Paprika (novel)


Paprika is a 1993 techno-thriller novel written by Yasutaka Tsutsui. It first appeared in Marie Claire magazine in four parts, each appearing chronologically in the January 1991, March 1992, August 1992, and June 1993 issues. A manga adaption of the novel was created by Reiji Hagiwara in 1995 but was not published until 2003. The novel was adapted as an animated film in 2006, which was itself adapted into a second manga the following year by Eri Sakai. The novel was translated into English by Andrew Driver, was published by Alma Books in April 2009.

Story

monitoring and intervention as a means of treating mental disorders is a developing new form of psychotherapy in the near future. Brilliant psychiatry research establishment employee Atsuko Chiba is the most prominent scientist in this field, using her alter-ego Paprika to infiltrate the dreams of others and treat their illnesses. Her colleague, the brilliant and obese Kōsaku Tokita has created a super-miniaturized version of the Institute's existing dream-analysis devices calling it the DC Mini. Unrest ensues when the new psychotherapy device is stolen, allowing the assailant to enter the mind of anyone and enact mind control. The frantic search for the criminal and the DC Mini has begun.

Characters

Animated film

An animated film adaption of the novel, directed by Satoshi Kon, was released in 2006, with Yasutaka Tsutsui himself providing the voice of a bartender.

Manga versions

has the rights for a remake of Paprika.