Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

Quote by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

“He felt so lost, he said later, that the familiar studio felt like a haunted valley deep in the mountains, with the smell of rotting leaves, the spray of a waterfall, the sour fumes of fruit stashed away by a monkey; even the dim glow of the master's oil lamp on its tripod looked to him like misty moonlight in the hills.”

Quote by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

Author

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa (March 1, 1892 – July 24, 1927) was a renowned Japanese writer of the Taishō period, often hailed as the 'god of the short story.' Born in Tokyo, he was adopted by his uncle and graduated from Tokyo Imperial University with a degree in English literature. Akutagawa is best known for his masterful short stories such as 'Rashōmon,' 'In a Grove,' and 'Kappa,' which explore the dark side of human nature with sharp psychological insight and innovative narrative techniques. His works blend classical Japanese themes with modernist sensibilities, leaving a lasting impact on world literature. Struggling with mental and physical health issues, he died by suicide at age 35. The Akutagawa Prize, established in his honor, remains one of Japan's most prestigious literary awards. more

You May Also Like

“Chained inside the carriage is a sinful woman. When we set the carriage afire, her flesh will be roasted, her bones will be charred: she will die an agonizing death. Never again will you have such a perfect model for the screen. Do not fail to watch as her snow-white flesh erupts in flames. See and remember her long black hair dancing in a whirl of sparks!”

“Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God.”