The basic idea came from a short story I had written a while ago, when I was still living in Tokyo. That story is about a young yakuza and his lover who carry a big burden from a tragic accident that happened in their previous lives, and they are trying to bring an end to the seemingly never-ending cycle of tragedy triggered by that accident.
Ryu Takeshi – 1 November 2021
The Back Flap
The streets of Tokyo are different at night. There is darkness behind the glitter and the neon lights, and people who prefer to stay in the shadows, to dwell in the underworld – whores, gangsters, the homeless, the lost. People like Sato. He’s part of this world, he always has been, but a feeling of change is lingering in the heavy air of the bustling city. A feeling brought to life by fateful encounters of solitary souls.
Shadow Shinjuku is a dark, yet magical journey into the depths of Tokyo’s nightlife and the depths of the human soul. Ryu Takeshi’s first novel is both a crime thriller and urban fantasy. It’s a unique and mesmerizing blend of the imagery of Japanese animation and film, the colors and details of street photography, and the mystical lyricism of soulful music. But above everything, it is a gripping story that doesn’t let go.
About the book
What is the book about?
The book follows Sato, a man in his late thirties who used to be an orphan living on the streets of Tokyo but was taken in by the head of a local crime organization (yakuza). Sato is a reclusive person, quietly carrying out the orders of his boss, but his closed little world begins to open up and make him question his life and past behavior when first he befriends a strange, funny salaryman, and then becomes the personal bodyguard to the daughter of his boss. The three of them, plus a colorful supporting cast such as the old assistant of the boss (think of Alfred from Batman) and a whore working at one of the gang’s bars (think of Monica Bellucci’s character from Shoot ‘Em Up), get involved with some of the nastiest people and dirtiest secrets of the crime organization. In the process of dealing with the trouble they’re in, they also embark on an emotional and personal journey of finding answers to questions on love, bonds, and family.
The story also has some magical elements, which add an urban fantasy flavor to this crime thriller. While these magical elements are not overwhelming, they are key to the plot and the characters.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing it in January 2019, a bit more than a year after I finished and published my first novel.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took me approximately 2 years to finish the first draft, and I spent another six months on editing, with the help of Thomas Cooper, my editor.
Where did you get the idea from?
The basic idea came from a short story I had written a while ago, when I was still living in Tokyo. That story is about a young yakuza and his lover who carry a big burden from a tragic accident that happened in their previous lives, and they are trying to bring an end to the seemingly never-ending cycle of tragedy triggered by that accident.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Not really, to be honest. My writing style is very spontaneous – I trust the process and the flow without thinking too much about it or planning ahead. I really enjoyed creating the story and spending time in this world and with these characters.
What came easily?
The world and setting, which is Tokyo. I just adore Tokyo, I love its streets, its people, so it was a joy to be able to spend time in it and write about it.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The characters are fictitious, but they all have some traits of people and characters I have seen here and there. It’s difficult to tell if those are real people or fictional characters from books, anime, and movies – probably both. But the main character, Sato, definitely has some of my traits!
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I would say Haruki Murakami has had the biggest influence on my writing, because I feel like his worlds and my worlds are very similar, or maybe even the same! His Tokyo is like my Tokyo, and whenever I read his books I feel like I’m reading my own thoughts, seeing the images I myself have seen.
But it’s difficult to say what kind of influence he’s had on me in particular. I don’t think about this or that writer or book when I write. As I said, my process is spontaneous and instinctive (like Murakami’s, by the way!), so, I guess, all my past experiences somehow influence me when I write.
Do you have a target reader?
People who love Murakami, who love Japanese movies and anime, who love Japan and Tokyo, who love darker themes and a little magic, who love thrillers with a lot of soul and emotional content.
The movies I’d compare Shadow Shinjuku to would be, in no particular order: John Wick, Blade Runner, Nolan’s Batman trilogy, Black Rain, Drive, Lost in Translation, and In the Mood for Love. The anime that have something common with my book would be: Death Parade, Cowboy Bebop, Gungrave, 91 Days, and Wolf’s Rain. I’m listing these because the atmosphere and general feel you get while watching these is what you would find in Shadow Shinjuku too.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
As I mentioned before, my process is spontaneous. I have a vague idea of what the main plot would be, what kind of world and characters I want to use, and where I want them to be when the story ends, but everything else comes along the way. I just sit down, open my laptop, and start to write. I don’t plan ahead, and I let the moment carry me wherever it wants to.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I never outline 😊 I tried taking notes and outlining a few times, but it doesn’t work for me.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit heavily as I go. I like editing, polishing the text, and it also helps me to keep track of the plot.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I did. His name is Thomas Cooper, he is both an editor and a professional translator of literature from Hungarian to English language. I think it is vital for every author to have a professional editor. There are no perfect manuscripts, and an editor can add so much. If you want to have a professional book and are not just doing it for fun, you need an editor.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
All the time. And there is a lot of music in my stories. I usually listen something instrumental, and something with the right mood and atmosphere for my book. For Shadow Shinjuku I listened to Nick Cave, Johan Johansson, Max Richter, Olafur Arnalds, some Jazz, music from movies such a Her and Blade Runner, music from Twin Peaks, Moderat, and some post-rock.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, and I waited for about six months until I decided to go indie. I barely received any responses, and all were negative.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I had been considering it for a while, also because my previous book was published by a proper publisher, and I was very unsatisfied with it: the editor they gave me, the non-existent marketing they were trying to do, their entire approach. Also, I don’t like to wait. Why should I wait for years until maybe someone finds the book interesting? I want it out there, for the readers to read it and for me to be able to let it go and start working on the next book.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Professionally. The same applies to cover design as to editing. We are writers, not cover designers. A writer should write, and a designer should design. My designer was Awesomniac, who specializes in comic books. I really like the result. He also did some additional illustrations for my trailer and marketing campaign.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I do have it. It’s a must if you want to find an audience for your book. There are just so many books out there, and it’s impossible to find readers without proper marketing.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
First and foremost: have fun writing your books. That’s the most important. Then, if you really want to go indie, you need to be open to and used to doing stuff alone, managing everything yourself. And you should enjoy this part, too. There’s no point in doing it if you really hate the publishing part of the work.
End of Interview:
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Get your copy of Shadow Shinjuku from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
