Japan Society
Individual and Society: Natsume Sôseki and the Literature of the Early Twentieth Century
Combine literature and history by examining the work of Japanese writers after the Russo-Japanese war. This resource is for advanced classes with an interest in how literature reflects and reacts to societal change. Activities outlined...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: List of Japanese Writers
This is a sizeable list of Japanese writers and poets, organized alphabetically. It includes many 20th century and contemporary people, as well as a scattering of writers from earlier periods. Some authors have extensive articles; others...
Other
Presents From the Dead: Analysis of Haruki's Works
The author of this critical review analyzes the role of the narrator, "I," in Haruki's novels, discussing whether the "I" psychologically plays a mother or father role. This site is a translation of the original critique.
Other
A Brief Biography of Isikawa Jun
Included in this biography is an explanation of the political influences which affected Jun's writing, as well as some discussion of how he influenced other Japanese writers like Abe.
Other
Interview With Abe Neri
This is quite an interesting interview with the daughter of the famous Japanese writer, Abe Kobo. It is a translation, so the language doesn't flow as smoothly as it would in the original, but Neri talks about a lot of the influences in...
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: The Nobel Prize in Literature 1968
This website from The Nobel Foundation gives the 1968 winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature -- Yasunari Kawabata -- is organized into the following sections: "Presentation Speech," "Biography," "Nobel Lecture," "Swedish Nobel Stamps,"...
University of Wisconsin
Kitchen: "Beauty That Seems to Infuse Itself Into The"
This is a paper by a college student majoring in Japanese. In it, she analyses Banana Yoshimoto's novel, "Kitchen," and the differences she finds between the original and an English translation.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Yasunari Kawabata (1899 1972)
This site presents a biography of Yasunari Kawabata, who was the first Japanese novelist to win the Nobel prize for literature. The biography highlights the poetic nature of Kawabata's fiction.
University of Arizona
The Milky Way Train: Celebrating Kenji Miyazawa
This site presents a synopsis of Kenji Miyazawa's novel, "The Milky Way Train," focusing on the author's interest in astronomy and how he weaves that into his story.
Other
Mishima Yukio Cyber Museum
This "cyber museum" of material about Mishima's life and writings accompanies the building of a new museum dedicated to Mishima in Yamanakako. This site has a detailed timeline which combines events in Mishima's life with events in...
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Osamu Dazai
This biographical sketch of Osamu Dazai focuses on how his personal life and experiences were reflected in his writing.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Junichiro Tanizaki
This brief biography summarizes several of Tanizaki's more important works and a list of many of his writings.
Other
Famous Personages in Japan
This site includes information about a number of famous people in Japan. Designed by a Japanese college to help people learn about modern Japan.
Other
Famous Personages in Japan
This site includes information about a number of famous people in Japan. Designed by a Japanese college to help people learn about modern Japan.