The Setting Sun

Born as Shūji Tsushima on June 19th, 1909, in Kanagi, Aomori Prefecture, Osamu Dazai grew up in a wealthy landowning family. His early life was marked by privilege and isolation, a paradox that would deeply influence his novels such as The Setting Sun. His father, a prominent politician and landowner, died when Dazai was young, leaving his upbringing largely in the hands of his severe mother and elder siblings. The traditional Tsushima household often clashed with Dazai’s sensitive, rebellious nature.

In 1927, Dazai entered Aomori High School and later moved to Tokyo to attend Hirosaki University, initially studying French literature. However, he lost interest in conventional education and became increasingly involved in bohemian circles. Dazai idolized the writer Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, whose death by suicide in 1927 deeply affected him. Dazai’s early adult years were turbulent. In 1929, he attempted death by suicide after a strained relationship with his family and a failed engagement. This marked the beginning of a pattern of self-destructive behavior that would characterize much of his life. Despite these struggles, Dazai began to gain recognition as a writer. His early works, such as Bannen (The Final Years), displayed his talent for blending autobiographical detail with literary artistry.