Traces the life of the Japanese author who went from sickly youth to dedicated student of the martial arts, looking at his family life, the wartime years, and his career as a writer who advocated for traditional values.
Focusing on the literary responses to Japan's evolving identity, this study delves into the works of Japanese writers from the mid-19th century to World War II. It highlights how these authors articulated national anxieties surrounding the impending conflict with the United States, culminating in the devastating atomic bombings. Beginning with Commodore Perry's arrival in 1853, the book showcases a rich array of prophetic literature that reflects Japan's tumultuous journey into modernity and global engagement.