However, as the story evolves, it becomes clear that there’s more than research at stake.įrom the start, it’s obvious that the main character here is Shuya Nanahara. Their theory is that taking part in these atrocities will give Japan the upper hand in a war when paranoia and rebellion strike. It’s a bit like participating in a charity raffle, except with knives and guns.Ĭreated as part of the second military research, the outcome is televised as a proponent of political propaganda. Under the watchful eye of the Republic of Greater East Asia, a fictional communist party controlling Japan, the tournament is set-up annually and involves a randomly selected school to take part.
And if that wasn’t enough, each is tracked with a detonation collar, activated when they stray into designated out-of-bound zones. Oh, and they’re all given a random weapon to help speed up the game. Takami takes this basic concept but replaces the ring with an island, and the wrestlers for school kids. Last man, or woman, standing is crowned the victor. A Battle to the Deathįor those of you who don’t know what a Battle Royale is, it’s a type of wrestling match where big boys throw even bigger boys over the top rope. A lovely touch that serves to heighten the tension. Equally, once the game begins, every chapter closes with ‘ x number of students remain‘. When a character is first mentioned, they have their number (e.g. This definitely helps with the emersion of the story. The Remastered version also comes with a handy student table in the front, along with a black and white map similar to the one given to participants. Grateful for all the fame and fortune it’s brought his way, but bored of philosophising the various plot points. It’s worth noting that Koushun Takami hasn’t written a book since, and in the author notes of this new version, he claims to be sick of talking about the book. The new translation is by Nathan Collins and is printed under the title of Battle Royale: Remastered.
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