Rashomon and Seventeen Other Stories Read Free

Stupid Man,” Section 21).
    1920 Five stories (including “Green Onions”) and seven nonfiction pieces published simultaneously in various major New Year publications as editors clamor for his work. Birth of first son, Hiroshi.
    1921 January: Hide Shigeko gives birth to son, and tells Akutagawa the child is his. March: Partly to escape her, he leaves for China for nearly four months as special correspondent for
Osaka Mainichi Shinbun
. Dry pleurisy and other ills leave him weakened thereafter.
    1922 “In a Bamboo Grove” and three other stories appear in New Year issues of major magazines, but autobiographical writing increases as historical fiction is less well received. Second trip to Nagasaki; buys Edo Period “secret Christian” image of Maria-Kannon. First of the fictional alter ego Yasukichi stories and “O-Gin” published. Birth of second son, Takashi. Health dramatically worse; with desire to write fading, declines all invitations for New Year issue stories.
    1923 June: Infant Takashi hospitalized for more than ten days. “The Baby’s Sickness” published in August. 1 September: Great Kant ō Earthquake strikes at 11: 58 a.m., followed by fires; over 100, 000 killed. Tabata house loses a few roof tiles and stone lantern, but houses of his half-brother and his sister burn down. No injuries to relatives, but caring for them a great financial burden. Observes death and devastation, writes scathing critiques of “upright citizens” of Tokyo who took the occasion to commit mob violence against local Koreans with Police Bureau encouragement. Much editing of English and contemporary Japanese literary collections.
    1924 Few new stories this year; much editing, reading up on socialism, but his name is still big enough for a major publisher to begin a new series of contemporary literature with a volume of his works. Sixth Yasukichi story, “The Writer’s Craft,” published. Near-affair with Katayama Hiroko (“Life,” Section 37).
    1925 Physical ills, insomnia. “Daid ō ji Shinsuke: The Early Years” and “Horse Legs” published in New Year issues of major magazines. Birth of third son, Yasushi. Publication of five-volume collection of contemporary Japanese literature which he has devoted much energy to editing since 1923; sales are poor, he earns little and is widely criticized by other writers for copyright problems. Insomnia, nervous exhaustion, and heavy responsibilities as head of the household.
    1926 Close reading of Bible, but unable to believe in divine miracles. To Kugenuma seashore, south of Tokyo, with Fumi and infant Yasushi, leaving older boys with his family. Marriage “renewed,” but physical and mental ills worsen as use of barbiturates increases. October: “Death Register” published, containing his first public revelation of his mother’s insanity; negative review by novelist Tokuda Sh Å« sei (1871–1943) is a shock. Taish ō emperor dies; Sh ō wa Period begins.
    1927 4 January: Sister’s house partially burns; two days later, her husband, who is suspected of arson, throws himself under a train. Despite illness, Akutagawa forces himself to deal with the complications.
    January–April: Several extended writing sessions in Imperial Hotel; writes “Kappa.”
    April–August: Essay series “Literary, All Too Literary” published, containing his side of famous debate with Tanizaki Jun’ichir ō (1886–1965) on the importance of plot in fiction, and repudiating the artificiality of own earlier work.
    7 April: Proposes “Platonic double suicide” to Hiramatsu Masuko (1898–1953), the unmarried, lifelong friend of wife Fumi (“Life,” Sections 47–8). She informs Fumi and artist friend Oana Ry Å« ichi (1894–1966), who force him to give up the idea.
    16 April: Writes first of several “last testaments,” and begins