There is no one quite like Kenji Miyazawa. Born into wealth, he longed to be “a real peasant”. One of Japan’s most influential children’s writers, he sold only one story during his lifetime.

Read Japanese Literature takes a look at Miyazawa's colorful biography through three of his beloved stories.

Miyazawa produced the artwork for this episode. It's a painted titled Power Pole in the Moonlight.

Notes and sources on the episode page. Transcript available.

Let RJL know what you think! (Contact us through the website if you want a response.)

Please note that text messages are for feedback only. RJL can't respond directly.
Get in touch at www.readjapaneseliterature.com.
Support RJL on Patreon.com.
Buy your books from Bookshop.org.
All content © 2025 Read Japanese Literature.