Japanese Lit.
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Title: Japanese Literature Presentation
Authors: Allyzha Balisalisa, Kobe Angelito, John Andrie Dela Cruz
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Contents:
Facts About Japan
Japanese Styles
Japanese Writing System
Japanese Literature
Japanese Drama and Art
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Facts About Japan:
Japan is a developed country known for its inventions, companies, and arts.
Exploration of Japanese cultures and heritage significantly influences their societal values.
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Japanese Styles:
Japan's traditional styles encompass clothing, architecture, and cuisine.
Traditional clothing is now primarily worn during special occasions.
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Traditional Clothing:
Yukata: Worn by men.
Kimono: Worn by women.
Zori: Traditional sandals worn with Kimono.
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Writing System:
KANJI: Ideographs derived from Chinese characters.
KANA: Comprised of two syllabaries:
Hiragana: Represents native Japanese words.
Katakana: Used for foreign words and sometimes for emphasis.
Furigana: Smaller syllable signs that aid pronunciation.
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Japanese Literature:
A major part of Oriental Literature, spanning from the 5th century A.D. to present.
Early works consisted of poems and odes to the Gods before writing was developed.
Surviving fragments indicate an extensive range of literature.
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Classical and Heian Period (700-1185)
Significance of this period in Japanese literature and art.
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Heian Period (700-1185):
Known as the Golden Era of Japanese art and literature.
Murasaki Shikibu: Author of the Tale of Genji.
Sei Shonagon: Wrote Makura no soshi (The Pillow Book), a collection of essays and observations.
Development of psychological portrayals in writing.
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Medieval Literature:
Civil wars led to a warrior class and the emergence of war tales and histories.
Notable themes include life, death, and the practice of Seppuku.
Tale of the Heike: Epic account of clan struggles in 12th century Japan.
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The Edo Era/Tokugawa Period (1185-1868)
Transition of the capital from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo).
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The Edo Era:
Continued scholarly work published in Chinese, much like Latin in Europe.
Chikamatsu Monzaemon: Kabuki dramatist known as Japan's Shakespeare.
Rise in literacy led to the debut of various genres.
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Meiji Period:
Reopening of Japan to Western influences and rapid industrialization.
European literature introduced free verse and new intellectual themes.
Japanese writers explored diverse artistic concepts during this period.
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Meiji Period Continued:
War-time literature introduced themes of language beauty and love.
Kawabata Yasunari: First Japanese Nobel Prize winner for Literature known for expressive narratives.
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Writers Behind Japanese Literature:
Tanizaki Jun'ichirō: Focused on male-female relationships.
Known for Some Prefer Nettles and I Am a Cat.
His works mix humor with serious psychological elements.
Natsume Soseki: Also pioneered serious psychological narratives.
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Post-War Contemporary:
Literature reflective of World War II's influence—feelings of disaffection and purpose loss.
Prominent 1970s and 80s writers tackled social and political consciousness.
Genre focused on emotional issues over plot development.
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Japanese Drama:
Noh: National theatre reserved for nobility, believed to be divine in origin.
Joruri: Puppet theatre with lifelike dolls.
Kabuki: More accessible and sensational dramas for the masses.
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Japanese Art:
Jomon Art: Known for cord-markings on pottery.
Yayoi Art: Characterized by smoother pottery forms.
Kofun Art: Influenced by Yayoi culture featuring megalithic tombs.
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Japanese Poetry:
Tanka: A five-line poem with a 5-7-5-7-7 structure.
Haiku: A three-line poem with a 5-7-5 syllable count.
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Conclusion:
Japanese literature showcases rich cultural heritage and literary adaptability.
From The Tale of Genji to modern authors, it emphasizes deep human emotions and societal changes.
Resonates across cultures and maintains global literary significance.
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Thank You:
Acknowledgment for engaging with Japanese literature.