Where to start reading Yukio Mishima’s books

Born in Tokyo in 1925, Yukio Mishima was one of Japan’s most enigmatic and influential literary figures. His prolific output – novels, short stories, plays and essays rich in thematic depth and stylistic brilliance – has left an indomitable mark on world literature, with fans ranging from Angela Carter to David Bowie.

However, Mishima is often remembered more for the extreme evolution of his politics and dramatic circumstances of his death than for his writing. In 1970, after leading his right-wing militia group the Shield Society into a failed attempt at a coup d’état, he died by seppuku, a form of ritual suicide associated with Japan’s samurai class. This highly publicised and shocking event undeniably complicates his legacy and substantial literary achievements, which earned him multiple nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature during the 1960s.

Whether you're familiar with his work or a curious newcomer, Mishima’s books promise a literary journey unlike any other. To mark the 100^th anniversary of his birth, we’ve selected seven titles that serve as brilliant introductions to his work, including a new selection of his best short stories from his final decade, translated into English for the first time.