Contemporary Japanese fiction often grapples with the tension between tradition and modernity, reflecting the nation's transformation from a rigidly hierarchical society to a more Westernized culture. This cultural shift has left many individuals without the moral and social guidelines that once governed their lives. While some authors advocate for the preservation of traditional Japanese values amidst this change, others, like Kenzaburō Ōe, explore the theme of personal introspection as characters navigate their own moral compasses within a rapidly evolving landscape.

Kenzaburō Ōe, an influential figure in this literary domain, has received critical acclaim for his diverse body of work, which includes essays, short stories, and novels. His contributions to literature have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Akutagawa Prize, which he won as a student, and the Tanizaki Prize. Ōe's narratives often delve into the lives of society's outcasts and the complexities of individual identity amid broader existential threats.

Ōe's early work, the short story "Shiiku" ("The Catch"), published in 1958, exemplifies his empathy for marginalized figures. In this story, he illustrates the intersecting lives of a black American airman, whose plane crashes near a Japanese village during World War II, and the villagers who encounter him. This narrative highlights the theme of cultural and racial estrangement, a recurring element in Ōe's oeuvre.

The birth of Ōe's first child in 1963, who had a severe disability and required surgery, deeply influenced his writing. This personal experience is reflected in his novel A Personal Matter and underscores his recurring exploration of themes such as estrangement and deformity, often linked to the looming threat of nuclear devastation. His journey to Hiroshima in the early 1960s to write about atomic bomb survivors further deepened his engagement with these themes.

As Ōe addresses issues that resonate with young people worldwide, his work has found a growing audience in the West. His stories not only bridge cultural divides but also provide profound insights into the human condition, making his voice an essential part of contemporary literature.