Ueda Akinari

Ueda Akinari (1734–1809) was a significant Japanese writer and scholar during the Edo period. Best known for his collection of supernatural tales, "Ugetsu Monogatari" (Tales of Moonlight and Rain), his work blends folklore, ghost stories, and historical themes, reflecting societal anxieties of his time. Akinari's writing style is characterized by its poetic elegance and psychological depth, often exploring human frailty and fate. As a scholar of Chinese literature and philosophy, he contributed to the cultural dialogue between Japan and China. His influence on subsequent Japanese literature continues to be recognized today.