From ‘national’ literature to multicultural literature in ‘Japanese’ language?

Abstract

This chapter offers a genealogy of Japanese literary studies, with a special focus on the two terms that have been most commonly used to denote Japanese literature and literary studies in Japan since the early 20th century: kokubungaku (national literature and its study) and nihon bungaku (Japanese literature). At a glance, the etymological difference between the two may seem clear and simple: whereas one deals with the ʼnational’ literary genres, forms, canon, characteristics, history and scholarship from inside the nation, the other supposedly treats ‘Japanese literature’ as one of the many world literatures. However, in reality, the defi nitions of these terms are vague and complex, and they are often used indiscriminately. Through an examination of the various distinctions between and confusion regarding these two terms, we can understand the sociopolitical and cultural changes that have had an impact upon the discipline at different times throughout modern history. The genealogy also concerns questions such as what constitutes bungaku, the common element in the two terms. The defi nition and usage of this term, too, is neither stable nor static, which corresponds to the changing notion and practice of literature not only within Japan but also in the rest of the world. The discussion also involves comparison of these two terms with others such as kokugaku (national study), bungeigaku (study of literary art) and nihongo bungaku (literature in Japanese language and its study). By examining the historical usage of these terms, we can better understand the various issues surrounding the study of Japanese literature and foreground conscious and unconscious assumptions, omissions, discrimination and marginalisation. After examining the socio-historical context and the construct of these terms, the chapter looks at some examples of new initiatives in Japanese literary studies in contemporary Japan and beyond. This fi nal discussion includes an examination of how the scholarship within Japan has been received by those studying Japanese literature outside Japan.