Confessions of a Mask

Yukio Mishima (real name Hiraoka Kimitake; 1925–1970), one of the most famous Japanese writers of the 20th century, became famous not only for his works (over a hundred volumes), but also for his extravagant lifestyle. He was a director, actor, kendo master, conductor, pilot, and even traveled around the world several times. Bright and bold to the point of impudence, the unusually talented Mishima was the Japanese's hope for the spiritual revival of the country. Carried away by the idea of ​​the greatness of the Japanese Empire, he led a monarchical coup in 1970 and, having failed, committed hara-kiri, as required by the samurai code.

The novel "Confessions of a Mask", largely autobiographical, brought the 24-year-old author world fame. Mishima openly touched on the "forbidden" topic at that time - homosexuality. He told about a boy who, with age, realizes that he cannot be “ordinary”. And when the teenager understands that he cannot overcome his true “self”, he makes a decision that will change his entire future life. From that moment on, he puts on the mask of a “normal person”, no longer trying to take it off. The mask is now always on him…