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Summary: Authenticity rules
Review: As a native of Japan, I have been put out by novels written about Japan by Western authors. These novels almost invariably present inaccurate and unrealistic pictures of Japan but, due to American ignorance about Japan, often get good reviews. "Project Kaisei," on the other hand, is the first novel written in English that satisfied me in its authenticity. The book is well-researched and well-written. As a mystery, it ranks high in my list as well. It does not surprise me that this novel received an excellent review in The Japan Times.
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Summary: Realism dominates this outstanding suspense thriller
Review: I have to agree with many of the reviewers here that Project Kaisei is one of the most satisfying mystery novels in years. I have been very unhappy with recent trends in American mystery genre where farfetched plots and characterizations have become the norm just to keep uneducated and unattentive readers entertained. Too many publishers and novelists are pursuing fast-paced, cheap sensationalism nowadays, with almost no regard to realism and depth of characterization. It's been a while since people began complaining about modern-day movies where good plots and solid character-development take backseat to aimless violence and cutesy one-liners. Sadly, the same can be said about modern-day fictions as well. Project Kaisei stands out as one of the shining exceptions to the rules, however.
The plot, although it could have been better had it been edited by a more able hand, is by far the most realistic plot among its peers. The characters are complex and well-developed throughout the novel. The writing is often prosaic and may have room for improvement but is of no major consequence. Most importantly, Project Kaisei succeeds in presenting realistic people in a realistic situation, as they are faced with unseen enemies and predicament of international proportion. If you like popular movies and popular mysteries nowadays, this novel is probably not for you. If you don't, this novel may really be an outstanding read.
Rating: 
Summary: About Modern Japanese dilemma
Review: I haven't read this book, but I just read about it in Mainichi Daily News online site. I'm going to paste in a little of what they say, because the book looks very interesting and I am going to buy it soon. Project Kaisei," the second mystery novel from Japanese author Michiro Naito, deals with a number of complex issues currently facing Japan, such as the critical state of the economy and the growing military threat from its Asian neighbors. It offers a glimpse of modern-day Japan as seen from the eyes of the protagonist, and puts forth the real possibility of the resurgence of fascism on the archipelago which could lead to nuclear armament. The note says that the author has a PhD in nuclear physics, but works as an investment analyst.
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Summary: A triumphant debut of the author Michiro Naito
Review: I loved this book. It's not like those myteries with confusing and convoluted plots. The story is very straightforward and is driven by the characters in the novel so naturally and realistically. No one, to my knowledge, has written about Japan the way this author has done. Despite its international theme, depite its grave undertone, the author made me feel like I was right there, among the main characters of the novel. For those who are not familiar with Japanese locale, it may take a littel effort to read through this book, but let me assure you, it's worth it. I wish other writers could write like Dr. Naito.
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Summary: Exciting and informative
Review: I read Mr. Naito's second novel "Mendiola" first and I was so impressed that I decided to read this book, "Project Kaisei." I was not disappointed. The book seems to be slow going at first and have some unnecessary details here and there, but I think these things are what is making this novel very realistic. I read some comment that too much detailed information is written in this novel, but it's really nothing if you compare it to authors like Tom Clancy. I wonder if they feel the same way if this story was about streets of New York rather than Tokyo. I fear that we are being somewhat of racist when we read books written by foreign authors or movies produced by foreign directors. I cannot say this is the best mystery I have ever read, but certainly this is one of the best. The story is full of twists and exciting moments, and what's better, it really makes us think about what we are and where we stand.
Rating:
Summary: Exciting and informative
Review: I read Mr. Naito's second novel "Mendiola" first and I was so impressed that I decided to read this book, "Project Kaisei." I was not disappointed. The book seems to be slow going at first and have some unnecessary details here and there, but I think these things are what is making this novel very realistic. I read some comment that too much detailed information is written in this novel, but it's really nothing if you compare it to authors like Tom Clancy. I wonder if they feel the same way if this story was about streets of New York rather than Tokyo. I fear that we are being somewhat of racist when we read books written by foreign authors or movies produced by foreign directors. I cannot say this is the best mystery I have ever read, but certainly this is one of the best. The story is full of twists and exciting moments, and what's better, it really makes us think about what we are and where we stand.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect story for a motion picture
Review: Project Kaisei is a perfect story for a motion picture. This is not an ordinary detective story nor is it a typical novel of suspense. This is also a story of love, honor, strength, and courage. The story is so rich because there are so many elements interacting in a complex way. As some reviewers have said, the story is also about a realistic depiction of Japan and its people. It is very entertaining but at the same time, it is thought-provoking and moving, too. I can think of a few flaws in the story, however. Otherwise I would have given this five stars. One big flaw, I think, is that book never really addresses the problem of how anyone can conceal something as grand as a nuclear weapons program from the eyes of the general public. Maybe it is possible. After all, North Korea might already have developed nuclear bombs while we were busy messing with a no-threat country like Iraq. In any case, I think Project Kaisei is a story to be remembered for a long time to come.
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Summary: Timely and thoughtful masterpiece
Review: Project Kaisei is a timely and thoughtful masterpiece. It seems to me nowadays that far too many stories are written just to shock people or for instant gratification, but Project Kaisei is unlike such stories. I don't believe I need to go into what the story is about since it's already discussed here by other reviewers. Suffice it to say that this story makes all of us think about where we are and what may need to be done to get out of the predicament we all face. It is a mystery by all means and in this sense, the story is very entertaining. But the value of this novel goes way beyond simple entertainment. It is elucidating and perceptive. It is also haunting at times. In addition, Project Kaisei is probably one of the most realistic mysteries I have ever read. As Mark Schreiber of The Japan Times points out, "In fact, I don't recall ever having read a mystery in which the detective put in so much legwork and encountered so many dead ends. (Unlike the fictional variety, who invariably encounter villains by the second or third chapter, real detectives can no doubt attest to the amount of effort they expend on a difficult case.)" I think this author has produced a novel that will be remembered long after our generation is gone.
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Summary: Insightful and delightful anti-war mystery
Review: Project Kaisei is very entertaining and truly informative. The story, as it is told from the eyes of a private investigator investigating the death of an American journalist in Japan, reminds us how dangerous the world we live in and how important it is for all of us to come to a common understanding that we must get along with one another in order to survive. The characters drawn in the story are vivid and real, and the story really made me feel like I was in Japan witnessing the events that the protagonist was faced with. This is not some shallow murder mystery. This is a masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Very exciting story with substance
Review: The reviews for this book here as well as on some English language Japanese news sites were universally enthusiastic, and I ordered it without hesitation. It was a great story with believable events in a realistic world but it faltered rather seriously in its presentation. Michiro Naito writes as someone who knows English very well, but does not feel it. The writing doesn't flow, and instead proceeds haltingly with too much attention to the wrong details. The story is exposed by characters knowing exactly what's going on and the reader is never left to wonder about motivation. Characters talk of falling in love, of feeling fear, of distrust, but the reader is never allowed to develop their own opinions. In addition, too many things are spelled out in excruciating detail, addresses are listed in full, train timetables are unecessarily included, and much of the writing seems amateurish. A quote: "That's self-indulgence if you ask me. I don't indulge myself like that. There's a fine line between self indulgence and strong will." I read the whole thing in two sessions, but spent a lot of time wincing at the sloppy writing, and skipping entire paragraphs of unecessary detail.
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