更新日：2010年7月5日

Kon Hidemi

Literary critic and author. Born in Hokkaido in 1903, he was the younger brother of Kon Toko (1898-1977), novelist, Buddhist priest, and politician.

Kon Hidemi began his literary career while still a student at Tokyo University, taking part in theatrical activities as a member of KOKOROZA, a theatrical company created by kabuki and other stage actors, among them Kawarasaki Chojuro. He also joined the staff of a number of literary magazines: BUNGEI SHUTO, SAKUHIN, KODO, and BUNGAKUKAI. His activities ranged from literary criticism and essays to the translation of some of Andre Gide’s works.

In 1941 he was drafted into the army as a member of the press corps and sent to the Philippines. He came home once, but was dispatched there a second time in 1944. After a narrow escape on the battlefield while covering the fleeing Japanese army, he eventually returned to Japan. In 1949 he published "Sanchu Horo" (Wandering in the mountains), a story based on his wartime experiences in the Philippines. In 1950 Kon received the Naoki Prize for his short story, "Tenno no Boshi" (The emperor’s hat). His other works include "Miki Kiyoshi ni Okeru Ningen no Kenkyu," a fictional biography of the philosopher Miki Kiyoshi, "Yoshida Shigeru," and "Sekigan Horakucho."

While serving as section manager at the Ministry of Education from 1945 to 1946, Kon created the Japan Art Festival, now an annual event for the promotion of cultural activities. In 1968 he became the founding director-general of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. In 1972, Kon became the first president of the Japan Foundation, contributing greatly to international cultural exchanges. He died in 1984 at the age of 81.

Kon’s connection with Kamakura began around 1931. He initially lived in Komachi then later moved to Yukinoshita. After a temporary move to Tokyo, he returned to Kamakura, this time living first in Yukinoshita, then settling in Nikaido, his final home from 1951.