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.
Strange Maps blends eerie illustrations with short, interconnected stories. The book invites readers to study unusual floor plans and diagrams, then piece together unsettling narratives hidden inside them. The format has drawn interest both in Japan and abroad, as readers share theories online and compare interpretations.
The chart milestone signals growing curiosity around unconventional storytelling and highlights how a distinctive creative voice can travel far beyond its original audience.