Natsuo Kirino Quotes

Powerful Natsuo Kirino for Daily Growth

About Natsuo Kirino

Natsuo Kirino, born on March 19, 1951, in Tokyo, Japan, is a critically acclaimed crime fiction author who has made significant strides in the literary world with her unique blend of crime stories and social commentary. Raised in a working-class family, Kirino's early life experiences have profoundly influenced her writing. She worked various jobs before finding success, including factory work, selling cosmetics door-to-door, and even a stint as a hostess in a nightclub. These diverse experiences have provided her with a rich tapestry of characters and settings for her stories. Kirino's literary journey began in the 1980s when she started writing manga (comics) and light novels, but it was not until the publication of her first crime novel, "Out," in 1997 that she gained widespread recognition. The novel, which tells the story of a group of office ladies who kill their supervisor, was an instant success and marked the birth of a new genre in Japan – the "office lady" crime novel. Kirino's works often delve into the darker side of Japanese society, focusing on themes such as violence, inequality, and social justice. Her stories are characterized by complex characters, intricate plotlines, and an unflinching gaze at the harsh realities of modern Japan. Some of her other notable works include "Gentlemen," "Trap," and "Dolls." In 2004, Kirino's novel "Out" was adapted into a film, further cementing her status as a leading figure in Japanese literature. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, earning her international acclaim. Despite her success, Kirino continues to push boundaries and challenge societal norms through her powerful and thought-provoking crime fiction.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"It's easy to forget that pain is an integral part of being alive."

This quote by Natsuo Kirino underscores the idea that experiencing pain, whether physical or emotional, is a universal aspect of human existence. It suggests that acknowledging and remembering this truth helps us appreciate the fullness of life, for it's in overcoming challenges and hardships that we grow as individuals. In essence, the quote reminds us that pain can serve as a catalyst for personal development and resilience.


"Revenge is a kind of solace, but it won't bring back the dead."

This quote by Natsuo Kirino highlights the futile nature of revenge as a means to heal or make right the wrongs committed against us. Revenge may provide temporary comfort (solace), but it cannot undo past harm or restore those who have been lost. The focus should be on finding ways to move forward, healing, and learning from our experiences rather than seeking vengeance, which can only perpetuate cycles of violence and suffering.


"Women are more likely to find comfort in each other than men realize."

This quote by Natsuo Kirino suggests that women often build strong emotional bonds and find solace in their relationships with each other, which may not always be fully understood or appreciated by men. Women's friendships can serve as a source of support, understanding, and shared experiences that are crucial for personal growth and well-being. This perspective highlights the unique dynamics and benefits within female friendships that can foster empathy, emotional intimacy, and mutual understanding.


"Everyone has their reasons for the choices they make."

This quote suggests that every individual has a unique set of circumstances, beliefs, or motivations that guide their decisions and actions. It underscores the idea that people's choices are not random but rather informed by their personal experiences, feelings, and perspectives. In other words, understanding someone's choice requires looking beyond the action itself and considering the context in which it was made.


"There's a difference between wanting something and needing it."

This quote highlights the distinction between desire and necessity. It suggests that while we may want various things in life, there are essential needs that take precedence. The statement underscores the importance of understanding these distinctions to prioritize our actions and resources effectively, ensuring our basic needs are met before indulging in unnecessary desires.


It's a very confusing experience living as a woman in Japan. If your husband is white-collar, the wife is blue. Even if you marry a person of status, the wife inevitably remains a rung below.

- Natsuo Kirino

Woman, Living, Very, Rung

For research, I like to go to the location of the places in the novels. The first thing that I do is involve my senses: I notice the smells; I open the trash cans and look at what people have thrown away.

- Natsuo Kirino

Away, Like, Smells, Cans

A crime is like a crack in reality, and it is the author's role to explore those cracks. As a writer, I like to see how they impinge on people.

- Natsuo Kirino

Explore, Role, Like, Cracks

In Japan, full-time homemakers have no economic power of their own, and they socially lead a faceless, anonymous existence.

- Natsuo Kirino

Full-Time, Japan, Socially, Anonymous

I started writing juvenile novels around 1985. I never really thought of it as a career, but more as a way to make a living.

- Natsuo Kirino

Thought, Career, Living, Juvenile

I don't know if foreigners will take to my novels or not. It may be that my books appeal only to a particular gender or age group rather than convey a more universal appeal.

- Natsuo Kirino

Gender, May, Foreigners, Convey

I first thought about becoming a writer after the age of 30, which is rather late, I'd say. In my 20s, I wasn't especially good at anything, and I didn't have a lot of experiences. I was just a young woman without a good job.

- Natsuo Kirino

Woman, Thought, Becoming, Young Woman

'Out' was my real breakthrough, the novel that became a hit in Japan and sold a lot of books, so it was sort of an obvious choice for being the first book to be translated into English.

- Natsuo Kirino

Breakthrough, Became, Sold, Translated

The thing I don't like about detective stories is looking for criminals.

- Natsuo Kirino

Like, Criminals, Stories, Detective

One of my books, 'Rain Falling on My Face,' earned me the 39th Edogawa Ranpo prize. It's a very prestigious literary prize in Japan, mostly for mysteries and thrillers.

- Natsuo Kirino

Rain, Falling, Prestigious, Thrillers

I'm happy to be told that I am beautiful, but I don't gain anything from that.

- Natsuo Kirino

Beautiful, Happy, I Am, Gain

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