A Man (novel)
{{Infobox book
| isbn = 978-4-16-390902-8
| pub_date = September 30, 2018 (Japanese)
June 1, 2020 (English)
| name = A Man
| language = Japanese
| country = Japan
| preceded_by = ドーン (Dawn)
| translator = Eli K. P. Williams
| publisher = Bungeishunju (Japanese)
Amazon Crossing (English)
| awards = Yomiuri Literary Prize
| image = "A Man" by Keiichiro Hirano book cover.png
| author = Keiichiro Hirano
}}
{{Short description|2018 novel by Keiichiro Hirano}}
{{Nihongo|A Man|ある男|Aru hito}} is a 2018 novel by Keiichiro Hirano. It was originally published in Bungakukai's June 2018 issue and then published as a novel by Bungeishunjū a few months later. The novel then went on to win the 70th Yomiuri Literary Prize.{{Cite web |last=第一文藝部 |title=平野啓一郎の新たなる代表作、読売文学賞受賞作『ある男』英訳発売 “Amazon First Reads Program”8作のうちの1作に採択 {{!}} 第一文藝部 {{!}} ニュース |url=https://books.bunshun.jp/articles/-/5463 |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=本の話 |language=ja}} In 2020, an English translation by Eli K. P. William was released by Amazon Crossing, marking Hirano's debut in the English language.{{Cite book |last=Hirano |first=Keiichiro |title=A Man |date=June 1, 2020 |publisher= Amazon Crossing |isbn=978-1542006880 |translator-last=Williams |translator-first=Eli K. P.}} In 2022, the novel was adapted to film by director Kei Ishikawa and won the Japan Academy Film Prize for Picture of the Year.
Synopsis
The novel follows a divorce attorney, Akira Kido. Eventually, a former client of his appears, Rie Takemoto, who sets Kido on an investigation regarding her late husband. However, upon inquiring further about the late husband's life, he finds out that his entire identity was fabricated, prompting him to set out on a quest to find out who Rie's husband really was. All the while, Kido's own marriage risks deterioration.
Critical reception
= English =
Publishers Weekly stated "Hirano’s stylish, suspenseful noir should earn him a stateside audience."{{Cite web |date= |title=A Man by Keiichiro Hirano |url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781542006880 |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=www.publishersweekly.com}} The Japan Times found the story's unfolding satisfactory.{{Cite news |last=Schreiber |first=Mark |date=July 25, 2020 |title=‘A Man’ looks beyond a stolen name and identity |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2020/07/25/books/book-reviews/a-man-novel/ |work=The Japan Times}}
Film adaptation
{{Main article|A Man (film)}}
In 2022, the novel was adapted to film by director Kei Ishikawa and premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival.{{Cite web |last=Brzeski |first=Patrick |date=2022-09-04 |title=Venice Hidden Gem: Kei Ishikawa’s ‘A Man’ Reflects on the Elusive Identity of Japan’s “Lost Generation” |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/venice-hidden-gem-kei-ishikawa-a-man-1235212024/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} The film went on to win 8 awards at the Japan Academy Film Prizes, including Best Picture. Many of the film's actors won awards as well, with Satoshi Tsumabuki winning Best Actor, Masataka Kubota winning Best Supporting Actor, and Sakura Ando winning Best Supporting Actress.{{Cite web |title=【第46回日本アカデミー賞】「ある男」が最多8冠！ 妻夫木聡が…安藤サクラが…感無量の涙 : 映画ニュース |url=https://eiga.com/news/20230310/30/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=映画.com |language=ja}}
Musical Adaptation
A stage musical adaptation had been announced by Horipro, to premiere in 2025. It is composed by Jason Howland, with lyrics by {{ill|Chikae Takahashi|ja|高橋知伽江}} and book by {{ill|Misaki Setoyama|ja|瀬戸山美咲}}, who is also directing. The original cast features Kenji Urai, Teppei Koike, {{ill|Megumi Hamada|ja|濱田めぐみ}}, Sonim, and Takeshi Kaga. {{Cite web |date=2024-12-19 |title=ミュージカル『ある男』｜【公式】ホリプロステージ｜チケット情報・販売・購入・予約 |url=https://horipro-stage.jp/stage/aman2025/#dayTicket |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=ミュージカル『ある男』 {{!}} 【公式】ホリプロステージ｜チケット情報・販売・購入・予約 |language=ja}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=ミュージカル「ある男」 {{!}} 公演情報・キャスト・日程 |url=https://natalie.mu/stage/play/2789 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=natalie.mu |language=ja}}