Mishima's legacy

Reading the paper on the train this evening, came across an interesting article about Yukio Mishima and his relevance to present day Japan. Basically the gist of the article was that Mishima's dream of a rejuvenated Japanese military is only now seeing the light of day with the resurgence a new nationalist agenda:

"Three and a half decades after his death, with the ruling Liberal Democratic party gunning to revise the Constitution, Mishima's desire to see Japan equipped with an official military finally looks to be realized." (The Japan Times, 26/11/05)

Whilst not an original observation, it does provide an interesting perspective from to which to view the current debate, and it is certainly true that discussion of Mishima's politics are no longer considered "taboo".

However, reading the article closely and it is obvious that certain things about his personal life that - in the mainstream media at least - appear to be offlimits, namely his bisexuality. The article itself did a great job surmising the dramatic events of leading up to his death, describing as it does, Mishima's hostage taking of General Kanetoshi Kimitake and the writers call to arms on the balcony of said Commander of the Eastern Defence Force. However, reading the account, you cannot help but feel that something is missing:

"Retreating back into the room and shouting "Long live the Emperor!" three times, Mishima thrust his 17th century sword into his stomach before one of his followers beheaded him in the samurai rite of honour. One of his companions also committed hara-kiri."

Now reading this, you can not help but think that something is missing. Considering the dramatic nature of the scene more exposition is needed, for example who were these two shadowy characters described in the text who accompanied Mishima and why were willing to both kill and die for him?

Well it probably comes as no surprise to learn that the "follower" and the "companion" were actually one in the same person - Morita Masakatsu, who many speculate was Mishima's lover. This simple fact gives the outlined scene more pathos and depth and yet it is omitted. That such a significant detail should be omitted is curious but hardly surprising given Japanese society's reluctance to acknowledge homosexuality in general. For example, if you check out a Japanese senior high school literature text there is absolutely no mention of sexuality, which is strange given that it is one of the major themes of his writing. I asked a teacher and published author why this is and he replied, "its just not something we [the Japanese] are interested in." Indeed.

Its a shame though because Mishima's work - like his life - is complex and beautiful tapestry. Pick at the surface and you'll unravel dramas of the heart that equal that of the one hinted at the scene of his suicide. Take for example, my favorite novel of his, "Forbidden Colours", which is a achingly beautiful story about sexuality, love, loss and aesthetics.

However, the story of Mishima's final days are likely to reach a wider audience with recent talks of bringing the story to the big screen. Mark Devin (the founder of Metropolis and Japan Today) is currently working on a screenplay about the final years of the writer's life and apparently several studios have expressed an interest. I can not help but think that this is a film worth making and I for one would be first in line at the ticket office.