Read Japanese Literature

The I-Novel, Osamu Dazai, and No Longer Human

June 23, 2022 Season 1 Episode 11
The I-Novel, Osamu Dazai, and No Longer Human
Read Japanese Literature
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Read Japanese Literature
The I-Novel, Osamu Dazai, and No Longer Human
Jun 23, 2022 Season 1 Episode 11

Today, we’re talking about the I-Novel—the highest form of literature in Japan in the 1910s and 20s.

It’s a genre one American scholar describes as “perhaps the most striking feature of modern Japanese literature.”

And it’s a genre Haruki Murakami claims to have an allergy to.

We’ll also be looking at the life and work of Osamu Dazai and asking, “What does it take to get disqualified as a human being?”

Content warning: This episode addresses addiction, rape, suicide, and misogyny.

Notes and sources at the podcast episode website.

Send us a Text Message.

Get in touch at www.readjapaneseliterature.com.
Support RJL on Patreon.com.
Buy your books from Bookshop.org.
All content © 2024 Read Japanese Literature.

Show Notes

Today, we’re talking about the I-Novel—the highest form of literature in Japan in the 1910s and 20s.

It’s a genre one American scholar describes as “perhaps the most striking feature of modern Japanese literature.”

And it’s a genre Haruki Murakami claims to have an allergy to.

We’ll also be looking at the life and work of Osamu Dazai and asking, “What does it take to get disqualified as a human being?”

Content warning: This episode addresses addiction, rape, suicide, and misogyny.

Notes and sources at the podcast episode website.

Send us a Text Message.

Get in touch at www.readjapaneseliterature.com.
Support RJL on Patreon.com.
Buy your books from Bookshop.org.
All content © 2024 Read Japanese Literature.