Publishing History

No Longer Human is a classic Japanese novel written by Osamu Dazai and first published in 1948. The book is one of Dazai's most famous works and is considered a masterpiece of Japanese literature. The novel has been translated into several languages, with the English translation by Donald Keene being one of the most widely read versions.

The novel was initially serialized in the Japanese literary magazine Shincho from October 1948 to May 1949, before being published as a complete book later in 1949. The story, which is semi-autobiographical, follows the life of a young man named Yozo, who struggles with a sense of isolation and alienation from society.

Over the years, No Longer Human has been reprinted numerous times and has remained a significant work in both Japanese and world literature. Its themes of existential despair and the search for meaning continue to resonate with readers around the globe. The novel's impact has extended beyond literature, inspiring adaptations in various forms, including films, manga, and stage productions.