Natsume Soseki (1867 - 1916) was a Japanese writer and a full professor of the English language at the university of Tokyo. Natsume's main subject was the industrial revolution and its impact on the Japanese society and cultural life. In his novels he also focused on the conflicts between obligation and desire or loyalty and freedom of will. Soseki often refers to the Japanese way of life and the clash of civilizations that occurs, as western cultural elements influence the traditional Japanese culture. In many ways Natsume Soseki foresaw most of the problems that developed during the 20th century, as Japan prospers and becomes an open, modern and active country.