Modern JapanModern Japan

Section 4Section 4

Literature and the ArtsLiterature and the Arts

Important PeopleImportant People

Matsuo BashoMatsuo Basho – one of Japan’s greatest poets – one of Japan’s greatest poets One of his Haikus ( 5-7-5 syllables)One of his Haikus ( 5-7-5 syllables) On high narrow roadOn high narrow road

old traveler clears wide swath,old traveler clears wide swath,tiny scythe glinting. tiny scythe glinting.

(scythe - An implement consisting of a long, (scythe - An implement consisting of a long, curved single-edged blade with a long bent curved single-edged blade with a long bent handle, used for mowing or reaping. )handle, used for mowing or reaping. )

Kawabata YasunariKawabata Yasunari The first Japanese to receive the The first Japanese to receive the Nobel prize for literatureNobel prize for literature Won the Nobel Prize in 1968Won the Nobel Prize in 1968 Among his works in English translation are the Among his works in English translation are the

novels novels Thousand CranesThousand Cranes (tr. 1959), (tr. 1959), The Sound The Sound of the Mountainof the Mountain (tr. 1970), and (tr. 1970), and The LakeThe Lake (tr. (tr. 1974), and volumes of short stories, 1974), and volumes of short stories, The House The House of the Sleeping Beauties and Other Storiesof the Sleeping Beauties and Other Stories (tr. (tr. 1969) and 1969) and First Snow on FujiFirst Snow on Fuji (tr. 1999). (tr. 1999).

Four years later, in declining health and probably Four years later, in declining health and probably depressed by the suicide of his friend Yukio depressed by the suicide of his friend Yukio Mishima , he committed suicide. Mishima , he committed suicide.

Kurosawa AkiraKurosawa Akira

Japan’s best- known Japan’s best- known movie director and movie director and writerwriter

TermsTerms

Haiku – short poem of only 17 syllables (5-Haiku – short poem of only 17 syllables (5-7-5)7-5)

Kabuki – exciting and colorful dramas that Kabuki – exciting and colorful dramas that dealt with themes such as love and dealt with themes such as love and revengerevenge

Values of ZenValues of Zen

Simplicity, self-discipline, and closeness to Simplicity, self-discipline, and closeness to naturenature

The idea that beauty can be found in The idea that beauty can be found in ordinary objects and in daily tasks. ordinary objects and in daily tasks.

Art TodayArt Today

Japanese people as do their American Japanese people as do their American counterparts enjoy television and movies.counterparts enjoy television and movies.

However, some like No plays and Kabuki However, some like No plays and Kabuki theater as well.theater as well.

Most modern Japanese art reflects middle- Most modern Japanese art reflects middle- class interests and tastes.class interests and tastes.

A Comparison of No plays and A Comparison of No plays and Kabuki theaterKabuki theater

Both plays use a chorus to chant the story Both plays use a chorus to chant the story along with musical accompaniment.along with musical accompaniment.

No plays have basically no plot and unfold No plays have basically no plot and unfold without much action.without much action.

Kabuki consists of exciting drama and has Kabuki consists of exciting drama and has elaborate stage settings.elaborate stage settings.

Influence on the WorldInfluence on the World

Japanese film writers have influenced Japanese film writers have influenced American movies.American movies.

Zen rock gardening has impacted floral Zen rock gardening has impacted floral arrangements in the US and Europearrangements in the US and Europe