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The debut novel by comic artist turned crime fiction author Kazuhiro Kiuchi, and more recently the inspiration for the 2013 Cannes Film Palm D'Or finalist movie by legendary film director Takeshi Miike. Shield of Straw is a heart-racing thriller that turns a whole nation against one man for vengeance and greed.

About the Author

Kazuhiro Kiuchi is one of Japan's more influential pop culture writers. Comic writer, novelist and screenplay writer since the late 80's Kiuchi has redefined urban fiction in Japan. He single-handedly introduced a nation that was obsessed with Yakuza tales to a new generation of troublemakers from the streets known affectionately as yanqui. His breakthrough work, Be-Bop High School, sold 70 million units in Japan and spun off a number of TV and film tie-ins. By the nineties, Kiuchi turned his focus on the world of film, where he honed his skills as a mystery film director and screen writer.

Now in his 50's, Kikuchi has settled down and gone back to publishing. However instead of toiling over comic art, his works are now hard-boiled crime fiction told from a very modern eye.