Oto-ki (Cherry Memorial Day for Osamu Dazai)

At Zenrin-ji, the graves of Ogai Mori and Osamu Dazai face each other, allowing visitors to pay respects to both literary giants at once. Walking along the Tamagawa Aqueduct and visiting the Osamu Dazai Literary Salon, the Osamu Dazai Exhibition Room "Mitaka no Kono Chiisai Ie" at the Mitaka City Art Gallery are also recommended.

On June 13, 1948, Osamu Dazai drowned himself with Tomie Yamazaki in the Tamagawa Aqueduct. The day his body was discovered, June 19th, was also Dazai's birthday, and this date has since been known as "Oto-ki" (Cherry Memorial Day). Dazai lived in Mitaka from 1939 until his death, writing many of his masterworks including "No Longer Human" and "The Setting Sun" in this city.

A memorial event held on June 19th, the day Osamu Dazai's body was discovered (coincidentally his 39th birthday). The first event was held in 1949 at Zenrin-ji Temple in Mitaka City. The name "Oto-ki" was given by Kan'ichi Kon, a writer from Dazai's home prefecture of Tsugaru. Initially, it was a gathering where literary figures who knew Dazai personally invited his family, eating cherries and sharing drinks to reminisce about the deceased. Katsuichiro Kamei was central to the event, serving as master of ceremonies until 1963. Every year on June 19th, grave visits are held at Zenrin-ji, drawing many fans.

Take a bus from JR Mitaka Station South Exit to "Hachiman-mae Mitaka-shi Geibun Center-mae" and walk about 3 minutes to reach Zenrin-ji. The Osamu Dazai Literary Salon is a 3-minute walk from Mitaka Station South Exit. The Osamu Dazai Exhibition Room is on the 5th floor of Mitaka Coral Building, a 1-minute walk from Mitaka Station South Exit.

On June 19th, fans gather from across Japan, making the Zenrin-ji area crowded. Early morning hours are relatively peaceful for paying respects.

Zenrin-ji is a temple, so please visit quietly. It is customary to offer cherries at the gravesite. If you plan to visit all 19 Dazai-related sites in Mitaka, allow about half a day.