ST.
MARY’S COLLEGE OF TAGUM, INC
TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Quality Transformative Ignacian Marian Education
Survey of Afro Asian LIterature
THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN: JAPAN
I. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
 Japan is often referred to as the "Land
of the Rising Sun, its geographical
location in the easternmost part of Asia.
 The term originates from the country's
name in Japanese, "Nihon" or "Nippon,
" which means origin of the sun or sun's
origin.
 Over time, Japan's indigenous culture
developed, influenced by waves of
migration from mainland Asia,
particularly from China and Korea.
JAPAN’S ERAS
1. Ancient Japan (Prehistory to 710 CE)
2. Classical Japan (710-1185)
3. Feudal Japan (1185-1868)
4. Modern Japan (1868-present)
ANCIENT JAPAN
(PREHISTORY TO 710 CE)
 Prehistoric Japan saw th development
of the Jomon culture, characterized by
pottery and hunter-gatherer societies.
 Jomon culture - It is known for its
distinctive pottery, which is among the
oldest in the world.
 The term "Jomon" means "cord-
marked" in Japanese, referring to the
characteristic rope-like patterns found
on many of their pottery vessels.
A. YAYOI PERIOD
(CIRCA 300 BCE TO 300 CE)
 Introduced rice cultivation, metallurgical
works, and the establishment of social
hierarchy.
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 Oral Tradition
 This shift from a primarily hunter-
gatherer society to one based on
agriculture had profound impacts on
Japanese society, economy, and
culture.
B. KOFUN PERIOD
(CIRCA 250 TO 710 CE)
 Saw the emergence of centralized
political authority, as well as the
introduction of Buddhism and Chinese
culture
 Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of
Japan)- Japanese history and covers
the Kofun period extensively, including
the Yamato dynasty.
 The Kofun period saw the rise of
powerful clans and the establishment of
centralized political authority under a
system known as the Yamato state
 The Yamato clan, centered in the
region of modern-day Nara Prefecture,
gradually extended its influence over
surrounding areas, eventually
becoming the dominant political entity
in Japan.
 Buddhism was introduced to Japan
during the Kofun period, primarily
through contact with the Korean
kingdom of Baekje.
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CLASSICAL JAPAN FEUDAL JAPAN

(710-1185) (1185-1868)

 2 Classical periods  Has 4 prominent periods

A. NARA PERIOD A. KAMAKURA PERIOD

(710-794) (1185-1333)

 Saw the establishment of a centralized
government with the capital in Nara and
the adoption of Chinese governmental
and cultural practices.
 Several historical chronicles were
created such as the “Kojiki” and the
“Nihon Shoki” during this period.
 Emperor Shomu and his advisors
implemented the Ritsuryo system, a
centralized bureaucratic system
modeled after Chinese governance
 Saw the rise of the samurai class and
the establishment of the Kamakura
shogunate.
 The Tale of the Heike - struggle for
power between the Taira and Minamoto
clans
 The Kamakura period began with the
establishment of the Kamakura
shogunate by Minamoto no Yoritomo
after his victory in the Genpei War, 5
YEARS (1180-1185).

 This system included a complex  The Kamakura shogunate refers to the

hierarchy of government officials, military government established in
taxation systems, and legal codes. Japan in 1185 by Minamoto no
Yoritomo

B. HEIAN PERIOD B. MUROMACHI PERIOD

(794-1185) (1336-1573)

 Marked a flourishing of arts and culture,  Witnessed the Ashikaga shogunate,

particularly in literature with the creation marked by civil war and the spread of
of classic works like “The Tale of Zen Buddhism.
Genji."
 Onin War ( 1467- 1477)
 "The Tale of Genji" (Genji
Monogatari) by Lady Murasaki  Hōjōki (The Ten Foot Square Hut) by
Shikibu. This masterpiece is Kamo no Chōmei- reflective essay
considered one of the world's first depicts the impermanence of life
novels and showcases the
sophisticated court life and intricate  The Ashikaga shogunate, also known
relationships of the period. as the Muromachi shogunate, was a
military government that ruled Japan
from 1336 to 1573.

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Survey of Afro Asian LIterature
 The period was marked by civil unrest,
including the Ōnin War, 10
YEARS(1467-1477), which resulted in
the collapse of central authority and the
rise of regional daimyo (feudal lords).
C. AZUCHI-MOMOYAMA PERIOD
(1568-1603)
 The period also saw increased contact
with European traders and missionaries,
leading to the introduction of new
technologies, goods, and ideas from
the West.
 Tale of the Shining Prince by Tosa
Nikki - offers insights into the cultural
and political milieu of the Azuchi-
Momoyama period
 This period saw significant cultural and
economic growth, including the
introduction of European firearms and
the construction of grand castles such
as Osaka Castle.
D. EDO PERIOD
(1603-1868)
 Was characterized by relative peace
and stability under the Tokugawa
shogunate, but also isolation from the
outside world with the policy of sakoku.
 The Edo period, also known as the
Tokugawa period, began with
Tokugawa Ieyasu's establishment of
the Tokugawa shogunate and the
relocation of the capital to Edo
(present-day Tokyo).
 The period was characterized by strict
social hierarchies, with the samurai
class at the top, followed by peasants,
artisans, and merchants
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Samurai
 The samurai were the military nobility of
feudal Japan, renowned for their martial
skills and adherence to the code of
bushido.
Peasants
 Peasants constituted the majority of the
population and were primarily engaged
in agricultural labor, working the land
owned by the samurai class and paying
taxes in the form of agricultural produce
Artisans
 Artisans were skilled craftsmen who
specialized in various trades such as
carpentry, metalworking, and ceramics,
playing a crucial role in producing
essential goods for both the samurai
and peasant classes.
Merchants
 Merchants engaged in trade and
commerce, buying and selling goods
such as rice, silk, and luxury items,
although they were often subject to
restrictions imposed by the samurai
class.
MODERN JAPAN
(1868-PRESENT)
 The Meiji Restoration in 1868: marked
the end of the feudal era and the
beginning of rapid modernization and
industrialization.
 Japan became an imperial power in the
late 19th and early 20th centuries,
engaging in colonial expansion and
wars with China and Russia.
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 Japan's economy has evolved from a
manufacturing-based economy to a
highly diversified economy, with
strengths in technology, finance, and
services.
 The country has also faced challenges
such as an aging population, declining
birth rates, and environmental issues.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN JAPAN
Air Pollution
 Industrial Emission
 Transportation Emissions
 Shinto rituals and festivals are integral
to Japanese cultural life.
Buddhism
 Introduced to Japan from China and
Korea in the 6th century, Buddhism
coexists with Shintoism and has
profoundly influenced Japanese culture,
art, and philosophy.
 Various sects, including Zen, Pure
Land, and Nichiren, have significant
followings.
Confucianism & Taoism

Water Pollution  While not as prominent as Shintoism

and Buddhism, Confucian and Taoist
 Industrial Discharges principles have historically influenced
 Agricultural Runoff Japanese society, particularly in ethics,
government, and philosophy.
Waste Management
Christianity
 Plastic Waste
 Electronic Waste  introduced by European missionaries in
the 16th century, Christianity initially
Deforestation faced persecution but later gained
some followers, particularly in the 19th
 Urbanization and Infrastructure and 20th centuries. Today, Christians
Development constitute a small minority in Japan.

II. RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS OF JAPAN

 Shinto
 Buddhism
 Confucianism
 Taoism
 Christianity

Shinto

 Japan's indigenous religion, is centered

on the worship of kami (spirits or gods)
believed to inhabit natural phenomena
and ancestors.

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Survey of Afro Asian LIterature
III. SOCIO-POLITICAL CONCEPTS OF JAPAN
A. Social Change
Urbanization and Industrialization: Japan
has transformed into a high-tech, urban
society. Most people live in cities, and
traditional farm life is uncommon.
Shifting Values: Social norms are evolving.
While respect for hierarchy persists, there's
a growing emphasis on individuality
compared to past generations.
B. Political Landscape
Post-War Pacifism: Japan's constitution,
drafted after World War II, renounces war
and emphasizes pacifism.
Dominant Party System: The Liberal
Democratic Party (LDP) has held power for
most of the post- war era, with a focus on
economic stability and strong US ties.
C. Socioeconomic Issues
Aging Population: Japan has a rapidly
aging population and declining birth rate,
which presents challenges for social
security and workforce sustainability.
Gender Inequality: Despite progress,
Japan continues to grapple with gender
inequality in areas like pay and leadership
positions.
D. Other Considerations
Social Harmony: Group consciousness
and social harmony remain important
values in Japanese society.
The Buraku Issue: Discrimination against
the Buraku minority, a Historically
marginalized group, persists.
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IV. POETRY & PROSE
POETRY
1. Waka (Tanka): The "soul" of Japanese
poetry, tanka are 31-syllable poems
known for their brevity and emotional
depth. They capture fleeting moments
in nature, human emotions, and
philosophical reflections. Here's an
example by Matsuo Basho, a haiku
master who also excelled in tanka:
Example:
Old silent pond
A frog jumps into the pond—
Sound of water.
2. Haiku: These miniature masterpieces
consist of 17 syllables arranged in a 5-
7-5 format. Haiku focus on nature,
using vivid imagery to evoke a season,
a feeling, or a fleeting observation.
Here's a famous haiku by Basho:
Example:
Old pond / A frog jumps in
Sound of water.
3. The Tale of Genji: Written in the 11th
century by Murasaki Shikibu, this epic
novel is considered a masterpiece of
Japanese literature. It chronicles the
life and loves of Prince Genji, offering a
captivating glimpse into Heian period
court life, aristocratic customs, and the
complexities of human relationships.
4. The Pillow Book: Another Heian
period gem, Sei Shonagon's "The
Pillow Book" is a collection of
observations, anecdotes, and witty
essays. It provides a fascinating
window into the daily life, thoughts, and
social customs of a Heian noblewoman.
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Survey of Afro Asian LIterature
5. Monogatari: These are longer prose
narratives that emerged in the Heian
period. They often focus on romantic
themes, adventures, and the lives of
the nobility.
6. Modern Japanese Literature: The 20
and 21st centuries saw a flourishing of
modern Japanese prose, with authors
like Yasunari Kawabata and Haruki
Murakami exploring themes of
alienation, memory, and the human
condition in a rapidly changing world.
V. NOVELS, SHORT STORIES, AND PLAYS
A. NOVELS
 A novel is a literary form that allows
authors to tell in-depth and intricate
stories, engaging readers with a longer
journey through the characters' lives
and the world they inhabit.
 Novels often explore deeper themes
related to the human experience,
societal issues, or philosophical
concepts.
EXAMPLES OF JAPANESE NOVELS
1. "No Longer Human" by Osamu
Dazai
 This semi-autobiographical novel
delves into the despair and alienation
felt by a young man in post-war Japan.
It's a dark and powerful exploration of
human psychology.
 This novel, written by one of Japan's
prominent authors, Osamu Dazai,
explores the dark and introspective
journey of a troubled individual,
reflecting on themes of existentialism
and the human condition.
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2. "Snow Country" by Yasunari
Kawabata
 Yasunari Kawabata's "Snow Country" is
th
a classic Japanese novel set against
the backdrop of a snow- covered rural
village.
 The story delves into the complexities
of relationships, weaving a poetic and
atmospheric narrative.
3. "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion"
by Yukio Mishima
 Yukio Mishima wrote this novel,
inspired by true events. It tells the story
of a troubled young acolyte who
becomes obsessed with the beauty and
purity of a temple, leading to a
destructive act that explores themes of
beauty, obsession, and spirituality.
4. "The Setting Sun" by Osamu Dazai
Another work by Osamu Dazai, "The
Setting Sun" depicts the struggles of a
family during post-World War II Japan. It
reflects the societal changes and
challenges faced by individuals as they try
to navigate a transforming landscape.
B. SHORT STORIES
 A short story is a brief work of prose
fiction, typically much shorter than a
novel and meant to be read in a single
setting.
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TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Quality Transformative Ignacian Marian Education
Survey of Afro Asian LIterature
EXAMPLES OF JAPANESE SHORT
STORIES
1. The Nose by Ryunosuke Akutagawa
 This satirical story follows a man who
wakes up one morning to find his nose
missing, prompting a hilarious and
thought-provoking exploration of
identity and social status.
2. Buying Mittens by Nankichi Niimi
 It is about a young fox's first snowfall,
and how his mother decides to buy him
some gloves. Along the way she meets
with some old fears, and deals with
them in a way that advances the plot,
but makes zero sense to this mother's
heart.
3. "Rashomon" by Ryunosuke
Akutagawa
 is a short story by Japanese author
Ryunosuke Akutagawa. It became
famous worldwide through Akira
Kurosawa's film adaptation. The story
explores the subjectivity of truth
through multiple perspectives on a
crime.
4. "People from My Neighborhood" by
Hiromi Kawakami
 From the best-selling author of Strange
Weather in Tokyo comes a collection of
playful, delightful, delectable Japanese
micro-fiction.
 In Kawakami's super short 'palm of the
hand' stories the world is never quite as
it should be: a small child lives under a
sheet near his neighbour's house for
thirty years; an apartment block leaves
its visitors with strange
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afflictions, from fast-growing beards to an
ability to channel the voices of the dead; an
old man has two shadows, one docile, the
other rebellious; two girls named Yoko are
locked in a bitter rivalry to the death.
C. PLAYS
 Plays are unique forms of literature
designed for performance. They rely on
dialogue, characters, acts and scenes,
setting, and ultimately, an actual
performance to bring the story and
characters to life.
EXAMPLES OF JAPANESE PLAYS
1. Kanadehon Chūshingura (The
Treasury of Loyal Retainers)
 This iconic Kabuki play tells the story of
the forty-seven rōnin, leaderless
samurai who avenge their murdered
lord and then commit seppuku (ritual
suicide) to fulfill their samurai code. The
tale of loyalty and sacrifice continues to
resonate with audiences today.
VI. MAJOR WRITERS OF JAPAN
1. Murasaki Shikibu (c. 978 – c. 1026)
 Was a prominent figure in Japanese
literature, best known for her
masterpiece, The Tale of Genji.
 Exact birth and death dates are
uncertain.
 She lived during the Heian period (794-
1185)
2. Yukio Mishima (1925-1970)
 Born in Kimitake Hiraoka
 One of the most important 20th-
century Japanese authors
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 Mishima held complex and often
controversial views on Japanese
identity and the post-war world.
 He expressed a deep admiration for,
Japan's pre-war traditions and criticized
the country's embrace of
Westernization.
of Japanese literature and inspiring new
literary movements.
Global recognition: Their works have
been translated and enjoyed worldwide,
introducing Japanese culture and
perspectives to a broader audience

2. Ryunosuke Akutagawa (1892-1927)

 A prominent Japanese writer active

during the Taishō period (1912-1926)
 At the young age of 35, Akutagawa
tragically took his own life.
 However, his contributions to Japanese
literature remain profound. He is
regarded as the “ father of the
Japanese short story" inspiring
generations of writers with his
innovative techniques and thought-
provoking themes.
 He is also the namesake of the
prestigious Akutagawa Prize, awarded
annually to the best new literary work in
Japan.

These authors, along with many others,

have enriched Japanese literature in
various ways:

Preserving traditions: They documented

and reinterpreted aspects of Japanese
history and cultural practices, fostering a
connection to the past.

Exploring identity: Their works delved into

themes of individual and national identity,
sparking conversations about tradition,
modernization, and Japan's place in the
world.

Psychological insights: Many explored

the complexities of human emotions and
the internal struggles individuals face.

Artistic innovation: They experimented

with form and style, pushing the boundaries

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