Died June 13, 1948, by suicide with his lover Yamazaki Tomie in the Tamagawa Josui canal. Age 38. His body was found on June 19—coincidentally his 39th birthday—now commemorated annually as "Oto-ki" (Cherry Memorial Day) when fans visit his grave. He had survived four prior suicide attempts. He was reportedly in deep psychological distress while writing his final masterpiece "No Longer Human." His only note read: "Because I no longer want to write novels."