Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University

Mid La Union Campus

City of San Fernando, La Union
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Bachelor of Secondary Education
Group Number
Group Members:
Leader: Magalong, Kristine Ariane N.
Bigay, Hannah Louisse M.
Opinaldo, Claire Angelica G.
Lagasca, Sandara G.

Topic: The Literature of Japan

Introduction
Facts about Japan
● Prince Shōtoku (574–622) left a lasting impact on Japan's history. In 608, he
sent a letter to the Chinese Emperor Yang of the Sui dynasty, addressing him
with the phrase: "The Son of Heaven in the land where the sun rises sends a
letter to the Son of Heaven in the land where the sun sets." This marked the
first use of the term Nihon or Nippon, meaning "origin of the sun" or "land of
the rising sun," which the Japanese have used to refer to their country for
over 1,400 years.
● Japan is bordered to the west by the Sea of Japan (East Sea), which
separates it from the Korean Peninsula and southeastern Siberia. The
country consists of four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and
Kyushu. Honshu, the largest, is followed in size by Hokkaido, Kyushu, and
Shikoku. In addition to these, smaller island groups include the Ryukyu
(Nansei) Islands, including Okinawa, located south and west of Kyushu, and
the Izu, Bonin (Ogasawara), and Volcano (Kazan) islands, situated south and
east of Honshu. Tokyo, located in east-central Honshu, is the nation's capital
and one of the world's most populous cities.
● Japan's religious tradition consists of several key elements, including Shinto,
the country's oldest religion, as well as Buddhism and Confucianism.
Christianity, on the other hand, has remained a relatively minor influence in
Japan.
● The Japanese landscape is rugged, with more than four-fifths of the land
surface consisting of mountains. There are many active and dormant
volcanoes, including Mount Fuji (Fuji-san).
● World’s most economically and technologically advanced societies followed
by Korea.
● Humans have lived in Japan for tens of thousands of years, though its
recorded history begins around the 1st century BCE, with references in
Chinese records. Early contact with China and Korea in the first few centuries
CE introduced significant changes to Japan, including the adoption of the
Chinese writing system, the spread of Buddhism, and various artistic forms
from the mainland.
● Kojiki (“Records of Ancient Matters”) oldest written record written during the
8th century.
● Writing was introduced to Japan from China in the 5th century through the
Korean peninsula. The earliest surviving texts are the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki,
historical records completed in the early 8th century. In the 11th century,
during the Heian Period, Japan produced the world's first novel, The Tale of
Genji.
● One of the earlier written collections of Japanese is the Man’yōshū or the
Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves, which was compiled after 759. It is an
 anthology of Japanese verse; the Tosa nikki (The Tosa Diary); and the Genji
monogatari (The Tale of Genji)
● Murasaki Shikibu was born 978 and died 1014 in Kyōto, Japan was a
Japanese writer and lady-in-waiting who was the author of the Genji
monogatari (The Tale of Genji), generally considered the greatest work of
Japanese literature and thought to be the world’s oldest full novel. The
author’s real name is unknown; it is conjectured that she acquired the
sobriquet of Murasaki from the name of the heroine of her novel, and the
name Shikibu reflects her father’s position at the Bureau of Rites

Body
Japanese drama
● is a beloved form of entertainment, emphasizing its popularity among both locals
and tourists. It highlights that performances are often centered around history,
tradition, gods, and heroes, with a focus on Japanese themes and settings.
● These performances are lengthy, lasting a full day, and spectators are expected to
bring their own food. This unique aspect further underscores the cultural
significance and immersive nature of Japanese drama.
Types of drama:
● Noh: This national theater of Japan is known for its masked performers and
its unique sound created by the dancer's feet. It was historically reserved for
the nobility, adding to its prestige and cultural significance.
● Puppet Play (Bunraku): This form of puppet theater is popular for its
beautifully crafted puppets and realistic dialogue, with three types of
performers: puppeteers, chanters, and shamisen players.
● Kabuki: This more accessible type of drama is known for its focus on
historical events, moral conflicts, and relationships, using traditional
language and instruments.
Poetry
Tanka
● A five-line, 31-syllable poem that has historically been the basic form of Japanese
poetry. The term tanka is synonymous with the term “waka”, which more broadly
denotes all traditional Japanese poetry in classical forms.

Haiku
Origins and Development:
● 17th Century: Haiku emerged in the 17th century as a concise response to
elaborate poetic traditions. It evolved from the “hokku”, the opening three
lines of a longer poem called “tanka”.
● Term Origin: The term "haiku" derives from the words “haikai” (a humorous
form of “renga”, linked verse) and “hokku”.
● Early Function: The “hokku” served as the initial stanza of a “renga”,
setting the tone and often mentioning the season, time of day, and
landscape features.
● Independent Form: By the 19th century, the “hokku” became known as
“haiku”, a standalone form of poetry.
Structure and Content:
● Syllable Structure: Haiku consists of 17 syllables arranged in three lines: 5,
7, and 5.
● Traditional Subject: Traditionally, haiku focused on capturing emotionally
suggestive moments of insight into natural phenomena.
● Expanded Subjects: After the 19th century, haiku subjects expanded
beyond nature to encompass a wider range of themes.
Modern Popularity:
● Early 20th Century: Haiku gained mainstream recognition outside Japan.
● Post-World War II: The form's popularity expanded significantly, with haiku
being written in various languages.
Key features:
● Matsuo Bashō: Widely considered the most influential haiku poet, he
elevated the form to a refined art in the 17th century.
● Buson, Issa, Masaoka Shiki, Takahama Kyoshi, Kawahigashi
Hekigotō: Other prominent haiku masters who contributed to the form's
evolution.

Renga
 ● is a genre of Japanese linked-verse poetry where two or more poets contribute
alternating sections to a single poem.
Origins and development
● Origins: Renga originated as a collaborative composition of a tanka (a five-
line poem) by two people, a popular pastime since ancient times.
● Early Form: The first imperial anthology to include renga was the Kin’yō-shū
(c. 1125), featuring tanka composed by two poets. The first poet often
provided obscure details to challenge the second poet's ability to complete
the poem.
● 15th century: Renga evolved into two distinct forms: ushin renga (serious
renga) following court poetry conventions and mushin renga (comic renga)
or haikai (comic renga), which broke conventions.
Structure and Content:
● Structure: A renga typically consisted of 100 verses, with variations, linked
by verbal and thematic associations.
● Subject: Thematic elements of renga are perhaps most crucial to the
poem’s success. The language is often pastoral, incorporating words and
images associated with seasons, nature, and love.
Notable Example:
● The Minase sangin hyakuin(1488), composed by Iio Sōgi, Shōhaku, and
Sōchō, is a renowned example of renga.
Key Features:
● Lio Sōgi: a Buddhist monk and the greatest master of renga (linked verse),
the supreme Japanese poet of his age.

Kakinomoto Hitomaro(died 708, Japan)

● is revered as Japan's first great literary figure. Little is known about his personal
life, but his poems in tanka and chōka are celebrated in the "Man’yōshū"
anthology. Hitomaro's poems, including 61 tanka and 16 chōka, showcase his deep
personal lyricism and profound humanity. His works reflect a blend of traditional
and innovative poetic elements. Hitomaro's poetic legacy endures through
emotionally resonant works that capture personal loss, nature's beauty, and
human experiences, establishing him as a seminal figure in Japanese literature.

Tosa Nikki(Kagero Nikki)

● Tsurayuki uses the persona of a woman while writing Tosa Nikki, making use of
hiragana which is a script that was predominantly used by women during that
period.
● Tosa Nikki is regarded as the earliest known example of a literary diary in Japan.
After Tosa Nikki was written, the following Heian period diarists who wrote in
Japanese were court ladies.
● Tosa Nikki, written by Ki no Tsurayuki in 935, is a poetic documentation of a sea
voyage narrating the author’s return from Tosa Province to the capital, Heian-kyō
(Kyoto), over a span of 55 days. Although men of the time typically wrote their
diaries in Chinese, Tsurayuki chose to write in Japanese and attributed the diary’s
authorship to a woman in the governor's entourage, likely to align with the literary
conventions of the time. The diary's poignancy is heightened by subtle, recurring
references to the death of Tsurayuki’s daughter in Tosa, making the work deeply
moving.

Conclusion
Tale of Genji or Genji Morogatory(Suematsu Translation)
● 3 minute video clip: Summary of the Story The Tale of Genji
● Unlocking difficult words
○ Concubine: A woman who lives with a man but has a lower status than his
wife or wives.
○ Prophecy: A prediction of what will happen in the future.
○ Heir: A person legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that
person's death.
○ Exiled: To be banished or forced to leave one's country or home.
○ Solace: Comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.
○ Abdication: The act of renouncing or relinquishing a throne, power, or
responsibility.
● Characters
 ○ Prince Genji: The protagonist, a charming and talented young man, skilled
in poetry, music, and dance, who faces jealousy and navigates impulsive
decisions in love.
○ KiriTsubo: Genji's mother and the Emperor's lover, who faces jealousy and
meets a tragic end in the story.
○ Fujitsubo: Genji’s stepmother, a high-ranking lady at court who becomes
his lover.
○ Lady Rokujo: A noble widow who becomes Genji’s lover and later his rival
for Murasaki’s affections.
○ Murasaki: A young girl whom Genji takes under his wing and eventually
marries.
○ Kaoru: Genji’s illegitimate son, a talented poet and musician.
○ Niou: Genji’s reputed son, a handsome and charming young man.
● Other Important characters:
○ Emperor: The ruler of Japan during the Heian period, the father of Genji
○ Prince Yujiro: The emperor’s son and Genji’s half brother.
○ Lady Akiko: A beautiful and virtuous woman who becomes Kaoru’s lover.
○ Lady Tamakazura: A talented poet and musician who becomes Nious lover.

● Themes
○ Love and Relationships: The novel delves into the complexities of love,
desire, and relationships within the confines of a strict social hierarchy.
Genji's pursuit of various women, his struggles with his own desires, and the
consequences of his actions highlight the intricacies of romantic
entanglements.
○ Personal growth and maturity: Genji's journey is also a story about
personal growth and learning from mistakes, as he grapples with the
consequences of his actions and seeks meaning in a world of impermanence.
○ Power and status: The novel explores the dynamics of power within the
Heian court, how social standing influences individuals' lives, and the
consequences of seeking status and influence.
● Symbolism
○ Nature - often used to convey emotions and life cycles. The characters' lives
are linked with seasonal changes, lunar cycles, and natural imagery like
flowers and dew. This reflects the Buddhist and Shinto appreciation of nature
and the impermanence of life (mujō), emphasizing the fleeting beauty of
human existence
○ Substitution - is another important theme tied to symbolism, where male
characters, particularly Genji, seek out women who resemble lost or
unattainable loves. This constant pursuit reflects the Heian ideal of beauty
and the emotional complexity of love in aristocratic society
○ Jealousy manifests symbolically through spirit possession, a reflection of the
internalized emotions of women in the polygynous society. The supernatural
elements, such as these possessions and omens, symbolize the unseen
forces driving human fate and relationships
● Point of View
○ Third-Person Limited: The novel is narrated from a third-person
perspective, but the focus primarily remains on Genji's thoughts, feelings,
and experiences. This allows for a deeper understanding of his motivations
and complexities while also offering glimpses into the perspectives of other
characters.
○ Subjective Lens: The narrator, though not explicitly identified, is often
assumed to be Murasaki Shikibu herself, drawing on her own experiences as
a lady-in-waiting at the Heian court. This subjective perspective adds a layer
of intimacy and realism to the narrative.
● Plot
○ Exposition: The story begins with the emperor falling in love with a
beautiful woman, Lady Kiritsubo, who gives birth to their son, Hikaru Genji.
Due to his mother’s low rank, Genji is not considered a legitimate heir to the
throne and is thus given the non-empirical title of Minamoto. Despite his
 status, Genji is well loved for his unparalleled beauty, musical talent, and
poetic genius, which often attract women and cause complex relationships.

○ Rising Action: The narrative follows Genji through numerous romantic

entanglements. His affairs include those with his stepmother Fujitsubo, a
high-ranking lady at court, Lady Rokujo, a noble widow, and Murasaki, a
young girl he takes under his wing and eventually marries. His passion for
women combined with his status and charisma sets the stage for
multifaceted exploration of love and its consequences.

(Parallel to Genji’s personal saga is the story’s intricate depiction of court

politics and etiquette. The intrigues, machinations, and the influence of the
women behind the scenes are portrayed in detail. These add further layers of
complexity to Genji’s relationships and fortunes, often contributing to his
joys and sorrows.)

○ Climax: Genji’s life takes a turn after his indiscretions lead to a scandal,
resulting in his temporary exile from the court. It is during this period of
reflection that Genji comes to terms with the transience of worldly pleasures
and the importance of spiritual pursuits.
○ Falling Action: Upon his return, Genji reconnects with past loves, supports
Princess Hitachi, and cares for the daughter of Lady of Rojukū. His half-
brother's abdication leads to the young Emperor's marriage proposal, with a
painting competition determining the favorable match.
○ Resolution: Genji wins the painting competition, securing a successful
match for the young Emperor. The story ends with Genji contemplating his
future and the possibility of retirement from court life.
● Reflection and Insight
○ Genji's pursuit of love and power in "The Tale of Genji" reflects the timeless
human struggles for fulfillment and recognition. His relentless pursuit of
romance mirrors the complexities of modern relationships, while his ambition
for influence reflects the modern struggle for success in a competitive world.
Ultimately, Genji's story highlights the universal dilemma of balancing
personal desires with societal expectations, speaking to the enduring human
search for love, power, and meaning in a complex world.

Literature Cited
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https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kakinomoto-Hitomaro
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1999, June 17). Renga | Haiku, Poetry,
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