Sakura Nobeyama

The Watanabe Name Sakura Nobeyama

PenCraft Award 2019 Winner - Historical Fiction

"...flawlessly well-written mystery with a captivating plot that offers a dark perspective on family unity." -IndieReader

Japanese business magnate Kenji Watanabe, 80, has protected the secrets surrounding his father's murder for many years. When a detective calls in 2002 hoping to solve the case with new information, Kenji takes immediate action to keep the truth from becoming public.

In 1967, Kenji's father, a former general in the Imperial Japanese Army, had more than his fair share of enemies. When a burglar stole his war sword and left a threatening note, it became clear that someone held a nasty grudge. And when the general was found murdered with Kenji holding the same sword over his dead body, Kenji became the prime suspect.

Kenji learned who killed his father and knew why, but no one was ever arrested. In 2002, the statute of limitations has already run out. No charges can be brought regardless of the new evidence. Yet, Kenji would rather die than reveal the secret.