Bridge of Darkness1993

"Bridge of Darkness" (仕掛人・藤枝梅安：Shikakenin Fujieda Baian) is a series of crime entertainment short stories set in Edo period written by Shotaro IKENAMI (池波 正太郎) released from 1972 to 1990 in Japan. The 7 series books have 20 episodes in total, which are adapted into TV drama in 70's and 80's to gain good reputation. This English translated version is the second series following "Master Assassin". The book contains 4 episodes; - Spring Snow (春雪仕掛針) - Rabbit Stew (梅安 蟻地獄) - Autumn Rain (梅安 初時雨) - Bridge of Darkness (闇の大川橋) The "Bridge" of the 4th episode is Azuma-bashi (吾妻橋) bridge over Sumida-river (隅田川). The river and the bridge had been called O-kawa (大川) and O-kawa-bashi respectively in Edo period. Now people walk on this bridge (Azuma-bashi) to visit one of the most popular sightseeing spot in Tokyo, "Tokyo Sky Tree" tower from Senso-ji temple (浅草寺) in Asakusa area. The work is also adapted into films and Manga as such other Ikenami's historical fiction series as "Onihei hankacho (鬼平犯科帳)" and "Kenkaku Syobai (剣客商売)". Many of his books have been all-time-best long sellers. An anime adaption of "Onihei" was aired in 2017 celebrating its 50th anniversary of the novella's first release.