3.3 The development and popularity of short fiction in Japan

The Taisho period saw the rise of tanpen shosetsu, or short fiction, in Japan. This new form allowed writers to experiment with themes and styles, capturing single moments or emotions in concise narratives. Literary magazines played a crucial role in popularizing these stories.

Short fiction thrived through serialization and literary circles called bundan. The Shinkankakuha movement explored modern sensibilities, while the I-novel blurred fiction and reality. Literary prizes like the Akutagawa Prize helped canonize short fiction as a respected art form.

Development of Short Fiction

Rise of the Tanpen Shosetsu

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• Tanpen shosetsu, Japanese short stories or short fiction, emerged as a distinct literary form in the Taisho period
• Characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling, tanpen shosetsu allowed writers to experiment with new themes and styles
• Tanpen shosetsu often focused on capturing a single moment, event, or emotion, rather than a full narrative arc
• The compact nature of tanpen shosetsu made them well-suited for publication in literary magazines and journals

Literary Magazines as Platforms for Short Fiction

• Literary magazines played a crucial role in the development and dissemination of tanpen shosetsu
• Magazines such as Shinshichō and Bungeishunjū provided a platform for writers to publish their short stories and reach a wider audience
• These magazines often featured a mix of established and emerging writers, fostering a vibrant literary community
• Literary magazines also served as a testing ground for new ideas and styles, encouraging experimentation and innovation in short fiction

Serialization of Short Fiction

• Serialization, the practice of publishing a story in installments over multiple issues of a magazine, became a popular format for tanpen shosetsu
• Serialization allowed writers to develop longer, more complex stories while still maintaining the concise nature of short fiction
• Readers eagerly anticipated each new installment, creating a sense of anticipation and engagement with the stories
• Serialization also provided writers with a steady income and a dedicated readership, contributing to the professionalization of the literary field

Literary Circles and Movements

The Influence of Bundan

• Bundan, literary circles or coteries, played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of the Taisho period
• These groups of writers, critics, and intellectuals gathered to discuss literature, share their work, and engage in debates
• Bundan often had their own literary magazines or journals, which served as outlets for their ideas and writings
• Membership in a prominent bundan could greatly influence a writer's career and reputation, providing access to networks and opportunities

Shinkankakuha and the Exploration of New Sensibilities

• Shinkankakuha, or the New Sensationalist School, emerged as a influential literary movement in the Taisho period
• Writers associated with Shinkankakuha sought to capture the modern, urban experience through a focus on sensory impressions and psychological states
• They rejected traditional literary forms and conventions in favor of a more subjective and impressionistic style
• Shinkankakuha writers, such as Yokomitsu Riichi and Kawabata Yasunari, experimented with stream-of-consciousness techniques and fragmented narratives to convey the complexities of modern life

Popularity and Recognition

The Rise of the I-Novel

• The I-novel, or shishōsetsu, became a popular form of short fiction in the Taisho period
• I-novels were often autobiographical or semi-autobiographical, blurring the lines between fiction and reality
• Writers used the I-novel to explore personal experiences, emotions, and psychological states, often in a confessional or introspective manner
• The I-novel resonated with readers who were grappling with the challenges and uncertainties of modern life, contributing to its popularity

Literary Prizes and the Canonization of Short Fiction

• Literary prizes played a significant role in recognizing and promoting short fiction in the Taisho period
• The Akutagawa Prize, established in 1935 in honor of writer Akutagawa Ryunosuke, became one of the most prestigious awards for short fiction
• Other prizes, such as the Naoki Prize and the Bungakukai Prize, also recognized outstanding achievements in short fiction
• Winning a literary prize could launch a writer's career, bringing them critical acclaim, readership, and opportunities for further publication
• The establishment of these prizes helped to canonize short fiction as a legitimate and valued form of literature in Japan