Yasuo Uchida’s Botchan Satsujin Jiken

An Adaptation of Natsume Soseki’s Botchan

Abstract

This study analyzes the detective novel Botchan Satsujin Jiken by Uchida Yasuo from the perspective of an adaptation—Botchan by Natsume Sōseki. Unlike previous research by Seki, which focused on non-comedic effects in works structured as “zokuhen” to Sōseki’s novels, this paper examines the effects produced by the elements borrowed from Botchan, through an analysis of the novel’s prologue and its detective narrative structure—particularly in relation to the suspects and victims that appear in both works. The findings indicate that these elements are based on images established in the original work and generate tension by drawing on the reader’s assumptions. For readers familiar with Botchan, Botchan Satsujin Jiken not only engages with the murder mystery narrative but also immerses them in the literary world of the original novel.