蒼氓 (Sōbō)

Tatsuzō Ishikawa (1905-1985) was a Japanese novelist born in Yokote, Akita Prefecture, Japan. He won the first Akutagawa Prize in 1935 for his debut novel Sōbō (Blue Proletarians), depicting the struggles of Japanese immigrants in Brazil, and gained notoriety with Ikiteiru Heitai (Soldiers Alive) in 1938, a realistic war account banned by the government leading to his conviction. Post-war, he became a bestselling author of social novels like Fū ni Soyogu Ashi and Ningen no Kabe, served as president of the Japan PEN Club, and was known for his investigative style addressing social issues, love, and family life. Read more →