Chiaki Kisaki’s thrilling crime novel series, Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens, has captivated audiences with its dark humor, intricate plot, and unforgettable characters. Set in the seemingly peaceful city of Fukuoka, Japan, the series unveils a hidden world of professional killers, detectives, and revenge seekers. The series, which has garnered significant acclaim, including winning the Grand Prize at the 20th annual Dengeki Novel Awards, has been adapted into a manga, and anime, further expanding its reach and solidifying its status as a must-experience crime thriller.
The Origins of Hakata’s Underworld
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens began as a light novel series written by Chiaki Kisaki and illustrated by Hako Ichiiro. ASCII Media Works published fourteen volumes under their Media Works Bunko imprint from February 2014, until its conclusion in May 2024. The series quickly gained popularity, leading to various adaptations, including:
- Manga Adaptations: Two manga adaptations were created. The first, illustrated by Kisara Akino, ran from July 2016 to May 2017. The second, titled Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens Dai 2-Shō, was illustrated by Chiako Nagaoka and ran from August 2017 to December 2018.
- Anime Adaptation: An anime television series adaptation by Satelight aired from January 12 to March 30, 2018, consisting of 12 episodes.
- Stage Plays: The novels have also been adapted into multiple stage plays, showcasing the series’ versatility and broad appeal.
A City of Killers: Plot Overview
The story unfolds in Fukuoka, a city that appears tranquil on the surface but is teeming with criminal activity beneath. The Hakata ward is home to a diverse group of underworld professionals, including hitmen, detectives, informants, and those seeking revenge. Rumors circulate about a “killer of professional killers,” adding an extra layer of intrigue to the city’s dark reputation.
Key elements of the plot include:
- Zenji Banba: A seemingly laid-back detective who runs his own agency, Banba Detective Office. He loves tonkotsu ramen, mentaiko, and baseball. Unbeknownst to many, he is also the infamous assassin known as The Niwaka Samurai, a “killer of killers.”
- Lin Xianming: A cross-dressing hitman from Kunming, China, skilled with knives. He comes to Japan to find his sister and pay off his family’s debt.
- The Intertwined Fates: Lin’s initial mission is to assassinate Banba, but after a series of events, they form an unlikely alliance, teaming up to take on corrupt organizations and seek justice in their own way.
The series explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and identity against the backdrop of a city where murder is commonplace. Despite the dark subject matter, Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens maintains a balance with humor and lighthearted moments, such as the characters’ obsession with baseball and tonkotsu ramen.
Manga Adaptations: A Closer Look
The manga adaptations of Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens offer a visual interpretation of Kisaki’s novels, bringing the characters and gritty world of Fukuoka to life.
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens (Kisara Akino)
- Serialization: July 2016 – May 2017
- Magazine: Monthly GFantasy
- Volumes: 2
This adaptation closely follows the plot of the first few novels, introducing readers to Zenji Banba, Lin Xianming, and the intricate web of relationships and conflicts within Hakata’s underworld. Akino’s art style captures the essence of the characters, emphasizing their unique personalities and the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens Dai 2-Shō (Chiako Nagaoka)
- Serialization: August 2017 – December 2018
- Magazine: Monthly GFantasy
- Volumes: 2
Dai 2-Shō continues the story, delving deeper into the complex relationships and challenges faced by Banba, Lin, and their allies. Nagaoka’s artwork brings a fresh perspective to the series, maintaining the dark and gritty tone while adding new visual elements.
Both manga adaptations are serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly GFantasy magazine, targeting a shōnen demographic. The adaptations capture the suspense, action, and humor of the original novels, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Characters of Hakata
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique backgrounds, motivations, and quirks. Here are some of the key players:
- Zenji Banba: The protagonist, a detective who runs the Banba Detective Office. He is also the legendary “killer of killers,” known as The Niwaka Samurai. Banba is a complex character with a strong sense of justice, despite his profession as an assassin.
- Lin Xianming: A skilled hitman from China who cross-dresses to feel comfortable. He initially comes to Japan to find his sister and pay off his family’s debt but becomes entangled in Hakata’s criminal underworld.
- Enokida: A genius hacker and information broker who provides valuable assistance to Banba and Lin. He is known for his eccentric personality and willingness to sell information to the highest bidder.
- Jirō: A former hairdresser who runs a hitman agency. He acts as a caretaker for Misaki.
- Misaki: A young elementary school student who helps Jirō run his agency.
- José Martínez: A professional torturer from the Dominican Republic.
- Yamato: A host who works at the Adam club.
- Saito: A promising starting pitcher who joins the Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens baseball team.
The interactions and relationships between these characters drive the plot, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative.
Anime Adaptation: Visualizing the City of Killers
The anime adaptation of Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens, produced by Satelight, brings the world of the novels to life with vibrant animation and a jazzy soundtrack. Directed by Kenji Yasuda and written by Shōgo Yasukawa, the anime captures the essence of the series, balancing action, humor, and suspense.
Key features of the anime include:
- Visual Style: The anime’s visual style complements the dark and gritty tone of the series, with detailed depictions of Fukuoka’s cityscape and the characters’ expressions.
- Music: The jazz-based soundtrack enhances the atmosphere, adding a layer of mystery and sophistication to the story.
- Voice Acting: The voice acting is top-notch, with talented actors bringing the characters to life and conveying their unique personalities.
The anime adaptation of Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and those interested in exploring the hidden side of Fukuoka.
Themes and Analysis
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens explores several themes that resonate with audiences:
- Identity: The characters grapple with their identities as they navigate the criminal underworld. Lin’s cross-dressing is a significant aspect of his identity, and the series explores how he finds comfort and strength in expressing himself.
- Friendship and Loyalty: Despite their professions as killers, the characters form strong bonds of friendship and loyalty. They rely on each other to survive and find meaning in their lives.
- Justice and Morality: The series questions the nature of justice and morality in a world where right and wrong are often blurred. Banba’s role as the “killer of killers” highlights the complexities of seeking justice in a corrupt society.
- The Mundanity of Evil: Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens portrays the lives of hitmen as surprisingly mundane, highlighting the routine and everyday aspects of their profession. This juxtaposition of the ordinary and the extraordinary adds to the series’ dark humor and intrigue.
Reception and Awards
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens has received critical acclaim and has won several awards:
- 20th Dengeki Novel Awards: The novel series won the Grand Prize, recognizing its quality and originality.
- The anime adaptation was praised for its visual style, music, and voice acting, earning a dedicated following among anime fans.
- The manga adaptations have also been well-received, with readers appreciating their faithful adaptation of the novels and their engaging artwork.
Legacy
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens has left a lasting impact on the crime thriller genre, inspiring other works and influencing the way crime stories are told. The series’ unique blend of action, humor, and dark themes has resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a beloved and enduring classic.
The series’ exploration of complex characters, intricate plots, and thought-provoking themes has solidified its place as a standout work in the crime thriller genre. Whether through the original novels, manga adaptations, or anime series, Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens continues to captivate and entertain audiences, inviting them to explore the hidden world of Fukuoka and its colorful cast of characters.
