“Will there ever come a day when we can be happy too?”

Keigo Higashino's "The Letter" has become a steady seller, receiving praise from 2.4 million readers.
It has found readers in a reissue edition after about 10 years since its publication in Korea.

"The Letter" was published in paperback in November 2006 to coincide with the release of the movie, and became a bestseller with an incredible record in Japanese publishing history, selling 1.3 million copies in just one month. It was also a very popular work, ranking first in the overall rankings at Kinokuniya Bookstore for five consecutive weeks and first in the literature section of [Amazon Japan] for six consecutive weeks.
The movie also attracted audiences who heard about it through word of mouth, leading to a boom in "Letter" in Japan.
This masterpiece has been adapted into two musicals and plays, and has been adapted into several films and stages, including a recent drama starring popular Japanese talent Kazuya Kamenashi.

Keigo Higashino is a writer who has presented excellent mysteries, including full-fledged detective stories.
The captivating power that draws readers in at once, the fast-paced development, and the smooth scene direction are unrivaled.
However, the author's true talent lies in incorporating the ills of Japanese society into the story of the person he is writing about.
"The Letter" is a work that doesn't have any twists or tricks, but it makes us realize where his talent lies.
And this is also the reason why the author's works cannot be dismissed as mere entertainment literature.

But now I have no job and no money.
I didn't need money to buy a Christmas cake.
I didn't even want to buy rice cakes for the Lunar New Year.
All Tsuyoshi needed was money so that his younger brother Naoki could go to college without worry.
Tsuyoshi had this fantasy.
First, put the money in a time deposit at the bank.
Show it to Naoki.
I didn't tell you, but I've saved this much. As long as I have this, I won't have any problems with the entrance exam fee or tuition.
So, you don't have to worry about anything, that's what I wanted to tell my brother.
---From the "Prologue"

“I understand your story well enough.
I think it's going to be really hard.
I also feel like it's become difficult.
But what does that have to do with you? It has nothing to do with the band.”
“Thank you for your words, but I don’t want to be pitied.”
“I’m not sympathizing.
You're not in prison, are you? Why should I pity you? Is there some law that says a younger sibling can't pursue music if their older brother is in prison? There's no such thing.
“There’s nothing to worry about, right?”
Naoki looked at Terao's face as he spoke in a heated tone.
I was so happy that I almost cried when you told me that.
But I couldn't take his words at face value.
I didn't think he was lying.
It must be sincere now.
But that's just a temporary feeling.
Because that's how it's always been done so far.
Even after that incident, there were still some friends who treated me warmly.
But in the end, everyone left.
I didn't think they were too much.
Because everyone is precious to themselves.
It's only natural that you don't want to get involved with a troublesome person.
---From "Band Specium"

It occurred to me that I wasn't the only one who was unfortunate.
There were many people cheering him on.
But on the other hand, it reaffirmed that people may cheer but do not lend a helping hand.
I want Naoki to live well, but I don't want to be in a relationship with him.
It would be nice if someone else could help.
This must be their true feelings.
Of course, that doesn't mean I'm any less grateful to the bearded ethnic restaurant owner.
---From "Beautiful People"

“Haven't you ever experienced something like that? Being treated unfairly.”
Naoki nodded slowly.
“There were, in many ways.”
“I guess so.
It must have been painful every time.
“You might have been angry about the discrimination.”
Instead of affirming, Naoki closed his mouth and blinked.
“Discrimination is natural.”
President Hirano spoke quietly.
Naoki opened his eyes wide.
Because I thought they would say that discrimination is bad.
“Of course……?”
The boss said.
"of course.
Most people want to stay away from crime.
Because you might get involved in something strange because of a trivial relationship.
Therefore, we reject criminals and people close to criminals.
It is a very natural thing to do.
“Should we call it a self-defense instinct?”
“Then what should I do if I have a criminal in my family like that?” ---From “Beautiful People”

“It’s [Imagine].”
"What did Naoki say?" Terao said, his eyes widening.
“A world without discrimination and prejudice.
That's just imagination.
“Humans are animals that cannot help but live with discrimination and prejudice.”

---From "Imagine"