Influential Japanese writer (1925–1970) who committed hara-kiri to protest the Westernization and military weakness of postwar Japan. His reactionary views, private “army,” and homosexuality made him one of the most controversial public figures in Japan and one of the most enigmatic geniuses of modern literature. ALS, one onionskin page, 7 x 10, June 11, 1960. Mishima writes to Sam [literary agent Sam Gelfman]. In full [spellings and grammar retained]: “Here enclosed are the copies of the contract which I signed. What do you mean the line ‘we have already collected the money?’ Does ‘the money’ means the budget of the play or the advance of the contract? Tokyo is now in unbelievable political crisis. I am very worried about the coming of Eisenhauer [sic]. Yoko and I are hesitating to determine the schedule of our trip to your country, because we might have to wait until everything will be settled. How did you like Kabuki in New York?” Objections to the then-recent Security Treaty between Japan and the U.S., which provided no Japanese authority over the use of military bases by the U.S., led to widespread demonstrations in Japan that resulted in one death, hundreds of injuries, and the cancellation of a previously planned visit by Eisenhower. Scattered wrinkling and two diagonal creases not touching the signature, otherwise fine, clean condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
