Life for Sale is a black-humored novel by Japanese writer Mishima Yukio, published in 1968. It is his 14. novel.

In contrast to most of the Mishimas books, Life for Sale is (relatively) light fare. Nevertheless, with the treatment of suicide, nihilism and violence, more serious topics are also examined, but their seriousness is softened by the comedic aspects of the novel.
It´s an easy read and very entertaining.

The story is about the copywriter Hanio, who, disappointed by his meaningless life, offers it for sale. As a result, a lot of strange people come forward to him.
I don't want to spoil here, but I can only recommend the book. Even though it is easy to read, the meaning of the book did not immediately open up to me...
Life for Sale is my second favourite book of Mishima (after Confessions of a Mask).


The book was by the way used as a template for a japanese television series.