Mori Ōgai

Mori Ōgai (森 鷗外) (February 17, 1862 – July 9, 1922) was a prominent Japanese physician, translator, novelist, poet, and critic during the Meiji, Taishō, and early Shōwa periods. He is considered one of the founders of modern Japanese literature.

Life and Career:

Born Mori Rintarō in Tsuwano, Iwami Province (present-day Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture), Ōgai came from a family of hereditary physicians. He received a thorough education in Confucian classics and Western sciences. At the age of 12, he moved to Tokyo to study German in preparation for medical school. He graduated from the Tokyo Imperial University Medical School in 1881.

After graduating, he joined the army medical corps, eventually rising to the rank of surgeon general, the highest position in the Japanese army medical service. From 1884 to 1888, he was sent to Germany to study hygiene, which significantly influenced his subsequent literary and intellectual development. While in Germany, he became deeply interested in European culture, philosophy, and literature, especially German Romanticism.

Upon his return to Japan, Ōgai played a vital role in introducing European literary styles and ideas. He founded literary journals such as Shigarami Zōshi and Mita Bungaku, which became important venues for new literary voices and critical discussions. He also contributed significantly to translating European literature, including works by Goethe, Ibsen, and Hans Christian Andersen.

Literary Works:

Ōgai's literary output is diverse and spans several genres. His early works, such as "Maihime" ("The Dancing Girl," 1890), reflect his experiences in Germany and explore themes of cultural clash, love, and individual identity. He later turned to historical novels, exploring the lives and motivations of historical figures. Notable historical novels include Gan ("The Wild Geese," 1911-13), Sanshō Dayū ("Sansho the Bailiff," 1915), Takasebune ("The Takase Boat," 1916), and Shibue Chūsai (1916-17), a meticulous biography of a Confucian scholar.

He also wrote several autobiographical novels, including Vita Sexualis (1909), which sparked considerable controversy due to its frank depiction of sexuality.

Influence and Legacy:

Mori Ōgai's influence on modern Japanese literature is immense. He helped to shape the development of the modern Japanese novel, introduced new literary styles and ideas, and fostered a culture of literary criticism. His historical novels are praised for their meticulous research, psychological depth, and exploration of moral complexities. He remains a significant figure in Japanese cultural history, remembered as a physician, scholar, and writer who bridged the gap between East and West.