Ryōtarō Shiba ​

Ryōtarō Shiba, a pseudonym for Teiichi Fukuda, was a Japanese author famous for his narratives of Japanese historical events. His works played a significant role in promoting interest in the nation's history among common readers. Some of his notable works are "Clouds Above the Hill", "Drunk as a Lord", and "Ryoma Goes His Way".

Quick Facts ​

• Known for his historical novels and essays in Japan.
• Overturns the conventional view of Japanese history.
• His books have sold millions of copies.
• Posthumously awarded the Order of Culture by the Emperor of Japan.
• His novel Kunitori Monogatari was turned into a film.

Background ​

Shiba was born in 1923 in Osaka, Japan, and graduated from Waseda University. After graduation, he worked as a journalist for the Sankei Newspapers, where he covered stories in many different countries. He started writing novels at the age of 30 while still working as a journalist. His first novel, "The Battle of Leyte," was published in 1952, and was based on his experiences as a war correspondent during World War II. He is known for his historical novels, including "Clouds Above the Hill," which has been adapted into several TV dramas and films. He has received numerous literary awards and was designated a Person of Cultural Merit by the Japanese government in 1993. Shiba passed away in 1996.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Shiba's writing style is often applauded for its elegance and meticulous historical detail. His books often blend history and fiction, making use of real historical figures and events to tell compelling stories. He is regarded as a major figure in Japanese literature, whose work helped to present historical Japan to a modern audience. His storytelling approach has been influential in both literature and television dramas in Japan.

Notable Works ​

• Clouds Above the Hill (1968-1972)
• Drunk as a Lord: Samurai Stories (2001)
• Ryoma Goes His Way (1956)
• The Last Shogun: The Life of Tokugawa Yoshinobu (1967)
• Moeyo Ken (1962)