Translation of: Gama no abura.

Includes index.

Something Like an Autobiography is the memoir of legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, covering his life from childhood up until the release of his breakthrough film Rashomon in 1950.

Written in a candid, often poetic style, the book provides deep insight into Kurosawa's early years—his family background, education, and the social upheavals of post-Meiji Japan. He discusses his early interest in painting, the impact of the Great Kanto Earthquake, and how these experiences shaped his worldview and artistic sensibilities.

Kurosawa offers behind-the-scenes reflections on how he entered the film industry, the evolution of his directing style, and his collaborations with key figures like actor Toshiro Mifune and other members of his creative team. He also shares his admiration for foreign and Japanese cinema, and his thoughts on the artistic and ethical responsibilities of a filmmaker.

Though the book ends just as Kurosawa gains international recognition with Rashomon, it serves as a powerful portrait of the artist as a young man—curious, disciplined, humble, and passionate about storytelling.