TV-Series
Description
Masao Kume appears as a young man with menacing eyes, often creating a poor first impression that starkly contradicts his true nature. He possesses a strong sense of justice and unhesitatingly helps those in trouble, easily forming friendships despite initial perceptions.
Born the second son of writer Hirotsu Ryuurou, Kume faced early family hardships. His mother, ill at his birth, died of tuberculosis in 1898, plunging the family into poverty. Financial strain forced him to begin working at age 14 to fund his education and support his family. Though exposed to literature through his father's "Friends of the Ink Stone" group—including figures like Ozaki Kouyou and Izumi Kyouka—he initially showed little interest.
At First Higher School, Kume forged a close bond with Akutagawa Ryuunosuke, who regarded him as an older brother; their rapport featured comfortable banter and mutual respect. Kume co-founded the coterie magazine "Shinshichou" with Akutagawa and others. Later, in autumn 1912, he initiated the magazine "Miracle" with friends including Tanizaki Seiji, earning their group recognition as the "Miracle Group."
A rumor about Kume's childhood poverty surfaced when a café waitress relayed a story—allegedly from Akutagawa—claiming Kume's mother fed him goldfish due to starvation. Kume refuted this but acknowledged their hardships, tracing the tale to old magazines Akutagawa might have read.
Kume maintained friendships with writers like Uno Kouji, whom he met at Waseda University; their bond deepened through shared literary pursuits. In 1927, concerned over Uno's declining mental health, Kume sought aid from psychiatrist Saitou Mokichi. At Aoyama Hospital during this period, he encountered Akutagawa while both supported Uno. This collaboration occurred shortly before Akutagawa's suicide, which deeply affected Kume despite their waning closeness.
Beyond literature, Kume formed an amateur baseball team with Uno Kouji, Satomi Ton, Kunikida Torao, and others.
Professionally, Kume eclipsed his father's fame, becoming a celebrated writer and influential critic who engaged societal issues. He died of a heart attack on September 21, 1968, aged 76.
His personality blended carelessness—frequent loss of belongings—with unwavering determination and a lifelong belief in the power of words.
Born the second son of writer Hirotsu Ryuurou, Kume faced early family hardships. His mother, ill at his birth, died of tuberculosis in 1898, plunging the family into poverty. Financial strain forced him to begin working at age 14 to fund his education and support his family. Though exposed to literature through his father's "Friends of the Ink Stone" group—including figures like Ozaki Kouyou and Izumi Kyouka—he initially showed little interest.
At First Higher School, Kume forged a close bond with Akutagawa Ryuunosuke, who regarded him as an older brother; their rapport featured comfortable banter and mutual respect. Kume co-founded the coterie magazine "Shinshichou" with Akutagawa and others. Later, in autumn 1912, he initiated the magazine "Miracle" with friends including Tanizaki Seiji, earning their group recognition as the "Miracle Group."
A rumor about Kume's childhood poverty surfaced when a café waitress relayed a story—allegedly from Akutagawa—claiming Kume's mother fed him goldfish due to starvation. Kume refuted this but acknowledged their hardships, tracing the tale to old magazines Akutagawa might have read.
Kume maintained friendships with writers like Uno Kouji, whom he met at Waseda University; their bond deepened through shared literary pursuits. In 1927, concerned over Uno's declining mental health, Kume sought aid from psychiatrist Saitou Mokichi. At Aoyama Hospital during this period, he encountered Akutagawa while both supported Uno. This collaboration occurred shortly before Akutagawa's suicide, which deeply affected Kume despite their waning closeness.
Beyond literature, Kume formed an amateur baseball team with Uno Kouji, Satomi Ton, Kunikida Torao, and others.
Professionally, Kume eclipsed his father's fame, becoming a celebrated writer and influential critic who engaged societal issues. He died of a heart attack on September 21, 1968, aged 76.
His personality blended carelessness—frequent loss of belongings—with unwavering determination and a lifelong belief in the power of words.