All You Need To Know About Japanese Literature

Japanese literature has become a stirring genre among western readers in recent years. Like the UK and France, Japan has a long and rich literary tradition, encompassing prose, poetry, and theater. Japanese literature has been thriving for centuries, from what is widely considered the world’s first novel – Murasaki Shikibu’s The Tale of Genji – to modern writers like Sayaka Murata and Mieko Kawakami.

The appeal of Japanese literature lies in its unique perspective on the world. Japanese writers have a knack for capturing the beauty and mystery of everyday life and the emotional complexity of human relationships. Their works often explore themes of identity, loss, and redemption, offering readers a glimpse into a different way of looking at the world.

Let’s read some unique facts about Japanese literature and why one should Learn Japanese Language.

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Learn Japanese Online With Japanese Literature

Literature can be an excellent resource for those looking to learn Japanese language. It will improve your reading and writing skills and give you a better understanding of Japanese culture because Japanese literature covers a wide range of topics. For example, if you are interested in history, you might read the works of Natsume Soseki, a Meiji-era author. If you are interested in modern fiction, you may choose to read the novels of Haruki Murakami, one of Japan’s most popular contemporary authors. No matter your likes/dislikes, there is sure to be a Japanese literary work that can help you learn more about the language and the culture.

1. Themes In Japanese Literature

Japanese literature is known for its beautiful and intricate storytelling. However, beneath the surface lies a hidden world of themes and complexities. These themes often revolve around loss, isolation, patriarchy, and non-romantic love. One popular thematic style of modern Japanese literature is the Kafkaesque genre, which began with bohemian writer Franz Kafka; Japanese authors have entirely co-opted it.

Many of the best and most popular Japanese authors have been women in recent years. These women have been at the forefront of smashing literary traditions and exploring new themes within their writing. As a result, Japanese literature has become increasingly rich and diverse, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Kafkaesque genre: The Kafkaesque work is characterized by nightmarish settings in which characters are crushed by nonsensical, blind authority. It is often applied to bizarre and impersonal administrative situations where the individual feels powerless.

2. Narratives In Japanese Literature

Japanese literature has always been a source of fascination for westerners. Whether it’s the intricate poetry of Haiku, the elegant prose of Murasaki Shikibu, or the charming fairy tales of Kenji Miyazawa, there is something about Japanese literature that resonates with readers across the globe.

In recent years, this interest has only amplified as more and more people are exposed to Japanese art and culture. Movies such as "Spirited Away" and "Your Name" have introduced a new generation to the unique storytelling style of Japan, and authors like Haruki Murakami have found an eager audience for their work. There is no doubt that Japanese literature has a special appeal to western readers, and it looks set to continue to engage us for many years.

3. Japanese Writers

Natsume Soseki is widely considered to be the father of contemporary Japanese literature. His novel I am a Cat, written in the early 20th century, is seen as a watershed moment for Japanese literature, dealing with heavy themes like the rapid industrialization of Japan.

After World War II, several Japanese authors won the Nobel prize for Literature, including Yukio Mishima, Junichiro Tanizaki, Kenzaburo Oe, and Yasunari Kawabata.

In the 21st century, there was an explosion of new talent from novelists from all walks of life. Many of Japan’s strongest writers are women – writing from a sharply political outlook, such as Aoko Matsuda’s contemporary feminist retellings of Japanese fairy tales or Yu Miri’s attack on 20th-century commercialization.

These writers helped to cement Japan’s reputation as a literary powerhouse, and their work is still hugely popular today.

4. Japanese Novels

Convenience Store Women by Sayaka Murata: In this novel, Sayaka Murata tells the story of a lady who has worked at the same convenience store for eighteen years. The book was an enormous success when it was published in English and offers a unique perspective on the pursuit of happiness.

The protagonist is content with her life working at the store, and she does not feel the need to pursue other opportunities. Instead, she finds fulfillment in her routines and the relationships she has with her co-workers. Murata’s novel challenges readers to rethink their personal growth and happiness expectations. It is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective on a familiar topic.

Where The Wild Ladies Are by Aoko Matsuda: In this novel, Aoko Matsuda puts a feminist spin on classic Japanese tales. She tells the story of Shinto goddesses who abandon their heavenly home to live amongst mortals. They become geishas, samurai warriors, and princesses and use their powers to right the wrongs inflicted upon women by men.

Matsuda’s novel is a charming and beautifully-written update to traditional Japanese folklore, providing an important feminist perspective on these well-known stories. Through her characters, Matsuda offers a powerful critique of the patriarchal values that have long been entrenched in Japanese society. In doing so, she bestowed voice to the many women who have been oppressed by these values. Where The Wild Ladies Are is an important work of fiction that deserves to be read by anyone interested in Japanese culture or feminism.

Learn Japanese Language

Japan is a culturally-rich country, and if you are a fan of Japanese history and literature, you may opt for a Japanese learning program offered by CommuBridge.

Commubridge offers language training, translation and interpretation services online.