Kenji Miyazawa, born on August 27, 1896, in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture, was a man whose life intertwined with both the beauty and struggle of northern Japan. Iwate's chilly climate contributed to the difficult lives of its farmers, and Miyazawa's family benefited from this hardship through their pawnshop. Yet, Kenji would chart a different course, moved by a desire to alleviate rather than capitalize on poverty.

Early Life and Education

As the eldest son, it was expected that Miyazawa would eventually take over his father's business. However, the ethics of profiting from the financial struggles of others unsettled him. Abandoning the path laid out for him, he delved into philosophy and religion. His academic performance was stellar in grade school, but his interest waned in middle school as he pursued self-directed studies. Known for his independent spirit, he occasionally engaged in misadventures that led to his expulsion from the school dormitory.

Academic Pursuits and Career Aspirations

By 1915, Miyazawa was determined to forge his own path and enrolled at the Morioka College of Agriculture and Forestry. His coursework in chemistry and soil science influenced his vision of improving rural life. He conceived plans that integrated his academic knowledge with practical applications, such as developing industrial chemicals from local resources. These aspirations reflected his hope to transform the family business into a venture that could benefit the broader community.

Spiritual Journey and Family Tensions

During these formative years, Miyazawa's relationship with his father was further strained by spiritual differences. Initially, he adhered to his father's Jodo Shin Buddhist beliefs. However, he later aligned himself with the Nichiren sect, captivated by its fervent devotion to the Lotus Sutra. In January 1921, seeking to deepen his spiritual commitment, he joined the State Pillar Society in Tokyo, distancing himself from family ties. He returned home later that year due to his sister Toshiko's illness and to accept a teaching position at Hienuki Agricultural School.

Personal Loss and Literary Endeavors

The death of his sister Toshiko in November 1922 left a profound impact on Miyazawa, inspiring him to write poignant elegies in her memory. He continued teaching until March 1926, during which he often led his students on explorative hikes, documenting his observations in notebooks. In 1924, he self-published his literary work, which included a collection of children's stories and a book of free verse sketches titled Spring and Asura.

Embracing the Farming Life

Feeling conflicted about earning a salary while farmers struggled, Miyazawa relinquished his teaching position to live as a farmer. He chose bachelorhood and cultivated vegetables and small cash crops to sustain himself. Miyazawa used his extensive knowledge to assist the farming community informally and worked to instill an appreciation for culture among rural residents.

Declining Health and Final Years

Miyazawa's health was fragile throughout his life, and by 1928, symptoms of tuberculosis began to manifest. In his final years, from 1931 to 1933, his creative output dwindled, possibly as he focused on refining past works or due to the foreboding sense of his mortality. During this period, he reconciled with his father over their religious disagreements. As his life drew to a close on September 21, 1933, Miyazawa reflected on his unpublished writings, suggesting they stemmed from a "delusion."