Confluence and Conflict: Reading Transwar Japanese Literature and Thought

This book explores the intellectual and aesthetic connections between writers and intellectuals in modern Japan during the transwar years of the 1920s to 1950s, linking the literary dimensions of thought to the intellectual side of literature in various contexts. It highlights the collaborations between novelists, linguists, philosophers, and poets, as well as the postwar rumination on liberal society, revealing unexpected intersections of literature, ideas, and politics in a global transwar context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2022
Publisher: Harvard University, Asia Center

In modern Japan, writers and intellectuals have engaged in profound dialogues that transcend the boundaries between literature and thought. This captivating book delves into some of the most intellectually and aesthetically provocative connections during the turbulent transwar years, spanning from the 1920s to the 1950s. By juxtaposing philosophical texts alongside literary works, the study establishes a profound link between the intellectual realm of literature and the literary dimensions of thought, encompassing a wide range of contexts, from middlebrow writing to avant-garde modernism, as well as from the wartime left to the postwar right.

The chapters of this book trace these dynamic interactions through various compelling narratives. One notable example is the collaborative effort between novelist Tanizaki Junichirō and nativist linguist Yamada Yoshio, who translated The Tale of Genji in a modern rendition. This translation not only sheds light on the literary merits of the classic text but also highlights the interplay between language and culture.

Another captivating chapter explores the dialogue between modernist writer Yokomitsu Riichi and Kyoto School philosophers, delving into the concept of "worldliness." Riichi's exploration of this philosophical theme within his literary works provides a unique perspective on the intersection of ideas and aesthetics.

Marxist poet Nakano Shigeharu and philosopher Tosaka Juns also engage in thought-provoking discussions about the everyday language and its implications for society. Their insights into the complexities of language and its role in shaping political and social ideologies offer valuable perspectives on the transwar era.

Furthermore, the book explores the postwar rumination on liberal society that surrounded the scholar Edwin McClellan while he translated Natsume Sōsekis classic 1914 novel Kokoro as a graduate student in the United States. McClellan's engagement with Friedrich Hayek's economic theories adds an additional layer of complexity to the study, highlighting the interconnections between literature, ideas, and politics on a global scale.

In conclusion, this book unveils unexpected intersections of literature, ideas, and politics in the context of the global transwar era. By examining the collaborations and dialogues between writers, intellectuals, and philosophers, it provides a rich tapestry of insights into the complexities of this period. Through its exploration of Tanizaki Junichirō, Yokomitsu Riichi, Nakano Shigeharu, Tosaka Juns, Edwin McClellan, and Murakami Haruki, the book offers a timely and thought-provoking perspective on the enduring resonance of these connections in our contemporary world.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674267909