- published: 11 Aug 2015
- views: 32787
Naoko is a novel by Keigo Higashino. The original title is Himitsu (秘密, Secret). The novel won the 52nd Mystery Writers of Japan Award for Best Novel. The story centers on a man whose wife and daughter are in a terrible accident; the wife dies, but when the daughter wakes up, he discovers his wife's mind inside.
It was made into a 1999 Japanese film, Himitsu, directed by Yōjirō Takita. The 2007 film The Secret is based on the Japanese film.
Heisuke Sugita (杉田 平介, Sugita Heisuke), a humble 39-year-old man, enjoys the smaller pleasures in life. He is devastated when his wife and daughter are involved in a bus accident. Naoko Sugita (杉田 直子 Sugita Naoko), his wife, dies and his 11-year-old daughter Monami Sugita (杉田 藻奈美 Sugita Monami) is badly injured. Monami makes a miraculous recovery—albeit, with one small twist—her personality and memories are that of her mother Naoko's, rather than her own. Both Heisuke and Naoko conclude that her spirit is possessing Monami's body. Unable to explain what has happened, they decide to keep the matter a secret while Naoko lives as Monami from then on.
I want you to tell your tale
But hesitation gleams in your eyes
What is it what makes you afraid?
With your feelings i don't wanna dice
Please tell me just the truth
Stop to pretend
And i'll comprehend
Never try to abuse
The words you say
I am your friend
Light my mind
Let my knowledge grow
Fight the enemy in yourself with candour
It detains you believe me it's true
Please tell me just the truth
Stop to pretend
And i'll comprehend
Never try to abuse
The words you say
I am your friend
Secrecy's your order
Come show me all your fears
Secrecy's your order
This must decay
You'll be sure if you do your task
You yourself have to tear down the mask
Now look inside, what do you see?
You get afraid when you see the debris
Burst your inner fear and free your reliance
Stop to obey your mistrust
And give yourself a chance
You're leather wrapper with the notice
Top secret, beware of this
Secrecy's your order
Come show me all your fears
Secrecy's your order
This must decay
Secrecy's your order