Six Short Stories: The Early Works of Osamu Dazai

The short stories in this collection, with the exception of “Money,” were written by Osamu Dazai (1909-1948) when he was still a young student of sixteen. Although these works only appeared in a school paper and magazines self-published with his friends, the author’s genius can already be seen. From his very first pieces, he displays his acute insight into how emotions fluctuate and the complexity of relationships. His taste for irony is also apparent, poking fun at how people misunderstand circumstances or their own state of affairs. The young Dazai skillfully portrays how things are not what they seem to be on the surface, taking unexpected turns for both the readers and protagonists in the tales. With most stories translated into English for the first time, the book gives you a rare glimpse into the complex psyche of the nascent novelist on his way to becoming one of the most celebrated writers Japan has ever had.