Chapter 4 Chapter Four The Spirit of Creation

Q: Let me ask you another question, what is the purpose of writing novels? Shimada: If I had to sum it up in one sentence, it would be "I want to change the world".In fact, the world is still a bit broad, and it should be positioned in the Japanese society.I think the environment we live in has problems of one kind or another, and some changes are really needed. Being able to think about issues under such big propositions as the reason and purpose of the existence of literature is actually something I have done since I officially started writing.I always want to use my own experience to change this era to some extent.In fact, when I started writing puzzle novels like Benge, I didn't think so much.This kind of novel will bring up an incredible event, and then ask the reader "why" and challenge them at the same time.Then comes the most interesting part, revealing the answer when no one has guessed it, which will cause readers to feel surprised.It is this urge to surprise others that drives me to write fiction.

And not long after I started writing, I was gradually able to see further. The focus is on social issues in Japan.Japan is a country with a traumatized experience of war.For this reason, we want our students to learn such and such special skills in order to seek a good job, which has caused the popularity of exam-oriented education, and this impact is far-reaching.Others include housing issues and AIDS issues.Here I would like to focus on the issue of exam-oriented education. During the exam, students will first choose the test questions that they can do. If they encounter questions that they cannot answer, they will skip them first, so as not to fail to complete the entire test paper before the specified time for the exam.In this way, some masters who take the test will be produced. They will leave the questions that they have not figured out, but will get a relatively good total score in the end.

When they enter the workplace, they will still retain this habit.Such people have penetrated into every corner of society. When they encounter difficult problems such as housing and AIDS, their first reaction is to skip it first. However, the judgment of national policy does not have a specified time for the examination, and it cannot be skipped or not done.These problems must have an answer.Exam strategies and skills that lead them to leadership positions.They naturally follow the successful experience of the past, but this time they are not facing answer sheets, but checks in denominations of hundreds of millions.Therefore, the price to be paid for using this technique is also very high.The issue of affecting a country, because it is of great importance, is left there as a result, and no one is willing to take that responsibility.This is really the ultimate application of test-taking skills in reality.

Our exam is an exam that focuses on memory, and jumping thinking is not allowed.Everyone memorizes information mechanically and then expresses it.I think the current exam is simply a game of points. This is also the reason for the game style that is now pervasive in the new book.This is the world of Benge detective fiction as portrayed by some of the victors in the exam wars.I don't want to blame anyone, some clever tricks were used to get there.This way of thinking is also created in this era.The so-called way of thinking in the age of information explosion refers to this. I'm not a fan of Japanese movies, but sometimes I wonder what is the reason for the downturn in Japanese movies?Some people attribute all this to the poor script. Although such a judgment seems a bit paranoid, I am afraid it is not unreasonable.

As a puzzler, I suddenly figured out something one day.All kinds of problems in this country have a certain commonality with the setting of puzzles, and can be solved well through the "law of unexpected simplicity".The complicated appearance can actually be fully explained by a very simple point. Political issues, human relations issues, suicide issues, unjust crimes, and judicial issues, the reasons behind these may not be as complicated as we imagined.The national policy of enriching the country and strengthening the military in the past, and the religious issues, women's issues, and education issues that make the country crumbling today, I am afraid that there is only one root cause of these problems, which is "placement".

The Americans have not forgotten the Unit 731, and those involved at that time were barred from entering the United States for life-such discussions are still going on today.However, for the Japanese, issues such as compulsory military service and military comfort women are just like things in the ancient Jomon era.It is precisely because they all feel that they have nothing to do with themselves, which has caused this kind of irresponsible common people mentality.We also think of ourselves as a student, an honest candidate sitting in a classroom full of curses. When it came to this question, I got a little excited.I haven't found a solution yet, but I've more or less seen the source of the problem.As an authentic writer, although I am engaged in the writing of reasoning theory day and night, I also have a sense of responsibility.Now, in addition to solving puzzles, providing solutions to improve Japanese human relations has also become one of the purposes of my writing.

But, that being said, I also run the risk of losing readers.Point out your own shortcomings, analyze the reasons, and propose improvement methods. No one will read such didactic articles.On the contrary, if it is expressed in an entertaining way, anyone can accept it, isn't it?But when it comes to these issues, if you don't grasp it well, even me will cause the quality of puzzle solving to decline.However, even if I knew this, I would still do it without hesitation. I'm sorry, I've said so much, I don't want to preach, I don't want to play prestige, I don't want to curry favor with anyone, and I don't want to hurt anyone.I want to have a relaxed conversation with you, so there is no need for unnecessary caution.These are all based on my own feelings, a little lengthy, please forgive me.

Q: Let me talk a little bit off topic.If Mr. Shimada had the chance to change his life, would you still choose to be a writer? Shimada: Yes. Q: If you still have the current memory at that time, such as the works you have written, the setting and structure of traps, the works of others you have read, TV dramas, novels, and all the knowledge, how would you feel? Woolen cloth?Will you be uneasy? Shimada: What?If I change my life, will Shoji Shimada still exist?That guy must be a fake, I'm going to be mad! (laugh) In fact, when I think about it carefully, I really have the feeling that I am another person.For example, five years ago, ten years ago, or fifteen years ago, a work titled "The Work" already existed in the world.It was an insurmountable barrier, and this feeling was really strong.It was a different time than it is now, with doubts all around.In fact, this pressure still exists today.Shoji Shimada can't go any further, and nothing he writes will get a higher rating than "Astrology."If you can't go beyond, it's better to put the pen out earlier.It is enough for Shoji Shimada to write only one "Astrology", and similar remarks are heard endlessly.

Although not reconciled, I have also considered this issue.If it is really impossible to surpass, then what is the point of continuing to write?What is writing for?Is it just for the money?In the process of thinking about these things, you will fall into a mental trap without knowing it. However, I finally became optimistic. Although the sense of anxiety still exists, I have learned to be confident.Because I firmly believe that one day I will be able to surpass that barrier.So I started various attempts.I have written super-long novels, books with episodes and episodes, and books based on real events.The malicious slander around me became the driving force for me to move forward and inspired me to create.If I was surrounded by people who were kind to me, I might not be able to learn to be self-reliant until now.

I wrote it, and I have suffered a lot.At that time, I was almost like a soul possessed.I prepared material like a hill, and then all the scenes appeared in front of my eyes like a movie, and I just connected them together. Takagi Binguang-jun told me that he also had the same feeling. When he wrote "The Secret of Genghis Khan", it was as if someone had already written it and then told him.All he has to do is prepare some materials.It seems that we both have the same experience. The work also has its own character, and it is difficult to manage them all well.First of all, my writing ability is definitely better than when I wrote "Astrology", at least the overall quality is higher.Five or ten years ago, I would still be thinking wildly. Now, in my opinion, the merits and demerits are for future generations to judge.What do you think of me... (laughs)

Q: You are the target of writers. When I read your works, I become very unconfident. Shimada: Yes?Don't say that.I'm still a little bit ecstatic though.It should be said that I am really proud of it.But I really attracted many newcomers to the ranks of writing.In other words, Ayatsuji-kun also told me when he was a newcomer that after reading my book, he became less confident. I don’t know why, maybe it’s because he didn’t have the confidence to surpass me.In fact, it's good to work hard in your own way.Didn't Ayatsuji say so on many occasions? I used to have the feeling of living in the shadow of Mr. Qing Zhang.I was once asked to write about a middle-aged detective in a suit that I had absolutely no interest in, and was asked to write according to a pre-set schedule. These are signs of lack of confidence.Before their debut, Ayatsuji-kun and the others were also asked to do the same. Whether it is to introduce the customs of the times into the work, or to write about a talented young detective, these attempts that have not been made before are not allowed.This is the erroneous common sense left over from the period of Japan's rapid economic growth, and it is really a moral view that makes people laugh. The history of common people derived from this pyramid of power has continued to this day.This state of having to live under order and the preference for militarized management is projected into the world of novels, resulting in many systems in the writing of novels.For example, strong women are not allowed in the stock market, and even if there are, they must be wicked and will be punished in the end; women must be delivered to the door when their husbands go out; new detectives must be naive; criminal investigations must be qualified. police officer to carry out; stupid woman must be shameless and so on.I don't think these regulations are necessary, and they are not framed by the framework. This is the expression of self-confidence. I have also experienced the period you mentioned before, so please write with confidence. Q: I have read Mr. Shimada's works before, and there is a silhouette of the author on the cover. I feel that Mr. Shimada's appearance is very majestic.But after actually meeting you, I feel that you are a soft and humble person.What kind of expression should I use to appear on the scene?Can I use my usual photos? Shimada: (wry smile) I didn't deliberately make an expression at all. It was said that Kyogoku Natsuhiko had seriously thought about this issue before, and now it seems that this statement is true.Readers have few opportunities to contact the author except for the silhouette, so it is inevitable to judge by the photos.So many misunderstandings may be affected by the photos.But I don't care. I once went to the art room of the publishing house to find a professional photographer to take pictures, and then the editor selected the ones he thought were suitable.Due to copyright issues, it is more common practice now to ask you to bring your own photos.It's just that the photos published at that time were more serious.It may be that when I was young, I was slandered and slandered a lot, so I didn't smile much when taking pictures.Someone told me how scary your face is in your photos, so now I keep smiling when I take pictures. Q: Mr. Shimada has lived overseas, has it promoted your creation to a certain extent?I heard that Mr. Shimada likes England very much, but why did he choose to go to Los Angeles? Shimada: The reason for choosing California is very simple, because I like cars, and I want to experience a society where cars are fully integrated into life.It is easier to get a green card than other countries, and I have been to the UK before, so I will choose it. The promotion effect is innumerable, if not, it is impossible to write a work like "Hollywood Credentials".Know the detailed immigration procedures, what kind of school you need to go to to become a star, what are the dangers, and what people who aim to become a Hollywood actress must go through... All of these are a person with a real life in Los Angeles. Only experienced people can write it. This information is not available in Tokyo, as well as content about everyday life.For example, if you go to a huge mall when shopping, you can write its name, interior decoration, the name of the restaurant inside, and the atmosphere, all of which can be written naturally. There is also the feeling of speaking.English jokes, social expressions, these things are essential.It was such an environment that created Marlowe's character.As a foreign object, suspense novels sometimes have to write some such things.Because I lived locally, I still have some confidence in these descriptions.Whether it is experience or vision, it is my personal feeling.I think it is difficult for someone who has no local experience to write about it. Q: Mr. has lived in Los Angeles, what's your opinion on hard-core American novels?Is your work "The Mermaid Wearing Satin" intended to be written in this style? Shimada: Actually, I like Chandler very much. I think it fits my taste very much. I think Haruki Murakami is also our kind of person. If you talk about Philip Marlowe, many people think he is an alternative hero completely different from Sherlock Holmes.But as far as I'm concerned, they're a father-son relationship.Holmes is nothing like Van Dyne's nerdy protagonist.That kind of charm, in essence, is a kind of humorous spirit, and then there are masculinity and courage, forbearing chivalry, and a little eccentricity, as well as unparalleled theoretical thinking ability.Another point that cannot be ignored is that he has the mobility and motor nerves of an athlete, and he is also a boxing master.These elements are also possessed by Marlowe on the new continent far away on the west coast of the ocean. Reasoning works are put on the big screen, but their rendering power is greatly reduced, which makes this kind of subject matter unable to support a sky in Hollywood.A reasoning superhero like Sherlock Holmes is completely different from an academic detective who cannot perform Hollywood-style renderings.Marlowe can be seen as the successor of Sherlock Holmes who was born in the New World decades later.Its significance lies in overthrowing the Van Dyne-style character structure, which can be said to be a renaissance in the reasoning world. The most striking difference between Marlowe and Holmes is the difference between the first person and the third person.Chandler is good at writing in the first person, while Conan Doyle is a master at writing in the third person.According to the different characteristics of the writer, the works presented are not the same.If a movie star were to switch careers to write a book, it would probably be written in the first person.Doyle, on the other hand, viewed the work from an objective perspective.Holmes' thinking and Watson's understanding complement each other, forming an atmosphere full of humor, which is indeed a very clever writing technique. In the Sherlock Holmes series, there is a work called "The Lion's Mane", which describes his life in seclusion, and it is written from the first-person perspective.When reading, it gives people a feeling that Holmes has stepped down from the altar, letting us know that he is an ordinary and gentle person who will not underestimate assertions.At this time, we can deeply appreciate the power of third-person writing.In Watson's writing, Sherlock Holmes is a superman.I always think that if Chandler described Marlowe from a third-person perspective, it would have a very different feeling. Here I want to break the news, in fact, there is a lot of experimental elements.Although Conan Doyle failed, I still wanted to challenge myself.It is with this mentality that I wrote this work. Marlowe's charm is in stark contrast to Japan's shallow bravado. In one sentence, he is a man who is not afraid of difficulties, acts bravely while implementing his own aesthetics, and comes and goes like the wind.Assessing themselves in their own words, Holmes said that "the present situation is exactly in line with Wagner's third act".And Marlowe, it is "If couldn'teverbegentle, Iwouldn'tdeservetobealive..." (If I can't be gentle forever, I don't deserve to live...).There is also a saying that "the strong may lose their lives, but the weak will inevitably lose their qualifications to live". That kind of power that shocks people, even the ordinary people will be moved by it, is the common masculine charm of the two of them.In this "suicide age", such spiritual giving is more important than anything else.In my opinion, as an authentic writer in such an era, one cannot simply be a bookworm.You must understand how superficial the so-called Japanese masculine aesthetics that say "you bastard, kneel to me" is so shallow. In my opinion, it is also one of the missions of every reasoning writer to improve the sensibility and childishness of this closed-country type.This kind of Japanese-style bluff often ends in suicide.However, for a person who beat an old man so that he was paralyzed in bed, maybe suicide is what he deserved.

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