No Longer Human

Historical Context and Significance

No Longer Human, or Ningen Shikkaku (人間失格), is one of the most renowned works by Japanese writer Osamu Dazai, first published in 1948. This book, released shortly before the author's death, became the culmination of his work, reflecting deep themes of personal crisis, guilt, and the search for self-identity. The work quickly gained popularity and was well-received by critics, remaining an important cultural and literary phenomenon in Japan. It has had a significant impact on Japanese culture, literature, and even pop culture, becoming a classic of 20th-century Japanese literature. The book has been reissued multiple times and adapted into various forms of art, including film, theater, and manga.