The Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library is thrilled to co-present, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, Toronto, a book talk and film screening event featuring renowned Japanese author ISAKA Kotaro. Mr. Isaka’s works have been translated into over 20 languages worldwide, and many of his novels have been adapted into films, including the 2022 Hollywood adaptation of Bullet Train.
Film Screening | In-person at Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto, ON M5S 1J5) | RSVP Required
Bullet Train
Wednesday, October 29, 6:45 PM
Adapted from ISAKA Kotaro’s 2010 novel Maria Beetle, Bullet Train features a cast of unforgettable characters and takes audiences on a wild, high-speed ride that’s as stylish as it is fun, blending thrilling action sequences, witty banter and a dazzling neon style.
Special pre-screening introduction by the author of the original novel — ISAKA Kotaro, who is a featured guest at the 2025 Toronto International Festival of Authors!
RSVP: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/bullet-train/
A Conversation with Author ISAKA Kotaro | In-person at the Japan Foundation, Toronto Event Hall | Admission Free | RSVP Required
Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Author ISAKA Kotaro will share rare insights into his life as a creative at the Japan Foundation, Toronto, in conversation with Brian Bergstrom, translator for one of his novels Hotel Lucky Seven. The pair will talk about creative processes, inspirations, and challenges, in addition to experience with translation and film adaptations. Audience can also expect to learn more about Isaka’s most recent English translations Seesaw Monster and Hotel Lucky Seven and ask any burning questions they may have about his intricately woven plotlines.
Attendees can join a signing session with the author immediately after the event!
RSVP: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/crafting-twists-and-thrills/
Author
Kotaro Isaka is the internationally acclaimed Japanese author of Bullet Train (Japanese title Maria Beetle, 2010). One of the most consistently bestselling authors of contemporary Japanese fiction, Isaka is known for works that straddle the literary and entertainment genres. His novels include Audubon’s Prayer (2000, Shincho Mystery Club Award), Lush Life (2002), Three Assassins (Japanese title Grasshopper, 2004), The Precision of the Agent of Death (2005, Mystery Writers of Japan Award), Shumatsu no Fool (2006), Golden Slumber (2007, Yamamoto Shugoro Award and Japan Booksellers’ Award), The Mantis (Japanese title AX, 2017), and Gyaku Socrates (2020, Shibata Renzaburo Award). His latest novel is 777 (2023). Isaka’s books have been translated into over 20 languages worldwide. Bullet Train was the basis of the eponymous movie from Sony Pictures (2022), directed by David Leitch and starring Brad Pitt.
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