1.3 Introduction to major literary movements and genres

Modern Japanese literature evolved rapidly, reflecting societal changes. Early 20th century saw the rise of confessional I-novels and proletarian works addressing social issues. Experimental movements like modernism and avant-garde challenged traditional forms.

Post-war literature grappled with war's aftermath and reconstruction. New genres emerged, including neo-confessionalism and magical realism. Contemporary forms like manga and light novels have gained global popularity, showcasing Japan's dynamic literary landscape.

Early 20th Century Movements

Autobiographical and Confessional Literature

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• I-novel (shishōsetsu) emerged as a popular genre in the early 20th century
  • Characterized by a confessional, autobiographical style
  • Often written in the first person, blurring the lines between fiction and reality
  • Explored the inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences of the author
  • Notable examples include Tayama Katai's "Futon" (1907) and Shiga Naoya's "A Dark Night's Passing" (1921-1937)
• Proletarian literature gained prominence in the 1920s and early 1930s
  • Focused on the lives and struggles of the working class and marginalized groups
  • Influenced by Marxist and socialist ideologies
  • Aimed to raise awareness of social and economic inequalities
  • Key authors include Kobayashi Takiji, known for his novel "The Crab Cannery Ship" (1929)

Experimental and Avant-Garde Movements

• Modernism in Japanese literature developed in the early to mid-20th century
  • Characterized by a break from traditional forms and styles
  • Influenced by Western literary movements and philosophies
  • Explored themes of alienation, individualism, and the fragmentation of modern life
  • Writers such as Akutagawa Ryūnosuke and Yokomitsu Riichi were associated with the modernist movement
• Avant-garde movements, such as Dadaism and Surrealism, also influenced Japanese literature
  • Challenged conventional literary forms and embraced experimental techniques
  • Emphasized the irrational, absurd, and subconscious aspects of human experience
  • Poets like Takahashi Shinkichi and Nishiwaki Junzaburō were prominent figures in the Japanese avant-garde scene

Post-war Genres

Literature of the Occupation and Reconstruction

• Post-war literature in Japan grappled with the aftermath of World War II and the Allied Occupation
  • Themes of war guilt, trauma, and the search for identity in a changing society were prevalent
  • Writers such as Dazai Osamu and Mishima Yukio explored the psychological impact of the war and its consequences
  • Works like Dazai's "The Setting Sun" (1947) and Mishima's "Confessions of a Mask" (1949) exemplified this period
• Neo-confessionalism emerged as a post-war literary trend
  • Continued the autobiographical and introspective style of the I-novel
  • Focused on the personal experiences and inner turmoil of the author
  • Often dealt with themes of alienation, existentialism, and the search for meaning in a post-war world
  • Ōe Kenzaburō, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, is a notable neo-confessionalist writer

Magical Realism and Unconventional Narratives

• Magical realism, a genre blending realistic and fantastical elements, gained popularity in post-war Japanese literature
  • Incorporated supernatural or mythical elements into otherwise realistic settings and narratives
  • Explored the intersection of tradition and modernity, reality and imagination
  • Prominent magical realist authors include Abe Kōbō, known for his novel "The Woman in the Dunes" (1962)
  • Murakami Haruki's works, such as "Kafka on the Shore" (2002), also feature magical realist elements

Contemporary Forms

Visual Narratives and Popular Literature

• Manga, Japanese comic books and graphic novels, have become a globally recognized form of contemporary Japanese literature
  • Encompass a wide range of genres, from action and adventure to romance and historical fiction
  • Often serialized in weekly or monthly magazines before being collected into tankobon (standalone volumes)
  • Manga has a significant influence on Japanese popular culture and has gained international acclaim
  • Notable manga artists include Osamu Tezuka, considered the "father of manga," and Naoki Urasawa, known for his psychological thriller series "Monster" (1994-2001)
• Light novels, short novel-length works often accompanied by illustrations, have gained popularity in recent decades
  • Primarily targeted towards a young adult audience, particularly in the fantasy and science fiction genres
  • Characterized by a focus on dialogue, character development, and fast-paced narratives
  • Many light novels are adapted into manga, anime, and live-action series, further expanding their reach
  • Examples of popular light novel series include "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" by Nagaru Tanigawa and "Sword Art Online" by Reki Kawahara