Gozo Yoshimasu is a poet born in 1939. Since his debut in 1964 with the book Shuppatsu (Departure), Gozo has led the Japanese poetic scene for more than half a century with his unconventional expressions that push the borders of literary language. Read More He has received a number of literary and cultural awards, honors and prizes, such as the Takami Jun Prize (1971), the Rekitei Prize (1979), the Purple Ribbon Medal (2003, given by the Government of Japan) and the Imperial Prize and the Japan Art Academy Prize (2015). He is also known for his innovative reading performances for which he often collaborates with artists from other genres, such as jazz musicians, butoh dancers and filmmakers. His work has been translated into English, French, Italian and several other languages.