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🇯🇵Intro to Modern Japanese Literature

🇯🇵intro to modern japanese literature review

9.2 Major poets and poetic movements in modern Japanese literature

4 min read•Last Updated on August 6, 2024

Modern Japanese poetry evolved dramatically from the Meiji era to the post-war period. Poets like Masaoka Shiki and Yosano Akiko revitalized traditional forms, while others embraced Western influences and free verse. This shift reflected Japan's rapid modernization and changing cultural landscape.

The post-war era saw further diversification in Japanese poetry. Poets like Tanikawa Shuntaro explored everyday experiences, while others grappled with war's aftermath and social change. Western movements like symbolism and surrealism also left their mark, inspiring new forms of expression in Japanese verse.

Meiji and Taisho Era Poets

Masaoka Shiki and Yosano Akiko

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Top images from around the web for Masaoka Shiki and Yosano Akiko

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  • Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902) known for revitalizing haiku and tanka poetry in the modern era
    • Emphasized shasei (sketching from life) as a key principle in haiku composition
    • Founded the magazine Hototogisu to promote his ideas about haiku reform
  • Yosano Akiko (1878-1942) celebrated for her passionate and bold tanka poetry
    • Her collection Midaregami (Tangled Hair) challenged traditional notions of femininity and explored themes of love, desire, and independence
    • Played a significant role in the development of modern tanka poetry and women's literature in Japan

Takamura Kotaro and Hagiwara Sakutaro

  • Takamura Kotaro (1883-1956) recognized as a pioneer of modern Japanese poetry
    • His collection Dotei (Journey) marked a departure from traditional forms and embraced free verse
    • Explored themes of individualism, nature, and the human condition in his poetry
  • Hagiwara Sakutaro (1886-1942) considered one of the founders of modern Japanese poetry
    • His groundbreaking collection Tsuki ni Hoeru (Howling at the Moon) introduced avant-garde and experimental techniques to Japanese poetry
    • Utilized free verse, unconventional imagery, and abstract concepts to express his inner world and the anxieties of modern life

Post-war Poetry

Tanikawa Shuntaro and the Postwar Poetic Landscape

  • Tanikawa Shuntaro (1931- ) emerged as a prominent figure in post-war Japanese poetry
    • Known for his accessible, conversational style and ability to capture the everyday experiences of ordinary people
    • His poetry often incorporates humor, wordplay, and a sense of lightness while addressing deeper themes
    • Has published numerous collections and remains an influential presence in contemporary Japanese literature
  • Post-war poetry in Japan witnessed a diversification of styles, themes, and voices
    • Poets grappled with the aftermath of World War II, social change, and existential questions
    • Experimentation with form, language, and subject matter became more prevalent
    • Women poets gained greater recognition and challenged traditional gender roles through their work (Ishigaki Rin, Itō Hiromi)

Gendaishi: The Rise of Modern Poetry

  • Gendaishi (modern poetry) emerged as a distinct movement in the post-war era
    • Characterized by a break from traditional forms and a focus on free verse
    • Poets sought to express the complexities of modern life, individual experiences, and social issues
    • Gendaishi encompassed a wide range of styles, from the surreal to the confessional
  • Notable gendaishi poets include:
    • Tamura Ryuichi (1923-1998) known for his avant-garde and politically engaged poetry
    • Yoshioka Minoru (1919-1990) explored themes of alienation and the search for meaning in modern society
    • Irisawa Yasuo (1931-2018) combined elements of surrealism and existentialism in his work

Western Influences

Shintaishi Movement and Symbolism

  • The Shintaishi (New Style Poetry) movement emerged in the late 19th century
    • Poets sought to modernize Japanese poetry by incorporating Western forms and themes
    • Shintaishi poets experimented with longer lines, stanzaic patterns, and rhyme schemes inspired by Western poetry
    • Key figures include Toyama Masakazu, Yosano Tekkan, and Mori Ōgai
  • Symbolism, a literary movement that originated in France, influenced Japanese poets in the early 20th century
    • Symbolist poets used symbols and metaphors to evoke moods, emotions, and abstract ideas
    • Japanese poets adapted symbolist techniques to explore the inner world and the mysteries of existence
    • Kitahara Hakushū and Kinoshita Mokutarō were notable Japanese poets influenced by symbolism

The Impact of Surrealism

  • Surrealism, an artistic and literary movement that emphasized the irrational and the subconscious, had a significant impact on Japanese poetry
    • Surrealist techniques such as automatic writing, dream imagery, and juxtaposition were adopted by Japanese poets
    • Surrealism allowed poets to break free from logical constraints and explore the depths of the human psyche
    • Nishiwaki Junzaburō and Takiguchi Shūzō were key figures in introducing surrealist ideas to Japanese poetry
  • The influence of surrealism can be seen in the works of poets such as Yoshioka Minoru and Irisawa Yasuo
    • These poets incorporated surrealist elements to create startling images and challenge conventional perceptions of reality
    • Surrealism contributed to the experimental and avant-garde spirit of modern Japanese poetry