The Early Phase of Japanese Literature in Bangla in Periodicals

Abstract

Many Japanese literary texts have been translated recently into Bangla. However, nobody has yet identified the first translation of Japanese literary text in the periodicals until today. The purpose of this paper is first to map the early phase of Japanese literature in Bangla periodicals; second, it attempts to distinguish the first piece of Japanese literature in Bangla; and third, it strives to ascertain the trends in interpreting Japanese literature in the second half of the 19th century. At least four pieces of literature are unearthed for the first time in this article. Despite not embracing the original Japanese or English name in the title in Bangla, Gonpachikomurasakihiyokufun (The Loves of Gompachi and Komurasaki) and Hone Kawa (Bones and Ribs) became the earliest Japanese literary specimens in Bangla. Colonial influence and preference for works of religious significance pertinent to Bengal society – are pinned down as the trends in interpreting Japanese literature in periodicals in the 19th century.