Japanese literature History

Kojiki - First ever written account

Nov 5, 712

Japan´s oldest extent of literary work A record of anchient matter, it provided the royal family with a platform of legitimacy and authority along with its dominion over the realm. Included a genealogies of gods, emperors, their children, and their decendants. Crucial to establishing a basis for the hierarchical ordering of the nobel kinship groups.

Nihon Shoki

Mar 31, 720

Like the Kojiki before it it depics the origin of heaven and the imperial line. But stray´s away from its predicessor in terms of more Chinese influence.

Kaifuso

Mar 31, 751

Collection of chinese style verses that provides an insight into the elegant literary banquests of late 7th and 8th centuries.

Manyoshu

Mar 31, 760

A huge anthology of Japanese style poetry. It was compiled in several stages in the 8th century. It has more then 4500 poems. It was compiled bu the imperial court and the authors come from ALL classes of Japan. From the imperial family itself, down to the common boarder gard.
The most famous author in the book is; Kakinomoto no Hitomaro.

Kokinshu

Mar 31, 905

A sponsored anthology. Sponsored by the Imperial family. Started writing in 905 lasted until 1400
21 anthologies of waka.

Invention of Hiragana

Mar 31, 1000

Tale of Genji

Mar 31, 1100

A famous fictional narrative by Murasaki Shikibu. The influence of this masterpiece on Japanese culture was enourmous and varied.

Fart Scrolls

Mar 31, 1712

These famous scrolls are important to understanding the way the japanese digestion system works and the wonders it produces!