Shigosen no matsuri

work by Kinoshita Junji

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July 13, 2026

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Shigosen no matsuri, also known as "The Dirge of the Meridian," is a historical play written by Kinoshita Junji. Kinoshita Junji was a prominent Japanese playwright active after World War II, known for his efforts to revitalize Japanese theatre. He explored themes of guilt and responsibility in his works, and Shigosen no matsuri features a protagonist who embodies his ideas about the dramatic hero. The play is considered a historical drama, reflecting Kinoshita's interest in historical themes alongside his earlier work with folk plays.1

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Kinoshita Junji
A later play, Shigosen no matsuri (1977; “The Dirge of the Meridian”), is a historical play whose protagonist represents Kinoshita’s ideas on the dramatic hero. In addition to his plays, he is noted for his studies of the Japanese language, translations of Western playwrights, including Shakespeare, and essays…
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A later play, Shigosen no matsuri (1977; “The Dirge of the Meridian”), is a historical play whose protagonist represents Kinoshita’s ideas on the dramatic hero. In addition to his plays, he is noted for his studies of the Japanese language, translations of Western playwrights, including Shakespeare, and essays…
Read More