2.4 Other influential Meiji period authors and their contributions

The Meiji period saw a boom in Japanese literature, with authors like Mori Ogai and Higuchi Ichiyo leading the charge. They blended Western influences with Japanese themes, exploring individualism and women's struggles in a changing society.

Literary movements like Naturalism and Romanticism took root, while new journals and societies emerged. Writers experimented with fresh forms of poetry and prose, pushing boundaries and shaping modern Japanese literature in exciting ways.

Early Meiji Period Authors

Mori Ogai (1862-1922)

• Studied medicine in Germany and introduced Western literature and ideas to Japan through his translations and writings
• Known for his unique writing style that blended Western influences with traditional Japanese themes (Maihime or The Dancing Girl)
• Explored themes of individualism, modernization, and the conflict between traditional Japanese values and Western ideas in his works
• Notable works include The Wild Geese, Vita Sexualis, and The Abe Family

Higuchi Ichiyo (1872-1896)

• One of the first prominent female writers in modern Japanese literature, known for her depictions of the lives of women in the Meiji period
• Wrote short stories and novels that focused on the struggles and hardships faced by women in a rapidly changing society (Takekurabe or Growing Up)
• Her writing style was characterized by its realism, psychological depth, and attention to detail
• Despite her short life, her works had a significant impact on the development of modern Japanese literature and the representation of women in fiction

Futabatei Shimei (1864-1909) and Tsubouchi Shoyo (1859-1935)

• Futabatei Shimei is considered the founder of modern Japanese literature and is known for his novel Ukigumo (Floating Clouds), which marked a departure from traditional literary styles and introduced a more realistic and psychologically complex approach to fiction
• Tsubouchi Shoyo was a literary critic, playwright, and novelist who played a key role in the development of modern Japanese literature
• He wrote the influential essay Shosetsu Shinzui (The Essence of the Novel), which argued for a more realistic and naturalistic approach to fiction and helped shape the direction of Japanese literature in the Meiji period
• Shoyo also founded the literary journal Waseda Bungaku, which became an important platform for the publication and discussion of modern Japanese literature

Literary Movements

Naturalism

• A literary movement that emphasized the objective, scientific observation of human behavior and society, often focusing on the darker aspects of life (poverty, social inequality, and human suffering)
• Influenced by Western writers such as Émile Zola and Guy de Maupassant, Japanese naturalist writers sought to depict reality in a more uncompromising and unvarnished manner
• Key figures in the Japanese naturalist movement include Shimazaki Toson (The Broken Commandment) and Tayama Katai (Futon)

Romanticism and Realism

• Romanticism in Japanese literature emphasized the expression of individual emotions, the celebration of nature, and the exploration of the human psyche
• Writers such as Mori Ogai and Natsume Soseki (Kusamakura or Pillow of Grass) incorporated romantic elements into their works, often blending them with traditional Japanese aesthetics
• Realism, on the other hand, focused on the accurate and objective portrayal of contemporary society, often addressing social issues and the lives of ordinary people
• Realist writers such as Futabatei Shimei and Higuchi Ichiyo sought to create a more authentic and nuanced representation of Meiji-era Japan in their works

Literary Innovations

Rise of literary journals and societies

• The Meiji period saw the emergence of numerous literary journals and societies that played a crucial role in the development and dissemination of modern Japanese literature
• Journals such as Waseda Bungaku, Shigarami Zoshi (The Weir), and Bungakukai (Literary World) provided platforms for writers to publish their works, engage in literary debates, and introduce new ideas and styles
• Literary societies, such as the Kenyusha (Friends of the Inkstone) and the Negishi Tanka Society, brought together writers, critics, and intellectuals to discuss and promote modern literature

Experimentation with new forms of poetry and prose

• Meiji-era writers experimented with new forms of poetry, such as shintaishi (new-style poetry), which broke away from traditional poetic forms and incorporated Western influences
• Poets such as Yosano Akiko (Midaregami or Tangled Hair) and Ishikawa Takuboku (Ichiaku no Suna or A Handful of Sand) pioneered new styles of poetry that expressed personal emotions and experiences in a more direct and colloquial language
• In prose, writers such as Futabatei Shimei and Natsume Soseki experimented with new narrative techniques, such as the use of interior monologue and psychological realism, to create more complex and nuanced characters and stories