— A Talent Recognized from the Very Beginning —
In his youth, Kinoshita Mokutarō had not yet established himself as a writer, a physician, or a painter.
And yet, the leading literary figures of his time had already recognized his talent.
At the Kinoshita Mokutarō Memorial Museum in Ito, one can see handwritten letters from prominent Meiji-era authors. These documents quietly but unmistakably attest to that fact.
They bring to mind the saying: “Sandalwood is fragrant even as a sapling.”
■ Natsume Sōseki — A Gift for Expression Recognized Early
While attending the First Higher School, Mokutarō studied English under Sōseki.
When he presented Sōseki with his play Izumiya Dye Shop, Sōseki responded by sending him Higan Sugimade, accompanied by a letter in which he wrote:
“Among the publications I have seen recently, the binding of your work is the most tasteful; I admire it deeply…”
Elsewhere, he observed:
“What first struck me as your distinctive quality was your skill in rendering rich emotion delicately, as though veiled in mist or haze.”
Sōseki had already discerned the young Mokutarō’s unique expressive power.
■ Akutagawa Ryūnosuke — Quiet Respect and Familiarity
In a letter replying to an invitation celebrating Mokutarō’s return from Europe, Akutagawa apologizes for his absence due to illness in his household, while expressing his wish to meet him.
He also conveys his gratitude for Mokutarō’s earlier illustration for the cover of Shinshichō.
Though brief, the letter reveals both mutual respect and a sense of closeness.
■ Mori Ōgai — The Mentor Who Shaped His Path
Ōgai was, in many ways, a guiding figure in Mokutarō’s life.
His influence extended beyond literature into Mokutarō’s medical career.
At a time when Mokutarō was uncertain about his future, Ōgai discouraged him from pursuing psychiatry and instead suggested physiology, mentioning Keizō Dohi as an exemplary scholar.
This advice ultimately led Mokutarō to specialize in dermatology.
Ōgai’s daughter, Kobori Annu, later wrote that it was Mokutarō who passionately recommended the publication of Ōgai’s collected works, thereby enabling the world to appreciate his true worth.
Her words testify to a deep bond of respect and gratitude that transcended the conventional boundaries of teacher and student.
■ Tanizaki Jun’ichirō — Remarkable Linguistic Mastery
A near contemporary of Mokutarō, Tanizaki later recalled staying at his residence in Fengtian during Mokutarō’s tenure there.
A bachelor and a connoisseur of fine food, Mokutarō often took him to local restaurants.
What impressed Tanizaki most, however, was Mokutarō’s command of languages.
He was already known to be proficient in German and French and to have studied Chinese classics such as the Zhuangzi. Yet Tanizaki was astonished to see him converse so fluently with native Chinese speakers.
Mokutarō excelled not only in reading languages, but in speaking them as well.
■ Kitahara Hakushū — A Resonance Between Poets
In 1907, Mokutarō traveled to Kyushu with members of the Shinshisha circle, including Yosano Tekkan.
This journey later became the book Five Pairs of Shoes.
The trip marked the beginning of Mokutarō’s Christian-themed plays and poetry and had a profound influence on Hakushū. It was Mokutarō who took the initiative in organizing the journey.
Their friendship deepened thereafter, and they were active together in literary circles such as the Pan no Kai and Subaru.
Keitarō Ōta later remarked that while Hakushū was more sensual, Mokutarō—both poet and scientist—was more rational.
■ Yosano Akiko — Admiration for Character
Yosano Akiko had been a friend of Mokutarō since his student days.
Though several years his senior, she cherished his purity and nobility of character.
In 1926, she published a poem titled “The Face of Kinoshita Mokutarō” in Myōjō, in which she wrote:
“Where does my friend go? Ever higher, ever farther,
With chest held high, he steps firmly onward…”
And further:
“How enviable—my friend’s youthful face, forever youthful,
Now adorned with a noble dignity…”
Her words convey deep admiration and affection.
■ A Wide Circle of Friendships
Mokutarō also maintained friendships with such figures as Ishikawa Takuboku, Saitō Mokichi, Nagai Kafū, Abe Jirō, and Watsuji Tetsurō.
■ Conclusion
Seen in this light, Kinoshita Mokutarō was far more than a man of many talents.
He stood at the very center of the intellectual network of his time, moving freely across literature, medicine, and the arts.
Most striking of all is this:
he was not recognized only after achieving greatness—
but was already seen, clearly and unmistakably, while he was still young and unformed.
It was this early, essential brilliance that drew so many literary giants to him.
※As the manuscript in the photograph is in Japanese, please see the Japanese version for reference.”
English version prepared with AI assistance
(Originally written in Japanese)
Japanese version: