I believe that Mishima once said of Dazai:
I loathe him utterly, like a sickening phlegm heavy on my chest that I would spit out, but I love with an exquisite, fondling obsession the violin that is his instrument.
I'm probably paraphrasing.
When Dazai's work was beginning to gain popularity, Mishima went to visit him where he was holding court (in some bar?) with his camp followers, carousing, singing and so on. Mishima sat at the table silently, and then, waiting his opportunity, said to Dazai, "I don't like you, and I don't like your writing."
At which – allegedly – Dazai laughed.
"What do you think, boys?" he said, "Would he have come all this way if he didn't like me? The boy loves me."
