was a Japanese essayist and novelist. His work focused on movies and Osamu Dazai.
He was born in Aomori Prefecture, where Dazai was also born. He also once directed a movie.
He won the Naoki Prize in 1973 for Tsugaru jongara bushi and Tsugaru yosare bushi.
He was awarded a Medal of Honor (with Purple Ribbon, for contributions to education and culture) from the Japanese government in 2002.
Bibliography Fiction Tsugaru jongara bushi Tsugaru yosare bushi Tenno no Tanjo, Eigateki Kojiki
Essays Cherry and Christ, another history of Osamu Dazai
Filmography Festival of Dream (夢の祭り Yume no Matsuri) (director and writer) a movie about a shamisen player
See also Closet screenplay
References