Samurai with Telephones: Anachronism in Japanese Literature

Samurai with Telephones explores how texts can use anachronism to challenge or rewrite history, play with history, or open history up to new possibilities. It examines Japanese literary and cultural works from the modern period and the Early Modern period, including literature by Mori Ōgai and Ōe Kenzaburō, manga by Tezuka Osamu, art by Murakami Takashi, and pop cultural works. It distinguishes between anachronisms that attempt to hide their work on history and convincingly rewrite it and those conspicuous anachronisms that highlight and disrupt the construction of historical narratives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2024
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Samurai with Telephones: Anachronism and the Rewriting of History in Japanese Literature and Culture
Samurai with Telephones: Anachronism and the Rewriting of History in Japanese Literature and Culture explores how texts can use different types of anachronisms to challenge or rewrite history, play with history, or open history up to new possibilities. By applying this theoretical framework of anachronism to several Japanese literary and cultural works, the book demonstrates how different texts can use anachronism to open up history for a wide variety of different textual projects.

From the modern period, author Christopher Smith examines literature by Mori Ōgai and Ōe Kenzaburō, manga by Tezuka Osamu, art by Murakami Takashi, and a variety of other pop cultural works. Turning to the Early Modern period (Edo period, 1600–1868), which produced a literature rich with playful anachronism, he also examines several Kabuki and Bunraku plays, kibyōshi comic books, and gōkan illustrated novels. In analyzing these works, he draws a distinction between anachronisms that attempt to hide their work on history and convincingly rewrite it and those conspicuous anachronisms that highlight and disrupt the construction of historical narratives.

One of the key arguments of Samurai with Telephones is that anachronism can be a powerful tool for authors to explore the complexities of history and the ways in which it can be shaped and reinterpreted. By placing characters or events from different historical periods in the same narrative, authors can create tension, conflict, and ambiguity, and challenge readers to think critically about the past.

For example, in Mori Ōgai's novel "The Key (1905)," a modern-day detective investigates a series of murders that occurred in the Edo period. By setting the story in the past, the author is able to explore the social and political issues of the time, such as the rise of the samurai class and the decline of the feudal system. However, by placing the detective in the present, the author also challenges readers to consider the ways in which the past continues to shape the present.

Similarly, in Ōe Kenzaburō's novel "The Key (1966)," a young man travels back in time to the Edo period to meet his ancestors. By placing the protagonist in the past, the author is able to explore the cultural and historical traditions of the time, such as the tea ceremony and the samurai code of honor. However, by placing the protagonist in the present, the author also challenges readers to consider the ways in which the past can be lost or forgotten.

Anachronism can also be used to play with history. For example, in Tezuka Osamu's manga "Astro Boy (1952)," a robot is sent back in time to the Edo period to help a young boy who has been orphaned. By placing the robot in the past, the author is able to explore the technological and scientific advancements of the time, such as the steam engine and the telegraph. However, by placing the robot in the present, the author also challenges readers to consider the ways in which technology can be used to shape the future.

In addition to its use in literature, anachronism can also be found in other pop cultural works, such as art, music, and film. For example, in Murakami Takashi's novel "1Q84 (2009)," a young woman travels back in time to the Edo period to meet her lover. By placing the protagonist in the past, the author is able to explore the cultural and historical traditions of the time, such as the tea ceremony and the samurai code of honor. However, by placing the protagonist in the present, the author also challenges readers to consider the ways in which the past can be lost or forgotten.

Anachronism can also be used to open up history to new possibilities. For example, in gōkan illustrated novels, authors can create new stories that take place in the past, but that are set in a different historical context. By doing so, authors can explore the ways in which history can be reinterpreted and reinterpreted, and can create new narratives that challenge traditional historical narratives.

However, anachronism can also be problematic. For example, if anachronism is used in a way that is not accurate or respectful, it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes or misunderstandings about the past. For example, if anachronism is used to portray a particular group of people as inferior or backward, it can be offensive to those people and can contribute to the perpetuation of discrimination.

To address these problems, Samurai with Telephones offers a number of strategies for using anachronism in a responsible and ethical way. For example, authors should be careful to research the historical period that they are writing about and to ensure that their anachronisms are accurate and respectful. Authors should also be aware of the potential for anachronism to perpetuate harmful stereotypes or misunderstandings and should take steps to avoid these problems.

In conclusion, Samurai with Telephones: Anachronism and the Rewriting of History in Japanese Literature and Culture explores how texts can use different types of anachronisms to challenge or rewrite history, play with history, or open history up to new possibilities. By applying this theoretical framework of anachronism to several Japanese literary and cultural works, the book demonstrates how different texts can use anachronism to open up history for a wide variety of different textual projects. While anachronism can be a powerful tool for authors, it can also be problematic if it is not used in a responsible and ethical way. By taking steps to address these problems, authors can create new narratives that challenge traditional historical narratives and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse understanding of the past.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472056873