Saneatsu Mushanokōji

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Saneatsu Mushanokoji 1 cropped

Saneatsu Mushanokōji (武者小路 実篤, 12 May 1885 – 9 April 1976) was a Japanese novelist, playwright, poet, and painter. He was a prominent figure in the Shirakaba (White Birch) literary movement and is known for his works that emphasize humanism and idealism.

Early Life

Saneatsu Mushanokōji was born in Tokyo, Japan, into a samurai family. He was the second son of Mushanokōji Saneyo, a bureaucrat in the Ministry of Finance. Saneatsu attended the prestigious Gakushūin Peers' School, where he became friends with other future literary figures such as Shiga Naoya and Arishima Takeo.

Literary Career

Mushanokōji's literary career began in earnest when he co-founded the Shirakaba literary magazine in 1910. The magazine became a platform for promoting Western literature and art, as well as the humanistic ideals that Mushanokōji and his colleagues espoused. His early works, such as the novel Omedetaki hito (A Happy Man), reflect his optimistic outlook on life and his belief in the inherent goodness of people.

Major Works

Some of Mushanokōji's most notable works include:

• Omedetaki hito (A Happy Man)
• Aru otoko (A Certain Man)
• Yūjō (Friendship)
• Jinsei no daigaku (The University of Life)

Shirakaba Movement

The Shirakaba movement, named after the literary magazine, was characterized by its members' admiration for Western literature and art, particularly the works of Leo Tolstoy, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Cézanne. The movement emphasized individualism, humanism, and the pursuit of beauty. Mushanokōji's contributions to the movement were significant, and his works often reflected the ideals of the Shirakaba group.

Later Life and Utopian Community

In 1918, Mushanokōji founded the Atarashiki-mura (New Village) in Miyazaki Prefecture, a utopian community based on the principles of mutual aid and self-sufficiency. The community aimed to create a society where people could live in harmony with nature and each other. Although the original village faced many challenges, the spirit of the community continued to inspire similar projects in Japan.

Legacy

Saneatsu Mushanokōji's influence on Japanese literature and culture is profound. His works continue to be read and appreciated for their humanistic themes and idealistic vision. The Saneatsu Mushanokōji Memorial Museum in Chōfu, Tokyo, preserves his legacy and offers insights into his life and works.

See Also

• Shirakaba
• Shiga Naoya
• Arishima Takeo
• Atarashiki-mura