MISHIMA: LEGACY –  Keiichiro Hirano and Susan Napier in Conversation

PERFORMING ARTS TALK

Keiichiro Hirano, an esteemed novelist who is also known for being a deep admirer of Yukio Mishima, sits down with noted Mishima and anime/manga scholar Dr. Susan J. Napier to discuss the phenomenal life and global impact of the eminent Japanese author Yukio Mishima. Join these Mishima experts as they exchange their views and thoughts on this master postwar stylist and his full body of work – including literature, theater and film – alongside Mishima’s career, sexuality, political beliefs and highly controversial seppuku suicide. Hirano and Napier also talk about the ongoing legacy of Mishima and his lasting influence on Japanese literature, pop culture and society.

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Part of the Yukio Mishima Centennial Series: Emergences
September—December 2025

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Images: Yukio Mishima (Public Domain); Keiichiro Hirano © Tamaki Yoshida; Susan Napier © Courtesy of the artist; Yukio Mishima on the roof the Bungeishunju Building in Tokyo, 1956 (Public Domain)

2025-26 Japan Society Season Support

Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).

2025-26 Performing Arts Season Support

Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The season is made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Additional, major support is generously provided by Doug and Teresa Peterson, Howard Gilman Foundation, and Jun Makihara and Megumi Oka. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund, John and Miyoko Davey Foundation, and a leadership gift from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Program support is provided by The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation; Hisamitsu America, Inc.; Cheryl Henson; Merit E. Janow; Paula S. Lawrence; Akiko Mikumo; Hiroko Onoyama; Richard and Momona Royce; Dr. Jeanette C. Takamura; Nancy and Joe Walker; Estate of Alan M. Suhonen, and other Performing Arts supporters.

All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. is the official airline of the Japan Society Performing Arts Program. Yamaha is the official piano provider of Japan Society.

Program Support & Partners

The Yukio Mishima Centennial Series: Emergences is supported by Doug and Teresa Peterson.