14 Facts About Ton Satomi

Ton Satomi is the pen-name of Japanese author Hideo Yamanouchi.

Satomi Ton was born in Yokohama into the wealthy Arishima family, but was later legally adopted by his mother's family, thus inheriting their surname of Yamanouchi.

Ton Satomi was educated at the Gakushuin Peers' School, where he became interested in literature, and briefly attended Tokyo Imperial University, but left in 1910 without graduating.

Ton Satomi claimed that he decided on his pen-name by picking out names at random from a telephone directory.

Ton Satomi became a disciple of Kyoka Izumi after his works came to the attention of the older novelist.

Ton Satomi strove to remain aloof from any particular literary clique or political school throughout his career.

Ton Satomi was a prolific author known for his autobiographical works and promotion of purely literary values.

Ton Satomi was awarded the Kikuchi Kan Prize in 1940.

Ton Satomi was made a member of the Japan Art Academy in 1947.

In 1959, Ton Satomi received the Order of Culture from the Japanese government.

In 1960, Ton Satomi published Late Autumn, which was later made into a movie by Yasujiro Ozu starring Setsuko Hara.

Ton Satomi was awarded the Yomiuri Prize in 1956 and in 1971.

Ton Satomi lived in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture from 1924 until his death, and often socialized with the other literati residing in that city.

Ton Satomi's grave is located at the Kamakura Reien Public Cemetery.