Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan.pdf/95



Haruki Shimazaki (Toson is his pen-name), the author of the following story, ‘The Awakening,’ was born in the 5th year of Meiji, in a far away place in the mountains of Kiso, in the province of Nagano, Japan.

When he was a boy he came to Tokyo and studied English Literature at the Meiji Gakuin. After graduating from that school, he became a school-teacher in a school at Komuro, in his native province. After that he taught in a school in Sendai.

When he first began to write he was known as a poet, and his writing was always romantic and idyllic. He showed a vivid sense of sentimentalism in all his poems.

Later, he became influenced by naturalism, due to his love and keen study of European literature.

His first great novel, ‘Hakai’ (Apostasy), which was published in the 39th year of Meiji, marks one of the epoch-making works of naturalism in Japan. Then followed ‘Sakura no Mi no Jukusuru Koro’ (When the Cherries Ripened), ‘Shinsei’ (New Birth), and other excellent stories.

In writing, Mr. Shimazaki never fails to get at the truth that lies at the depths of life. His mode of expression is soft and tender. I must not forget to mention that his ‘Arashi’ (Storm) is one of his most loved works.

Eric S. Bell.