The Setting Sun (New Directions Book) is a powerful novel by Osamu Dazai, first published in 1956 by New Directions. Set against the backdrop of early postwar Japan, the story delves into the societal and moral upheaval experienced during this transitional period from feudalism to industrialization. The narrative focuses on Kazuko, a young aristocrat who chooses to abandon her privileged position, symbolizing the broader social disarray and anomie that define contemporary society.

Dazai’s work explores the profound impact of war on individuals and communities, offering poignant insights into the human condition amidst societal change. His suicide in 1948 did not diminish the enduring relevance of his masterpiece; instead, it has solidified “people of the setting sun” as a term deeply embedded in Japanese culture, while Kazuko’s character remains an emblem of defiance against oppressive social norms.

With its compact dimensions of 5.2 x 0.5 x 8 inches and a print length of 175 pages, this edition captures Dazai’s powerful prose and profound themes, making it a must-read for those interested in Japanese literature or the broader human experience of societal transformation.

ISBN-13: 978-0811200325

Publication Date: January 17, 1968