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{{Infobox writer <!-- for more information see [[:Template:Infobox writer/doc]] -->
{{Infobox writer <!-- for more information see [[:Template:Infobox writer/doc]] -->
| name = Kaoru Morimoto
| name = Kaoru Morimoto
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| pseudonym =
| pseudonym =
| birth_date = 1912
| birth_date = 1912
| birth_place = [[Osaka]], [[Japan]]
| birth_place = [[Osaka]], Japan
| death_date = June 4, 1946
| death_date = June 4, 1946
| death_place = [[Japan]]
| death_place = Japan
| occupation = Playwright,<br />actor, director, translator
| occupation = Playwright,<br />actor, director, translator
| nationality = Japanese
| nationality = Japanese
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}}
}}


{{Nihongo|'''Kaoru Morimoto'''|森本 薫|Morimoto Kaoru|1912–1946}} was a Japanese playwright, director, translator, and actor. He is famous for his critically acclaimed play, [[A woman's life|''A Woman's Life'']] (''Onna no isshō''), one of [[Japan]]'s most frequently staged plays post [[World War II]]. Morimoto's work was most popular during the post-war period but his plays are still read and performed today. He was born in [[Osaka]], [[Japan]] in 1912 and later moved to [[Kyoto]] where he received a degree in [[English literature]] from [[Kyoto University]] in 1937. Morimoto died in 1946 after a long battle with [[pulmonary tuberculosis|tuberculosis]].<ref name="Historical Dictionary">Miller, Scott J. "Morimoto Kaoru." Historical Dictionary of Modern Japanese Literature and Theater. Illustrated ed. Vol. 33. N.p.: Scarecrow, 2009. 78. Print.</ref>
{{Nihongo|'''Kaoru Morimoto'''|森本 薫|Morimoto Kaoru|1912–1946}} was a Japanese playwright, director, translator, and actor. He is famous for his critically acclaimed play, [[A woman's life|''A Woman's Life'']] (''Onna no isshō''), one of Japan's most frequently staged plays post [[World War II]]. Morimoto's work was most popular during the post-war period but his plays are still read and performed today. He was born in [[Osaka]], Japan in 1912 and later moved to [[Kyoto]] where he received a degree in [[English literature]] from [[Kyoto University]] in 1937. Morimoto died in 1946 after a long battle with [[pulmonary tuberculosis|tuberculosis]].<ref name="Historical Dictionary">Miller, Scott J. "Morimoto Kaoru." Historical Dictionary of Modern Japanese Literature and Theater. Illustrated ed. Vol. 33. N.p.: Scarecrow, 2009. 78. Print.</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==


=== School and Early Life ===
=== School and Early life ===
Morimoto began writing plays before [[World War II]]. During this time, he was a disciple of [[Kunio Kishida]], one of the most prominent Japanese playwrights of the 20th century, as well as the main founder of [[Bungakuza]].<ref name="Columbia Anthology">Rimer, Thomas J., Mitsuya Mori, and Cody M. Poulton. "A Woman's Life." The Columbia Anthology of Modern Japanese Drama. Trans. Ghuohe Zheng. N.p.: Columbia UP, 2014. 182+. Reader.eblib.com. University of Washington Library. Web. 5 May 2015.</ref> Morimoto was in high school when he first contracted [[tuberculosis]]. He managed to mostly recover but the [[disease]] would continue to adversely affect his health in the future, eventually taking his life in 1946. Morimoto studied [[English Literature|English literature]] and graduated from [[Kyoto University]] in 1937.<ref name="Historical Dictionary" />
Morimoto began writing plays before [[World War II]]. During this time, he was a disciple of [[Kunio Kishida]], one of the most prominent Japanese playwrights of the 20th century, as well as the main founder of [[Bungakuza]].<ref name="Columbia Anthology">Rimer, Thomas J., Mitsuya Mori, and Cody M. Poulton. "A Woman's Life." The Columbia Anthology of Modern Japanese Drama. Trans. Ghuohe Zheng. N.p.: Columbia UP, 2014. 182+. Reader.eblib.com. University of Washington Library. Web. May 5, 2015.</ref> Morimoto was in high school when he first contracted [[tuberculosis]]. He managed to mostly recover but the disease would continue to adversely affect his health in the future, eventually taking his life in 1946. Morimoto studied [[English Literature]] and graduated from [[Kyoto University]] in 1937.<ref name="Historical Dictionary" />


=== Marriage and Affair ===
=== Marriage and Affair ===
Despite being [[marriage|married]], Kaoru Morimoto was suspected of having an affair with his colleague, the actor [[Haruko Sugimura]]. Their relationship most likely lasted until Morimoto's [[death]] in 1946.<ref>[[:ja:森本薫|Kaoru Morimoto's Japanese Wikipedia Article]]</ref>
Despite being married, Kaoru Morimoto was suspected of having an affair with his colleague, the actor [[Haruko Sugimura]]. Their relationship most likely lasted until Morimoto's death in 1946.<ref>[[:ja:森本薫|Kaoru Morimoto's Japanese Wikipedia Article]]</ref>


=== Death ===
=== Death ===
During [[World War II]], Morimoto [[relapse]]d from the [[pulmonary tuberculosis]] he first contracted while in high school. He died on June 4 of 1946 at the age of thirty-four.<ref name="Historical Dictionary" />
During [[World War II]], Morimoto [[relapse]]d from the [[pulmonary tuberculosis]] he first contracted while in high school. He died on June 4, 1946 at the age of thirty-four.<ref name="Historical Dictionary" />


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== A Woman's Life ===
=== A Woman's Life ===
{{Main|A woman's life}}
{{Main|A woman's life}}
Kaoru Morimoto is known today for his famous play [[A woman's life|''A Woman's Life'']], about a young girl named Kei who grows up in [[Japan]] during the early twentieth century and takes over a successful family trading business that conducts trade with [[China]]. The play was commissioned by Japanese military authorities as a piece of [[nationalism|nationalist]] [[propaganda]] [[A woman's life|''A Woman's Life'']] was hugely [[popularity|popular]] in [[Japan]] after the [[World War II|war]], and was even translated into [[Chinese Language|Chinese]] and [[Russian Language|Russian]] to be performed overseas. After the [[World War II|war]] and right before his [[death]] in 1946, Morimoto rewrote the first and last scenes of the play to ensure the story would remain relevant in the new [[politics|political]] [[landscape]] of [[Japan]] post-war.<ref name="Columbia Anthology" />
Kaoru Morimoto is known today for his famous play [[A woman's life|''A Woman's Life'']], about a young girl named Kei who grows up in Japan during the early twentieth century and takes over a successful family trading business that conducts trade with China. The play was commissioned by Japanese military authorities as a piece of nationalist propaganda [[A woman's life|''A Woman's Life'']] was hugely popular in Japan after the [[World War II|war]], and was even translated into Chinese and Russian to be performed overseas. After the [[World War II|war]] and right before his death in 1946, Morimoto rewrote the first and last scenes of the play to ensure the story would remain relevant in the new political [[landscape]] of Japan post-war.<ref name="Columbia Anthology" />


=== Involvement in Bungakuza ===
=== Involvement in Bungakuza ===
In December 1940, Morimoto joined the [[Bungakuza]], also known as the, "Literature Theatre Company," a Japanese theatre group that worked to publish and perform [[literature]] in a time when most [[theatre company|theatre groups]] had been banned as the result of extreme [[government]] [[censorship]]. Morimoto joined just a few months after the Japanese [[government]] began harshly cracking down on [[Theatre]]. He was brought to the group by Iwata Toyoo (whose stage name was [[Shishi Bunroku|Bunroku Shishi]]), one of the company's founders. Soon after joining, Morimoto was recognized as one of [[Bungakuza]]'s most talented members and he quickly assumed positions in leadership. He prided himself on his ability to produce [[literature]] regardless of the current political atmosphere. [[A woman's life|''A Woman's Life'']] was a major source of [[revenue]] for the company after the [[World War II|war]], saving the group from financial hardship on more than one occasion. The group had performed the play over 250 times by the mid 1950s. Many account [[Bungakuza]]'s success during a time of strict [[censorship]] to Morimoto and [[A woman's life|''A Woman's Life]].'' <ref name="Powell">Powell, Brian. Japan's Modern Theatre: A Century of Change and Continuity. N.p.: Japan Library, 2002. Print.</ref>
In December 1940, Morimoto joined the [[Bungakuza]], also known as the, "Literature Theatre Company," a Japanese theatre group that worked to publish and perform literature in a time when most [[theatre company|theatre groups]] had been banned as the result of extreme government censorship. Morimoto joined just a few months after the Japanese government began harshly cracking down on Theatre. He was brought to the group by Iwata Toyoo (whose stage name was [[Shishi Bunroku|Bunroku Shishi]]), one of the company's founders. Soon after joining, Morimoto was recognized as one of [[Bungakuza]]'s most talented members and he quickly assumed positions in leadership. He prided himself on his ability to produce literature regardless of the current political atmosphere. [[A woman's life|''A Woman's Life'']] was a major source of [[revenue]] for the company after the [[World War II|war]], saving the group from financial hardship on more than one occasion. The group had performed the play over 250 times by the mid 1950s. Many account [[Bungakuza]]'s success during a time of strict censorship to Morimoto and [[A woman's life|''A Woman's Life]].''<ref name="Powell">Powell, Brian. Japan's Modern Theatre: A Century of Change and Continuity. N.p.: Japan Library, 2002. Print.</ref>


=== Other works ===
=== Other works ===
''At the Damn'', a [[one-act play]] by Morimoto, was written in 1934 while he was still in [[high school]]. It is cited as being Morimoto's first original literary work.<ref name="Historical Dictionary" /> Morimoto also wrote many plays while under the tutelage of [[Kunio Kishida]]. ''A Splendid Woman'' (Migoto na onna), another of Morimoto's earliest plays, was published in a [[magazine]] edited by [[Kunio Kishida|Kishida]] titled, ''Gekisaku'' (Playwright). The play was published in 1934 while Morimoto was still attending [[Kyoto University]].
''At the Damn'', a [[one-act play]] by Morimoto, was written in 1934 while he was still in high school. It is cited as being Morimoto's first original literary work.<ref name="Historical Dictionary" /> Morimoto also wrote many plays while under the tutelage of [[Kunio Kishida]]. ''A Splendid Woman'' (Migoto na onna), another of Morimoto's earliest plays, was published in a magazine edited by [[Kunio Kishida|Kishida]] titled, ''Gekisaku'' (Playwright). The play was published in 1934 while Morimoto was still attending [[Kyoto University]].


''Doto (The Angry Waves),'' based on the story of Japanese [[scientist]] [[Kitasato Shibasaburō]], was performed by the New National Theatre in [[Tokyo]] as a part of their 1999–2000 season.<ref>Minamoto, Goro. "Japan." World of Theatre 2003 Edition: An Account of the World's Theatre Seasons 1999–2000, 2000–2001 and 2001–2002. Ed. Ian Herbert and Nicole Leclercq. 2003 ed. N.p.: Routledge, 2003. 196. Print.</ref>
''Doto (The Angry Waves),'' based on the story of Japanese scientist [[Kitasato Shibasaburō]], was performed by the New National Theatre in Tokyo as a part of their 1999–2000 season.<ref>Minamoto, Goro. "Japan." World of Theatre 2003 Edition: An Account of the World's Theatre Seasons 1999–2000, 2000–2001 and 2001–2002. Ed. Ian Herbert and Nicole Leclercq. 2003 ed. N.p.: Routledge, 2003. 196. Print.</ref>


== Major Works ==
== Major Works ==
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*Mrs. Chen: Tanaka Sumie joint adaptation of the original (1941)
*Mrs. Chen: Tanaka Sumie joint adaptation of the original (1941)
*Fan: One-act (1944)
*Fan: One-act (1944)
*[[A woman's life|A Woman's Life]]: Five acts (1945)
*[[A woman's life]]: Five acts (1945)


== References ==
== References ==
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1912
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1912
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Osaka]], [[Japan]]
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Osaka, Japan
| DATE OF DEATH = June 4, 1946
| DATE OF DEATH = June 4, 1946
| PLACE OF DEATH = [[Japan]]
| PLACE OF DEATH = Japan
}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Morimoto, Kaoru}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Morimoto, Kaoru}}

Revision as of 08:34, 4 October 2015

Kaoru Morimoto
Born1912
Osaka, Japan
DiedJune 4, 1946
Japan
OccupationPlaywright,
actor, director, translator
NationalityJapanese
Alma materKyoto University

Kaoru Morimoto (森本 薫, Morimoto Kaoru, 1912–1946) was a Japanese playwright, director, translator, and actor. He is famous for his critically acclaimed play, A Woman's Life (Onna no isshō), one of Japan's most frequently staged plays post World War II. Morimoto's work was most popular during the post-war period but his plays are still read and performed today. He was born in Osaka, Japan in 1912 and later moved to Kyoto where he received a degree in English literature from Kyoto University in 1937. Morimoto died in 1946 after a long battle with tuberculosis.[1]

Personal life

School and Early life

Morimoto began writing plays before World War II. During this time, he was a disciple of Kunio Kishida, one of the most prominent Japanese playwrights of the 20th century, as well as the main founder of Bungakuza.[2] Morimoto was in high school when he first contracted tuberculosis. He managed to mostly recover but the disease would continue to adversely affect his health in the future, eventually taking his life in 1946. Morimoto studied English Literature and graduated from Kyoto University in 1937.[1]

Marriage and Affair

Despite being married, Kaoru Morimoto was suspected of having an affair with his colleague, the actor Haruko Sugimura. Their relationship most likely lasted until Morimoto's death in 1946.[3]

Death

During World War II, Morimoto relapsed from the pulmonary tuberculosis he first contracted while in high school. He died on June 4, 1946 at the age of thirty-four.[1]

Career

A Woman's Life

Kaoru Morimoto is known today for his famous play A Woman's Life, about a young girl named Kei who grows up in Japan during the early twentieth century and takes over a successful family trading business that conducts trade with China. The play was commissioned by Japanese military authorities as a piece of nationalist propaganda A Woman's Life was hugely popular in Japan after the war, and was even translated into Chinese and Russian to be performed overseas. After the war and right before his death in 1946, Morimoto rewrote the first and last scenes of the play to ensure the story would remain relevant in the new political landscape of Japan post-war.[2]

Involvement in Bungakuza

In December 1940, Morimoto joined the Bungakuza, also known as the, "Literature Theatre Company," a Japanese theatre group that worked to publish and perform literature in a time when most theatre groups had been banned as the result of extreme government censorship. Morimoto joined just a few months after the Japanese government began harshly cracking down on Theatre. He was brought to the group by Iwata Toyoo (whose stage name was Bunroku Shishi), one of the company's founders. Soon after joining, Morimoto was recognized as one of Bungakuza's most talented members and he quickly assumed positions in leadership. He prided himself on his ability to produce literature regardless of the current political atmosphere. A Woman's Life was a major source of revenue for the company after the war, saving the group from financial hardship on more than one occasion. The group had performed the play over 250 times by the mid 1950s. Many account Bungakuza's success during a time of strict censorship to Morimoto and A Woman's Life.[4]

Other works

At the Damn, a one-act play by Morimoto, was written in 1934 while he was still in high school. It is cited as being Morimoto's first original literary work.[1] Morimoto also wrote many plays while under the tutelage of Kunio Kishida. A Splendid Woman (Migoto na onna), another of Morimoto's earliest plays, was published in a magazine edited by Kishida titled, Gekisaku (Playwright). The play was published in 1934 while Morimoto was still attending Kyoto University.

Doto (The Angry Waves), based on the story of Japanese scientist Kitasato Shibasaburō, was performed by the New National Theatre in Tokyo as a part of their 1999–2000 season.[5]

Major Works

  • At the Damn: One-act (1934)
  • Family-Style: One-act (1934)
  • Home: One-act (1934)
  • Beautiful Woman: One-act (1934)
  • Hanabanashiki Clan: Three acts (1935)
  • Costume: One-act (1936)
  • Mrs. Chen: Tanaka Sumie joint adaptation of the original (1941)
  • Fan: One-act (1944)
  • A woman's life: Five acts (1945)

References

  1. ^ a b c d Miller, Scott J. "Morimoto Kaoru." Historical Dictionary of Modern Japanese Literature and Theater. Illustrated ed. Vol. 33. N.p.: Scarecrow, 2009. 78. Print.
  2. ^ a b Rimer, Thomas J., Mitsuya Mori, and Cody M. Poulton. "A Woman's Life." The Columbia Anthology of Modern Japanese Drama. Trans. Ghuohe Zheng. N.p.: Columbia UP, 2014. 182+. Reader.eblib.com. University of Washington Library. Web. May 5, 2015.
  3. ^ Kaoru Morimoto's Japanese Wikipedia Article
  4. ^ Powell, Brian. Japan's Modern Theatre: A Century of Change and Continuity. N.p.: Japan Library, 2002. Print.
  5. ^ Minamoto, Goro. "Japan." World of Theatre 2003 Edition: An Account of the World's Theatre Seasons 1999–2000, 2000–2001 and 2001–2002. Ed. Ian Herbert and Nicole Leclercq. 2003 ed. N.p.: Routledge, 2003. 196. Print.
  • [1] Historical Dictionary of Modern Japanese Literature and Theater, Google Books
  • [2] Japan's Modern Theatre: A Century of Change and Continuity, Google Books

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