Takami Kósun (Books)

Takami Kósun Books

Koushun Takami is the author of a novel that became a bestseller for its controversial content. His work delves into the darker aspects of human nature and societal structures, often through intense and provocative narratives. Takami's distinctive voice and his exploration of psychological depths make his prose engaging and thought-provoking. His impact on contemporary literature is significant, with stories that continue to resonate with readers globally.

Battle Royale

624 pages
22 hours of reading

4.0(5229)Add rating

The cult Japanese bestselling phenomenon! Koushun Takami's notorious high-octane thriller is based on an irresistible premise: a class of 42 junior high school students are taken to a deserted island where, as part of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are electronically collared, provided with weapons of varying potency, and sent out onto the island. If they are in the wrong part of the island at the wrong time, their collars will explode. If they band together to save themselves a collar will explode at random. If they try to escape from the island, they will be blown up. Their only chance for survival lies in killing their classmates. Criticized as violent exploitation when first published in Japan - where it then proceeded to become a runaway bestseller - BATTLE ROYALE is a Lord of the Flies for the 21st century, and a potent story of politics and survival in a dog-eat-dog world. Made into a controversial hit movie of the same name, BATTLE ROYALE is already a contemporary Japanese pulp classic, and is now available for the first time to the UK mainstream.