Hideo Waga. Though Waga possesses enviable talent and social standing, long-hidden secrets and past sins thrust him into the spotlight. Through meticulous examination of the case’s antecedents and consequences, the novel explores themes such as class disparity, social discrimination, and original sin.

1. Film and Television Adaptations
   1974 Movie Version
   Director: Yoshitaro Nomura
   Starring: Tetsuro Tamba, Go Kato, Kensaku Morita
   Features: Using delicate cinematography and the powerful musical score Shukumei (“Fate”), this adaptation perfectly conveys the complex emotions and somber atmosphere of the novel. This version is considered one of the classics in Japanese film history.

2004 Television Drama Version
Starring: Masahiro Nakai, Yasuko Matsuyuki
Features: Reinterpreted from a modern perspective, adjusting narrative order and background, yet retaining the core themes. The TV drama emphasizes emotional arcs and provides characters with richer psychological detail.

Other Versions
The work has been adapted multiple times into stage plays and radio dramas, each portraying the depth and tension of the original from different perspectives.

1. Narrative Methods and Perspective
   (1) Narrative Methods
   A. Dual-Line Narrative: Matsumoto alternates between the ongoing investigation and past events. On one hand, Detective Konishi’s investigation drives the plot; on the other, Hideo Waga’s past life is gradually revealed, giving readers deeper insight into the case’s background.
   B. Documentary Style: The author’s language is objective and composed, with descriptions of social phenomena resembling news reporting, enhancing realism and reader immersion.

(2) Narrative Perspective
A. Primary Perspective: The police (Konishi and Yoshimura) serve as the central narrative agents, peeling back layers of the mystery.
B. Secondary Perspective: Certain chapters provide Waga Hideo’s interior monologues or background stories, exposing his complex psychology and hidden secrets.

1. Suspense, Main Conflicts, and Memorable Dialogue
   (1) Primary Suspense

• What is the true meaning of “Takaro,” and how does it relate to the key points of the case?
• What is Hideo Waga’s secret, and why is he involved in the murder?
• What social issues are hidden behind the crime?

(2) Main Conflicts
A. Konishi vs. the Mystery: Investigation faces severe difficulty, with scarce clues and deeply obscured truth.
B. Waga’s Internal Conflict: The enormous cost behind his success and the shadows of an inescapable past.

(3) Memorable Dialogue
Scene of Konishi and Yoshimura discussing “Takaro”:
Yoshimura: “How important can a single character’s clue really be?”
Konishi: “Even if it’s just one character, if we can restore its context, the fog will surely lift.”

Dialogue between Waga and his father in memory (revealing Waga’s inner struggle through recollection):
Father: “If we try a little harder, then no one will look at us strangely.”
Waga (inner monologue): “Even so, I have long borne an inescapable curse.”

1. Character Analysis: Protagonist and Antagonist
   (1) Protagonist: Detective Konishi
   Personality: Calm and resolute, highly insightful and responsible. As the central figure in the reasoning line, he represents the traditional force of justice in Matsumoto’s works, showing concern for social injustices.
   Psychological Analysis: Konishi fights not only for the case but also to illuminate the light and darkness of human nature. His composure and focus propel the story forward.

(2) Antagonist (Implicit Protagonist): Hideo Waga
Personality: Outwardly gentle and talented, yet internally harboring pain and secrets. As a pianist and composer, his glamorous exterior conceals a soul shaped by discrimination and wrongdoing.
Psychological Analysis: Waga’s complexity lies in being both perpetrator and victim. His actions stem not only from personal choice but also from social prejudice and the shadows of painful growth. Matsumoto reveals the deeper meaning that “there is always a reason behind human behavior” through Waga’s psychological struggles and decisions.

1. Selling Points of the Novel
   (1) Profound Social Critique
   The novel extends beyond mere detective work, demonstrating society’s flaws through “the interaction between criminal and social structure,” including class division, prejudice, discrimination, and social abandonment.

(2) Depth of Psychology and Emotion
Characters are not simple embodiments of good or evil but are complex beings filled with contradictions and struggles. Waga’s character evokes both hatred and sympathy, leaving a lasting impression.

(3) Engaging Suspense and Pacing
Suspense is layered, and the gradual unraveling of clues delivers moments of revelation, while the ending provokes reflection on social responsibility.

(4) Strong Potential for Film and Television Adaptation
Meticulously designed scenes and pacing provide vivid imagery, making the work highly suitable for cinematic and television adaptations, which further expands the original’s impact.

Conclusion
The Sand Vessel represents the pinnacle of Seicho Matsumoto’s detective artistry and social critique. Through exquisite structure, profound character development, and attention to societal issues, it transcends traditional boundaries of mystery fiction. Whether read as a suspenseful narrative or as a vehicle for social insight, this work is highly deserving of careful appreciation and is regarded as one of Matsumoto’s, and indeed Japanese literature’s, classic masterpieces.

IV . Japan’s Dark Mist

1. Story Overview
   Japan’s Dark Mist is a non-fiction mystery work created by Seicho Matsumoto in the 1960s. Unlike his typical novels, this book deeply analyzes the political shadows of postwar Japanese society, exposing a series of large-scale cases involving power struggles, corruption, and social injustice. The book documents, in a journalistic manner, the social problems and dark aspects of the chaotic postwar period, touching on political scandals, economic crimes, and organizational corruption.

Through meticulous investigation and delicate narrative, the author connects controversial historical events such as the “Teigin Incident” and the “Matsukawa Incident,” presenting a complex picture of social structure. The “dark mist” in the title symbolizes the opaque network of power in postwar Japan and the truths that cannot be easily uncovered.

1. Film and Television Adaptations
   Because Japan’s Dark Mist is a non-fiction work, it poses significant challenges for adaptation, and so far there are no direct cases of it being made into films or animations. However, many of the cases and social issues analyzed in the book have inspired numerous film, television, and mystery novel projects. For example:

• The Teigin Incident was independently adapted into a film directed by Hiroshi Kumai, which delved into the inner workings of postwar Japanese economic crimes.
• Matsumoto’s social mystery novels drew inspiration from the investigative methods in this book, influencing the direction of later adaptations.

1. Narrative Methods and Perspective
   (1) Non-Fiction Literature: Unlike Matsumoto’s fictional novels, this book adopts a non-fiction narrative style, based on extensive documentation and interview materials.
   (2) Analysis and Reasoning in Parallel: By combining deconstruction of case facts with social phenomenon analysis, the book presents the truth behind each case or problem to readers.
   (3) Narrative Perspective:
   Seicho Matsumoto writes with the omniscient perspective of an investigative journalist, conducting calm and thorough analysis while uncovering the essence of issues without bias. This perspective gives the work a unique sense of realism and historical depth.
2. Suspense, Conflict, and Memorable Dialogue
   (1) Suspense:

• How did postwar Japan cover up political scandals?
• Was the Teigin Incident really as officially described, or were there hidden truths behind it?
• Were the victims in the Matsukawa Incident truly wronged?

(2) Conflict:

• The struggle between justice and power: grassroots citizens confront massive social and political systems, attempting to uncover the truth.
• The tug-of-war between historical truth and social concealment: public disillusionment with government and institutional credibility makes these events tense.

(3) Memorable Dialogue:
Matsumoto excels at using plain language to reveal profound truths, for instance, in an interview with witnesses related to the Matsukawa case:
“If testimonies can be altered, what are we supposed to believe? The law or power?”
When analyzing the Teigin Incident, he also remarks:
“In these cases, truth is always absent, while darkness is the most loyal companion.”

1. Protagonist, Antagonist, and Psychological Analysis
   (1) Protagonist: Seicho Matsumoto (the author himself as narrator)
   Psychological Analysis: In this book, Matsumoto demonstrates the persona of a perceptive writer, simultaneously acting as a dedicated social scientist. Through case analysis, he exposes the trauma and shadows embedded in postwar Japanese society. His commitment to justice and pursuit of truth permeates every line of the text.

(2) Antagonist: The Combination of Social System and Dark Forces
In this book, the antagonist is not a single person but the redundant power struggles and widespread corruption within Japan’s postwar bureaucratic system.
Psychological Analysis: In these events, every case demonstrates people’s obsessive attachment to their own positions of power. They conceal truths and manipulate public opinion, ultimately causing injustice to the populace and societal chaos.

1. Selling Points of the Novel
   (1) Realism and Depth of Analysis:
   Japan’s Dark Mist provides a calm, analytical view of postwar societal complexities. Readers can sense the dark forces behind cases and gain deeper understanding of how power affects ordinary citizens.

(2) Integration of Cases and Society:
Matsumoto skillfully combines criminal investigations with social phenomena, surpassing the limitations of traditional mystery novels, establishing a model of social mystery fiction.

(3) Profound Historical Significance:
The events in the book not only provoke reflection on postwar societal issues but also provide important insight into underlying problems in modern Japanese society, appealing to readers interested in mysteries and social issues.

(4) Perfect Combination of Literature and History:
The work not only uncovers the truth of cases but also immerses readers in a tense and tragic historical context, making the book difficult to put down.

Conclusion
Japan’s Dark Mist is a classic of Seicho Matsumoto’s social mystery fiction and one of his rare non-fiction works. Through thorough social observation and the restoration of real cases, the book dissects the flaws of postwar Japanese society, offering readers a journey into the pursuit of truth and social insight. With precise narration and profound social insight, this work is beloved by readers and stands as an essential literary classic.

V .The Villain

1. Story Overview
   The Villain is a classic social mystery novel published by Seicho Matsumoto in 1957. The novel revolves around a bizarre murder case. The story centers on the complex emotional entanglements among ordinary people and social contradictions, revealing the darker aspects of postwar Japanese society, including monetary desire, ethical collapse, and power structures.

The story begins with the mysterious disappearance of a young female office worker, whose body is later discovered brutally murdered in the outskirts, causing social panic. The police investigation gradually uncovers secret relationships between the victim and several seemingly unrelated men. As the case becomes clearer, the involvement of a high-ranking official and business elites directs the clues toward deeper societal darkness. Through dual narrative lines—police pursuit and the protagonist’s internal struggle—the novel gradually reveals the complex humanity of the “villains”: they are both creators of crime and driven by environmental and societal pressures.

1. Detailed Information on Film and Television Adaptations
   The Villain has been adapted into various film and television versions, including the following notable adaptations:

1960 Film Version

• Director: Umeji Inoue
• Leading Actors: Tatsuya Nakadai, Kaoru Yachigusa
• Adaptation Features: The film condenses the story, focusing on human weaknesses and moral choices between characters. The depiction of atmosphere is particularly striking, vividly presenting the social issues behind the case.

2000 Japanese TV Drama Version

• Main Actors: Yosuke Eguchi, Takako Matsu
• Adaptation Style: The TV drama emphasizes emotional conflict and suspense, exploring the backgrounds and psychology of various characters in greater depth, making it closer to the original novel than the film version.

1. Narrative Methods
   (1) Narrative Perspective
   A. Multi-Line Narrative: The novel follows the police investigation as the main line, interspersed with suspects’ memories and inner monologues, allowing readers to understand the complexity of the case from multiple viewpoints.
   B. Combination of Reality and Metaphor: Matsumoto incorporates extensive social critique into the narrative, giving the plot sociological depth.

(2) Narrative Viewpoint
A. Objective Third-Person: The novel employs a calm and restrained third-person perspective, revealing interactions between characters and society through a measured narrative style, creating a tense and impactful reading experience.
B. Limits of Omniscience: Although narrated omnisciently, the author deliberately controls the flow of information, maintaining suspense for the reader.

1. Suspense, Conflict, and Memorable Dialogue
   (1) Suspense:

• What is the true cause of death of the young female office worker? What crimes are hidden in her social network?
• Who is the real “villain”—the victim of societal circumstances or the elite manipulating everything through power?

(2) Conflict:
A. The struggle between justice and morality: Challenges of human nature and ethics persist throughout the police investigation.
B. Betrayal and loyalty within character relationships: Conflicts among characters involving money and emotional entanglements create suffocating dramatic tension.

(3) Memorable Dialogue:
In an interrogation scene, a suspect argues:
“If I am the villain, then wouldn’t only villains thrive in this city? Do you think it’s my fault, or the ‘law’ you cannot see?”
This dialogue not only reveals the suspect’s psychological defense but also metaphorically critiques systemic corruption, reflecting Matsumoto’s social commentary.

1. Protagonist, Antagonist, and Psychological Analysis
   (1) Protagonist: Detective Morikawa
   Psychological Analysis: He represents ordinary people’s commitment to justice, yet constantly feels powerless due to societal constraints. He is both a key figure in solving the case and an observer of social critique.

(2) Antagonist: High-ranking business figures and symbols of monetary interest
Psychological Analysis: They appear strong externally but are internally fragile, relying on power and wealth to conceal moral flaws. Their actions are largely driven by social inertia rather than pure evil.

(3) Other Important Characters:
The deceased herself: Her complex personality (innocent yet conflicted) permeates the entire novel and is key to understanding the overall narrative.

1. Selling Points of the Novel (Reasons for Reader Popularity)
   (1) Profound Social Critique: Matsumoto excels at analyzing social structures, attributing crimes not only to individual desire but also to deeper societal roots, making The Villain transcend the scope of ordinary mystery novels.

(2) Multiple Suspense and Twists: The novel features unexpected plot turns and suspenseful setups, keeping readers highly engaged throughout.

(3) Complex and Realistic Characterization: Characters’ psychology is realistic and intricate. They are not simply good or evil, but products of their environment and inner conflicts.

(4) Real-World Significance: The Villain reflects postwar Japanese society’s monetary-driven issues, eliciting strong resonance and impact among readers.

Conclusion
The Villain is one of Seicho Matsumoto’s important social mystery works. Through meticulous psychological depiction and profound social critique, it enriches the intellectual depth of mystery literature. Its thought-provoking plot development, intense suspense, and bold revelation of society’s darker aspects make it a classic, widely loved by both readers and critics alike.

VI .The Painter Who Murdered His Lovers

1. Story Overview
   The Painter Who Murdered His Lovers is a mystery novel by Seicho Matsumoto, rich in psychological depth and social observation. The story revolves around a renowned painter. He is found mysteriously dead in his studio, with the scene staged to appear as a suicide, but the police quickly determine that it is a meticulously planned murder.

As the investigation progresses, the painter’s complex private life gradually comes to light. He maintained close relationships with multiple women and was involved in a hidden romantic entanglement. These women’s stories intertwine with jealousy, resentment, and obsession with love, adding a layer of tragedy to the case. Under the pursuit of the police and a tenacious journalist, the true culprit and the motives hidden behind the murder slowly emerge: betrayal in love, the struggle for the artist’s reputation, and even the clash between desire and social rules. The novel probes the dark depths of human nature, vividly portraying the conflict between ideals and reality.

1. Film and Television Adaptations
   The Painter Who Murdered His Lovers has been adapted into multiple film and television versions:

Film Version (1979)

• Director: Hideo Gosha
• Leading Actors: Ken Takakura, Yuriko Nakajima
• Adaptation Features: The film uses delicate cinematography to dramatize the internal conflicts and emotional struggles of the characters, highlighting the interplay between mystery and human nature.

Television Drama Version (1995)

• Leading Actors: Masakazu Tamura, Hitomi Kuroki
• Adaptation Highlights: The TV drama, with its extended format, fully explores the complex psychological motivations of the characters and enhances the suspenseful atmosphere. The visuals employ extensive flashbacks and dreamlike sequences, emphasizing the original work’s emotional depth and social critique.

1. Narrative Methods
   (1) Narrative Perspective
   A. Multi-Perspective Narrative: By using the memories and descriptions of different characters, the truth of the case is gradually pieced together, allowing readers, as if observers, to deeply understand the complex psychology of those involved.
   B. Nonlinear Narrative: The novel alternates between memories and present events in a fragmented way, gradually revealing the truth while maintaining the story’s mysterious nature.

(2) Narrative Viewpoint
The novel primarily employs a third-person omniscient perspective, but focuses on specific characters (such as investigators or journalists) as points of observation, guiding readers through important plot points. Occasionally, internal monologues reveal deep struggles and secrets, adding emotional weight and psychological realism.

1. Suspense, Conflict, and Memorable Dialogue
   (1) Suspense
   A. The painter’s death: Is it a crime of passion, a dispute over interests, or a hidden, far-reaching conspiracy?
   B. Love and betrayal: Which lover has a motive for murder, and what secrets are hidden behind them?

(2) Main Conflicts
A. Individual emotions vs. social reputation: The painter is entangled in private romantic conflicts, but as a public figure, his secret relationships become the focus of public and moral scrutiny.
B. Truth vs. Lies: Conflicting testimonies among suspects make it difficult to discern fact from fiction, creating a tense atmosphere.

(3) Memorable Dialogue
One lover, confronted with questioning, despairingly says:
"I am his lover, but I was never his choice. In his paintings, I am always just a silhouette."
This line not only expresses her suffering but also highlights the cold and complex nature of the relationship between the painter and his lovers.

1. Protagonist, Antagonist, and Psychological Analysis
   (1) Protagonist: The painter’s investigator/journalist
   Psychological Analysis: Obsessed with uncovering the truth, representing the pursuit of justice, but as the investigation deepens, he faces his own emotional conflicts and challenges to his values.

(2) Antagonist: The murderer (one of the painter’s lovers)
Psychological Analysis: She deeply loves the painter but has been hurt by indifference and betrayal. The dual denial of reputation and self ultimately drives her into the abyss of crime.

(3) Other Key Character: The Painter himself
Psychological Analysis: His mind is full of contradictions. He pursues the purity of art yet cannot resist human weaknesses, drawing those around him into a vortex of suffering.

1. Selling Points of the Novel (Reasons for Reader Popularity)
   (1) Deep Portrayal of Human Weakness: Matsumoto, in The Painter Who Murdered His Lovers, not only presents the mystery of the murder case but also confronts the characters’ emotional entanglements, expanding desires, and ethical disorder, provoking profound reflection on human nature in readers.

(2) Intersection of Art and Reality: Centered on the painter and his works, the novel merges the ideals of artistic creation with the contradictions of real life, adding unique cultural depth.

(3) Tense Suspenseful Rhythm: Whether through the perplexing investigation or the complex relationships among suspects, the story is filled with dramatic tension and reading pleasure.

(4) Fusion of Emotion and Social Critique: Beginning with personal stories, the novel reveals moral decline and struggles for fame and interest in postwar Japanese society, infusing the plot with a strong sense of the era and resonance.

Conclusion
The Painter Who Murdered His Lovers is a classic work in which Seicho Matsumoto perfectly combines the exploration of human nature with social critique. Through deep psychological depiction, intricate plot arrangement, and thought-provoking themes, the novel not only delivers the pleasure of a mystery but also showcases Matsumoto’s profound literary craftsmanship, making it a highly memorable and impactful literary work.