Japanese Literature in WWII

07/12/22 • 41 min

Today we’re talking about the 1930s and 40s in Japan—fascism, World War Two, and the American Occupation.

In particular, how did 20 years of censorship shape Japanese literature?
We're also taking a look at the life and work of Akiyuki Nosaka, whose novella, "Grave of the Fireflies" inspired the classic anime film. We'll discuss his short story, "The Cake Tree in the Ruins".
Notes and sources at the podcast episode website.

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Today we’re talking about the 1930s and 40s in Japan—fascism, World War Two, and the American Occupation.

Let RJL know what you think! (Contact us through the website if you want a response.)

Previous Episode

The I-Novel, Osamu Dazai, and No Longer Human

Today, we’re talking about the I-Novel—the highest form of literature in Japan in the 1910s and 20s.

It’s a genre one American scholar describes as “perhaps the most striking feature of modern Japanese literature.”

And it’s a genre Haruki Murakami claims to have an allergy to.

We’ll also be looking at the life and work of Osamu Dazai and asking, “What does it take to get disqualified as a human being?”

Content warning: This episode addresses addiction, rape, suicide, and misogyny.
Notes and sources at the podcast episode website.

Let RJL know what you think! (Contact us through the website if you want a response.)

Next Episode

Literature of Change in the 1960s—Mishima and Oe

Today, we’re talking about the literature of change in the 1960s—how writers took on questions about what it meant to be Japanese in the post-war era and what was the continuing role of Japanese tradition.

We’re looking especially at Yukio Mishima and Kenzaburo Oe.
*This episode incorrectly states that Kenzaburo Oe was born in 1925. He was born in 1935.

Content warning: This episode addresses fascism and suicide.
Notes and sources at the podcast episode page.

Let RJL know what you think! (Contact us through the website if you want a response.)