# Natsume Sōseki

> Japanese novelist

**Wikidata**: [Q180903](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q180903)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natsume_Sōseki)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/natsume-soseki

## Summary
Natsume Sōseki was a Japanese novelist, poet, and university teacher widely regarded as a major figure in modern Japanese literature. Born Natsume Kinnosuke, he is best known for his literary works including *Kokoro*, *Botchan*, and *I Am a Cat*. He also had a significant academic career, teaching at institutions such as the University of Tokyo.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 9, 1867
- **Nationality**: Japan
- **Education**: University of Tokyo; University College London; First Higher School; Hibiya High School; Nishogakusha University; Meiji University
- **Known for**: Writing novels such as *Kokoro*, *Botchan*, and *I Am a Cat*
- **Employer(s)**: University of Tokyo; Nishogakusha University; First Higher School; Meiji University; University College London; Hibiya High School
- **Field(s)**: Literature (Novelist, Poet, Writer); Academia (University Teacher)

## Contributions
Natsume Sōseki authored numerous novels and literary works that have become classics of Japanese literature. His notable publications include:
- **Kokoro** (1914): A novel exploring themes of isolation and transition in Meiji-era Japan.
- **Botchan**: A novel known for its satirical take on education and society.
- **I Am a Cat**: A satirical novel written from the perspective of a cat, observing human society.
- **Sanshirō**: A novel depicting the life of a young student in Tokyo.
- **Sorekara**: A novel continuing the narrative of the protagonist from *Sanshirō*.
- **The Wayfarer**: A novel exploring psychological and philosophical themes.
- **The Miner**: A novel focusing on the experiences of a young man working in a mine.
- **Kusamakura**: A novel noted for its haiku-like prose style.
- **Nowaki**: A novel published during Sōseki's prolific period.
- **The Poppy**: A novel contributing to his body of work.
- **Grass on the Wayside**: A novel reflecting on personal and social issues.
- **Ten Nights of Dreams**: A collection of surreal short stories.
- **Kairo-kō**: A novel included in his literary repertoire.
- **Eijitsu Shōhin**: An essay showcasing his non-fiction writing.

## FAQs
### Q: What are Natsume Sōseki's most famous works?
A: His most famous works include the novels *Kokoro*, *Botchan*, and *I Am a Cat*. He also wrote *Sanshirō*, *The Miner*, and *Ten Nights of Dreams*, among others.

### Q: Where was Natsume Sōseki educated?
A: He attended the University of Tokyo and University College London. He also studied at the First Higher School, Hibiya High School, Nishogakusha University, and Meiji University.

### Q: What academic positions did Natsume Sōseki hold?
A: He worked as a university teacher at the University of Tokyo and Nishogakusha University. He was also affiliated with First Higher School, Meiji University, and Hibiya High School.

### Q: Who was a notable contemporary or connection of Natsume Sōseki?
A: Torahiko Terada, a Japanese physicist and author, is listed as a key person connected to Sōseki in the source material.

## Why They Matter
Natsume Sōseki is a foundational figure in modern Japanese literature, whose works offered a critical examination of the Meiji era's modernization and its effects on the individual. His novels, such as *Kokoro* and *I Am a Cat*, introduced complex psychological narratives and satirical wit that influenced generations of writers. By bridging traditional Japanese literary forms with Western literary techniques learned during his time at University College London, he helped define the modern Japanese novel. His image was featured on the Japanese 1000-yen note (referenced via the "Grab Natsume Soseki.jpg" property), cementing his status as a cultural icon.

## Notable For
- Authoring seminal novels including *Kokoro*, *Botchan*, and *I Am a Cat*.
- Serving as a university teacher at the University of Tokyo and other institutions.
- Studying abroad at University College London, influencing his literary perspective.
- Being recognized under multiple identifiers including VIAF (56614190), ISNI (0000000121340184), and the Library of Congress (n79084664).
- Having a prolific writing career that produced over 15 novels and essay collections listed in the source material.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Natsume Sōseki was born on February 9, 1867, in Japan. His educational path was extensive, beginning at Hibiya High School and the First Higher School. He pursued higher education at the University of Tokyo. Subsequently, he attended University College London in the United Kingdom, an experience that profoundly shaped his literary style. Records also indicate affiliations with Nishogakusha University and Meiji University.

### Academic Career
Sōseki had a distinguished career in academia. He was employed as a university teacher, holding positions at the University of Tokyo and Nishogakusha University. His professional network and employment history also include affiliations with the First Higher School, Meiji University, and Hibiya High School.

### Literary Works
Sōseki's literary output includes a wide array of novels, essays, and short story collections. His debut in the literary world was marked by *I Am a Cat*, a satirical work that garnered significant attention. This was followed by *Botchan*, a novel that remains a staple in Japanese education. In 1914, he published *Kokoro*, often cited as his masterpiece.

Other significant works include *Sanshirō* and its sequel *Sorekara*, which explore the intellectual life of the Meiji period. *The Wayfarer* and *The Miner* delve into psychological depths, while *Kusamakura* experiments with prose style. His collection *Ten Nights of Dreams* showcases his versatility in surreal storytelling. Additional works listed in the source material include *Nowaki*, *The Poppy*, *Grass on the Wayside*, *Kairo-kō*, and the essay *Eijitsu Shōhin*.

### Identifiers and Recognition
Natsume Sōseki is cataloged extensively in global knowledge bases, reflecting his historical importance. His identifiers include:
- **VIAF**: 56614190
- **ISNI**: 0000000121340184
- **Library of Congress ID**: n79084664
- **IMDb ID**: nm0622421
- **Wikidata ID**: Q193196
- **Freebase ID**: /m/019p4d

He is also recorded in numerous national libraries and academic databases, including the National Diet Library (NDL) and the British Library. His birth name is listed as Natsume Kinnosuke (夏目 金之助), and he is often referred to by the alias Sōseki.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Japan Search
5. CiNii Research
6. Douban
7. MusicBrainz
8. SNAC
9. Find a Grave
10. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
11. BD Gest'
12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
15. Virtual International Authority File
16. CONOR.SI
17. BBC Things
18. Goodreads
19. LIBRIS. 2018
20. Media Arts Database
21. 夏目漱石 (なつめそうせき)とは【ピクシブ百科事典】. Pixiv Encyclopedia
22. Catalogo of the National Library of India