Stories of Osaka Life

Book excerpt: Oda Sakunosuke (1913-43) is described in Japan as one of the 3hooligan school2 of writers, who worked before and during WW2. Seeking to create an underground literature in opposition to the traditional literature favored by the militaristic government, these writers often depicted unflattering realities rather than exemplary ideals. By deliberately focusing on Japan1s hustlers, bunglers, and misfits, 3Stories of Osaka Life2 skillfully recaptures the essence of the Osaka temperament: its hedonism, wry humor, and lust for life. Among the preeminent works of one of modern Japan1s most admired writers, these stories offer extraordinary characterizations executed with compassion, honesty and humor.