Many authors can cite one specific experience as the catalyst for their literary careers. Few, however, can rival the emotional trauma endured by Shimao Toshio during the last three days of the Pacific War as the kamikaze squadron he commanded was placed on "ready alert" for their "final mission" on 13 August 1945, only to be spared its appointment with death with the cessation of hostilities some forty-eight hours later. It is not surprising that the young man to emerge from this experience struggled to comprehend the postwar reality with which the entire nation was forced to come to terms, his resulting warped perspective on both life and interpersonal relationships leading to an increased sense of isolation from the real world. The outcome for Shimao was a resort to the world of fiction in an attempt to highlight the disparity he came to see between himself and those around him...