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Kyoichi Narukami

なるかみ きょういち

Narukami Kyoichi

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1962-01-01 （Suginami, Tokyo, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Residence History
Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan

Career

Occupations
Novelist, Social Insurance and Labor Consultant (Shakai Hoken Romu-shi), Administrative Scrivener (Gyosei-shoshi)
Active Years
2014-
Affiliations
Mystery Writers of Japan, Japan PEN Club, Honorary Tourism Ambassador of Noshiro
Memberships
Mystery Writers of Japan, Japan PEN Club
Nominations
8th Japan Historical Period Writers Association Prize (Work) nominee (2019)

Education

Chuo University
Faculty of Law / Department of Political Science
Country: Japan
Graduated from Chuo University, Faculty of Law, Department of Political Science

Awards

Kadokawa Haruki Novel Prize
2014
Work: Shinkirō no Gotoku (later published as 'The Samurai's Daughter I Loved')
Organization: Kadokawa Haruki Office
Result: Winner
Nomura Kodō Literary Prize
2015
Work: The Samurai's Daughter I Loved
Organization: Nomura Kodō Literary Prize Committee
Result: Winner
Japan Historical Period Writers Association Prize
2019
Work: Tohoshi, In the Northern Sky
Category: 作品賞
Organization: Japan Historical and Period Writers Association
Result: Nominated

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

The Samurai's Daughter I Loved

2014 Historical fiction

Debut novel originally titled 'Shinkirō no Gotoku'. A historical drama set in the Edo period, exploring love and conflict.

samurailove and resentmentfamily

Kibune no Joseki / Fortress of the Pirate Ship

2015 Historical fiction

A historical novel with adventurous elements centered on pirates and maritime trade.

piratesadventuretrade
Adaptations
  • [Manga] Kibune no Joseki: Last arrival of the Pirates / 菊地昭夫 (2017)

Queen of Heaven

2017 Historical fiction

A historical novel incorporating a storyline set in Spain.

foreign historysamurai culturecultural exchange

Tohoshi, In the Northern Sky

2018 Period/Historical fiction

A historical drama depicting a northern warlord; shortlisted for a prize.

Sengoku periodwarrior lordshistorical figures

Neuroscience Investigator Natsuki Sanada (series)

2017 Mystery/Police procedural

A contemporary mystery series focusing on investigations that use neuroscience.

forensic sciencepsychologycrime

Adaptations

  • 'Kibune no Joseki' was adapted into a manga serialized in Monthly Comic Ran

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Detailed depiction of historical settingsNarrative that combines mystery elementsStructures contrasting present and past
Recurring Motifs
samurai and historical figuresinvestigation and pursuit of truthlocal landscapes and place names

Health

  • serious illness
    40歳前後
    A serious illness around age 40 prompted him to pursue writing; he later resigned his job to concentrate on writing

Legacy

Known for an oeuvre that spans historical fiction and mystery; he gained attention after winning the Kadokawa Haruki Novel Prize and the Nomura Kodō Literary Prize. His prolific output on local history and crime fiction has broadened his readership.

Academic Societies

  • Mystery Writers of Japan

In Popular Culture

  • 'Kibune no Joseki' was adapted into a manga and serialized, increasing recognition among manga readers.

Trivia

  • Holds qualifications as a social insurance labor consultant and an administrative scrivener
  • A passionate fan of flamenco and supporter of many artists
  • Worked for 28 years as a school administrative staff before debuting as an author