Confession of an Incomplete Person

Osamu Dazai is one of the most tragic and mysterious figures in 20th century Japanese literature. The novel "Confession of an 'Incomplete' Person" is the author's last major work, written in the genre of "watakushi-shōsetsu" (a tale about oneself). After completing "Confession..." and pouring his soul into it, Dazai along with Tomie Yamazaki committed shinjū, a "double suicide of lovers." At this time of year, cherry fruits ripen, so June 19, the day of the writer's memory, is observed in Japan as "Cherry Memorial Day." The full text of the novel in Japanese is accompanied by commentary. Some difficult to read and outdated words are supplemented with hiragana signs.