Who Is Osamu Dazai? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Osamu Dazai, born on June 19, 1909, was a prominent Japanese author whose works have left a lasting impact on literature. His poignant storytelling and exploration of existential themes in novels like "No Longer Human" and "The Setting Sun" have earned him a devoted following. Dazai's life was deeply troubled, marked by personal struggles that often seeped into his writings. He tragically passed away on April 13, 1948, at the age of 38. In 2025, the narrative of Dazai's life continues to fascinate scholars and readers alike, solidifying his place as one of Japan's literary greats.
| Occupation | Novelist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1909 |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Birth Place | Kanagi, Aomori, Empire of Japan |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Japan |
| Date of death | 13 June, 1948 |
| Died Place | Tokyo, Allied-occupied Japan |
Popularity
Osamu Dazai's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Osamu Dazai are relatively undocumented, he is often described as having a slender build. Generally, he was known to have an average height for a Japanese male of his time, around 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm).
Japan widened the Pacific War by attacking the United States in December 1941, but Dazai was excused from the draft because of his chronic chest problems, as he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. The censors became more reluctant to accept his work, but he managed to publish anyway.
A number of the stories that he published during the war are retellings of stories by Ihara Saikaku (1642–1693).
Dazai's wartime works include Udaijin Sanetomo (右大臣実朝, "Minister of the Right Sanetomo", 1943), Tsugaru (1944), Pandora no Hako (パンドラの匣, Pandora's Box, 1945–46), and Otogizōshi (お伽草紙, Fairy Tales, 1945) in which he retells a number of Japanese fairy tales.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Osamu Dazai experienced complex relationships throughout his life. He married Michiyo Dazai in 1939, but their marriage was marred by his infidelities and struggles with mental health. Dazai had affairs, most notably with other women, which further complicated his personal life. His tumultuous relationships often served as inspiration for the characters in his novels. Despite his marriage, his most notable romantic relationships remain largely defined by his struggle with intimacy and emotional connection.
He was the tenth of the eleven children born to his parents. At the time of his birth, the huge, newly completed Tsushima mansion, where he spent his early years, was home to some thirty family members. The Tsushima family was of obscure peasant origins.
Dazai's great-grandfather built up the family's wealth as a moneylender, and his son increased it further. They quickly rose in power and, after some time, became highly respected across the region.
Net Worth and Salary
Although Osamu Dazai's literary career was not monetarily lavish during his lifetime, his works have gained immense popularity posthumously, contributing to a collective net worth in the millions. As of 2025, estimates suggest that Dazai's estate generates significant royalties, with earnings from book sales, adaptations, and literary scholarships still pouring in, making him one of Japan's most financially successful authors in terms of legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Dazai's career was predominantly centered around his writing. He published several novels, short stories, and essays that explored themes of alienation, despair, and the human condition. While he might not have engaged in traditional business ventures, his literary legacy has led to various adaptations, including movies, stage productions, and graphic novels. His impact continues to influence new generations of writers and artists, reaffirming his position in the literary canon.
In 1935 it started to become clear to Dazai that he would not graduate. He also failed to obtain a job at a Tokyo newspaper. He finished The Final Years (Bannen), which was intended to be his farewell to the world, and tried to hang himself on March 19, 1935, failing yet again.
Less than three weeks later, he developed acute appendicitis and was hospitalized. In the hospital, he became addicted to Pavinal, a morphine-based painkiller. After fighting the addiction for a year, in October 1936 he was taken to a mental institution, locked in a room and forced to quit cold turkey. The treatment lasted over a month.
Social Network
In 2025, Osamu Dazai's presence continues to thrive through various social platforms dedicated to literature, such as Goodreads, where fans discuss his works and share insights. Literary societies and forums frequently explore his writings, ensuring that his voice remains relevant in contemporary discussions on existentialism and Japanese literature. Dazai's spirit can also be felt in film adaptations and artistic tributes, connecting him with a wider audience.
Dazai kept his promise and settled down. He managed to obtain the assistance of Masuji Ibuse, an established writer whose connections helped him get his works published and establish his reputation. The next few years were productive for Dazai.
He wrote at a feverish pace and used the pen name "Osamu Dazai" for the first time in a short story called "Ressha" ("列車", "Train"), published in 1933. This story was his first experiment with the I-novel form that later became his trademark.
Education
Dazai attended the prestigious Hokkaido Imperial University where he initially pursued a degree in French literature. His education played a crucial role in shaping his literary style, exposing him to various literary movements and philosophies that he would later reflect in his writings. Though he never completed his degree, his time in academia influenced much of his artistic expression and understanding of the human psyche.
On the night of December 10, 1929, Dazai made his first suicide attempt, but survived and was able to graduate the following year. In 1930, he enrolled in the French Literature Department of Tokyo Imperial University, but promptly stopped studying again. In October, he ran away with a geisha named Hatsuyo Oyama and was formally disowned by his family.
