Yukio Mishima, born Kimitake Hiraoka, was a renowned Japanese author, playwright, filmmaker, and actor. His contributions to Japanese literature in the 20th century have solidified his status as one of the most important figures in the field. Despite being considered for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968, he lost to his compatriot Yasunari Kawabata. Mishima’s works, such as ‘Confessions of a Mask’ and ‘The Temple of the Golden Pavilion’, showcase his unique blend of traditional and modern aesthetics that transcend cultural boundaries. Alongside his artistic pursuits, Mishima was a fervent right-wing activist, advocating for Japanese traditional values and the veneration of the emperor. He even founded a nationalist militia called the Tatenokai. In a shocking turn of events, Mishima led an attempted coup d’état in 1970, which ultimately ended in his ritual suicide by seppuku. This event, known as the “Mishima Incident,” has left a lasting impact on his legacy.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Kimitake Hiraoka
- Died At Age: 45
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Yoko Sugiyama (m. 1958 – his death. 1970)
- Father: Azusa Hiraoka
- Mother: Shizue Hiraoka
- Siblings: Chiyuki Hiraoka, Mitsuko Hiraoka
- Children: Iichiro Hiraoka, Noriko Tomita
- Quotes By Yukio Mishima
- Bisexual
- Height: 5’4″ (163 cm), 5’4″ Males
- Died on: November 25, 1970
- Place of death: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- Cause of Death: Suicide
- More Facts
- Education: University Of Tokyo
- Awards: Q11503628
Childhood & Early Life
Yukio Mishima was born on January 14, 1925, in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. He was the eldest of three children, with a younger sister named Mitsuko and a younger brother named Chiyuki. Mishima’s father, Azusa Hiraoka, was a government official, and his mother, Shizue, was a housewife.
During his early childhood, Mishima lived with his paternal grandmother, Natsuko Hiraoka. Natsuko came from an aristocratic family and had certain expectations for Mishima’s upbringing. She kept him isolated from other children and restricted his activities, which had a profound effect on his literature and political beliefs. Mishima’s grandmother also suffered from violent and morbid outbursts, which were reflected in his works.
At the age of 12, Mishima returned to live with his parents. His father raised him with strict military discipline and punished him severely for any misbehavior. Mishima’s father even tore apart any manuscripts he found, as he disapproved of his son’s love for literature. Despite this, Mishima continued to write and began his education at Gakushūin, the Peers’ School in Tokyo, where he learned multiple languages and developed a passion for literature.
Career
After graduating from the University of Tokyo in 1947, Mishima took a job in the finance ministry. However, he quickly grew tired of the career and resigned with the help of his father. Mishima then became a full-time writer, with the support of his mother. He published his first novel, “Thieves,” in 1948, which earned him recognition among the Second Generation of Postwar Writers.
Throughout his career, Mishima wrote novels, essays, short stories, and plays. He also translated European plays and gained international fame for his writings. Mishima was shortlisted for the Nobel Prize in Literature three times but never won. He also did some modeling work and appeared in a few films.
Major Works
One of Mishima’s most notable works is the “Sea of Fertility” tetralogy, which includes the book “Spring Snow.” The series spans from 1912 to 1975 and follows the viewpoint of Shigekuni Honda. Mishima also won the Yomiuri Prize for his novel “The Temple of the Golden Pavilion” in 1956.
Family & Personal Life
Mishima married Yoko Sugiyama in 1958, and they had two children together. There were speculations about Mishima’s sexual orientation, but his widow denied that he was gay. However, there have been claims of a relationship between Mishima and Jiro Fukushima.
Death & Legacy
In 1968, Mishima established the nationalist militia group Tatenokai. On November 25, 1970, he and four other members of Tatenokai attempted a coup d’état at the Ichigaya Camp. Mishima gave a speech to the soldiers, asking them to join the coup, but they mocked him. He then performed seppuku, a ritual suicide. Mishima’s death has been the subject of much speculation, with some believing it was a pretext for him to commit suicide. Despite his controversial death, Mishima’s works continue to be celebrated and studied worldwide.