The collection presents essays and stories by outstanding writers and public figures of Japan of modern and recent times: S. Natsume, the patriarch of Japanese literature; K. Nishida, the first philosopher who made an attempt to combine Western philosophy with the tenets of Zen Buddhism; R. Edogawa, the first Japanese writer of detective stories; A. Sakaguchi, who expressed in his essays the despair and spiritual crisis of post-war Japan, an outspoken opponent of the imperial system; Yu. Mishima, an outstanding writer, a supporter of returning real power to the emperor, who was misunderstood and committed hara-kiri; Ya. Tsutsui, known as the author of grotesque and caustic stories, already 30 years ago in bright colors predicted the persecution of tobacco smokers. The book is intended for a wide range of readers. Contents Natsume Soseki - TEN NIGHT DREAMS Nishida Kitaro - INTERPRETATION OF BEAUTY Edogawa Rampo - COPPER COIN IN 2 SENSakaguchi Ango - DECLINE , DECLINE (continued)Mishima Yukio - IN DEFENSE OF CULTUREMishima Yukio - VOICES OF THE SPIRIT HEROESMishima Yukio - THE TEACHING OF WANG YANMING AS A REVOLUTIONARY PHILOSOPHYTsutsui Yasutaka - THE LAST SMOKER