Kokugaku

Definition

Kokugaku, or 'national studies,' refers to a movement in late 18th and early 19th century Japan that sought to promote a revival of Japanese culture and literature, emphasizing native traditions, Shinto beliefs, and classical Japanese texts. This intellectual movement emerged during the Tokugawa shogunate and significantly impacted the cultural landscape by countering Western influences and advocating for the value of Japan's unique cultural identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kokugaku was significantly influenced by earlier scholars like Motoori Norinaga, who emphasized the importance of classical texts like the 'Tale of Genji' and the 'Manyoshu'.
2. The movement sought to contrast Western knowledge and thought with indigenous Japanese beliefs, focusing on Shinto as a central aspect of Japanese cultural identity.
3. Kokugaku scholars often criticized Neo-Confucianism, which had dominated education and philosophy during the Tokugawa period, viewing it as foreign and not representative of true Japanese values.
4. The rise of kokugaku coincided with increased interest in folk traditions and the notion of a national culture that would later influence modern Japanese nationalism.
5. This movement laid the groundwork for subsequent artistic movements and modern literature by inspiring writers to draw upon traditional themes and forms.

Review Questions

• How did kokugaku contribute to the shaping of Japanese cultural identity during the Tokugawa shogunate?
  • Kokugaku played a vital role in shaping Japanese cultural identity by promoting native traditions and emphasizing the significance of classical texts. This movement encouraged scholars to explore and celebrate Japan's rich heritage, particularly Shinto beliefs, contrasting them with Western influences that were becoming more prevalent. By focusing on Japan's unique cultural elements, kokugaku helped cultivate a sense of national pride that resonated throughout society during the Tokugawa period.
• In what ways did kokugaku challenge existing philosophical paradigms such as Neo-Confucianism within the context of Tokugawa governance?
  • Kokugaku presented a strong challenge to Neo-Confucianism by questioning its relevance to Japanese society and advocating for a return to indigenous values. Scholars criticized Neo-Confucian thought as foreign, arguing that it did not align with Japan's unique cultural identity. This challenge led to a re-examination of educational curricula and philosophical discourse during the Tokugawa era, creating space for alternative perspectives rooted in Japan's own traditions.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of kokugaku on modern Japanese literature and national identity formation.
  • The long-term impact of kokugaku on modern Japanese literature is profound, as it laid the foundation for writers to engage with traditional themes while fostering a renewed appreciation for Japan's cultural heritage. By celebrating classical texts and native traditions, kokugaku contributed significantly to the development of a national literary canon. Additionally, this movement influenced modern nationalism by promoting a narrative centered on Japan's unique identity, which continues to shape contemporary understandings of what it means to be Japanese today.

Related terms

Nihonjinron: A discourse on Japanese identity, culture, and uniqueness that often emphasizes the distinct characteristics of the Japanese people.

Confucianism:

A philosophical system based on the teachings of Confucius that influenced social, political, and educational structures in Tokugawa Japan.

Sankin-kotai: The system of alternate attendance that required feudal lords to spend every other year in Edo, fostering cultural exchange and political control during the Tokugawa shogunate.