noun
Refers to a narrative of someone who rose from humble beginnings to achieve great success through determination. Often used in biographical or inspirational contexts.
彼の立志伝は多くの若者に希望を与えた。
His success story gave hope to many young people.
Compound of 立志 (risshi, 'determination' or 'aspiration') and 伝 (den, 'biography' or 'chronicle'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is conventionally used for inspirational life stories.