Kenzaburo Oe, a celebrated Japanese author and staunch pacifist known for incorporating his beliefs into his writing, has passed away from natural causes at the age of 88, as reported by CNN. His publisher, Kodansha, confirmed his death on March 3rd, ten days prior.
Oe, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1994, was recognized by the award committee for his ability to create a compelling and unsettling image of humanity’s current state through poetic language and imaginative storytelling.
Born in Ehime, Japan in 1935, Oe began his writing career in 1957 and went on to become one of Japan’s most renowned authors. He drew heavily on his experiences growing up in the aftermath of Japan’s defeat in World War II, including his thoughts on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
Oe was a prolific writer who produced a wide range of works, including novels, essays, and short stories. His most famous novel, A Personal Matter, tells the story of a new father who discovers that his newborn son has a severe brain hernia. The novel explores the protagonist’s emotional turmoil and his struggle to come to terms with his son’s disability.
Oe’s other notable works include The Silent Cry, which examines the impact of modernization on rural communities, and Nip the Buds, Shoot the Kids, which tells the story of a group of boys who are sent to a reformatory school during World War II. Oe’s writing is characterized by its frankness and its exploration of difficult and uncomfortable topics. His work often deals with themes of violence, death, and disability, and his writing style is known for its poetic language and vivid imagery.
In recent years, Oe spoke out against former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s efforts to review Japan’s pacifist constitution, which he believed could lead to Japan’s direct participation in war. Oe’s son Hikari, who was brain-damaged as a child and unable to communicate for years, also served as an inspiration for his work, as he saw writing as a means of giving his son a voice.
Despite receiving numerous accolades throughout his career, including Japan’s prestigious Order of Culture, Oe refused to accept the award because it was bestowed by the Emperor. He was also an advocate for Japan to abandon nuclear power following the Fukushima disaster in 2011.