This groundbreaking long critical essay examines the history of Japanese self-awareness while surveying the position of the autobiography genre in literary history. It meticulously analyzes works by figures such as Yukichi Fukuzawa, Kanzo Uchimura, Koki Katsu, Bokushi Suzuki, Hakuseki Arai, Soko Yamaga, and Sadanobu Matsudaira, as well as autobiographical accounts in the form of Kabuki actors' performance anecdotes, including those of the third Nakamura Nakazo and the seventh Ichikawa Chusha, all with original insights. Google Books This is a copy of Shoichi Saeki's "Japanese Autobiographies," published by Kodansha in April 1974 (Showa 49) with its original slipcase. It shows little yellowing from age and has no stains, writing, or library stamps. The cover design is by Mutsuhito Kamiguchi. Please consider purchasing this book, understanding that it is a 51-year-old used book.