JAPANESE Flashcards
It is a rich and diverse tradition that spans over a thousand years of history
Japanese literature
BLANK: Written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century, It is often considered the world’s first novel. It tells the story of the life and loves of a nobleman named Genji during the Heian period of Japanese history.
The Tale of Genji
Written by Sei Shonagon in the 11th century, It is a collection of personal observations and musings on daily life in the imperial court of Kyoto. It is noted for its wit, humor, and vivid descriptions of courtly customs and manners.
The Pillow Book
A medieval epic that chronicles the rise and fall of the Taira clan during the late 12th century. It is known for its vivid descriptions of battles, political intrigue, and the ideals of loyalty and honor.
The Tale of the Heike
A form of poetry that originated in Japan in the 17th century. It typically consists of three lines, with a strict syllable count of 5-7-5. The form is known for its simplicity and focus on nature and the seasons.
Haiku Poetry
It is one of the most celebrated modern Japanese writers. His works, such as Kokoro and Botchan, explore themes of alienation, identity, and modernization in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Soseki
It is a contemporary writer whose works blend elements of magical realism, pop culture, and literary fiction. His novels, such as Norwegian Wood and Kafka on the Shore, are noted for their surreal and dreamlike quality, as well as their exploration of themes such as memory, identity, and loneliness.
Murakami
It is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang Dynasty and was later transmitted to Japan, where it became a prominent cultural and philosophical influence.
Zen Buddhism
The word “BLANK” is derived from the Chinese word “chan,” which is in turn derived from the Sanskrit word “dhyana,” meaning meditation.
Zen
READ: Zen emphasizes the practice of meditation as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment and liberation. It emphasizes direct experience and personal insight, rather than reliance on scripture or ritual. Zen also places a strong emphasis on the importance of mindfulness, or the cultivation of a heightened awareness of the present moment.
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One of the key figures in the development of Zen Buddhism was the Chinese monk BLANK, who is said to have brought the teachings of Zen to China from India in the 5th or 6th century CE. It emphasized the practice of zazen, or seated meditation, as a means of attaining enlightenment. Zen Buddhism was later transmitted to Japan by the monk Eisai in the 12th century, and became closely associated with Japanese culture and aesthetics.
Bodhidharma
READ: Some of the key concepts and practices of Zen Buddhism include:
- Zazen (seated meditation)
- Koans (paradoxical riddles or stories used as a tool for meditation and insight)
- Satori (a moment of sudden enlightenment or realization)
- Mindfulness and awareness of the present moment
- Non-dualism (the idea that the distinction between self and other is illusory)
- Emptiness (the idea that all things lack inherent existence or self-nature)
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It is a form of theater that originated in the early 17th century and is known for its colorful costumes, stylized gestures and movements, and use of music and dance.
Kabuki
It is a form of theater that dates back to the 14th century and is known for its minimalist staging, poetic language, and use of masks and costumes.
Noh
It, also known as Joruri, is a form of puppet theater that originated in the 17th century. It is known for its intricate, lifelike puppets, as well as its use of narration, music, and sound effects. It often features historical and mythical stories, as well as contemporary themes and social commentary.
Bunraku
It is a form of poetry that originated in the 17th century and is known for its brevity and simplicity. Haiku typically consists of three lines, with a total of 17 syllables (5-7-5). Haiku often focuses on nature and the seasons, and is characterized by its use of vivid imagery and a sense of immediacy.
Haiku
It is a form of poetry that predates haiku and dates back to the 8th century. It typically consists of five lines, with a total of 31 syllables (5-7-5-7-7). It often explores themes of love, nature, and spirituality, and is known for its musicality and emotional depth.
Tanka
It is a collaborative form of poetry that involves multiple poets working together to create a single poem. It typically consists of alternating 5-7-5 and 7-7 syllable lines, and can be composed of dozens or even hundreds of stanzas. It often explores a wide range of themes and topics, and is known for its collaborative and improvisational nature.
Renga
It is a hybrid form of prose and poetry that combines haiku with a brief prose narrative. It typically consists of a concise, descriptive prose passage followed by a haiku that serves as a kind of coda or punchline. It often explores themes of travel, nature, and personal experience, and is known for its poetic and introspective quality.
Haibun
BLANK and BLANK are two of the most famous and influential poets in the tradition of Japanese haiku.
Matsuo Basho and Yosa Buson
He (1644-1694) is considered the father of modern haiku. He is known for his travel poetry, which often described the natural beauty of the places he visited.
Matsuo Basho
He (1716-1783) was a painter as well as a poet, and his work often reflects a strong visual sense. Buson’s haiku are known for their vivid imagery, musicality, and sensitivity to the natural world.
Yosa Buson
It is a traditional Japanese folktale that has been retold and adapted by various authors over the years.
The story is set in medieval Japan and revolves around an elderly woman and her son.
“The Story of the Aged Mother”
“BLANK” is a short story by the Japanese author Kenji Miyazawa. The story follows the journey of a young boy named Giovanni who lives in a small village in northern Japan.
Of a Promise Kept
