Motojirō

Motojirō Kajii (梶井 基次郎, Kajii Motojirō, February 17, 1901 – March 24, 1932) was a Japanese author of the early Shōwa period. He is best known for his lyrical and introspective short stories, often dealing with themes of illness, death, beauty, and the fragility of life.

Born in Osaka, Kajii suffered from tuberculosis for much of his adult life, a condition that heavily influenced his writing. He studied at the Third Higher School in Kyoto, where he befriended fellow writers and intellectuals. It was during this time that he began publishing his work in literary magazines.

Kajii's most famous works include "Lemon" (檸檬, Remon), "Under the Cherry Trees" (櫻の樹の下には, Sakura no Ki no Shita ni wa), and "Winter Days" (冬の日, Fuyu no Hi). His writing style is characterized by its sensitivity to sensory details, particularly those related to sight and smell, and its exploration of the psychological states of its characters. He is often associated with the Shinkankakuha (New Sensationalist School) movement in Japanese literature, although his work also stands apart due to its intensely personal and melancholic tone.

Despite a relatively short life and a limited body of work, Motojirō Kajii is considered an important figure in modern Japanese literature. His stories continue to be read and studied for their poetic beauty and profound insights into the human condition. He died of tuberculosis in 1932 at the age of 31.