Japanese Literary Awards

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Yasuji Hanamori

はなもり やすじ

Hanamori Yasuji

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1911-10-25 （Kobe, Hyōgo, Japan）
Died
1978-01-14 （Tokyo, Japan） age 66
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese

Career

Occupations
Editor, Graphic designer, Journalist, Copywriter
Active Years
1933-1978
Affiliations
Kurashi no Techo Co., Ltd., Ito Kotoen (predecessor of Papilio), Asahi Breweries (then: Asahi Beer)

Education

Matsue High School (old system)
Year of Graduation: 1933
Country: Japan
Completed the old-system high school (Kyu-sei Matsue High School).
Tokyo Imperial University (now: University of Tokyo)
Faculty of Letters / Department of Aesthetics and Art History
Degree: 文学士
Period: 1933-1937
Year of Graduation: 1937
Country: Japan
Graduation thesis titled 'Clothing and Make-up from the Perspective of Sociological Aesthetics'.

Awards

Yomiuri Literary Prize (Essay/Travel)
1972
Work: A One-Sen Five-Rin Flag
Category: 随筆・紀行
Organization: Yomiuri Shimbun
Result: Winner
Ramon Magsaysay Award
1972
Work: Activities of 'Kurashi no Techo' magazine
Organization: Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation
Result: Winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

A Reader on Clothing and Fashion

1950 Fashion / Commentary

A work drawing on his activities at the Institute for Clothing Studies, summarizing knowledge and criticism on dress and fashion.

clothingpopular culture

Trends Notebook

1951 Magazine / Commentary

A prelude to Kurashi no Techo, examining trends and lifestyles of the time.

fashion trendseveryday life

Social Critiques

1953 Essays / Criticism

A collection of essays offering sharp observations and critiques of postwar society and customs.

social criticismcultural commentary

Eyeglasses for Living

1953 Lifestyle essays

Essays presenting perspectives on daily life and the mindset of consumers.

consumer advocacypractical testing

A One-Sen Five-Rin Flag

1971 Essays

An essay collection informed by his wartime experiences and social views. Winner of the 23rd Yomiuri Literary Prize (Essay/Travel).

postwar reflectionwartime experiencesocial perspective

Bibliography

  • A Reader on Clothing and Fashion (1950)
  • Trends Notebook (1951)
  • Social Critiques (1953)
  • Eyeglasses for Living (1953)
  • A One-Sen Five-Rin Flag (1971)
  • Yasuji Hanamori's Design (ed.)

Adaptations

  • Toto Nee-chan (NHK morning drama, 2016)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Plain and frank narrationDesign- and editing-centered layoutEmpirical, consumer-focused prose
Recurring Motifs
everyday lifeconsumer testingcraftsmanship/spirit of ingenuity

Health

  • tuberculosis
    1938-1940
    Hospitalized in Manchuria and later Japan; illness led to discharge from military service.
  • myocardial infarction
    1978-01-14
    Died of a myocardial infarction.

Legacy

As the founder of Kurashi no Techo, he greatly influenced magazine culture and consumer-oriented journalism through his editing and design. He personally created many covers and layouts, and was known for empirical product testing and a strict stance on editorial independence.

Archives

  • Kurashi no Techo archives

In Popular Culture

  • Character based on him appears in NHK's morning drama 'Toto Nee-chan' (2016).

Quotes

  • Men must not make excuses.
    Source: Article in 'Kurashi no Techo' (context of remark)

Trivia

  • He painted all the covers of 'Kurashi no Techo' from the first issue through issue 2nd Century No.52 shortly before his death.
  • Famous for his bob haircut and eccentric behavior; many anecdotes remain.
  • Handled copywriting and design for Asahi Beer, including slogans such as 'Asahi is the tastiest beer.'
  • Was involved in wartime national policy advertising and participated in selecting slogans such as 'We won't want until we win'—he later wrote 'Men must not make excuses' and offered no public defense on the matter.