SATOMI TON

(1888–1983)

   Satomi Ton is the pen name of Yamanouchi Hideo, author and younger brother of authors Arishima Ikuma (1882–1974) and Arishima Takeo. Born into the Arishima family, he was legally adopted by his mother whose surname was Yamanouchi. He attended the Gakushuin Peers School in Tokyo where he first became interested in literature, and also attended Tokyo University before dropping out in 1910. Thereafter, he became acquainted with other Gakushuin alumni authors, such as Shiga Naoya and Mushanokoji Saneatsu, through his brother, Ikuma. Satomi also became a disciple of Izumi Kyoka. His major works include Zenshin akushin (Good Heart, Evil Heart, 1916) and Tajo Busshin (The Compassion of Buddha, 1922–23). He also collaborated on a number of film scripts. He was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit.