Event

Natsume Sōseki, perhaps the most renowned writer of early-twentieth century Japan, stated that his aim in writing the novel Kusamakura (1906) had been purely aesthetic: “I would be satisfied if a kind of feeling—a feeling of beauty—remains in the mind of the reader.” The novel, full of references to iconic works of visual art and composed largely of poetic vignettes with little in the way of dramatic development, has since been hailed as a radical experiment in modernist writing. But Kusamakura ends on an enigmatic note that suggests that the quest for beauty may not be enough for modern literature.  

This talk examines Sōseki’s early critical investigations into the aims of literary writing through a close reading of Kusamakura, as well as the novel Sanshirō (1908). These texts evince the author’s sustained questioning of literature’s unique ability to reflect both aesthetic ideals and lived realities. The talk also considers how Sōseki’s insights continue to echo into the present, particularly in light of anxieties over literature’s diminishing relevance in contemporary cultural discourse in Japan and elsewhere.

Anri Yasuda is Assistant Professor of Japanese at George Washington University, where she teaches courses on Japanese literature, culture, and language. Her research focuses on late-Meiji and Taishō period Japanese literature and its intersections with visual art. She has published articles in Japanese Language and Literature, Journal of Popular Culture, and International Journal of Comic Arts. Her book manuscript, entitled All too Literary: Modern Japanese Literature and Aesthetics 1890-1930 is being reviewed for publication. She received her Ph.D. from Columbia University.