Seichō Matsumoto was born in 1909 in Fukuoka, Japan. Self-educated, Matsumoto published his first book when he was forty years old, and he quickly established himself as a master of crime fiction. His exploration of human psychology and Japanese postwar malaise, coupled with the creation of twisting, dark mysteries, made him one of the most acclaimed and highest selling writers in Japan. He received the prestigious Akutagawa Prize in 1950 and the Kikuchi Kan Prize in 1970. He died in 1992.

"The debut novel of bestselling writer Seichō Matsumoto . . . first published in Japan in 1958 and never out of print, [is an] ingeniously plotted railway mystery."--The Guardian

"[Tokyo Express] stands out thanks to the 'elegant spareness of the prose, ' as Amor Towles writes in his introduction, but also because of the ingenuity of the tightly coiled plot . . . this novel floored me, and I expect it will floor other new readers, too."--New York Times Book Review

"The descriptions are elegant, the plotting even moreso, with complex characterizations that belie the slim size of the volume. If you read one reissue this year, pick up this one."--CrimeReads

"A timetable mystery par excellence!"--Ed Park, author of Same Bed Different Dreams

"Tokyo Express by seasoned Japanese mystery writer Seichō Matsumoto is a brilliant reminder that mysteries and thrillers are not unique to the Western world . . . Japanese crime fiction fans will especially like [it]. Nonetheless, this book is perfect for all dedicated to crime investigations and the entire gamut of personnel found once a crime has been committed."--Great Mysteries and Thrillers

"Matsumoto's debut novel is credited with launching the mystery genre in Japan. The story is built on the meticulous examination of data; timelines and maps and train schedules figure prominently. Its underlying message about malignant corporate growth in the aftermath of World War II adds poignancy and raises the novel above the genre's parameters. . . . A tidy vintage whodunit with a forensic flavor."--Kirkus Reviews

"'Japan's Agatha Christie' gets an overdue wide launch . . . [Tokyo Express is] a work of art."--Book Riot

"A tight and fun read that is really perfect if you're traveling."--Maris Kreizman, The Maris Review

Publisher: Modern Library

Pub date: 2025-10-14

Length: 176 pages