Between the Western and the traditional: Mori Ōgai, Nagai Kafū, and Tanizaki Jun’ichirō

要旨

The critical writings of Ogyu Sorai, one of the most original and influential early modern Japanese intellectuals, helped set the stage for the emergence of a bunjin consciousness. Another early Confucian advisor who attempted to embody bunjin ideals of aloof refinement in his life and work is Gion Nankai. Nankai's experience differs from Hattori Nankaku's in that Nankai did not resign but was punished for a certain infraction and kept under house arrest for ten years. Individuals who decided to step away from social engagement and follow a life devoted to literary and artistic endeavors, five stand out: Yosa Buson, Tsuga Teisho, Takebe Ayatari, Hiraga Gennai, and Ueda Akinari. All five share Nakamura Yukihiko's bunjin attributes of versatile creativity, eremitism, and aloof idealism, and all created works that continue to attract viewers today. Teisho's collections were identified by later writers as the earliest examples of what has subsequently become known as the yomihon, a specific genre of narrative fiction.

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