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A review by hades9stages
Patriotism by Yukio Mishima
5.0
It’s a story I think about even weeks after I read it. This is a novella (and shortly after, a short film too, made by Mishima himself) about love, honor, and patriotism against the backdrop of Japan's grand historical context. The story follows a young army officer, Lieutenant Takeyama, and his wife, Reiko, who decide to commit ritual suicide (seppuku) following a failed coup d'état.
Patriotism was written in 1960 by Mishima, reflecting his fascination with traditional Japanese values, honour, and the Bushido code. The novella explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the conflict between personal feelings and societal obligations.
The relevance of Patriotism in Mishima's life is extremely significant, which is one reason as to why it’s on my mind so often.
Let me talk about it.
Mishima was a controversial figure in Japanese literature and culture, known for his nationalist views and criticism of post-war Japan's Westernisation. Mishima admired Japan's pre-war militarism and sought to revive traditional Japanese values.
Events leading up to Mishima's death are integral to understanding his complex persona. On November 25, 1970, Mishima and four members (including his long term male lover) of his private militia, the Tatenokai (Shield Society), staged an unsuccessful coup d'état at a Japanese Self-Defense Forces base. Mishima delivered a speech to the soldiers, urging them to overthrow the government and restore the Emperor's power.
The coup failed to incite support, and his speech was followed by silence. Mishima returned to the commandant's office and performed seppuku, assisted by one of his followers. This act of ritual suicide (harakiri) marked the tragic end of Mishima's life at the age of 45, ten years after this book was published.
To understand Mishima's views and actions, it's also essential to explore Japan's history, particularly the Meiji Restoration. The Meiji Restoration occurred in the late 19th century, marking a pivotal period when Japan underwent significant socio-political and cultural transformations. It led to the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the restoration of Imperial rule under Emperor Meiji, and the modernisation and industrialisation of Japan.
The Meiji Restoration aimed to strengthen Japan's position globally, adopt Western technologies and institutions, and break away from feudal traditions. It introduced radical reforms, including the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, the dissolution of feudal domains, and the modernisation of the military and education system. The Restoration propelled Japan into becoming an industrialised nation and a major global power by the early 20th century, and ultimately what it is today (minus the current American interventions and the now newer American written constitution).
The novella beautifully explores the complex interplay between personal feelings and societal duties, portraying a profound and tragic love story. Mishima's prose evokes a sense of reverence for traditional Japanese values, honor, and the Bushido code. The narrative highlights the characters' unwavering commitment to their ideals, showcasing their unwavering determination to uphold honor and duty in the face of adversity.
Mishima's vivid and evocative writing style immerses me in the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists, creating a deeply moving and thought-provoking reading experience.
I read Patriotism as a testament to Mishima's craftsmanship as a writer, displaying his ability to infuse profound philosophical themes within a concise and emotionally impactful narrative- not necessarily out of sadness that his political influence didn’t greatly catch on. His glorification of the past perpetuates feudal hierarchies and authoritarian structures, admiration for pre-war militarism, and emphasis on honour and sacrifice- his whole ideology was promoting an unquestioning loyalty to the state and the perpetuation of hierarchical power structures. Not something I can ever find myself supporting.
But still, Patriotism stands as a powerful and moving work, and Mishima's masterful storytelling and exploration of timeless themes continue to captivate me, and I hope it does for you too.
Patriotism was written in 1960 by Mishima, reflecting his fascination with traditional Japanese values, honour, and the Bushido code. The novella explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the conflict between personal feelings and societal obligations.
The relevance of Patriotism in Mishima's life is extremely significant, which is one reason as to why it’s on my mind so often.
Let me talk about it.
Mishima was a controversial figure in Japanese literature and culture, known for his nationalist views and criticism of post-war Japan's Westernisation. Mishima admired Japan's pre-war militarism and sought to revive traditional Japanese values.
Events leading up to Mishima's death are integral to understanding his complex persona. On November 25, 1970, Mishima and four members (including his long term male lover) of his private militia, the Tatenokai (Shield Society), staged an unsuccessful coup d'état at a Japanese Self-Defense Forces base. Mishima delivered a speech to the soldiers, urging them to overthrow the government and restore the Emperor's power.
The coup failed to incite support, and his speech was followed by silence. Mishima returned to the commandant's office and performed seppuku, assisted by one of his followers. This act of ritual suicide (harakiri) marked the tragic end of Mishima's life at the age of 45, ten years after this book was published.
To understand Mishima's views and actions, it's also essential to explore Japan's history, particularly the Meiji Restoration. The Meiji Restoration occurred in the late 19th century, marking a pivotal period when Japan underwent significant socio-political and cultural transformations. It led to the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the restoration of Imperial rule under Emperor Meiji, and the modernisation and industrialisation of Japan.
The Meiji Restoration aimed to strengthen Japan's position globally, adopt Western technologies and institutions, and break away from feudal traditions. It introduced radical reforms, including the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, the dissolution of feudal domains, and the modernisation of the military and education system. The Restoration propelled Japan into becoming an industrialised nation and a major global power by the early 20th century, and ultimately what it is today (minus the current American interventions and the now newer American written constitution).
The novella beautifully explores the complex interplay between personal feelings and societal duties, portraying a profound and tragic love story. Mishima's prose evokes a sense of reverence for traditional Japanese values, honor, and the Bushido code. The narrative highlights the characters' unwavering commitment to their ideals, showcasing their unwavering determination to uphold honor and duty in the face of adversity.
Mishima's vivid and evocative writing style immerses me in the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists, creating a deeply moving and thought-provoking reading experience.
I read Patriotism as a testament to Mishima's craftsmanship as a writer, displaying his ability to infuse profound philosophical themes within a concise and emotionally impactful narrative- not necessarily out of sadness that his political influence didn’t greatly catch on. His glorification of the past perpetuates feudal hierarchies and authoritarian structures, admiration for pre-war militarism, and emphasis on honour and sacrifice- his whole ideology was promoting an unquestioning loyalty to the state and the perpetuation of hierarchical power structures. Not something I can ever find myself supporting.
But still, Patriotism stands as a powerful and moving work, and Mishima's masterful storytelling and exploration of timeless themes continue to captivate me, and I hope it does for you too.