Review: Awake, oh young people of the new age! by Kenzaburo Oé

Review of the book “Awake, oh young people of the new age!” by Kenzaburo Oé.

«Awake, oh young people of the new age!» is an essay written by award-winning Japanese author Kenzaburo Oé. Originally published in 1983, the book is a critique of Japanese education and society of the time, as well as a call to action for youth.

“Awake, oh young people of the new era!”, by the Japanese writer Kenzaburo Oé, Nobel Prize in Literature in 1994. It is an autobiographical novel that narrates the relationship between the author and his eldest son, who was born with a serious malformation cerebral. Through his daily experiences, Oé reflects on the meaning of life, the role of art, social responsibility and historical memory.

The title of the book refers to a poem by William Blake, which the author reads to his son as a way to stimulate his imagination and creativity. The poem is a call to rebellion against the established order and to the search for a new era of freedom and justice. Oé identifies with the spirit of the poem and relates it to his own experience as a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb and as a political activist.

The novel is written in a simple and direct style, but at the same time full of nuances and symbolism. Oé does not hide the difficulties and suffering involved in caring for a disabled child, but neither does she give up hope and love. Your child becomes a source of inspiration and learning for him, and helps him better understand the world and himself.

«Awake, oh young people of the new age!» It is a moving and profound work, which invites us to reflect on the essential values ​​of human existence. It is also a testimony to the strength and dignity of a father who fights to give his son a full and happy life.

The essay begins with a reflection on the history of Japan and how education and culture have affected society. Oé argues that traditional Japanese education has created a closed and conformist mindset in youth, leading to a lack of creativity and the perpetuation of outdated values.

Throughout the essay, Oé addresses young Japanese people directly, urging them to wake up and take control of their own destiny. He believes that young people have the power to change the world, and encourages them to fight for their dreams and not settle for mediocrity.

The author also addresses topics such as politics, religion and war, calling for peace and international cooperation. Oé criticizes the nationalist attitude of some Japanese and advocates a more open and global perspective.

In general, “Awake, O young people of the new age!” is a powerful and inspiring essay that remains relevant today. Oé challenges young Japanese people to think for themselves and question established norms, encouraging them to find their own voice and fight for what they believe in.

The essay is also an incisive criticism of Japanese education and society of the time. Oé argues that traditional Japanese education has created a culture of conformity and lack of creativity, which has led to a society that is stagnant and resistant to change.

In conclusion, “Awake, oh young people of the new age!” is essential reading for anyone interested in Japanese culture and society, as well as those seeking inspiration and motivation to fight for positive change in the world. The essay is a call to action for Japanese youth and all those seeking a better future for all.