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Human Lost
Written by Dazai Osamu and published in April 1937. He began writing it after his hospitalisation in October 1936, and also includes material he scribbled on the walls of his room whilst an in-patient. Translated by Laurie Raye. Original Text: https://www.aozora.gr.jp/cards/000035/files/271_15084.html The only thing on my mind is the flower outside the window. October 13th. Nothing.…
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A Respectable Yet Tormented Soul: Regarding Dazai Osamu
Written by Satō Haruo, first published in Bungei Zasshi (‘Literary Magazine’) Year 1 Issue 4, 1st April 1936. Translated by Laurie Raye. Original Text: https://www.aozora.gr.jp/cards/001763/files/58593_64940.html About a year ago I discovered what at first glance appeared to be a typical fairy-tale style story published in the magazine Aoi Hana, however within it was contained an…
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February Letter to Satō Haruo from Dazai Osamu
Written February 5, 1936. The letter was one metre long. Dazai’s previous letter to Satō can be read here. Translated by Laurie Raye. Original Text: 記憶の宮殿 / Memory Palace Dear Sir, I will not waste your time by telling any lies or uttering even the smallest of falsehoods. I am only ever thinking about the act…
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January Letter to Satō Haruo from Dazai Osamu
Written January 28th 1936. The letter measured over four metres in length. Translated by Laurie Raye. Source: 辻本雄一 監修・河野龍也 編著『佐藤春夫読本』(勉誠出版、2015年)(記憶の宮殿) Dear Sir, Even now, I think no matter what kind of letter I write the outcome will be the same. Resigned to my fate, I have remained at a standstill, but since pain and despair…
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A Rare Literary Talent: Eulogy for Dazai Osamu
Written by Satō Haruo and published in The Complete Works of Contemporary Japanese Literature, Volume 49, Monthly Report 17, September 5th, 1954. Translated by Laurie Raye. Original Text: https://www.aozora.gr.jp/cards/001763/files/58566_63546.html When it is Akutagawa Prize season, I always think of Dazai Osamu. I will never forget how desperately he wanted to win the award. I had…