Eiji Yoshikawa
Eiji Yoshikawa
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Eiji Yoshikawa was born as Katsuzo Yoshikawa, but is commonly known by his pen name, Eiji Yoshikawa.
Birth and Death Dates
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Eiji Yoshikawa was born on April 29, 1892, in Kyoto, Japan. He passed away on August 15, 1962.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Yoshikawa was a Japanese novelist, writer, and journalist. His works primarily focused on Japanese history and literature.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a family of modest means, Yoshikawa's early life was marked by hardship. He began writing at an early age to supplement his family's income. After completing his education, he moved to Tokyo to pursue a career in writing. He worked as a journalist for several years before turning to fiction.
Major Accomplishments
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Yoshikawa is best known for his historical novels and biographies, particularly those on legendary Japanese figures. His magnum opus, "Musashi Miyamoto", is considered one of the greatest works of Japanese literature. This sweeping narrative follows the life of the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to "Musashi Miyamoto", Yoshikawa wrote numerous other notable works, including:
"The Tale of the 47 Ronin": A historical novel based on a true story about a group of samurai who avenged their lord's death.
"Furyu Fujimaro": A biography of the famous Japanese painter Katsushika Hokusai.
Impact and Legacy
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Yoshikawa's works have had a lasting impact on Japanese literature. His meticulous research and attention to detail have made his historical novels and biographies models for other writers. Many of his works have been adapted into films, plays, and manga series, cementing their place in popular culture.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Yoshikawa's influence extends beyond the literary world. His writings have helped to popularize Japanese history and culture worldwide. As a masterful storyteller, he has inspired countless readers with his vivid portrayals of legendary figures and pivotal events in Japanese history.
Yoshikawa's legacy is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to transcend time and cultures.
Quotes by Eiji Yoshikawa
Eiji Yoshikawa's insights on:
When Takuan had sentenced him to confinement, he had said, “You may read as much as you want. A famous priest of ancient times once said, ‘I become immersed in the sacred scriptures and read thousands of volumes. When I come away, I find that my heart sees more than before.
To him, any place could serve as home – more than that: wherever he happened to be was the universe.
It’s not just my body. I’m cold inside. Not disciplined properly. That’s what it is. I still long to cling to warm flesh, like a baby, and I give in too quickly to sentimentality. Because I’m alone, I feel sorry for myself and envy people who have nice warm houses. At heart, I’m base and mean! Why can’t I be thankful for independence and freedom to go where I choose? Why can’t I hold on to my ideals and my pride?
You’re safer out in the open than you are crouching in the woodshed listening for footsteps and going crazy.
Still, in a fight like that, you never know. There’s a superhuman element involved. All warriors have to face it; winning or losing is partly a matter of luck.
The world is always full of the sound of waves. The little fishes, abandoning themselves to the waves, dance and sing, and play, but who knows the heart of the sea, a hundred feet down? Who knows it depth?
If a man wanted to put the entire universe in his breast, he couldn’t do it with his chest stuck out.
If you trust me enough to tell me a secret, I certainly promise to keep it. Please speak freely, on any subject.