Yukio Mishima, born Kimitake Hiraoka, was a multifaceted figure encompassing roles as an author, poet, playwright, actor, and more. One of the most important writers of the 20th century, Mishima's literary contributions include a vast array of novels, plays, short stories, and essays, marked by a luxurious vocabulary and decadent metaphors. His works often fused traditional Japanese and modern Western literary styles, exploring themes of beauty, eroticism, and death.

Notably, Mishima was considered for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times in the 1960s, a testament to his significant impact on literature. His notable works include Confessions of a Mask and The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, among others. Mishima's Sea of Fertility tetralogy is considered one of the definitive works of twentieth-century Japanese fiction, encapsulating his mastery over narrative and thematic exploration.

Mishima's life was as compelling as his literary achievements. His right-wing ideology and reactionary beliefs, particularly his stance against western-style materialism and advocacy for the restoration of the Emperor's sacredness, made him a controversial figure. His attempt to inspire a military coup through his Tatenokai militia ended in failure, leading Mishima to commit seppuku, a traditional form of Japanese ritual suicide, marking a dramatic and historical end to his life.