Junzaburō Nishiwaki was born on January 20, 1894, in the United States. His father was a banker, which provided him with a comfortable upbringing. Nishiwaki showed an early interest in literature and poetry, which would shape his future career.
He attended Keio University in Tokyo, where he studied economics and delved into various languages such as Latin, Greek, English, and German. This diverse educational background would influence his unique approach to poetry later on in his life.
Junzaburō Nishiwaki is best known for his surrealist poetry, which set him apart in the literary world. He published Fukuiku Taru Kafu Yo, Japan's first surrealist poetry magazine, showcasing his innovative and imaginative writing style.
Aside from his poetry, Nishiwaki also worked as a professor at Keiō University's Faculty of Letters, where he shared his knowledge and passion for literature with students. His teaching career allowed him to further explore and refine his ideas about poetry and literary criticism.
In 1957, Nishiwaki was awarded the prestigious Yomiuri Prize for Literature, recognizing his significant contributions to the Japanese literary scene. He was also nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature seven times, a testament to the impact of his work on a global scale.
Nishiwaki was married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage was to Marjorie Biddle from 1924 to 1932. After their divorce, he married Saeko Kuwayama in 1932, with whom he had a son. His family life provided him with stability and support as he navigated his career as a poet and critic.
Throughout his life, Nishiwaki was influenced by several notable literary figures. Writers such as Charles Baudelaire, James Joyce, and Ezra Pound inspired his work and shaped his artistic vision. Their innovative approaches to literature resonated with Nishiwaki and influenced the direction of his poetry.
Junzaburō Nishiwaki's legacy as a poet and literary critic continues to inspire writers and readers alike. His surrealist poetry and critical insights have left an indelible mark on the Japanese literary landscape, cementing his place as a visionary artist.
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