MISHIMA: LEGACY

PERFORMING ARTS TALK

Thursday, November 6 at 6:30 pm

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 (Tufts University) 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)

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

2025-26 Performing Arts Season Support

Major support is generously provided by Doug and Teresa Peterson, Howard Gilman Foundation, Jun Makihara and Megumi Oka, and Robin B. Stern. 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., Paula S. Lawrence, Akiko Mikumo, Hiroko Onoyama, Jeanette C. Takamura, Nancy and Joe Walker, Estate of Alan M. Suhonen, and other Performing Arts supporters.

A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed in honor of Yoko Shioya’s 20th anniversary and ensure the continued success of the Performing Arts Program, including the Globus Family, Cheryl Henson, Laurent Hermout, Merit E. Janow, Eri Kakuta, Jun Makihara and Megumi Oka, Doug and Teresa Peterson, Richard and Momona Royce, Lyndley and Samuel Schwab, Shiseido Americas, Robin B. Stern and Jeffrey Stern, and Lance Stuart.

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.

2025-26 Japan Society Season Support

Japan Society arts and culture 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, and in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

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).