21st Century Asian Literature

• 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World showcases representative texts and authors of Asia.

Asian Literature

• Asia has a rich and diverse literary tradition with many influential authors and texts.
• These texts span millennia.
• Representative texts and authors from different regions across Asia showcase the variety of cultural, philosophical, and literary traditions.

Chinese Literature

• Chinese literature began more than two thousand years ago.
• "The Book of Poetry"(Shijing) is its first anthology.
• The book was compiled sometime after 600 B.C. by Confucius (551–479 B.C.).
• "The Book of Poetry" is a collection of 305 poems that date back to between 800 and 600 B.C.
• Highlights of traditional Chinese literature include "The Songs of the South(Chuci)".
• Prose writings in history and philosophy of the Qin and Han dynasties also are highlights.
• More highlights include Tang poetry, the Song lyric, prose of the Tang and Song dynasties, and the short stories, novels, and dramas from the Tang to the Qing dynasties.
• Traditional Chinese literature developed under the intellectual influences of Confucianism, Daoism (Taoism), and Buddhism.
• Confucianism preaches benevolence, righteousness, individual effort, commitment to society, and harmony among people.
• Traditional Chinese literature came under the influence of Christianity in the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
• Western missionaries made their way to China during the Ming dynasty.
• Traditional Chinese poetry was inevitably influenced by the music of the non-Chinese ethnic groups who resided mostly on the Chinese borders.

Representative Authors of Chinese Literature

Laozi

• Lao Tzu is associated with Taoism.
• Tao Te Ching is a fundamental text of Chinese philosophy.
• Emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the Way).
• Advocates for simplicity, humility, and naturalness.
• Influence on Chinese thought and literature has been profound, extending into many aspects of Chinese culture and arts.

Confucius

• Confucius was a philosopher whose ideas on ethics, politics, and personal behavior laid the foundation for Confucianism.
• His Analects is a collection of his sayings and discussions with disciples.
• The Analects focuses on virtue, the importance of education, and the moral conduct of rulers and individuals.

Lu Xun

• Lu Xun (1881-1936) is considered the father of modern Chinese literature.
• Lu Xun was a writer, essayist, and critic.
• He criticized the traditional Chinese society and its oppressive systems.
• His short story The Diary of a Madman is often seen as a critique of the feudalistic culture and its dehumanizing effects on individuals.

Ba Jin

• Ba Jin (1904-2005) was one of the most influential writers in modern China.
• His novel Family is part of the Torrents Trilogy.
• The Torrents Trilogy critiques the old feudal family structure in China.
• It examines the personal and social consequences of traditional values.
• His work is marked by its calls for social reform and its focus on youth rebellion.

Mo Yan

• Mo Yan (1955-Present) is the 2000 Nobel laureate in Literature.
• He is one of China's most prominent contemporary writers.
• Mo Yan's works blend elements of fantasy, history, and political critique.
• Red Sorghum (adapted into a successful film) is a multi-generational tale that explores the turbulent history of 20th-century China, especially during the Japanese occupation.

Japanese Literature

• Heavily influenced by the Chinese literature.
• Ancient period all the way to the Edo Period (1603-1868)which corresponds to the early modern Japanese literature.
• Japanese literary works also reveal elements of Indian and later of Western elements.
• Reveals a distinct style which has also greatly influenced both Eastern and Western literatures.
• Divided into four periods: the ancient, classical, medieval, and modern.

Ancient Japanese Literature

• Ancient literature in Japan deals primarily with myths and legends.
• Tales like the creation of Japan, wherein the islands came from the gemstones imbued in the swords of gods are very prominent during this period.

Classical Japanese Literature

• Classical literature in Japan occurred during the golden age, the Heian period.
• Murasaki Shikibu, one of the greatest Japanese writers, wrote the seminal text, "Tale of Genji".
• Tale of Genji, considered the world's first novel, is a very charming and accurate depiction of the Japanese court during the Heian period under the reign of Empress Akiko.

Medieval Japanese Literature

• History and literature were intertwined during the Medieval period due to the influence of the civil wars and the emergence of the warrior class.
• War tales are very prominent during this period.
• The popular form of Japanese poetry, the renga, saw its rise.

Modern Japanese Literature

• Modern literature can be further divided into early modern, which happened during the Edo period, and modern, which started during the Meiji period, when Japan opened its doors to the West.
• The early modern gave way to the rise of new genres like the Japanese drama, kabuki, the poetry form known for its simplicity and subtlety, haiku, and the yomihon, a type of Japanese book which put little emphasis on illustration

Representative Authors of Japanese Literature

Murasaki Shikibu

• Often given credit for writing The Tale of Genji, considered the world's first novel.
• This epic story, rich with themes of love, loss, and the complexities of court life.
• Provides a glimpse into the aristocratic society of Heian Japan.
• Genji's life, with its intricate relationships and tragic undertones, remains one of the most influential works in world literature.

Sei Shonagon

• Sei Shonagon was a lady-in-waiting at the Heian court and a contemporary of Murasaki Shikibu.
• The Pillow Book is a collection of essays, anecdotes, lists, and observations about court life, revealing a sharp wit and an appreciation for beauty, order, and the fleeting nature of life.
• Her work contrasts Murasaki's, focusing on a more observational and, at times, humorous perspective of court life.

Osamu Dazai

• Dazai is a prominent figure in modern Japanese literature, particularly for his portrayal of alienation and despair.
• His semi-autobiographical works delve into the complexities of human nature and emotional struggle.
• “No Longer Human” is considered one of his masterpieces, exploring the feelings of detachment and failure in a modern world that can seem indifferent or even hostile.

Haruki Murakami

• Haruki Murakami is one of Japan's most globally recognized writers.
• His works combine elements of magical realism, existential philosophy, and themes of loneliness, alienation, and the surreal aspects of modern life.
• His style is heavily influenced by Western literature, particularly the works of authors like Franz Kafka, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Raymond Carver, while also weaving in elements of Japanese culture.
• His works are accessible, introspective, and deeply reflective on contemporary human experiences.

Genres of Japanese Literature

Waka

• Waka refers to traditional Japanese poetry.
• It typically is written in 31 syllables (5-7-5-7-7).
• Waka is divided into five lines.
• It includes both chōka (long poems) and hanka (poems with a set structure).

Haiku

• Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that typically consists of 17 syllables in a 5-7-5 pattern.
• Often reflects on nature, the seasons, and fleeting moments of life.

Kabuki

• Kabuki is a lively theatrical form.
• Known for its elaborate costumes, dynamic performances, and often exaggerated acting.
• Kabuki originated in the 17th century and evolved into a popular entertainment form.

Monogatari

• Monogatari are narrative works.
• Often written in prose and verse.
• Can be compared to novels or long stories.
• These stories were usually written in kana, the Japanese phonetic alphabet, making them more accessible than Chinese classical works.

Shōnen and Shōjo

• Shōnen refers to literature targeted primarily at young boys.
• It is often filled with action, adventure, and coming-of-age themes.
• Osamu Tezuka's "Astro Boy" or Eiichiro Oda's "One Piece" are examples of Shōnen.
• Shōjo literature is aimed at young girls.
• It often includes romance, friendship, and emotional growth.
• Naoko Takeuchi's "Sailor Moon" or Natsuki Takaya's "Fruits Basket" are examples of Shōjo.

Light Novels

• Light novels are a relatively modern genre of short, illustrated novels aimed at young adult audiences.
• They often involve fantasy, romance, and science fiction themes.
• They are written in a casual, accessible style.
• "Sword Art Online" by Reki Kawahara and "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" by Nagaru Tanigawa are examples of Light Novels.

Manga

• Manga is technically a form of graphic novel or comic.
• Has become one of the most significant genres in Japanese literature.
• Spans all genres and is widely read across all age groups.
• "Naruto" by Masashi Kishimoto, "Death Note" by Tsugumi Ohba, "Dragon Ball" by Akira Toriyama are examples of Manga.