A masked author with a quiet presence has taken the top spot on Japan’s book charts.
Strange Maps, written by the elusive Japanese writer Uketsu, recently reached No. 1 on the Billboard Japan book chart, according to the publication’s latest rankings. The achievement marks a rare moment for a mystery author who has built a following while keeping their identity hidden from the public.
Uketsu appears in public wearing a white mask and speaks through altered audio, a choice that has become central to the writer’s image. The decision, as previously explained in interviews, is meant to keep attention on the work rather than the person behind it.
