Edogawa Ranpo

Pioneered Japanese detective fiction by blending Western mystery tropes with uniquely Japanese cultural elements.

Edogawa Ranpo (1894–1965), the pen name of Tarō Hirai, transformed Japanese literature by creating the first authentically Japanese detective stories. His works like 《The Psychometrist》 introduced eccentric detectives and psychological depth unseen in earlier Western-inspired mysteries. He co-founded the Japan Detective Writers' Club, nurturing generations of crime writers.

Ranpo's use of Edo-period aesthetics and explorations of taboo topics challenged societal norms, influencing manga, anime (e.g., Detective Conan), and filmmakers like Teruo Ishii. His legacy persists as a cultural bridge between traditional Japanese storytelling and modern pop culture.