The Japanese Cell Phone Novel

In this episode, we take a look at the Japanese cell phone novel and the classic story of Train Man.

We’re going to start today by explaining the Japanese cell phone novel, including some relevant background like the history of serialized publishing in Japan and the rise of Japanese cell phone culture.

We’ll spend some time on the early 2000s internet culture, especially on-line message boards.

And today’s focus text is Train Man, attributed to Hitori Nakano and translated into English by Bonnie Elliott.

content warnings: rape as a trope in romance novels, online misogyny

Transcript, notes and sources at the podcast episode website.

---

Correction: Please note that this episode incorrectly calls the 2channel thread in which Train Man originally appeared Doko Otoko. The thread was actually called Doku Otoko. Doku is a play on words, meaning both "single" (独) and "poison" (毒).

Let RJL know what you think! (Contact us through the website if you want a response.)

Please note that text messages are for feedback only. RJL can't respond directly.
Get in touch at www.readjapaneseliterature.com.
Support RJL on Patreon.com.
Buy your books from Bookshop.org.
All content © 2025 Read Japanese Literature.