Bungeishunju: The Age of the Author
“I had grown weary of saying things at others behest”—
This sentiment from popular author Kan Kikuchi sparked the creation of a new magazine—one liberated from the constraints of the literary establishment, where writers could speak freely in their own words.
Its first issue gathered future literary talents like Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Yasunari Kawabata, and Riichi Yokomitsu. From its serialized novels to its striking covers and advertisements, the entire magazine served as a witness to its time.
The Masters Wrote, Literary Giants Painted. The Stage Called Bungeishunju
In the March 1940 issue of Bungeishunju, the cover art by master painter Ryūzaburō Umehara captivates the eye. Umehara, a master of yōga (Western-style painting), was known for fusing vibrant French color theory with bold Japanese brushwork, and this Chinese landscape shows the influence of his family's dye business.
Inside, a drawing by his rival Sōtarō Yasui creates a splendid collaboration between literary giants and artistic masters. Even a chic ad for "Tokyo Hat" quietly conveys the sophisticated urban culture of the wartime era.
The Shape of the Human "Ego," as Exposed by Ryunosuke Akutagawa
Ryunosuke Akutagawa was a close friend of Bungeishunju founder Kikuchi Kan and a key supporter of the magazine's launch. To honor the author after his untimely death, Kikuchi established the Akutagawa Prize in 1935, forever linking his friend's name to Japanese literature.
Akutagawa's keen insight into the human psyche shines in his story "Kareno Shō." At their master Bashō's deathbed, his disciples are consumed by selfish thoughts. They are not evil but ordinary people, having a universal egoism. This work profoundly stirs our hearts precisely because it confronts us with the inescapable aspects of human nature that encompass both strengths and weaknesses.
Alongside this piece, we are featuring works by the great authors who defined the Bungeishunju era. Enjoying their prose while admiring the vintage covers and illustrations offers a pleasure unique to old books.
【Editor's Note】This collection was the lifelong passion of a devoted collector. I confess that before great Japanese authors like Osamu Dazai and Ryunosuke Akutagawa, I am but a humble novice.However, I believe this amateur's perspective can reveal a unique charm in their books. I hope you enjoy them with an open mind.(Ayano Masuda)
