In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the deeply complicated life and shocking death of Japanese author Yukio Mishima, one of the most celebrated and controversial literary figures of the 20th century.

In November 1970, Mishima entered a military headquarters in Tokyo with members of his private militia, delivered a speech calling for a restoration of traditional Japanese values, and then committed ritual samurai suicide after his appeal failed. It remains one of the strangest and most surreal moments in modern literary history.

This episode explores:

• Mishima’s isolated childhood and psychological upbringing
• His transformation from a frail literary prodigy into a hyper-disciplined public figure
• The creation of his literary identity and worldwide fame
• The autobiographical themes inside Confessio ...