A Student’s Exploration of the Kibyoshi: An Examination and Appreciation of the Genre of Literature

A Student’s Exploration of the Kibyoshi:

An Examination and Appreciation of the Genre of Literature

Due to the geographic location of Japan and China as well as the association between both cultures, many early works of Japanese literature were heavily influenced by Chinese figures and Chinese culture. Because of this intimate relationship between Japan and China, the majority of Japanese literary works up to the end of the early modern literary period (ending around 1868) was dominated by Chinese cultural references and figures. However during Japan’s opening to the West, this dominance by Chinese literature and culture was reduced as an influx of Western ideals transformed the Japanese literary scene into a fusion of East and West, a fusion that can still be seen today as it permeates a great deal of Japanese popular culture and society.

Though the dominance of Chinese culture and figures in Japanese literature has subsided, the influence it had on early Japanese works can still be observed today as authors still reference this affiliation and allude to the intermingling of the two cultures. From classical texts like The Tale of Genji to more modern volumes like Kin Kin Sensei and Thousand Arms of Goddess, Julienned, Japanese literature not only expanded on traditional Chinese kanji characters but also referenced specific figures and traditions that would come to be incorporated into the overall identity of Japan as a whole. Because of this interrelation between Chinese and Japanese literary works and culture, it is essential for readers to have a firm understanding in order to fully appreciate the works of either culture.

Varying in complexity, gaining sophistication, and establishing its own uniqueness over time,...

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...is age group and socioeconomic class.

References:

1. Kraemer, David, The Intended Reader As a Key to Interpreting the Bavli, Prooftexts, Vol. 13, No. 2 (MAY 1993), pp. 125-140

2. Iwanami Shoten, Kindai Seicho no Taido, Nihon Keizaishi 2 (Signs of Modern Development, Japanese Economic History vol. 2), H. Shimbo & O. Saito, eds, 1989.

3. Oishi, Shinzaburo, Edo Jidai (The Edo Period), Chuko Shinsho no.476, 1977.

4. Saito, Osamu, Proto Kogyoka no Jidai (The Age of Proto-Industrialization), Nihon Hyoronsha, 1985.

5. Simon During, ELH, Vol. 71, No. 2 (Summer, 2004), pp. 313-322

Kibyoshi References:

1. Murasaki Shikibu: Newly Published

2. Kin Kin Sensei

3. Those Familiar Bestsellers

4. Distastefully Dished-Out Jiffy Shanks

Response Papers Used:

1. Response Paper #1

2. Response Paper #2

**Above response papers attached in the email as .jpg files