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Takiji KobayashiJapanese proletarian writer.
Date of Birth: 01.12.1903
Country:  Japan |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Literary Career
- "Kanikosen" and Political Activism
- Arrest and Death
- Legacy
- 1974:A film about Kobayashi's life was released.
Early Life and Education
Takiji Kobayashi was born in the farming town of Odate, Akita Prefecture, in 1903. His family later moved to the port city of Otaru, Hokkaido. Kobayashi attended university and worked as a bank clerk.
Literary Career
Kobayashi began writing short stories while still a student. His work often focused on the struggles of the impoverished against a society driven by greed. In the late 1920s, he became a prominent figure in Japanese proletarian literature.
"Kanikosen" and Political Activism
In 1929, Kobayashi published his most famous work, "Kanikosen" ("The Crab Cannery Ship"). The novel tells the story of Japanese fishermen who organize against brutal exploitation. The book remains popular today and was republished in 2008 with a print run of 500,000 copies. In 1931, Kobayashi joined the Communist Party of Japan. He became involved in protests against Japan's aggression in China and went into hiding.
Arrest and Death
Kobayashi was arrested by the political police and died under torture in 1933. His arrest and death have been widely condemned as a violation of human rights.
Legacy
1953:A film adaptation of "Kanikosen" was released.1973:UNESCO sponsored the English translation of "Kanikosen" and "The Absentee Landlord."
