Makoto Yamashita
Makoto Yamashita
Full Name and Common Aliases
Makoto Yamashita was a Japanese novelist, playwright, and essayist, commonly known by his pen name Kōbō Abe.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 7, 1926, in Tokyo, Japan, Makoto Yamashita passed away on January 19, 1993, at the age of 67.
Nationality and Profession(s)
A Japanese national by birth, Makoto Yamashita was a versatile writer who excelled in various genres, including literature, theater, and essays. He is best known for his novels that often explored themes of existentialism, human nature, and the psychological effects of societal pressures.
Early Life and Background
Makoto Yamashita's early life was marked by tragedy when his father died at a young age, leaving him to be raised by his mother in Tokyo. His experiences growing up during World War II had a profound impact on his writing, as he often explored the complexities of human existence under oppressive regimes.
Major Accomplishments
Makoto Yamashita's literary career spanned over four decades and was marked by numerous accolades, including the prestigious Akutagawa Prize for Literature in 1951. His novel The Woman in the Dunes (1962) is considered a classic of Japanese literature and has been translated into several languages worldwide.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Makoto Yamashita's notable works include:
The Face of Another (1964): A psychological novel that explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships.
The Wall (1959): A play that delves into the psychological effects of societal pressures on individuals.
Impact and Legacy
Makoto Yamashita's writing has had a profound impact on Japanese literature and continues to be widely read and studied today. His exploration of existentialism, human nature, and the consequences of societal pressures has influenced generations of writers and thinkers around the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Makoto Yamashita is widely quoted and remembered for his thought-provoking writings that continue to resonate with readers worldwide. His ability to capture the complexities of human existence under oppressive regimes and explore themes of identity, self-discovery, and relationships has cemented his place as one of Japan's most celebrated writers.
As a writer who pushed boundaries in both form and content, Makoto Yamashita's legacy extends far beyond his native country. His works have been translated into numerous languages and continue to captivate readers with their thought-provoking themes and complex characters.
Quotes by Makoto Yamashita

The chances of 10-year yields soaring above 1.6 percent are high. Ten- year bonds look expensive compared with five-years and so it could take some time for dealers to sell all the bonds onto investors.

Investors cannot justify buying bonds and they want to avoid 10-year yields going lower than 1.3 percent. There is a five-year note auction next week and investors don't want to have a low coupon on it.

Investors may start worrying that the central bank will scale back its monthly bond purchases to reduce the amount of money in the system. That will push up yields further.

The report will probably prompt investors to imagine the era of low rates is going change soon.

The upside for bonds will be heavy. Unless there is a sudden slowdown in overseas economies, Japan's economy will probably extend its recovery.

On top of a heavy auction schedule in January, if a rise in consumer prices is confirmed, the market will shift its focus to the approaching timing of a BOJ policy shift and keep up pressure especially on the shorter maturities.

Bonds will extend declines. There is no change in the fact that rates are headed higher in Japan, the U.S. and Europe.


