Who is Misaki Mei, and what is her role in the story?

Misaki Mei is a quiet, eyepatch-wearing student in Class 3 whom Koichi initially observes being ignored by everyone. She is treated as if she doesn't exist, a deliberate act by the class to try and 'nullify' the curse by making one person 'non-existent'. Mei eventually reveals her unique ability to perceive the 'color of death' through her glass eye, which allows her to identify the 'extra' person.

What is 'the calamity' and how does it manifest?

The calamity is a recurring curse that has plagued Yomiyama North Middle School's Class 3 since 1972, triggered by the death of a student named Misaki who was then mistakenly treated as alive. It causes a series of gruesome and often bizarre deaths to students, their family members, and sometimes teachers, escalating in severity and frequency until the 'extra' person is 'sent back'. The deaths range from falls to impalements and even sudden heart attacks.

What is the 'countermeasure' Class 3 implements to stop the curse?

The Class 3 countermeasure involves selecting one student at the beginning of the year to be 'non-existent' – everyone, including teachers, acts as if this person isn't there. This is an attempt to balance the student headcount, which is always 'one more' than it should be due to the ghost. However, this method proved ineffective in 1998, as the deaths continued despite Mei being the designated 'non-existent' student.

How does Koichi Sakakibara become involved in the curse?

Koichi Sakakibara transfers into Class 3 at the start of the 1998 school year, unknowingly stepping into the curse's path. His initial curiosity about Mei and his refusal to ignore her effectively 'breaks' the countermeasure, making the curse more active. He then takes it upon himself to investigate the origins and mechanics of the calamity to find a permanent solution.

What is the significance of the Yomi, the 'other side'?

The 'Yomi' is a concept related to the afterlife or the realm of the dead, often mentioned by Misaki Mei. It represents the blurred line between life and death that is central to the curse. Mei's ability to see the 'color of death' allows her to perceive individuals who have one foot in the Yomi, indicating they are either the 'dead one' or soon to be claimed by the curse.

What is the true identity of the 'dead one' in 1998?

The true identity of the 'dead one' in 1998 is Reiko Mikami, Koichi's aunt and the assistant homeroom teacher for Class 3. She had died in a boating accident a year and a half prior to the events of the book but was brought back as the 'extra' person by the curse. Her identity is revealed only at the very end, much to Koichi's horror.

How did the 'dead one' come to be in Class 3?

The 'dead one' is a person who has already died but is mistakenly brought back to life by the curse, becoming an 'extra' student or teacher in Class 3. In Reiko's case, she died a year and a half before the story began, but the calamity pulled her back into existence, making her an active participant in the Class 3 environment without anyone realizing her true state until the curse's end.

What role does the 'memory' play in the curse's cycle?

The 'memory' refers to the collective amnesia that affects everyone in Yomiyama regarding the 'dead one' once the curse is active. People forget details about the deceased person, making it impossible to identify them until the curse ends. This amnesia is crucial to the curse's perpetuation, as it prevents anyone from realizing who the 'extra' person truly is.

How does Koichi's initial skepticism and later determination impact the class?

Koichi's initial skepticism about the curse and his refusal to ignore Mei disrupts the class's fragile countermeasure, leading to an immediate escalation of deaths. However, his later determination to uncover the truth, coupled with his alliance with Mei, ultimately provides the catalyst for identifying the 'dead one' and stopping the calamity, something the class had failed to do for years.

Analyze the psychological impact of the 'non-existent' student rule on Class 3.

The 'non-existent' student rule creates a deep psychological burden of collective denial and fear within Class 3. Students are forced to actively ignore a peer, fostering a climate of paranoia and isolation. This collective gaslighting suppresses individual empathy and perpetuates a cycle of fear, where conformity is prioritized over genuine connection, ultimately making the class less effective at dealing with the real threat.

How does the fear of death influence the characters' actions and decisions?

The pervasive fear of death drives many characters to extreme and sometimes irrational actions. Students become increasingly paranoid, turning on each other and making desperate decisions, such as attempting to kill the perceived 'dead one'. This fear erodes trust and morality, leading to a frantic struggle for survival that often exacerbates the danger rather than mitigating it.

Discuss the theme of 'seeing' versus 'not seeing' in the novel.

The theme of 'seeing' versus 'not seeing' is central, manifested through Misaki Mei's unique eye that can perceive death and the class's deliberate act of 'not seeing' the designated 'non-existent' student. It explores how consciously ignoring a truth, whether out of fear or a misguided attempt at a solution, can be more dangerous than confronting it. Koichi's choice to 'see' Mei despite the rules is pivotal.

What is the moral ambiguity of 'sending back' the dead one?

The act of 'sending back' the dead one presents a profound moral ambiguity, as it requires killing someone who appears to be alive and conscious. While it stops the curse, it forces characters to commit murder to save others, blurring the lines between self-defense and cold-blooded killing. The novel leaves the reader to ponder the ethical implications of such a desperate measure.

To what extent is the calamity a metaphor for collective trauma or guilt?

The calamity can be interpreted as a powerful metaphor for collective trauma or unresolved guilt within a community. The forgotten 'dead one' and the recurring deaths suggest a past tragedy that has not been properly grieved or acknowledged, leading to a cyclical pattern of suffering. The inability to remember the 'dead one' reflects a collective repression of painful memories, which then manifests as ongoing destruction.

Could the countermeasure have worked if Koichi hadn't interfered?

It is debatable whether the countermeasure would have worked if Koichi hadn't interfered. While his interaction with Mei initially seemed to 'break' the rule, previous years' attempts at the countermeasure had also failed, indicating its inherent flaw. The curse's nature, tied to the 'dead one's' presence rather than just the class's actions, suggests the countermeasure was always a temporary and ultimately insufficient solution.

How does the final twist regarding Reiko Mikami redefine the entire narrative?

The final twist, revealing Reiko Mikami as the 'dead one', fundamentally redefines the entire narrative by retroactively imbuing many seemingly innocuous interactions with a chilling new meaning. It forces the reader to reconsider every conversation Koichi had with his aunt, highlighting the insidious nature of the curse's memory manipulation and the deep personal tragedy of the climax. This reveal makes the horror deeply personal for Koichi.

What makes the ending of 'Another' particularly impactful?

The ending of 'Another' is particularly impactful due to its devastating emotional weight and moral complexity. The reveal of Reiko Mikami as the 'dead one' forces Koichi to confront the horrific truth that he has been living with his deceased aunt, and then to participate in 'sending her back.' This personal sacrifice and the lingering ambiguity of the curse's true nature leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Archivist's Choice

Another

Name: Another
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.17 (2070 reviews)
ISBN: 9780316339100

Yukito Ayatsuji (2012)

Genre

Mystery / Young Adult

Reading Time

12-15 hours

Key Themes

See below

Track Your Reading

In a town where the dead walk among the living in a cursed classroom, a transfer student must uncover the spectral imposter before he becomes the next victim in a gruesome cycle of supernatural deaths.

Synopsis

In the spring of 1998, Koichi Sakakibara transfers to Yomiyama North Middle School, to Class 3. He quickly senses unease and fear among his classmates and teachers, especially surrounding a mysterious, often-ignored girl named Mei Misaki. As gruesome, unexplainable deaths begin to plague the class and their families, Koichi learns about the 'Yomiyama Curse' affecting Class 3. The curse states that one student in Class 3 is dead, brought back to life by a vengeful spirit. If this 'dead one' is not 'sent back' (killed again), the curse will continue to claim lives. The class tries a traditional countermeasure: ignoring one student, treating them as if they don't exist, to make the student count 'correct.' The deaths continue, becoming more brutal and causing more paranoia. Koichi, with Mei, looks into the school's dark history to find the curse's origin and identify the 'dead one' among them. Their investigation leads them to a summer trip where the truth is revealed amidst betrayals and more deaths. Koichi and Mei must identify and eliminate the resurrected student to break the cycle of death, confronting the reality of who the 'dead one' is and the consequences of their actions to save the living.

Reading time

12-15 hours

Difficulty

Medium

Pacing

Moderate

Mood

Atmospheric, Suspenseful, Dark, Paranoid, Gruesome

✓ Read this if...

You enjoy supernatural mysteries with a high body count and a constant sense of dread, reminiscent of classic J-horror.

✗ Skip this if...

You dislike gore, psychological horror, or stories where many characters die horrific deaths.

Plot Summary

A New Beginning, A Lingering Unease

In April 1998, Koichi Sakakibara moves to Yomiyama to live with his grandparents while his father works in India. He is hospitalized with a collapsed lung just before starting at Yomiyama North Middle School. During his recovery, he meets a mysterious girl, Mei Misaki, in a school uniform, carrying a doll to the hospital morgue. When he finally attends Class 3-3, Koichi notices Mei is present but everyone else, including teachers, ignores her. This strange behavior, along with the hushed, fearful atmosphere among his classmates, makes Koichi feel like he's stepped into a different world. He tries to talk to Mei, but his classmates Izumi Akazawa and Tomoka Inoya warn him to stay away from her.

The Ignored Girl and the Warnings

Koichi's curiosity about Mei Misaki grows as he watches her isolated life. He tries to talk to her, but his classmates, especially Izumi Akazawa, warn him to stop. They hint at a 'curse' affecting Class 3-3, urging him to ignore Mei as well, but won't say more. Koichi learns about a student named Misaki who died in 1973, whose classmates pretended he was still alive until graduation. Koichi thinks this event is connected to Mei's treatment. The class president, Yukari Sakuragi, also seems uneasy about Koichi's questions. Despite the warnings, Koichi feels drawn to Mei and continues to seek answers, unknowingly getting deeper into the class's secret.

The First Death: A Tragic Fall

The atmosphere in Class 3-3 becomes more tense when the first death occurs. Yukari Sakuragi, a class representative, slips on the stairs and is impaled through the throat by her umbrella, dying instantly. This accident happens in front of Koichi and Mei. Students react with terror and grim resignation, confirming their belief that the curse has begun. Koichi is shaken, realizing the warnings about the class were not superstitions. The students' fear is clear, and they become more guarded, reinforcing the idea that something supernatural is at play in their classroom.

The Countermeasure Revealed

After Yukari's death, Koichi's classmates, especially Naoya Teshigawara and Yuya Mochizuki, finally tell him about the 'calamity' of Class 3-3. They explain that since 1973, an extra 'dead' student has been in Class 3-3. This 'extra' person causes a series of horrific deaths to students and their relatives. To stop this, Class 3-3 uses a 'countermeasure' where one student is designated 'non-existent' and is completely ignored by everyone, including teachers and family members. This year, Mei Misaki was chosen. Koichi's interactions with Mei accidentally 'broke' the countermeasure, leading to Yukari's death and the curse's activation.

A Summer Trip and More Deaths

Deaths continue to rise, affecting students and their relatives outside of school. Concerned by the increasing body count, the Class 3-3 students, including Koichi and Mei, decide to go on a summer trip to a remote villa. They hope to find clues about how to stop the curse, as Mei's aunt, Reiko Mikami, a former Class 3-3 student, was the last to successfully stop it. However, the trip quickly turns disastrous. More students die in horrific accidents: one student is struck by lightning, another falls off a cliff, and the villa's caretaker is killed. Fear and paranoia among the students peak.

The Search for Answers in the Past

Koichi, Mei, and their friends increase their investigation into the curse's origins. They learn about the first Misaki, who died in 1973, and how his classmates' denial of his death is believed to have started the curse. They find old recordings made by previous Class 3-3 students, including a key tape from 15 years ago, which details how the curse was temporarily stopped. The key, they learn, is to 'send the dead back to death' by identifying and killing the 'extra' student. This revelation puts the class in a state of heightened suspicion and fear, as anyone could be the 'dead one' they are looking for.

Paranoia and Betrayal at the Villa

At the villa, after listening to the old tape, the students become consumed by paranoia. The tape reveals that killing the 'dead one' is the only way to stop the curse. This knowledge, combined with the stress of the ongoing deaths, causes the students to lose control. One student, Takako Sugiura, believing Mei is the 'dead one' because of her unusual eye, tries to kill Mei, starting a chain reaction of violence. Several students are accidentally killed in the ensuing panic and chaos, as they turn on each other, mistaking classmates for the 'dead one' in their desperate attempts to end the calamity.

The Revelation of the 'Dead One'

Amidst the carnage at the villa, Mei Misaki, using her unique 'doll's eye' which can see the color of death, finally identifies the 'dead one.' She tells Koichi that the 'dead one' is someone he has been close to, someone who has been dead since the beginning of the school year. The revelation is a shock: the 'dead one' is Reiko Mikami, Koichi's aunt, who has been living with him and acting as his guardian. She died 18 months before the current school year began, but the curse brought her back as the extra student in Class 3-3, and her memory was altered for everyone, including Koichi.

The Final Act: Sending the Dead Back

Mei explains that Reiko Mikami, Koichi's aunt, died 18 months ago, murdered by a serial killer, and was revived by the curse as the 'extra' student. Her existence was subtly woven into everyone's memories, including Koichi's, making her seem alive. To stop the calamity, Koichi must 'send the dead back to death.' With a heavy heart, Koichi confronts Reiko, who, in a moment of clarity, seems to understand her fate. He pushes her into a lake, fulfilling the requirement to end the curse. Immediately, memories of Reiko begin to fade from everyone's minds, confirming that the curse has been lifted and the 'dead one' has returned to the afterlife.

Aftermath and Lingering Questions

With Reiko Mikami's 'death,' the calamity finally stops. The remaining Class 3-3 students return to Yomiyama, shaken but alive. Memories of Reiko begin to vanish from everyone's minds, showing the curse's manipulative power. Koichi is left with the trauma of having killed his own aunt, even if she was technically already dead. He and Mei reflect on the events, understanding the immense burden and secrecy of Class 3-3. The novel concludes with Koichi and Mei discussing the future, and the lingering fear that the curse could one day return, emphasizing the fragile peace achieved and the enduring mystery of Yomiyama.

Principal Figures

Koichi Sakakibara

The Protagonist

Koichi transforms from a bewildered newcomer into a determined investigator, ultimately making a devastating choice to save his classmates.

Mei Misaki

The Co-protagonist

Mei evolves from a mysterious, isolated figure into Koichi's indispensable partner, using her unique ability to ultimately identify the source of the curse.

Reiko Mikami

The Supporting/Antagonist (unwittingly)

Reiko appears as a stable family figure but is revealed to be the unwitting catalyst of the curse, forcing Koichi into a heart-wrenching decision.

Izumi Akazawa

The Supporting

Izumi moves from a rigid enforcer of class rules to a more pragmatic and desperate ally, grappling with the failures of her methods.

Naoya Teshigawara

The Supporting

Naoya remains a steadfast friend to Koichi, his optimism tested by the escalating horror of the curse.

Yukari Sakuragi

The Supporting/Victim

Yukari is an early victim, her death serving as a stark warning and plunging the class into terror.

Katsumi Matsunaga

The Mentioned/Supporting

Matsunaga's past success provides the key revelation needed to end the curse.

Misaki (1973)

The Mentioned/Catalyst

Misaki's death and his classmates' reaction initiate the entire curse, making him the tragic origin point.

Themes & Insights

The Burden of Secrecy and Denial

The novel explores how collective denial and the burden of keeping a terrifying secret can be as destructive as the curse itself. Class 3-3 students are forced to continue the 'non-existent' student countermeasure, creating a culture of fear and isolation. This secrecy prevents new students like Koichi from understanding the danger, leading to the curse's activation. The original curse itself stems from the denial of Misaki's death in 1973, showing how suppressing truth can have catastrophic consequences. The constant fear of revealing the secret further isolates students and makes them vulnerable.

“What do you do when a secret you've been entrusted with for your whole life could kill you if you let it out?”

The Nature of Memory and Reality

A central theme is the malleability of memory and how the curse distorts reality. The 'dead one' is seamlessly integrated into everyone's memories, making it impossible to tell them apart from the living. This psychological manipulation creates confusion and distrust, as characters question their own perceptions and the truth of their relationships. Koichi's inability to remember key details about his aunt, Reiko, is a prime example. The revelation of the 'dead one' forces characters to confront the horrifying truth that their entire reality has been a lie, highlighting how fragile human memory is.

“Memories are strange things. We can forget them, but they can also be rewritten, or even created.”

The Fear of the Unknown and Collective Panic

The novel builds an atmosphere of pervasive fear from an unseen, unpredictable threat. The curse's arbitrary nature and the inability to identify the 'dead one' drive students to extreme paranoia. This fear culminates in the villa sequence, where collective panic overrides reason, leading to students turning on each other. The terror of the unknown and the desperation to survive cause otherwise rational individuals to commit horrific acts, showing how easily fear can erode trust and morality. The constant threat of death hanging over the class creates unbearable psychological strain.

“The worst thing about the calamity was that it made us doubt everything, even ourselves.”

Sacrifice and Responsibility

The theme of sacrifice is evident in the 'countermeasure,' where one student is sacrificed to be 'non-existent' for the greater good of the class. This raises ethical questions about individual rights versus collective survival. Ultimately, Koichi is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice by 'sending back' his own aunt, demonstrating the heavy burden of responsibility placed upon him to end the curse. The characters grapple with the moral implications of their actions, highlighting the difficult choices made under extreme duress and the personal cost of saving others.

“Sometimes, to save everyone, you have to choose to kill someone.”

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The 'Non-Existent' Student (Countermeasure)

A ritualistic social ostracization designed to trick the curse.

This is the primary method Class 3-3 employs to prevent the curse. One student is chosen each year to be treated as if they do not exist by everyone in the class, including teachers and family members. The idea is to maintain the 'correct' number of students, effectively 'hiding' the extra 'dead one' from the curse. This device creates immense psychological pressure on the chosen student (Mei Misaki) and the entire class, forcing them into a collective act of denial and isolation. It drives much of the early conflict and Koichi's curiosity.

Mei Misaki's 'Doll's Eye'

A prosthetic eye that perceives the 'color of death.'

Mei's unique left eye, given to her by her doll-maker adoptive mother, is a crucial supernatural element. It allows her to see a distinct 'color' or aura around individuals who are dead or are about to die. This ability serves as the ultimate identifier for the 'dead one' in Class 3-3, providing the only reliable way to distinguish the living from the curse-animated deceased. It functions as a magical realism element that provides the critical turning point in the mystery, allowing the resolution of the plot.

The Cassette Tape

A recording from a previous Class 3-3 student containing vital information.

The old cassette tape, recorded by Katsumi Matsunaga 15 years prior, serves as a crucial plot device in revealing the solution to the curse. It contains the explicit instruction that the 'dead one' must be 'sent back to death' to stop the calamity. This tape acts as a literal message from the past, guiding the current students' investigation and escalating the stakes by providing a definitive, albeit horrifying, solution. It shifts the narrative from merely understanding the curse to actively trying to stop it, leading to the climax.

The 'Calamity' / 'Curse'

The supernatural phenomenon causing a series of gruesome deaths in Class 3-3.

The 'calamity' is the overarching supernatural force driving the plot. It's a mysterious curse that began in 1973, causing an 'extra' deceased person to be integrated into Class 3-3 each year, leading to a chain of horrific and often bizarre deaths among the students and their relatives. Its unpredictable nature and the escalating body count create constant tension and fear. The curse acts as the primary antagonist, an unseen force that manipulates reality and memory, demanding a solution to restore balance.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“It's not like the dead are going to come back to life and attack you. But they might be closer than you think.”

— Kōichi's initial thoughts on the town's strange atmosphere.

“The dead are not the only ones who can kill.”

— A chilling realization about the true nature of the calamity.

“Sometimes, not seeing is the safest option.”

— Mei Misaki's advice to Kōichi about ignoring certain things.

“How can you tell the difference between a living person and a dead one if you can't see the dead?”

— Kōichi pondering the central mystery of the 'dead one' in the class.

“The dead don't know they're dead. Only the living know.”

— A key piece of information about the nature of the curse.

“Every year, there is one more dead person than there should be.”

— A simple yet terrifying explanation of the curse's mechanism.

“You can't escape death. No one can.”

— A somber reflection on mortality amidst the escalating deaths.

“The only way to stop the calamity is to send the dead back to where they belong.”

— The resolution proposed to end the curse.

“There are some things that are better left undisturbed.”

— A warning about digging too deep into the town's past.

“Don't look for what isn't there. Look for what shouldn't be there.”

— A crucial hint for Kōichi in identifying the 'dead one'.

“Even if you can't see them, it doesn't mean they're not real.”

— Mei explaining the nature of the supernatural to Kōichi.

“This isn't a game. People are actually dying.”

— Kōichi's growing frustration and fear as the deaths mount.

“The past is never truly gone. It just waits for the right time to resurface.”

— Reflecting on how the town's history influences the present curse.

“Sometimes, the most obvious answer is the one you least want to believe.”

— A moment of realization for Kōichi regarding a difficult truth.

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Key Questions (FAQ)

'Another' follows Koichi Sakakibara as he transfers to Yomiyama North Middle School's Class 3, where he discovers a terrifying curse. This curse causes a series of horrific, seemingly accidental deaths among students and their relatives, stemming from a forgotten 'extra' person among them. The class must identify and 'send back' this extra person to stop the cycle of fatalities.

About the author

Yukito Ayatsuji

Biography coming soon.

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