Osamu Dazai 1909-1948

Osamu Dazai, one of 20th century Japan's best fiction authors, is considered a pioneer in Japanese fiction writing. Yet, his immense talent is perpetually overshadowed by a life strung with tragedy.

Shuji Tsushima was born into the Tsushima clan, an aristocratic family in the Kanagi region of Japan before he took on Osamu Dazai as his pen name. On June 29th, 1909, he was born into privilege, having access to a large mansion filled with servants. The family's luxuries can be attributed to the tremendous political influence received by his father, Tushima Gen'emon. The Tsushima family was large, with Gen'emon and Tane Tsushima giving birth to eleven children. However, Tane's health deteriorated rapidly after the birth of the eleventh child. With his father busy, and his mother bedridden, Shuji's upbringing resided with their family's maids and workers.

While attending Hirosaki University, the sudden suicide of Ryunosuke Akutagawa, who also happened to be his favourite author, caused him unexplainable grief, and sooner or later, his life would be driven by this decision. The great potential he showed academically soon became missed classes and failed exams. To compound matters, Shuji developed a drinking problem coupled with an attraction towards prostitutes. In 1929, while still studying at University. Shuji attempted suicide for the very first time. Unsuccessful, but it would only lead to a series of more suicide attempts, including his second attempt with Shimeko Tanabe - a hostess whom he met in a bar, the pair attempted to drown off a beach. Shuji ended up surviving through the assistance of a nearby fishing boat, while Shimeko was not as fortunate.

Several years and several relationships later, in the era of Japan's rehabilitation post-war, Shuji or Osamu's popularity reached its peak. His first famous work, post-war os Viyon no Tsuma, was set in a post-war Tokyo, the story's protagonist; a woman who suffered after the war had left her with nothing. His next novel Shayo, also known for its English title, The Setting Sun, was heavily influenced by a Japanese woman named Shizuko Ota and her own work of transcribing the events of her life after the war. More than a big fan of Osamu, Shizuko ends up having an affair with Osamu, leading to Osamu having an illegitimate daughter with Shizuko.

Osamu's life again began spiralling into turmoil, following the birth of a daughter out of wedlock. His mental health declined, coupled with alcoholism and a diagnose of tuberculosis from before the war. In the end, he abandoned his second wife and his mistress, and his next relationship would end up being his last.

The last woman in Osamu Dazai's life is Tome Yamazaki, a beautician. The two developed a relationship, living together. During their time together, Osamu wrote his most famous novel - Ningen Shikkaku or No Longer Human. He was able to finish the book successfully before committing suicide with Tomie. The two drowned themselves in a river near their home.

NO LONGER HUMAN

Osamu Dazai's No Longer Human tells the emotional and captivating story of a young man caught in the disintegration of Japanese aristocratic traditions amidst the impact of Western ideas. Consequently, he finds himself "disqualified from being human" (a literal translation of the Japanese title). Narrated in the first person, it contains several elements which portray the tone of an autobiography. Through recurrent themes of Dazai's own life, including suicide, social alienation, and depression. And as of January 1, 2019, the book is in the public domain.

Danya C. Rockwell

Danya is a professional writing student at Algonquin College and writer for Spine Online’s Bookstore page. Also, the writer of weird mysteries when not writing for marks or income.