6.2 Themes of tradition, modernity, and nationalism in Mishima's works

Mishima Yukio's works grapple with the clash between tradition and modernity in post-war Japan. His novels and plays explore themes of cultural identity, nationalism, and the impact of Western influence on Japanese society.

Mishima's characters often embody the struggle between traditional values like bushido and emperor worship, and modern nihilism. His writing reflects his own complex relationship with Japan's changing cultural landscape and his ultimate rejection of Westernization.

Traditional Japanese Values

Bushido and Emperor Worship

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• Bushido, the code of the samurai, emphasizes loyalty, self-discipline, and honor
  • Influences Mishima's ideals of masculinity and traditionalism
  • Portrayed in works like "Patriotism" (1961) and "The Way of the Samurai" (1967)
• Emperor worship, the belief in the divine status of the Japanese emperor
  • Central to Mishima's nationalist ideology and reverence for traditional authority
  • Depicted in his play "My Friend Hitler" (1968) and his failed coup attempt in 1970

Cultural Identity and Traditionalism

• Cultural identity, the sense of belonging to and pride in Japanese culture and traditions
  • Mishima advocates for preserving and celebrating Japan's unique cultural heritage
  • Evident in his use of classical Japanese literary forms and themes (Noh theater, kabuki)
• Traditionalism, the adherence to and veneration of traditional values and practices
  • Contrasted with modernism and Westernization in Mishima's works
  • Embodied in characters who resist change and uphold traditional roles (Reiko in "The Sound of Waves")

Modernization and Western Influence

Westernization and Cultural Identity

• Westernization, the adoption of Western culture, technology, and values in Japan
  • Mishima critiques the erosion of Japanese identity and traditions due to Western influence
  • Exemplified by the Westernized characters in "Forbidden Colors" (1951) and "The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea" (1963)
• Cultural identity, the tension between preserving Japanese traditions and embracing modernity
  • Mishima explores the psychological and social consequences of this conflict
  • Characters struggle with reconciling their Japanese roots with Western influences (Noboru in "The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea")

Nihilism and Traditionalism vs. Modernism

• Nihilism, the rejection of traditional values and belief in the meaninglessness of existence
  • Mishima portrays nihilistic characters disillusioned with modern society and seeking extreme experiences
  • Evident in the protagonist's destructive desires in "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion" (1956)
• Traditionalism vs. modernism, the clash between upholding traditional values and embracing modern ideas
  • Mishima's works often depict this tension and its impact on individuals and society
  • Represented by the generational conflicts in "The Sound of Waves" (1954) and "After the Banquet" (1960)

Ideology and Philosophy

Nationalism and Emperor Worship

• Nationalism, the strong identification with and loyalty to the Japanese nation and its interests
  • Mishima's fervent nationalism drives his political activism and literary themes
  • Expressed in his essays "In Defense of Culture" (1968) and his failed coup attempt
• Emperor worship, the belief in the emperor as a divine symbol of Japanese identity and tradition
  • Mishima's reverence for the emperor underlies his nationalist ideology and actions
  • Portrayed in his play "My Friend Hitler" and his ritual suicide following the failed coup

Bushido and Nihilism

• Bushido, the samurai code emphasizing loyalty, self-discipline, and honorable death
  • Mishima draws on bushido to construct his ideals of masculinity, patriotism, and self-sacrifice
  • Embodied by the lieutenant's ritual suicide in "Patriotism" and Mishima's own seppuku
• Nihilism, the rejection of meaning and values in modern society
  • Mishima's characters often confront nihilistic despair and seek extreme experiences as a response
  • Depicted in the protagonist's destructive obsession in "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion" and the gang's violent acts in "The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea"