11.1 Ihara Saikaku and the development of ukiyo-zōshi

Ihara Saikaku revolutionized Japanese literature in the 17th century. He pioneered ukiyo-zōshi, a genre of prose fiction that portrayed the "floating world" of urban pleasure districts. Saikaku's works featured realistic depictions of everyday life and appealed to a wide audience.

The Genroku period (1688-1704) marked a cultural golden age in Japan. It saw the rise of chōnin (merchant class) literature, including ukiyo-zōshi, and the development of haikai poetry. These art forms reflected the values and experiences of urban commoners.

Ihara Saikaku and Ukiyo-zōshi

Ihara Saikaku's Literary Contributions

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• Ihara Saikaku revolutionized Japanese literature in the 17th century as a pioneering author of ukiyo-zōshi
• Born in 1642 in Osaka, Saikaku initially gained fame as a haikai poet before transitioning to prose writing
• Developed a unique writing style characterized by wit, realism, and keen observations of urban life
• Produced over 20 major works in his lifetime, covering themes of love, commerce, and samurai life
• Saikaku's works often featured characters from the merchant class, reflecting the changing social dynamics of Edo-period Japan

Evolution of Ukiyo-zōshi Genre

• Ukiyo-zōshi emerged as a popular form of prose fiction during the Edo period (1603-1867)
• Term ukiyo-zōshi translates to "books of the floating world," referring to the pleasure-seeking urban culture of the time
• Characterized by realistic portrayals of contemporary life, especially in the entertainment districts
• Written in accessible language, appealing to a wide readership among the growing literate population
• Ukiyo-zōshi often incorporated elements of humor, satire, and erotic content
• Genre evolved from earlier forms of popular literature (kana-zōshi) but focused more on secular themes and everyday life

Kōshoku ichidai otoko and Vernacular Literature

• Kōshoku ichidai otoko (The Life of an Amorous Man) published in 1682, marked Saikaku's debut as a prose writer
• Novel follows the sexual exploits of the protagonist Yonosuke from youth to old age
• Groundbreaking work for its frank depiction of sexuality and its use of colloquial language
• Sparked controversy and popularity, establishing Saikaku as a major literary figure
• Vernacular literature gained prominence during this period, making works accessible to a broader audience
• Use of everyday language in ukiyo-zōshi contributed to the democratization of literature in Japan

Floating World and Genroku Period

Concept and Culture of the Floating World

• Floating world (ukiyo) referred to the urban pleasure districts and associated lifestyle in Edo-period Japan
• Term originally had Buddhist connotations of impermanence but evolved to celebrate the hedonistic pursuit of pleasure
• Centered around entertainment quarters (yūkaku) in major cities (Yoshiwara in Edo, Shimabara in Kyoto, Shinmachi in Osaka)
• Featured teahouses, theaters, brothels, and other establishments catering to urban dwellers' desires
• Geisha, courtesans, and kabuki actors became cultural icons associated with the floating world
• Inspired various art forms including ukiyo-e prints, kabuki theater, and ukiyo-zōshi literature

Characteristics of the Genroku Period

• Genroku period (1688-1704) marked a golden age of culture and arts in early modern Japan
• Named after the Genroku era of the Japanese calendar, coinciding with the reign of Emperor Higashiyama
• Characterized by economic prosperity, urbanization, and the rise of the merchant class (chōnin)
• Saw a flourishing of literature, theater, visual arts, and crafts
• Period of relative peace under Tokugawa shogunate rule, allowing for cultural development
• Witnessed the emergence of distinctive urban cultures in Edo, Kyoto, and Osaka

Chōnin Literature and Haikai Poetry

• Chōnin literature refers to works produced by and for the merchant class during the Edo period
• Reflected the values, interests, and experiences of urban commoners
• Often focused on themes of love, money, and the pleasures of city life
• Included various genres such as ukiyo-zōshi, sharebon (books of wit and fashion), and kibyōshi (illustrated fiction)
• Haikai poetry evolved from earlier forms of linked verse (renga) into a more accessible and playful style
• Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694) elevated haikai to a respected art form during the Genroku period
• Haikai incorporated everyday language and imagery, often with humorous or unconventional juxtapositions
• Popularized the standalone haiku form, which became a significant part of Japanese literary culture