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Japanese novelist Dazai Osamu is widely considered one of the most influential figures in Japanese literature. Known for his semi-autobiographical novels and short stories, he excelled in the realm of "I-novels," a literary genre popular in Japan where fictional narratives closely mirror the author's personal experiences. Dazai's works are characterized by their intense self-reflection, emotional depth, and exploration of themes like alienation, despair, and the search for meaning in life.