Quotations from literary masters: messages from authors who weave captivating works.
The literary masters who have created countless works that captivate readers’ hearts.
Adept at wielding words, they left behind many memorable sayings beyond their writings.
In this article, we introduce famous quotes spoken by these literary giants.
We’ve selected words from a variety of authors—those whose works have had a profound impact on people, those whose writings appear in school textbooks, and even those depicted as characters in manga.
Please enjoy this world of words spun by great writers—a realm distinct from their works themselves.
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Quotes from literary masters. Messages from authors who weave captivating works (11–20)
Creation is the ability to invent a new future while using the past and present as its materials.Akiko Yosano
A pioneer among women in Japanese literature who gained popularity with Tangled Hair, Akiko Yosano championed the importance of freedom and creativity through her poetry and criticism.
These words signify the value of creative power that forges a new future while grounded in the knowledge and experiences of the past and present.
They convey an attitude of breaking through traditional frameworks and pursuing passionate, unrestrained expression.
The message tells us that creativity is not about comparing ourselves to others, but about expanding our own possibilities.
Even today, it offers timeless insights that can be applied to study, work, and ways of thinking.
There isn’t a single thing in this world that does not pass away. At the very least, I want to leave sincerity behind among them.Tōson Shimazaki
Tōson Shimazaki was a literary giant active from the Meiji to the Shōwa era, known for representative works such as The Collection of Young Herbs and Spring.
These are words left by Shimazaki, a poet and novelist, that seem to depict the changing world and an ideal way of living within it.
He says that life is something that passes in an instant as the present accumulates, and that he wants to follow the path he believes in amid the flow of time.
It’s a message that prompts us to ask whether we are truly living fully in the present and whether we might be able to push ourselves a little further—words that could serve as a catalyst for thinking about the future.
Because there is darkness, there is light. And those who have emerged from the darkness are the ones who truly understand the value of light the most.Takiji Kobayashi
Here is a famous quote by Takiji Kobayashi, best known for his masterpiece Crab-Canning Ship (Kanikōsen).
His words continue along the lines of: “Because there is darkness, there is light.
And those who have come out of the darkness understand the true value of light the most.” Even if things are hard now, perhaps it’s precisely because we know this that we can feel a brighter future.
Some readers may find his novels tough, but the author, Takiji Kobayashi, is known for being a very cheerful person.
If the words resonate with you, take an interest in the author as well, and by all means, read his novels.
Love yourself passionately and cherish yourself.Naoya Shiga
Shiga Naoya, known as the “God of the Novel,” is celebrated for major works such as A Dark Night’s Passing and Reconciliation, and he influenced many Japanese writers.
His words convey that cherishing and loving oneself leads to a fulfilling life.
The message comes through in his works, which are compelling for their simple yet beautiful realistic style.
This statement, which prompts us to consider how important it is to be gentle with ourselves when engaging with society and others, is a universal theme that still resonates with many people today.
In every corner of life, and even in circumstances that seem dull, there is still hope.Kikuchi Kan
Kikuchi Kan, who was active as a novelist, playwright, and journalist, is known not only for founding the publishing house Bungeishunjū but also for his involvement in establishing literary awards such as the Akutagawa and Naoki Prizes.
The following words, from a figure who left a profound mark on the literary world, express a way of thinking about life’s opportunities.
Even when your surroundings or circumstances may seem insignificant to others, there is still a path to seize opportunities, and discerning that path leads to results.
Rather than despairing over your situation and coming to a halt, his message inspires us to consider what we can do within the circumstances we have.
When it comes to loving, women are the true experts, while men remain eternal amateurs.Yukio Mishima
Yukio Mishima, a writer who depicted human beauty and passion from a unique perspective.
Known for major works such as The Temple of the Golden Pavilion and Confessions of a Mask, the words he left behind point to the differing roles and viewpoints of men and women in love.
The meaning of his words also comes through in the many human dramas in his works—filled with people struggling and wrestling with love and passion—and in the lines spoken by his characters.
By contrasting the clumsiness of men with the deep affection of women, he reveals the essence of human relationships.
These are memorable sayings that convey the approaches to expressing love between the sexes and the complexity of romance.
A touch of laziness adds flavor to life.Motojiro Kajii
If you’re the type who can’t relax unless everything is done perfectly—and you’re always tense—try reading these words once.
They’re by the novelist Motojirō Kajii, known for works like “Lemon” and “In a Town with a Castle.” Handling everything meticulously is a wonderful thing.
However, some people may feel it lacks a certain spark, or leaves them unfulfilled.
At times like that, try being a little lazy, as these words suggest.
In that laziness, you may begin to see something different.
Anyone who truly does something good feels the happiest, don’t they?Kenji Miyazawa
Kenji Miyazawa, a poet and children’s story writer from Iwate Prefecture, is known for works such as Night on the Galactic Railroad and Be Not Defeated by the Rain.
He left behind the idea that doing good for others ultimately brings happiness to oneself.
His works, which depict human kindness and the beauty of self-sacrifice, convey their appeal by giving readers an opportunity to reconsider emotional richness and human relationships.
The theme of happiness brought about by goodwill resonates in any era and offers words that can be applied to everyday life.
Almost every person has, at least once in their lifetime, a splendid period that befits them.Jun'ichirō Tanizaki
For those who feel nothing they do goes well, these words can inspire hope.
They are by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki, the novelist known for his distinctive style in works like Naomi and The Makioka Sisters.
The idea that everyone has at least one moment in life when they shine gives us strength to live.
If we can think, “I’m working hard now for that brilliant moment that will come someday,” it might make our daily efforts a little easier.
Imagining what kind of future self awaits you should bring an even more joyful feeling!
I don’t believe because I have reason to; I believe because I want to.Futabatei Shimei
Futabatei Shimei, who was active not only as a novelist but also as a translator, is known not only for major works like Ukigumo, but also for his translations and critical essays.
Here is a famous quote by this great man of letters, well-versed in foreign literature, in which he speaks about what it means to believe.
He powerfully conveys that the feeling of believing does not arise from constructing reasons, but from the desire to believe.
It tells us that first and foremost it is important to follow your own feelings and believe; if you start from reasons, it can make believing difficult.