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Hirosi NomaAn outstanding Japanese writer, poet, critic and public figure.
Date of Birth: 23.12.1915
Country:  Japan |
Content:
- Hiroshi Noma: A Literary Luminary
- Political Activism and War
- Literary Career and Communist Party Membership
- Exclusion from CPJ and Literary Success
- Legacy
Hiroshi Noma: A Literary Luminary
Early Life and EducationHiroshi Noma was born on February 23, 1915, in Kobe, Japan, into a Buddhist family. Inspired by his father, a non-conformist Buddhist priest, Noma developed a passion for writing at an early age. In 1932, he joined with classmates Masaharu Fuji and Shizuo Takeuchi to launch the school poetry journal, "The Three." Pursuing his literary interests, Noma enrolled in the French Literature Department at Kyoto University in 1935, where he delved into the works of French symbolist poets.
Political Activism and War
During his university years, Noma embraced Marxist ideas and joined the student anti-war movement. In 1941, he was drafted into the army and fought in the Pacific War, witnessing the horrors of combat firsthand. However, after contracting malaria, he was sent back to Japan.
Upon his return, Noma's past Marxist involvement led to his arrest and imprisonment in 1943. He was later discharged from the army in February 1944. The war's end found him working in an Osaka factory.
Literary Career and Communist Party Membership
After the war, Noma joined the Communist Party of Japan (CPJ). His literary debut came in 1946 with the novella "Dark Pictures." In 1951, he became an editor of the magazine "People's Literature." His 1952 novel, "The Zone of Emptiness," established Noma as a prominent anti-war writer.
Exclusion from CPJ and Literary Success
In 1964, Noma was expelled from the CPJ. Despite this setback, his literary career continued to flourish. In 1971, he received the Tanizaki Prize for his epic five-volume social novel, "The Ring of Youth."
Legacy
Hiroshi Noma's prolific output includes 22 volumes of collected works published by Chikuma Shobo and 14 volumes of selected works published by Iwanami Shoten. His novel "The Zone of Emptiness" and various poems and short stories have been translated into Russian. Noma's writings continue to resonate with readers, exploring themes of war, political struggle, and the human condition.
