“War never inflicted mental wounds on us. Furthermore, it made our skin tough. Not just the skin of the face, but our skin in general. A soul that cannot be wounded is wrapped in tough skin. It resembles immortality.”
- 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
「戦争は決して私たちに精神の傷を与えはしなかった。のみならず私たちの皮膚を強靱にした。面の皮もだが、おしなべて私たちの皮膚だけを強靱にした。傷つかぬ魂が強靱な皮膚に包まれているのである。不死身に似ている。」
English
“War never inflicted mental wounds on us. Furthermore, it made our skin tough. Not just the skin of the face, but our skin in general. A soul that cannot be wounded is wrapped in tough skin. It resembles immortality.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on the transformative effects of war on the individual. He suggests that war, rather than leaving mental scars, actually contributed to the strengthening of the body, particularly the skin. The metaphor of toughened skin represents an external defense, a barrier that protects against the vulnerability of the soul and mind. Mishima contrasts the soul, which he suggests remains untouched by the physical or psychological impacts of war, with the skin, which becomes a resilient armor. This toughened skin, in Mishima’s view, is not just physical but extends to the mental and emotional, creating a shield that preserves the soul from harm. The image of being wrapped in tough skin evokes a sense of invincibility, a defense against the world’s harshness. This idea is linked to the notion of immortality, where the individual becomes seemingly impervious to the vulnerabilities and dangers of life, much like an invulnerable being.
Mishima’s words reflect his broader philosophical engagement with strength, resilience, and the human condition in times of crisis. He often explored the concept of physicality as both a symbol of endurance and a means of transcending the limitations of human weakness. In this context, war acts as a transformative force, one that fortifies the body and soul against the chaos of existence. However, it also alludes to the emotional numbness that can result from such fortification—the soul may be untouched, but it also risks becoming detached from the emotional realities of life. This idea of invulnerability presents both a strength and a curse, as it may lead to an isolation from the more vulnerable aspects of human experience.
In a modern context, Mishima’s view can be seen as a critique of the ways in which societies and individuals often build protective shields—whether through emotional resilience, rational detachment, or physical toughness—to defend against the complexities and sufferings of life. While these defenses can be necessary for survival, they can also lead to a disconnection from the fullness of human experience. The question raised by Mishima’s words is whether true immortality—or invulnerability—can be achieved without sacrificing the ability to feel, connect, and engage with the fragile and impermanent aspects of life. The quote asks us to consider whether we are willing to shield ourselves so completely from harm that we also lose the depth of our emotional and spiritual existence.
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