Japan has one of the richest literary cultures in the world. So in this course, I want to give you a brief history of one thousand years of Japanese literature.

In the first segment, I will discuss the Tale of Genji, perhaps the most important work of Japanese literature, which is also considered the world's first ever true novel. It depicts male psychology from a female perspective. Then I will discuss the history of haiku, a literary movement that appreciates the beauty of nature and the simplicity of Japanese life which has become a global phenomenon. Then I will discuss the works of some of the greatest Japanese writers including Natsume Soseki, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Yasunari Kawabata, Osamu Dazai, Kobo Abe, Yukio Mishima, and Haruki Murakami.

But what makes Japanese literature so unique?

First, no other literature captures the loneliness of the human condition. While we are all in big cities, crowded places and constantly bump into other people, we are ultimately lonely creatures, with our own thoughts, emotions, desires and dreams. So this loneliness is perhaps sharpest in Japanese literature that cuts like a German knife. I should say Japanese knife.

Second, Japanese literature is unique because of its minimalism. While classic Russian authors wrote huge novels, the Japanese writers kept it short. Of course there are some exceptions, but most Japanese novels can be read in one or two sittings. Japanese people in general do not talk too much so the same applies to its literature. They keep it short and sweet.

Third, Japanese literature is less plot-driven. This applies to the culture too. The process is as important as the outcome of something. So Japanese novels tend to rely less on intricate plots. This is why Japanese culture is considered a how-culture that appreciates the process while the west is more of a why-culture which is more outcome-driven.