更新日：2010年7月5日

Akutagawa Ryunosuke

Akutagawa Ryunosuke was born in Tokyo in 1892. He also wrote under other pen names such as Gaki and Chokodo-shujin.

While studying at Tokyo University, he became a member of the coterie Shinshicho (New Currents of Thought) and began writing stories for their magazine. In 1915, he published "Rashomon" and the next year, "Hana" (tr The Nose), which brought him to the attention of Natsume Soseki. Akutagawa’s debut in the literary world was further assured through the publication of works such as "Imogayu" (tr Yam Gruel)) and "Hankachi" (tr A handkerchief).

After graduation from the university, Akutagawa wrote novels including "Jigokuhen" (tr Hell Screen) and "Hokyonin no Shi" (tr The Martyr) while he taught English at the Naval Engineering School in Yokosuka. Although still young, he became regarded as a major figure in literary circles. He resigned his teaching job in 1919 in order to devote himself full time to writing and joined the Osaka Mainichi Newspaper. His deteriorating health, however, became conspicuous and works based on his personal experiences increased. While afflicted by an intense nervous breakdown he wrote "Kappa" (tr Kappa [Water imp]) and "Aru Aho no Issho" (The life of a fool). His last novel was "Seiho no Hito" (The man of the West). He committed suicide in 1927 at the age of 35. The anniversary of his death is commemorated as "Kappaki" (Kappa Anniversary).

When he was a teacher, Ryunosuke lodged at Yuigahama, Kamakura, and commuted to Yokosuka. From March 1918 he spent the first year of marriage in a rented house at Zaimokuza near Motohachiman.