OZAKI KOYO

Ozaki Koyo was the son of a famous netsuke carver. In 1885, while studying at Tokyo Imperial University, he formed the Ken’yusha literary society with friends, and many of his early works were published in its journal and in the Yomiuri, Japan’s largest newspaper. Among his most renowned works are Konjiki yasha (1897–1903; tr. The Gold Demon, 1905) and Tajo takon (Passions and Regrets, 1896). Ozaki served as a mentor to Izumi Kyoka, who continued to write in Ozaki’s style after his mentor’s death.

See also KAWAKAMI BIZAN; KODA ROHAN; PSEUDOCLASSICISM; THEATER REFORM; WOMEN IN LITERATURE.