Unpublished Work By Author Sakaguchi Found
An unpublished work believed to have been penned by the late Japanese writer Sakaguchi Ango about 80 years ago has been found.
Hanazono University Professor Asago Itsuo bought the manuscript at a secondhand bookshop in Tokyo. He examined it with literary critic Nanakita Kazuto, reaching the conclusion that it is a work by Sakaguchi.
The story written on 41 sheets of paper is a love-hate drama involving sisters and is believed to have written between 1938 and 1941, judging by the type of manuscript paper that was used. The work is incomplete and untitled.
The experts gave it a title -- "Zankokuna Yugi" -- meaning "cruel game." A book including the story was published this month.
Professor Asago said he was very surprised because it was extremely unusual that an unpublished manuscript by Sakaguchi had come to light. He said the author is believed to have conducted various experiments in the period, such as how to describe characters and what viewpoint to take. Asago noted that the manuscript will be a useful material offering clues to figure out how Sakaguchi established his style.