The influence of Buddhism has shaped Japanese literature, setting it apart from other literary traditions influenced by different philosophical and religious beliefs.
Women's writing, including the groundbreaking work of Murasaki Shikibu, has played a significant role in Japanese literature and offers valuable insights into its evolution.
Deep dives
Influence of Buddhism on Japanese Literature
Japanese literature has been deeply influenced by Buddhism, which was imported to Japan in the 6th and 7th centuries. The concept of impermanence and the passing away of all things, inherent in Buddhism, has infused Japanese writing for centuries. This influence sets Japanese literature apart from European and Latin American literatures, which have been shaped by different philosophical and religious influences. The incorporation of Buddhism has created a unique and distinct literary tradition in Japan.
Significance of Women's Writing in Japanese Literature
Women's writing holds great importance in Japanese literature. The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century, is considered by many as the first novel in the world. This tradition of women's writing extends to the modern period. Women writers have made substantial contributions to Japanese literature, and their works continue to be influential. Exploring the literary relationships between women writers and their male and female predecessors provides valuable insights into the evolution of Japanese literature.
In the last episode of Season 6, Alan Tansman introduces Japanese literature, a canon that stretches back 1500 years, and includes writers such as Murasaki Shikibu and Haruki Murakami.
Alan Tansman is Professor and Louis B. Agassiz Chair in Japanese at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of The Writings of Kôda Aya, The Aesthetics of Japanese Fascism, and The Culture of Japanese Fascism, and coeditor of Studies in Modern Japanese Literature.