Japanese

Literature
Contents
Facts about Japan
Japanese Styles
Japanese Literature
Japanese Ceremonies

FACTS ABOUT JAPAN

Nippon -- Land of the Rising Sun

Japan known now as a developed country, which is famous because of its inventions, companies
and arts. Here we are going to reveal some Japanese cultures, and some of their heritage that
have a great effect on their culture.

Japan as a country has a past with its styles in its own tradition, in clothing, building and foods.

Clothing:
 Japanese people used their traditional clothing in the past, now they wear it just in special
occasions.

Yukata for men Kimono for women Zori sandals

JAPANESE STYLES
Buildings & Gardens:

In Japan there are many different buildings and gardens that are a big part of its culture. They
do not actually come from Japan, their ideas come from China.
 JAPANESE LITERATURE
Japanese Literature is one of the major literatures of the world comparable to English
literature in age and variety.

Poems and odes to the Gods were composed in the early Japanese Language before the
art of writing was known in Japan. Only fragments of this Literature have survived, but
these are thought to have been extensive. During the first centuries of writing in Japan,
the spoken language and written language were identical.

The Tale of Genji

Written by Japanese writer Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century, is generally regarded
as the earliest novel in any culture and as the greatest masterpiece of Japanese
literature. In this scene from the novel, Prince Genji is visiting with his favorite wife,
Murasaki, while watching his housemaids, whom he has sent outside to build a snowman.
The novel is remarkable for its detailed depiction of the refined culture of Heian-period
Japan.

In written form from at least the 8th century ad to the present.

One of the oldest and richest national literatures. Since the late 1800s, Japanese writings
have become increasingly familiar abroad.

Genres such as haiku verse, no drama, and the Japanese novel have had a substantial
impact on literature in many parts of the world.
 Writers behind Japanese
Literature

Natsume Soseki
Japanese author
first gained public attention with his Wagahai wa neko de aru (1906; I Am a Cat, 1961)
A generally light-hearted series of observations that a cat makes about humans. Soseki
later published more serious psychological novels.

Tanizaki Junichir
Many of the works of Japanese author focus on male-female relationships.
 He is best known for Tade kuu mushi (1929; Some Prefer Nettles, 1955), about a failing
marriage.

JAPANESE CEREMONIES
 The Tea Ceremony

The Wedding Ceremony

The Birth Ceremony

Death Ceremony
 Festivals and Celebrations
Many festivals and celebrations had its own customs:
Many involved contests that tested athletic, poetic, or artistic skill.
For example, in the Festival of the Snake, cups of wine were floated in a stream. Guests
took a cup and drank from it. Then they had to think up and recite a poem.
The Temple Bell
By: Gonnoske Komai

Oh, how calmly chants

The ancient bell of our Uyeno Temples:

What are these, noiselessly borne hither

By the echoes, sweet and soothing?

Dingdongding

It is a cherry petal or a butterfly,

Or the voiceful spirit of Japans own flower?