The mysterious horror-mystery writer Uketsu has once again captivated readers — this time with a record-breaking debut. His latest novel, Strange Maps, entered at No. 1 on the first-ever all-genre ranking of the newly launched Billboard Japan Book Charts, marking a historic achievement in Japan’s publishing industry.
This landmark moment perfectly reflects what many fans and critics have been discussing lately: Uketsu talks about Strange Maps leading Billboard Japan’s first Book Chart, his musical influences, and writing for one ideal reader — offering rare insight into the creative mind behind one of Japan’s most intriguing literary phenomena.
A Series That Redefined Reading
Uketsu has become widely known for blending traditional storytelling with diagrams, sketches, architectural layouts, and visual puzzles. His unconventional structure has helped attract readers beyond the typical literary audience — including people who normally shy away from novels.
The “Strange” series has now surpassed 8.5 million copies in global circulation. One of its earlier installments, Strange Pictures, sold over 2.1 million copies across 37 countries and regions, earning the reputation of a worldwide “sketch million-seller.”
With Strange Maps, the fourth installment, Uketsu pushes his format even further. The book incorporates more than 200 maps, guiding readers through eerie seaside ruins, deserted villages, and aging underground tunnels. It feels less like a simple novel and more like an interactive investigation.
Many consider this latest entry the definitive culmination of everything he has experimented with so far.
Breaking Records on the Japan Book Hot 100
Strange Maps quickly surpassed 700,000 copies in circulation. It not only debuted at No. 1 on the Japan Book Hot 100 — a comprehensive ranking that combines print sales, e-book downloads, and library lending — but also maintained the top spot for four consecutive weeks on Billboard Japan’s Hot Bungei (Literary) Books chart.
Uketsu appeared at the awards ceremony on Dec. 16 — fully masked, as always — maintaining his mystique even while celebrating a very public milestone.
Shortly after the event, he reflected on the journey behind the book and his broader creative philosophy.
Music That Shaped His Creative World
When asked about his musical background, Uketsu shared that he spent part of his childhood in the U.K., where pop acts like the Spice Girls, Westlife, and Steps dominated the airwaves. He frequently heard them playing in the car during family drives.
Though artists like Oasis and R. Kelly were also popular at the time, their music felt more complex and distant to him as a child.
After returning to Japan, he developed a deep appreciation for Southern All Stars. Their music resonated with him emotionally, prompting a deeper exploration of the band’s influences. Tracing the inspirations of frontman Keisuke Kuwata led him into the rich worlds of 1960s and 1970s rock and pop, eventually expanding into sounds from the ’80s and ’90s.
Among all the songs he has encountered, one remains unforgettable: “Sayonara Jinrui” by Tama. Even hearing just ten seconds of it on television left a strong impression.
Unlike typical love songs that felt distant from his childhood experience, Tama’s music used imagery like the moon and stars — elements that felt immediate and relatable. That sense of accessibility mirrors what many readers now experience in his books.
Staying Current Through the Charts
Uketsu regularly follows global music charts published by Billboard. While some contemporary songs may not instantly connect with him, he listens carefully out of curiosity and discipline.
Although he considers himself an amateur musician, he occasionally releases music through video projects. Staying informed about current trends helps him understand the evolving soundscape — not necessarily to imitate it, but to remain aware of the broader creative environment.
Writing for One Reader — Not Millions
Despite his international readership, Uketsu intentionally avoids crafting stories that rely heavily on Japanese cultural nuances or linguistic complexity. He wants readers overseas to approach his work naturally — without feeling they must decode “Japanese literature.”
Interestingly, while his audience has grown enormously, his writing method remains deeply personal.
Rather than aiming to satisfy a mass market, he writes with one specific reader in mind. In his imagination, he carries on a silent dialogue: What would you think of this twist? What if this happens next? That imagined interaction guides his storytelling rhythm.
For him, attempting to please everyone would likely dilute the work. Focusing on a single ideal reader keeps the narrative sharp and emotionally authentic.
A Redemption and a Culmination
Uketsu has previously admitted that his debut novel, Strange Houses, left him with lingering regrets — especially regarding how the mystery concluded. At the time, he felt his technical skills were still developing.
With Strange Maps, he sought to revisit certain motifs from earlier works — such as abandoned settlements — while ensuring the mystery structure held together more cohesively. He also integrated the literary experimentation seen in Strange Pictures and the intricate foreshadowing techniques explored in Strange Houses 2: Eleven Floor Plans.
After nearly a year of writing, he now considers Strange Maps the book he would confidently recommend to anyone curious about his work: a starting point that represents the full scope of his creative identity.
Looking Ahead: New Genres on the Horizon?
When asked about future ambitions, Uketsu revealed interest in political dramas and financial thrillers — genres he has yet to explore. While unsure how successfully he could execute them, he finds the themes intellectually compelling.
If he does venture into those territories, readers can expect something very different from the “Strange” universe. But as always, he plans to write what genuinely excites him in the moment.
A Literary Phenomenon That Continues to Evolve
From topping the inaugural Billboard Japan Book Chart to maintaining weeks at No. 1, Strange Maps demonstrates that Uketsu’s experimental storytelling resonates across age groups — from young readers to longtime literary fans.
And as Uketsu talks about Strange Maps leading Billboard Japan’s first Book Chart, his musical influences, and writing for one ideal reader, one thing becomes clear: his success is not the product of chasing trends, but of refining a deeply personal creative voice.
In a world often driven by algorithms and mass appeal, Uketsu’s commitment to writing for a single imagined reader might be his most radical move yet.