"City of Refuge" is a novel by Kenzo Kitakata, a Japanese author known for his works in the crime fiction genre. The novel was first published in Japanese in 1981 under the title "Sutairisshu Kakoku" (スタイリッシュ格差), which translates to "Stylish Discrepancy." It was later translated into English by Paul Warham and published in 1989. The story is set in Tokyo and follows the life of a young man named Tsugawa Masuo, who becomes involved in the criminal underworld of the city. Masuo, after being released from prison, finds himself entangled in a dangerous world of yakuza, violence, and betrayal. As he navigates through the complexities of Tokyo's criminal underworld, Masuo seeks redemption and a way to escape the cycle of crime and violence. "City of Refuge" is praised for its gritty portrayal of urban life in Tokyo and its exploration of themes such as crime, identity, and redemption. It offers readers a glimpse into the dark and often brutal realities faced by those living on the fringes of society. The novel's vivid characters and suspenseful plot have made it a notable work in the realm of Japanese crime fiction.
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