Yukio Mishima: Genius?

Yukio Mishima, the enigmatic figure of Japanese literature, remains a subject of fascination and controversy even decades after his death. Revered as a literary genius by many and condemned as a far-right militarist by others, Mishima’s life and works continue to spark intense debate about the mix of art and politics. I mean, look at the titles of these recent news articles and books on Mishima:

• The Political Afterlives of Yukio Mishima, Japan’s Most Controversial Intellectual And Global Icon Of The Far Right
• Yukio Mishima: The strange tale of Japan’s infamous novelist
• Mishima, Aesthetic Terrorist

Born Kimitake Hiraoka in 1925, Mishima grew up in a turbulent period of Japanese history marked by rapid modernization and militarism. His early experiences during World War II deeply influenced his worldview and literary themes. Mishima’s writing often explored ideas of beauty, death, sexuality, and the clash between tradition and modernity. His writing style, according to the academic Andrew Rankin, is characterized by “its luxurious vocabulary and decadent metaphors, its fusion of traditional Japanese and modern Western literary styles, and its obsessive assertions of the unity of beauty, eroticism and death” (source).

Mishima’s literary achievements are undeniable. His novels, including “Confessions of a Mask,” “The Temple of the Golden Pavilion,” and the epic tetralogy “The Sea of Fertility,” are celebrated for their profound exploration of the human psyche and their exquisite prose.

However, Mishima’s life was as tumultuous as his fiction. He was a complex figure who defied easy categorization. On the one hand, he was a devoted family man and a highly disciplined writer who produced an impressive body of work. On the other hand, he was a controversial public figure known for his provocative political views and his dramatic actions.

Mishima’s nationalist and traditionalist beliefs often put him at odds with the prevailing liberal consensus in post-war Japan. He openly criticized what he saw as the moral decay and spiritual emptiness of modern society, advocating for a return to traditional Japanese values and the revival of the samurai spirit. His vocal support for Emperor Hirohito and his controversial stance on issues such as the role of the military and Japan’s place in the world made him a polarizing figure.

The climax of Mishima’s life came on November 25, 1970, when he staged a failed coup d’état at the headquarters of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and subsequently committed ritual suicide by seppuku. This shocking act left many wondering about Mishima’s true motives and mental state.

Was Mishima a visionary artist who dared to challenge societal norms and confront the existential dilemmas of his time, or was he a dangerous fanatic whose extremist views led to tragedy? The answer likely lies somewhere in between. Mishima was undoubtedly a brilliant writer whose work continues to inspire readers today. However, his political views and his dramatic actions have left a dark shadow over his legacy.

Ultimately, the question of whether Yukio Mishima was a genius or a devil is highly subjective and ultimately impossible to answer. Perhaps it is precisely this ambiguity that makes him such a compelling and enduring figure in the annals of literature and history. Like all great artists, Mishima defied easy classification, leaving behind a complex and multifaceted legacy that continues to provoke thought and discussion to this day.

While Yukio Mishima’s life and works are widely studied and discussed, there are still some lesser-known facts about him that might surprise you:

1. Early Interest in Bodybuilding: Mishima was deeply interested in physical fitness and bodybuilding from a young age. He saw physical strength as integral to his ideal of masculinity and the samurai spirit. This interest in physical fitness later influenced his portrayal of characters in his novels and his own personal image.
   
   
2. Pseudonyms and Pen Names: Mishima used several pseudonyms and pen names throughout his career, not just in his literary works but also in other creative endeavors such as acting and filmmaking. One of his most notable pseudonyms was “Yukio Mishima” itself, which he adopted as his pen name early in his career and eventually legally changed his name to.
   
   
3. Fluent in English: Although primarily known for his Japanese works, Mishima was fluent in English. He translated many of his own works into English and also engaged in correspondence with English-speaking writers and intellectuals. His proficiency in English allowed him to engage more directly with Western literary traditions and audiences.
   
   
4. Interest in Kabuki Theater: Mishima had a deep appreciation for traditional Japanese arts, including kabuki theater. He wrote several plays inspired by kabuki conventions and even acted in a few productions himself. His fascination with kabuki’s stylized performances and dramatic storytelling techniques influenced his own writing style and theatrical sensibilities.
   
   
5. Involvement in the Film Industry: Beyond his literary pursuits, Mishima was actively involved in the film industry. He wrote screenplays, directed films, and even acted in some productions. His film “Patriotism,” based on his own short story, is particularly notable for its controversial subject matter and graphic depictions of ritual suicide.
   
   
6. Nomination for the Nobel Prize in Literature: Mishima was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times but never won the award. Despite his international acclaim and influence, he was passed over for the prize during his lifetime. However, his nomination reflects the high regard in which he was held by his peers in the literary world.
   
   
7. Avid Collector of Antiques: Mishima was an avid collector of antiques and traditional Japanese artifacts. He had a keen interest in historical objects and artworks, which he often incorporated into his personal life and creative projects. His collections ranged from samurai armor and swords to calligraphy and pottery.

These lesser-known aspects of Yukio Mishima’s life provide additional insight into the complexities of his character and the breadth of his interests beyond his literary work. They add further layers to the enigmatic persona of one of Japan’s most celebrated and controversial figures.