“The person who could always become the defendant with the slightest mistake—such a person was the only truly real type of human.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
- He became a representative figure of postwar Japanese literature, and was highly acclaimed both at home and abroad. He pursued his own unique aesthetic with themes of beauty and death, and ultimately committed seppuku at a Self-Defense Forces garrison. His life, which combined literature with action, continues to have a strong influence today.
Japanese
「まかりまちがえばいつでも被告になりうる人間、それこそは唯一種類の現実性のある人間だった。」
English
“The person who could always become the defendant with the slightest mistake—such a person was the only truly real type of human.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on a type of person who, due to their vulnerability and imperfection, is always at risk of being judged or held accountable for their actions. The idea of being able to become the defendant at any given moment highlights the fragility and uncertainty of human existence, where even the smallest misstep could lead to consequences. Mishima’s emphasis on the “real type” of human suggests that this constant potential for failure and accountability is a defining aspect of the human condition, where our actions, no matter how small or large, are always subject to scrutiny and judgment.
Mishima may be suggesting that the truly real human is one who is aware of their impermanence and vulnerability, someone who is always confronted with the possibility of consequences for their decisions. This realism is not about living in a perfect state, but rather about acknowledging the uncertainty of life and the inevitability of facing judgment—whether from society, the law, or personal conscience. In this sense, reality is tied to the acceptance of one’s own fragility and the constant possibility of being held accountable for one’s actions.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote could be seen as a reflection on the vulnerability and imperfection that defines human life today. In an era where scrutiny is ever-present, whether through social media, legal systems, or personal relationships, we are constantly at risk of being judged or held responsible for our actions. Mishima’s words remind us that real life is not about avoiding mistakes, but about acknowledging the consequences of those mistakes and living in a state of awareness and acceptance of our human limitations.
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