Christian Merlhiot embarks on a journey to the region of Tsugaru in northern Japan, the homeland of Osamu Dazai, one of the country’s most controversial and influential postwar authors. Merlhiot questions whether understanding an author’s work requires physically retracing their steps and experiences. Dazai, known for his dark and introspective writing, faced personal struggles, including family rejection and a troubled youth. His life ended tragically when his body was found in the Tamagawa River, along with that of his mistress. Despite his personal turmoil, Dazai's writing is deeply rooted in his connection to Tsugaru, a historically isolated region that now honors his legacy more than 70 years after his death. Merlhiot structures his journey around key passages from Dazai’s novels and significant moments in the author’s life. He visits places that shaped Dazai’s worldview, including landscapes that the author described in his works. Each location is examined with the eye of a filmmaker, capturing the vastness of the scenery and highlighting details that evoke a sense of presence and history. These places are not merely backdrops but characters in their own right, echoing the ghostly presence of Dazai himself in this literary pilgrimage. Dazai’s deep emotional connection to his homeland is evident in his writings. He once declared, « Ah, my country! I could not reject it! My country, which had shown me disdain! It was definitely impossible for me to turn my back on it! » This sentiment reflects a complex relationship with his roots—marked by rejection and pain, yet filled with an unshakable sense of belonging. His works, filled with pessimism and irony, are often seen as a reflection of his inner struggles and the societal pressures of his time. Merlhiot’s journey invites readers to explore the landscapes that shaped Dazai’s literary voice, offering a deeper understanding of the man behind the words. By walking in Dazai’s footsteps, Merlhiot aims to uncover how geography and personal history influenced the author’s themes and style. The Tsugaru region, once cut off from the rest of Japan, now serves as a living tribute to Dazai’s enduring influence, where his stories continue to resonate with new generations of readers.