Gozo Yoshimasu, considered one of the most representative figures of Japanese modern literature, has published over thirty books of poetry, among them works that have been available in several languages - English, Italian, Portuguese, German, Korean, Chinese among others. His poetry, which he challenges himself to constantly reinvent and reinvigorate, chronicles a timless pursuit of origins. He also explores the idea of always being in movement. As a traveler his itineraries are a form of a personal "pilgrimage", from the isles of Japan to the American desert, Central Asia, South America or simply common streets in most continents of the world. This constant movement is one of the foundations of his poetry, giving them a sense of rhythm and speed. Yoshimasu has developed his poetry into other forms of artistic expression - photography, engraving, calligraphy and films - gozociné - he connects real landscapes to create a visionary world of his own that captures a delicate, almost invisible texture that exists in all things. As a performer he has cultivated a unique style of recitation, and uses rhythm and vocal modulation to the extent that one might consider it a form of incantation. His voice, at times gentle, at times feverish lends itself to a fascinating meeting with music. His readings have been called "electrifying revelations of the power of poetry to move the heart and mind without the aid of translation". Gozo Yoshimasu has been the recipient of some of the highest literary awards and honors in Japan and abroad. In 2003 he received Japan's medal with Purple ribbon for artistic excellence.

 

Né à Tokyo, Gôzô Yoshimasu est concidéré comme un des poètes les plus importants de la modernité japonaise, célèbre internationalement pour ses fameuses performances.

Egalement calligraphe et photographe, il s'est produit sur les scènes du monde entier, débordant les distinctions traditionnelles des genres poétiques, combinant ses poèmes avec ses photos, créant objets et vidéos avec d'autres artistes, et renouvelant la pratique de la déclamation par la puissance de ses lectures publiques où toutes les ressources de la voix et du souffle entrent en jeu. Son travail a été récompensé par plusieurs prix dont celui du Ruban violet décerné par le gouvernement Japonais pour sa contribution culturelle significative, ou encore le prix artistique du quotidien Mainichi.

Gôzô Yoshimasu efface la distinction entre prose et poésie, textes et notes, lecture et spectacle, écriture et gravures.

De nombreuses traduction de ses poèmes ont été publiées en Anglais, en Portugais, en Allemand, en Italien, en Chinois, en Français et d'autres encore.