A poet born in Sapporo (63, residing in Tokyo) released a new book in July titled “The Full Moon Is Waning—Thoughts of a Poet After Being Diagnosed with the Incurable Disease Glaucoma” (Life Science Publishing, 2200 yen), in which he discusses his chronic glaucoma and his life experiences. He shared his thoughts on creating this “life history,” which also touches on his childhood, family, and approach to death.
Sapporo
Sapporo is the modern capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture, which was officially established in 1868 during the Meiji Restoration as a planned city. It is now internationally famous for its annual Snow Festival, its brewing heritage (as the home of Sapporo Beer), and for having hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics.
Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious national universities, founded in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College. It was established with the guidance of American educator William S. Clark, who famously inspired its students with the parting phrase, “Boys, be ambitious!” The university is renowned for its vast, park-like campus and its historical and ongoing contributions to agricultural science and northern studies.
Sophia University
Sophia University is a prestigious private Jesuit university in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1913. It was established by the Society of Jesus with the mission of providing education based on Catholic and international principles, making it one of Japan’s leading institutions for liberal arts and international studies.
Ito Sei Literary Award
The Ito Sei Literary Award is a prestigious Japanese literary prize established in 1973 to honor the memory of novelist and literary critic Ito Sei. It is awarded annually to a work of fiction that demonstrates outstanding literary quality and artistic merit, continuing his legacy of promoting serious literature.
Kodansha Essay Award
The Kodansha Essay Award is a prestigious Japanese literary prize established in 1977 by the major publishing house Kodansha. It recognizes excellence in the essay genre, honoring works that offer insightful perspectives on culture, society, and personal experience. The award has a significant history of celebrating thoughtful non-fiction and has helped promote the essay form in modern Japanese literature.
Wakayama Bokusui Award
The Wakayama Bokusui Award is a prestigious national poetry prize in Japan, established in 1952 to honor the legacy of renowned tanka poet Bokusui Wakayama. It continues to be awarded annually to recognize outstanding contributions to the art of modern tanka poetry.
Life Science Publishing
Life Science Publishing is not a specific place or cultural site, but rather a field of academic and commercial publishing. It refers to the industry and practice of producing scientific literature, such as journals and books, dedicated to the life sciences, which include biology, medicine, and related disciplines. This field has a long history of disseminating crucial research, evolving from printed journals to the digital open-access models prevalent today.
Tokyo
Tokyo is the modern capital of Japan, originally established as the small fishing village of Edo. It became the nation’s political center in 1603 when it served as the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate and was officially renamed Tokyo when the Emperor moved there in 1868. Today, it is a vast, bustling metropolis known for its towering skyscrapers, historic temples, and vibrant pop culture.
