Author Murakami Ryu has taken a break from writing about heroin-addicted prostitutes for the time being to present the Japanese public with a question: What would you do if North Korea attacked?
An ad for his new novel, “Hanto wo Deyo” (Depart the Peninsula), describes the scenario:
As 9 North Korean commandos storm the Fukuoka Dome on opening day, 484 of Kim Jong Il’s special forces storm the beaches in mass transport boats, overwhelming the unsuspecting city a mere 2 hours later. They called themselves the “North Korean Resistance Army”. Read about the miracle that occurs in near-future Japan, where the economy has collapsed and international isolation deepens.
What would Japan do in the event of an invasion? It is entirely possible that even a minor attack could cause mass panic or a run on the banks that would leave Japan even more vulnerable. Comments?
(Thanks to Saru for the link)
I seriously doubt that North Korea would ever invade Japan, and even if they managed to do so, they would get their asses kicked in good time. But I bet this would be a good book, being written by Murakami and all, assuming you’re more a fan of grotesque imagery and less a fan of intellectual analysis.
I read a book by him called “The Line” (ライン） a couple of months ago that was pretty good. I don’t know if it’s avaliable in English or not, but as Joe said, Murakami Ryu tends to write about bizarre characters on the fringes of modern society than he does about politics. Of course, a story about a bunch of his usual freaks and weirdos using a North Korean invasion as the backdrop could be pretty damn cool.
BTW, the amazingly fucked-up movie ‘Audition’ is based on a story by him.
My only question: which Korea?
Not sure what you mean… It’s pretty clearly North Korea invading. I can’t tell you more until I read the book, which is probably not until I’m back in Japan and the paperback edition is out.
I am a medical doctor who is running a hospital in SouthKorea.
I want to talk with Ryu. I am not a stalker.
This misses the point. Thus far (and I am almost finished with
volume 2) Murakami is using a North Korean attack to criticize
Japanese politics and society. The North Koreans appear as
supporting cast members.
Mark, I don’t doubt you- notice that the comments here were based on an article about the book months before it was even released. I’ll probably read it myself eventually, after I get back to Japan.