A spring-time case : $b (Otsuya koroshi)

In the warm light of a Japanese spring, a seemingly ordinary household is rocked by a sudden, gruesome murder. The victim, a well‑to‑do merchant, is found dead under mysterious circumstances, and the local police are baffled by the lack of clear motives or witnesses. Into this tangled scene steps a keen‑eyed investigator whose curiosity is matched only by his respect for the delicate customs that still govern everyday life.

As the inquiry deepens, the detective uncovers a web of hidden resentments, secret liaisons, and the subtle clash between traditional values and the new attitudes stirring in Meiji‑Taishō society. Tanizaki’s narrative blends sharp observation with a quiet, almost lyrical sense of place, inviting listeners to feel both the fragrant bloom of spring and the lingering shadows of past grievances. The story offers a thoughtful portrait of a nation in transition, where every clue reveals more about the people than the crime itself.