Kikuchi Kan (1888-1948) began his literary career as one of the members of the “third Shin-shi-cho” in February， 1914，though he had already written minor essays in the circle’s magazines and newspapers. After this literary group was dissolved in September of the same year，he also participated in its “fourth” organization in 1916. Between 1914 and July of 1916, he wrote eight plays published mainly in “Shin-shi-cho” magazine and, among them， the theme of “madness” or “the mad person” was depicted, especially in the following: (1) Osoroshiichichi, osoroshiimusume (1914) (2) Kurueruhitobito (1915) (3) Okujonokyojin (1916)

　These mad characters are commonly represented as a main dramatic factor in each play and are characterized with a deep sympathy and generosity by the author.

　On the other hand, it was during this period that he was absorbed in reading and examining many works of Lady I. A. Gregory (1882- 1932). In The Full Moon, produced in 1910 by her, a lunatic woman named “Cracked Mary” lives a very honest life and speaks innocently，which impresses “Mr. Hyacinth Halvey”，who is too eager to keep up his own outside appearances.

　Kikuchi seems to have learned from this play that the state of the innocent mad woman surpasses common prestige, and that the topsyturvy standpoint can make our evaluation of life more vivid. This perspective leads us to a deeper understanding of Kikuchi’s other works.