Baku Yumemakura

2.1. Birth and Upbringing

Baku Yumemakura was born Mineo Yoneyama on January 1, 1951, in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture. From the age of 10, he harbored a strong desire to become a novelist.

2.2. Education and Early Aspirations

After graduating from Kanagawa Prefectural Yamakita High School, Yumemakura pursued higher education at Tokai University, where he earned a degree in Japanese literature from the Faculty of Literature. His initial post-graduation plan was to work as an editor while continuing his writing endeavors. However, he was unsuccessful in securing such a position and instead found work in a mountain hut, an experience that would later inspire some of his most significant works, such as The Summit of the Gods.

2.3. Origin of Pen Name

Yumemakura adopted his distinctive pen name, "Baku Yumemakura," during his high school years while engaged in coterie magazine activities. He had experimented with several pseudonyms for about two years before settling on "Baku Yumemakura." The name is deeply symbolic: "Baku" (獏^Japanese) refers to the mythical creature believed to devour dreams, while "Yumemakura" (夢枕^Japanese) means "dream pillow." He chose this name to reflect his ambition to write stories that are as fantastical and captivating as dreams.

3.1. Debut and Early Works

Baku Yumemakura made his debut in 1977. His first works appeared in science fiction coterie magazines, including Neo Null, which was curated by Yasutaka Tsutsui, and Uchūjin, curated by Takumi Shibano. Notably, his typographic experimental story, Kaeru no Shi (カエルの死_{Frog's Death}^Japanese), published in Neo Null, garnered significant attention within the industry. This piece was subsequently reprinted in the commercial science fiction magazine Kisō Tengai, marking his first appearance in a major publication. Following this success, he released the novella Kyojin Den (later retitled Harukanaru Kyojin or The Far Off God), which achieved sufficient acclaim for him to become a full-time author.

In 1979, his first standalone title, Nekohiki no Oruorane (ねこひきのオルオラネ_{The Cat Piper Oruorane}^Japanese), was published by Shueisha in their Cobalt Collection. Two years later, in 1981, his first full-length novel, Genjū Henge (幻獣変化_{Phantom Beast Transformation}^Japanese), was released by Futabasha Corporation. His career saw another significant milestone in 1982 with the publication of Genjū Shōnen Kimaira (幻獣少年キマイラ_{Boy Beast Chimera}^Japanese), the first volume of the Kimaira Kou Series, by Asahi Sonorama Paperbacks, featuring illustrations and cover design by Yoshitaka Amano. The Majūgari (Demon Hunters) trilogy, which would become a bestseller, was published by Shodensha in 1984, securing his status as a prominent author.

3.2. Development of Style and Themes

While his early works, such as Nekohiki no Oruorane, were characterized by a poetic and humorous, almost adult fairytale-like quality, Yumemakura quickly developed a distinctive and bold literary style. He self-describes his work as being centered on "eros, violence, and the occult." He particularly excels in 伝奇バイオレンス_{denki baiorensu}^Japanese (legendary violence) novels, often infused with elements of Esoteric Buddhism (密教_Mikkyō^Japanese), which frequently contain エログロ_ero-guro^Japanese (erotic grotesque) themes. Concurrently, he became a master of 本格格闘小説_{honkaku kakutō shōsetsu}^Japanese (authentic martial arts novels), where male characters engage in intense, realistic physical combat. This versatile approach allowed him to seamlessly blend diverse genres, creating unique narrative experiences that would define his prolific career.

4.1. Onmyōji Series

The Onmyōji series, which began in 1988 with the first volume published by Bungeishunjū, is one of Yumemakura's most popular and culturally impactful works. It centers on the adventures of Abe no Seimei, a legendary onmyōji (陰陽師_onmyōji^Japanese, a practitioner of onmyōdō, traditional Japanese cosmology) from the Heian period, and his companion Minamoto no Hiromasa. The series played a crucial role in igniting a widespread "Seimei boom" in Japanese popular culture. Its success led to multiple adaptations:

• Manga:** Reiko Okano adapted the series into a highly acclaimed manga, which earned the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize and the 37th Seiun Award (Comic category). She later continued the serialization as Onmyōji Tamatebako. Another manga adaptation, Onmyōji Takiyasha Hime, was drawn by Munk Mutsuki.
• Film:** The novel was adapted into the hit film Onmyōji in 2001, directed by Yōjirō Takita, with Mansai Nomura starring as Abe no Seimei. Nomura's performance earned him the Best Actor prize at the Blue Ribbon Awards. Takita also directed the sequel, Onmyōji 2, released in 2003. A Chinese co-production, The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (originally Sei Gashū), based on the series, was globally distributed by Netflix in 2021. The latest film, Onmyōji 0, was released in 2024, directed by Shimako Satō.
• Television:** The series was adapted into television drama specials, broadcast by TV Asahi in 2015 and 2020.
• Anime:** An anime adaptation was released in 2023.

4.2. Garōden Series

The Garōden (餓狼伝_{Legend of the Starving Wolf}^Japanese) series, which started in 1985, is celebrated for its gritty and realistic depictions of martial arts and combat. It follows the protagonist, Bunshichi Tanba, as he seeks to become the strongest fighter.

• Manga:** The series has been famously adapted into manga by two prominent artists: Jiro Taniguchi (from 1989 to 1990) and Keisuke Itagaki (starting in 1996, also collaborating on Garōden Boy). Yumi Nobe also worked on Shin Garōden.
• Other Media:** Garōden has been adapted into two video games and a live-action film in 1995.

4.3. Kimaira Series

The Kimaira (キマイラ・吼_{Chimera Howl}^Japanese) series, which began with Genjū Shōnen Kimaira in 1982, is a long-running fantasy saga known for its distinctive world-building and complex narrative. The series often features themes of transformation and mythical beasts. Although many of its installments remain uncompleted, renowned director Mamoru Oshii announced a planned video adaptation of the series in 2018.

4.4. Majūgari (Psycho Diver) Series

The Majūgari (魔獣狩り_{Demon Hunters}^Japanese) series, also known as the Psycho Diver series, commenced in 1984 with Majūgari: Inraku-hen (魔獣狩り 淫楽編_{Demon Hunters: Desires of the Flesh}^Japanese). This series, known for its psychological and occult elements, became an instant bestseller for Yumemakura, earning him enough profit to build a mansion, which was famously dubbed the "Inraku Goten" (淫楽御殿_{Mansion of Licentious Pleasure}^Japanese). The series concluded in 2010 with its final volumes, Shin Majūgari 12 & 13: Waō no Shiro (新・魔獣狩り 倭王の城_{New Demon Hunters: The King of Wa's Castle}^Japanese).

• Adaptations:** Majūgari has seen multiple adaptations, including the anime OVA Psycho Diver: Soul Siren (also known as Psycho Diver: Mashō Bosatsu, 1997) and several manga series.

4.5. The Summit of the Gods

The Summit of the Gods (神々の山嶺_{Kamigami no Itadaki}^Japanese), published in 1997, is a celebrated novel inspired by Yumemakura's own mountaineering experiences. The story delves into themes of human ambition, obsession, and the extreme challenges faced in the pursuit of scaling the world's highest peaks, particularly Mount Everest. The novel received critical acclaim, winning the 11th Shibata Rensaburo Award and the 16th Japan Adventure Fiction Association Prize.

• Adaptations:** The novel was adapted into a manga series by Jiro Taniguchi (from 2000 to 2003), which received awards at the Angoulême International Comics Festival in 2002 and 2005. It was also adapted into a live-action Japanese film, Everest: The Summit of the Gods, in 2016, and an acclaimed French animated film, Le Sommet des Dieux, in 2021.

4.6. Other Notable Series

Baku Yumemakura has authored several other significant series that showcase his thematic breadth and storytelling prowess:

• **Yami Gari Shi** (闇狩り師_{The Darkness Hunter}^Japanese): Starting in 1984, this series explores dark fantasy and supernatural themes.
• **Taitei no Ken** (大帝の剣_{The Emperor's Blade}^Japanese): This series, which was later adapted into a film in 2007 directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, combines historical elements with fantastical action.
• **Kōya ni Kemono Dōkoku su** (荒野に獣慟哭す_{Beast Howling in the Wilderness}^Japanese): This completed series delves into themes of beastly transformation and survival, with a manga adaptation by Issei Ito.
• **Shishi no Mon** (獅子の門_{Gate of Fierce Lions}^Japanese): A martial arts novel series that contributed to Yumemakura earning the nickname "the artisan of violence." This series has also been completed.
• **Samon Kūkai Tō no Kuni nite Oni to Utagesu** (沙門空海唐の国にて鬼と宴す_{Monk Kūkai Feasting with a Demon in the Tang Dynasty}^Japanese): This historical fantasy series chronicles the adventures of Kūkai, a Japanese Buddhist monk, in Tang China. It was adapted into a Kabuki play in 2016 and a Chinese film titled Legend of the Demon Cat (originally Yōbyōden) in 2018, directed by Chen Kaige.
• **Ōedo Chōkyakuden** (大江戸釣客伝_{Tales of the Great Edo Anglers}^Japanese): This series, reflecting Yumemakura's passion for fishing, earned him multiple literary awards, including the Izumi Kyōka Literary Prize, the Funabashi Seiichi Literary Prize, and the Yoshikawa Eiji Literary Prize.

4.7. Selected Novels and Essay Collections

Beyond his major series, Yumemakura has penned numerous standalone novels and collections of essays, demonstrating his wide-ranging interests and literary skills.

• **Jōgen no Tsuki wo Taberu Shishi** (上弦の月を喰べる獅子_{The Lion that Ate the Crescent Moon}^Japanese), published in 1989, is one of his most critically acclaimed standalone works, winning both the Seiun Award and the Nihon SF Taisho Award.
• **Ayu Shi** (鮎師_{The Ayu Fisherman}^Japanese), an essay collection from 1989, showcases his deep expertise and passion for Ayu fishing.
• **Kurozuka** (黒塚 KUROZUKA_KUROZUKA^Japanese), a 2000 novel, blends horror and action elements.
• **Hichō Genji Monogatari Okina** (秘帖・源氏物語 翁－OKINA_{Secret Record of The Tale of Genji: Okina}^Japanese), published in 2011, offers a unique take on classical Japanese literature.
• **Kaeru no Shi** (カエルの死_{Frog's Death}^Japanese), from 1985, is a collection of his earlier, more experimental works, including the typographic fiction that marked his commercial debut.
• His extensive essay collections include titles like Yumemakura Baku Atogaki Taizen (夢枕獏 あとがき大全_{Baku Yumemakura's Complete Afterwords}^Japanese) and Kakutōteki Nichijō Seikatsu (格闘的日常生活_{Martial Arts-like Daily Life}^Japanese), which delve into his reflections on life, hobbies, and his professional wrestling and martial arts fandom.

5.1. Genre Versatility and Blending

Yumemakura is celebrated for his ability to seamlessly blend diverse literary genres, creating narratives that defy easy categorization. While he is most recognized for his 伝奇_denki^Japanese (legendary/supernatural) novels, often incorporating elements of エログロ_ero-guro^Japanese (erotic grotesque) and intense バイオレンス_violence^Japanese, his body of work also spans science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and authentic martial arts fiction. Early in his career, he even wrote juvenile and 少女小説_{shōjo shōsetsu}^Japanese (girls' novels) for publishers like Shueisha Cobalt Bunko, demonstrating a range that extended beyond the dark and action-packed narratives he became famous for. This versatility allows him to explore complex themes through varied narrative lenses.

5.2. Recurring Motifs and Elements

Across his diverse works, several recurring motifs and thematic elements are frequently observed. The interplay of eroticism, violence, and the occult is a core characteristic, often presented with elements of Esoteric Buddhism. His martial arts novels emphasize raw, visceral 肉弾戦_nikudansen^Japanese (hand-to-hand combat) and the relentless pursuit of strength. Yumemakura also frequently incorporates the motif of the "spiral," drawing inspiration from natural forms like the chambered Nautilus and incorporating it into his narratives and world-building. His works often delve into Japanese mythology, folklore, and historical events, reimagining them with his unique fantastical and adventurous twist.

5.3. Writing Process and Prolific Output

Baku Yumemakura is known for his incredibly prolific output, having published hundreds of titles across his career. His writing process often involves working on multiple series concurrently. This approach, while leading to a vast body of work, has also resulted in many of his long-form series remaining incomplete. He has openly expressed concerns about his ability to finish all his conceived stories within his lifetime. In 2008, he discussed a strategic shift in his writing, aiming to complete his major ongoing series, specifically Kimaira, Garōden, and Onmyōji, by 2011, by focusing on one work at a time rather than parallel serialization. In 2013, he began serialization of Kimaira Onikotsuhen on Niconico, where he also participated in Niconico Chokaigi, including public writing of his first chapter manuscript and autograph sessions. His dedication to his craft and the sheer volume of his creations highlight his deep engagement with storytelling.

6.1. Collaborations with Artists and Cultural Figures

Yumemakura has collaborated with a wide array of influential figures in the Japanese art and cultural scene:

• Yoshitaka Amano: Amano contributed illustrations and cover designs for many of Yumemakura's works, including the Kimaira series, Garōden, Taitei no Ken, and Yamigarishi. He was also responsible for the key visual and costume designs for the films Onmyōji, Onmyōji 2, and Taitei no Ken. Their collaborations extended to stage productions, with Amano handling stage design for Nayotake (produced by Bandō Tamasaburō V) and Yang Guifei, for which Yumemakura wrote the lyrics. They also worked together on the story and pottery for Yōkihi no Bansan (楊貴妃の晩餐_{Yang Guifei's Banquet}^Japanese) for both a book and an exhibition, featuring ceramic work by Shokoku Kano. Amano also illustrated the manga Amon Saga, based on a story by Yumemakura, which was later adapted into an OVA.
• Katsuya Terada: Terada provided book cover art and illustrations for several of Yumemakura's series, including Kimaira, Shin Majugari, and Yamigarishi.
• Osamu Tezuka: Yumemakura was influenced by Tezuka's seminal work Phoenix. He later contributed by writing the script for the anime film Saiyūki (ぼくの孫悟空_{Boku no Son Gokū}^Japanese, lit. My Son Goku).
• Reiko Okano: The wife of Makoto Tezuka (Osamu Tezuka's son), Okano illustrated the manga adaptation of Onmyōji, which earned the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize and the Seiun Award. She continued the series in Melody magazine as Onmyōji Tamatebako.
• Keisuke Itagaki: Beginning in 1996, Itagaki took on the manga adaptation of Garōden and also collaborated on the series Garōden Boy.
• Ken Ishikawa: Ishikawa drew the manga Tsukumo Ranzō (九十九乱蔵_{Tsukumo Ranzō}^Japanese) in 1994, based on the Yamigarishi series, and Amon Saga - Tsuki no Miko (アーモンサーガ 月の御子_{Amon Sāga Tsuki no Miko}^Japanese) in 1998, based on Yumemakura's novel Tsuki no Ou.
• Jiro Taniguchi: Taniguchi illustrated early volumes of the Garōden manga (1989-1990) and the acclaimed manga adaptation of Kamigami no itadaki (2000-2003), which won awards at the Angoulême International Comics Festival.
• Yōjirō Takita: Takita directed the highly successful films Onmyōji (2001) and its sequel Onmyōji 2 (2003). The first film received an award at The Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival in 2002.
• Yukihiko Tsutsumi: Tsutsumi directed the 2007 film adaptation of Yumemakura's original work, Taitei no Ken.
• Bandō Tamasaburō V: Yumemakura wrote the lyrics for Tamasaburō's dance production Yōkihi, based on the Chinese historical figure Yang Guifei. In 1993, Yumemakura specifically wrote for Kabuki the play Sangoku denrai genjō banashi. Both Yōkihi and Sangoku denrai genjō banashi were performed at the Kabuki-za Theater.
• Mansai Nomura: The renowned kyōgen performer played the lead role of Abe no Seimei in the films Onmyōji and Onmyōji 2, earning the Best Actor prize at the Blue Ribbon Awards for his portrayal in the first film.
• Masami Nobe: Yumemakura has collaborated with Nobe on the scripts for the manga series Shin Garōden.
• Issei Ito: Ito illustrated the manga adaptation of Kōya ni Kemono Dōkoku su and also worked on Takiyasha Hime Onmyōji Emakisōshi and Yami Gari Shi Kimaira Tenryū Hen.
• Ken Noguchi: Noguchi contributed to the manga Inu Hunting and Kurozuka.

6.2. Manga and Anime Adaptations

Baku Yumemakura's imaginative narratives have served as rich source material for numerous manga and anime adaptations:

• Amon Saga (1986): An anime OVA and manga adaptation, with manga art by Yoshitaka Amano.
• Yumemakura Baku Twilight Gekijō (夢枕獏 とわいらいと劇場_{Baku Yumemakura Twilight Theater}^Japanese, 1991): An OVA series adapting various short stories.
• Psycho Diver: Soul Siren (also known as Psycho Diver: Mashō Bosatsu, 1997): An OVA adapting his Majūgari series.
• Kurozuka (2008): An anime series based on his novel of the same name.
• Onmyōji (2023): The most recent anime adaptation of his popular series.

6.3. Film and Television Adaptations

Yumemakura's works have frequently made the leap to the big and small screens:

• Gakidama (1985): An OVM (Original Video Movie).
• Chōkōsō Hantingu (超高層ハンティング_{Skyscraper Hunting}^Japanese, 1991): A live-action film.
• Garōden (1995): A live-action film adaptation of his martial arts series.
• Hyena no Yoru (ハイエナの夜_{Night of the Hyena}^Japanese, 1997): A film adaptation.
• Onmyōji (2001) and Onmyōji 2 (2003): Directed by Yōjirō Takita and starring Mansai Nomura, these films were major box office successes.
• Taitei no Ken (2007): Directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, this film adapted his historical fantasy series.
• Everest: The Summit of the Gods (2016): A live-action Japanese film based on his mountaineering novel.
• Legend of the Demon Cat (originally Yōbyōden, 2018): A major Chinese-Japanese co-production directed by Chen Kaige, based on Samon Kūkai Tō no Kuni nite Oni to Utagesu.
• The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (originally Sei Gashū, 2021): A Chinese film adaptation of the Onmyōji series, released globally on Netflix.
• Onmyōji 0 (2024): A new Japanese film adaptation of the Onmyōji series.
• Drama Special Onmyōji: Television drama specials aired on TV Asahi in 2015 and 2020.
• Gensō Shinkūkai Samon Kūkai Tō no Kuni nite Oni to Utagesu (2016): A Kabuki adaptation starring Ichikawa Somegorō.

7.1. Travel and Exploration

Yumemakura is an avid traveler and adventurer, often embarking on demanding journeys that have significantly influenced his writing. His expeditions include treks through the Himalayas, which directly inspired his novel The Summit of the Gods, a region he first visited in 1975. He has also retraced the arduous path taken by the monk Xuanzang and explored the wilderness of Alaska. During a fishing trip to the headwaters of the Amazon River in Peru, he consumed piranha sashimi, a decision he later regretted due to concerns about potential gnathostoma parasite infection. His travels are often documented through his photography, which he has published in several photo collections, including those featuring the Nepalese mountains.

7.2. Fishing

Fishing, particularly Ayu fishing (鮎_ayu^Japanese), is a deep-seated passion for Yumemakura. He possesses extensive knowledge of the sport, even serving as a lecturer at "river schools." He is especially fond of チンチン釣り_{chin-chin-tsuri}^Japanese (a bait fishing technique for Ayu), admitting that the opening day of Ayu fishing season often diminishes his desire to write due to his fervent anticipation. His enthusiasm for fishing is reflected in several of his essays, such as Ayu Shi and Ōedo Chōkyakuden.

7.3. Martial Arts and Sports Fandom

Despite having no direct experience in martial arts himself, Yumemakura is a lifelong and ardent fan of both martial arts and professional wrestling. His deep interest is evident in his numerous writings on these subjects, where he delves into the philosophy and techniques of combat. To achieve realism in his martial arts novels, he has undertaken immersive research, such as undergoing a one-day training session at Daidō-juku (under the tutelage of Takashi Azuma) until physical exhaustion for his novel Karatedo Businessman Class Nerima Branch (空手道ビジネスマンクラス練馬支部_{Karatedo Businessman Class Nerima Branch}^Japanese). He also famously allowed Yoshiaki Fujiwara, a professional wrestler known as the "demon of joint locks," to apply dozens of joint lock techniques to him, describing the pain as something "even a suicide candidate would flee from." His meticulous approach to depicting combat has earned him a strong following among martial arts enthusiasts. Furthermore, he is recognized as one of the proponents instrumental in the development of K-1, a renowned kickboxing organization.

7.4. Photography and Essays

Beyond fiction, Yumemakura is also an accomplished photographer and essayist. His photographic work often captures the landscapes and experiences from his extensive travels, such as the photo essays Hikari no Hakubutsushi (光の博物誌_{Natural History of Light}^Japanese) and Kamigami no Kuni Hito no Kuni (神々の国 人の国_{Land of Gods, Land of People}^Japanese). His essays cover a wide range of topics, from his personal hobbies like fishing and martial arts to reflections on literature and culture. He has also edited the collection Yumemakura Baku Shōjo Mangakan (夢枕獏少女マンガ館_{Baku Yumemakura's Shōjo Manga Museum}^Japanese), showcasing his deep appreciation for manga, and was a semi-regular panelist on the television program BS Manga Yawwa.

9.1. Health and Battle with Illness

In November 2020, during his annual medical check-up, Baku Yumemakura was informed of swelling in his mediastinal lymph nodes. Following further detailed examinations, he was diagnosed with malignant lymphoma in March 2021. Throughout his treatment, he made the decision to reduce his serialization workload to focus on his recovery. He publicly shared his experience with the illness in December 2024 through a column in the Yomiuri Shimbun.

Yumemakura is also known for his deeply appreciative relationship with his readers. He has often gone to great lengths for his fans, even apologizing on their behalf for minor transgressions when no fault of his own was involved, and attending their funerals or offering condolences in times of misfortune, earning him significant respect from his fanbase.

10.1. Impact on Literature and Popular Culture

Yumemakura's most significant contribution to popular culture is arguably the widespread popularization of the onmyōji figure, particularly Abe no Seimei, through his highly successful Onmyōji series. This series not only revitalized interest in traditional Japanese folklore and onmyōdō but also sparked a broader cultural phenomenon, leading to numerous adaptations in film, television, and manga. His martial arts novels, such as Garōden and Shishi no Mon, have set benchmarks for the genre, showcasing intense realism and philosophical depth that have influenced subsequent writers and artists. His ability to blend historical fantasy, science fiction, and action with elements of the occult and eroticism created a unique niche, expanding the boundaries of Japanese genre fiction. Beyond his literary output, his role as one of the proponents in the development of K-1 also demonstrates his influence in the wider cultural landscape.

10.2. Critical Reception and Evaluation

Critically, Yumemakura is celebrated for his unparalleled prolificacy and genre-bending narrative style. However, his tendency to write multiple, long-running series concurrently has meant that many of his ambitious projects remain incomplete. This characteristic has been a point of discussion, with Yumemakura himself acknowledging his concern about finishing his vast body of work within his lifetime. To address this, he announced in 2008 a strategic shift to prioritize the completion of his flagship series, including Kimaira, Garōden, and Onmyōji. In 2018, he notably took out a self-funded, full-page newspaper advertisement titled "Baku Yumemakura's Perverted Love for Long Novels" (夢枕獏の変態的長編愛_{Yumemakura Baku no Hentai-teki Chōhen-ai}^Japanese), playfully asserting his dedication to lengthy narratives and his unique approach to storytelling. His work is recognized for its imaginative scope, engaging characters, and ability to transport readers into vivid, fantastical worlds.