No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai is one of Japan’s most powerful modern novels — a deeply introspective story about alienation, shame, and identity. Through the confessional narrative of Ōba Yōzō, a man who feels detached from society and unable to show his true self, Dazai explores the human struggle to belong in a conformist world. The novel captures the pain of self-destruction, guilt, and loneliness with a haunting honesty. Written shortly before Dazai’s death in 1948, No Longer Human is often read as a reflection of the author’s own turmoil, making it both a literary masterpiece and a tragic self-portrait.
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📚 Story Summary
The novel follows Ōba Yōzō, a sensitive and intelligent man who hides behind humor to mask his deep disconnection from others. As he drifts through school, love affairs, and addiction, his life becomes a slow descent into despair. His attempts to conform only make him more isolated.
Told through Yōzō’s notebooks, the story feels like a confession — a raw depiction of a man stripped of humanity and lost in modern society. Dazai exposes the fragility of the human psyche and the emptiness behind social masks.
👤 About the Author – Osamu Dazai (1909–1948)
Osamu Dazai (real name: Shūji Tsushima) was a Japanese novelist and short story writer regarded as one of the most important voices of postwar Japanese literature. Known for his semi-autobiographical and melancholic works, Dazai explored themes of self-destruction, depression, and identity.
His major works include The Setting Sun, Run, Melos!, and No Longer Human, which is often considered his literary testament. Dazai’s life mirrored his fiction — marked by addiction, failed relationships, and multiple suicide attempts, culminating in his tragic death at age 38. Despite his short life, his influence endures, shaping generations of Japanese writers and artists.
📘 Content of the File
Original English translation of No Longer Human
Introduction and translator’s notes
Three notebooks of Ōba Yōzō’s life
Postscript and commentary
Biographical timeline of Osamu Dazai
❓ FAQ
Q: Is No Longer Human based on Dazai’s real life?
A: Yes, it’s widely considered semi-autobiographical — Yōzō’s struggles reflect Dazai’s own alienation and depression.
Q: What genre is the book?
A: Psychological fiction and existential literature, often categorized as a confessional novel.
Q: Why is it so popular in Japan?
A: Because it captures the postwar feeling of loss and identity crisis, resonating with readers across generations.
Q: Is it difficult to read?
A: The language is simple, but the emotional depth can be heavy — it’s a story that stays with you long after finishing.
