Shichirō Fukazawa

Shichiro_Fukazawa_01.jpg

Shichirō Fukazawa (深沢 七郎, 29 January 1914 – 18 August 1987) was a Japanese author and musician. He is best known for his controversial novel The Ballad of Narayama (楢山節考, Narayama Bushikō), which won the prestigious Chūōkōron Prize in 1956.

Early Life

Shichirō Fukazawa was born in Minami-Alps, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. He grew up in a rural environment, which later influenced much of his literary work. Fukazawa initially pursued a career in music, studying the shamisen, a traditional Japanese string instrument.

Literary Career

Fukazawa's literary career began in earnest in the 1950s. His most famous work, The Ballad of Narayama, was published in 1956. The novel is set in a remote village in the mountains and deals with the practice of ubasute, where elderly people are carried to a mountain and left to die. The novel was highly acclaimed and won the Chūōkōron Prize.

Controversy

Fukazawa's work often courted controversy. In 1960, his short story "Fūryū Mutan" (風流夢譚) was published in the magazine Chūōkōron. The story depicted a fictional assassination of the Emperor of Japan, which led to a public outcry and threats against Fukazawa and the magazine's editor.

Adaptations

The Ballad of Narayama has been adapted into film twice. The first adaptation was directed by Keisuke Kinoshita in 1958. The second adaptation, directed by Shōhei Imamura, won the Palme d'Or at the 1983 Cannes Film Festival.

Death

Shichirō Fukazawa passed away on 18 August 1987. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their unique blend of traditional Japanese themes and modernist sensibilities.

Legacy

Fukazawa's influence extends beyond literature into the realms of film and cultural studies. His works are considered essential reading for those interested in post-war Japanese literature.

Related Pages

• The Ballad of Narayama
• Chūōkōron Prize
• Keisuke Kinoshita
• Shōhei Imamura
• Palme d'Or
• 1983 Cannes Film Festival
• Ubasute