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🇯🇵Intro to Modern Japanese Literature

🇯🇵intro to modern japanese literature review

3.1 Characteristics of Taisho period literature and culture

3 min read•Last Updated on August 6, 2024

The Taisho period marked a shift towards democracy and modernization in Japan. Society embraced individualism, Western influences, and urban living. These changes reshaped gender roles, with the emergence of "modern girls" and "modern boys" challenging traditional norms.

Literature reflected these societal shifts. Proletarian writers focused on working-class struggles, while aesthetic modernists experimented with new styles. Cultural pluralism flourished, as Japan opened up to diverse global influences, creating a vibrant intellectual climate.

Societal Changes

Shifting Political and Social Landscape

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  • Taisho Democracy emerged during this period, characterized by a more liberal and democratic society compared to the previous Meiji era
  • Modernization rapidly transformed Japan, with advancements in technology, infrastructure, and education reshaping the nation
  • Urbanization accelerated as people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of new opportunities, leading to the growth of urban centers (Tokyo, Osaka)
  • Individualism gained prominence as people began to prioritize personal growth and self-expression over traditional collectivist values
  • Western influences permeated various aspects of Japanese society, from fashion and architecture to intellectual thought and social norms

Evolving Gender Roles and Expectations

  • The concept of the "modern girl" or moga emerged, representing women who embraced Western fashion, hairstyles, and lifestyles
    • Moga challenged traditional gender roles and expectations by pursuing education, careers, and personal freedom
    • This new archetype of womanhood symbolized the changing status and aspirations of women in Taisho society
  • The "modern boy" or mobo also gained popularity, characterized by their adoption of Western attire, hairstyles, and attitudes
    • Mobo represented a shift in masculinity, with a greater emphasis on individualism, consumerism, and rebellion against societal norms
    • Both moga and mobo reflected the growing influence of Western culture and the desire for personal expression and liberation

Literary Movements

Proletarian Literature

  • Proletarian literature emerged as a significant literary movement during the Taisho period, focusing on the lives and struggles of the working class
  • Writers such as Kobayashi Takiji and Nakano Shigeharu used their works to critique social inequality, exploitation, and the capitalist system
  • Proletarian literature aimed to raise awareness about the plight of the proletariat and advocate for social and political change
  • This movement was influenced by Marxist ideas and the growing labor movement in Japan, reflecting the increasing political consciousness of the time

Aesthetic Modernism

  • Aesthetic modernism developed as a literary movement that emphasized the importance of artistic expression and experimentation
  • Writers such as Akutagawa Ryunosuke and Tanizaki Jun'ichiro explored new literary techniques, styles, and themes that departed from traditional forms
  • Aesthetic modernists sought to capture the complexities of the modern human experience, often delving into the psychological depths of their characters
  • This movement was influenced by Western literary trends, such as symbolism and stream-of-consciousness, and contributed to the diversification of Japanese literature

Cultural Pluralism

  • The Taisho period witnessed a growing interest in cultural pluralism, as Japanese society became more open to diverse ideas and influences from around the world
  • Intellectuals and artists engaged with a wide range of philosophical, artistic, and literary movements from the West, such as existentialism, surrealism, and Dadaism
  • This cultural pluralism fostered a vibrant and eclectic intellectual climate, with debates and discussions on various social, political, and artistic issues
  • The embrace of cultural diversity and openness to new ideas characterized the Taisho period and contributed to the richness of its cultural landscape