Nara Period
This century was notable in Japanese era because this was when their literature were first recorded through writing.
When is the 8th Century?
Before kanji, one of Japan's writing system, there was this alphabet said to be derived from Chinese characters and was inspired by aristocratic culture.
What is the hiragana alphabet?
People were fond of linking verses during the Edo period. This writing was more on the themes of social intercourse or more conversational.
What is the renga?
This Japanese literary genre mostly comprised of women during its earliest years.
What is kabuki?
This type of play is the most realistic. In Japan, they refer to it as sewa-mono.
What is a domestic play?
In 720, Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) and The Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) were supported by this leadership.
What is the government?
Writers during this period were ahead of its time. Genji monogatari (Tale of Genji) was written by this court lady.
Who is Murasaki Shikibu?
Matsuo Basho, a well-known 17th Century poet, perfected this condensed form of poem that uses 17 syllables.
What is a haiku?
In this province in Japan, Okuni first performed this at the Izumo-Taisha Grand Shrine.
Where is Kyoto?
Shosagoto is a type of play that does not depict too much reality nor references to history. This piece is often referred to as this.
What are dance pieces?
Konjaku monotagari (Tales of a Time that is Now Past) describes two kinds of people during the 11th Century when it was written.
Who are the nobles and the commoners?
Ueda Akinari, who was fond of fiction, blossomed as a writer in a notable theme such as this.
What is gothic?
The government ordered male actors of kabuki to avoid a kind of "display" and follow a "convention".
What are "to avoid sensual displays" and "to follow the more realistic conventions"
This trademark of a kabuki is often used in historical plays and makes the actors' faces mask-like with which red tends to represent "good", while blue is "bad".
What is kumadori?
This first poetry anthology commissioned by an emperor was published in 905.
What is The Kokinshu?
Completed before 1219, Heike monogatari depicts the clan wars between Taira and this other clan.
Who are the Minamoto?
This era made the move to unify the written word with the spoken language.
What is the Meiji Period/Era?
Men who were known to act as female impersonators in kabukis were referred to as this.
What is an onnagata?
In kabukis, music is an important thing. This instrument that is native to Japan has three strings.
What is a shamisen?
Man'yoshu, when translated to English, becomes this phrase.
Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves
This valuable historical record depicts the power struggle between rival imperial courts between 1318 and 1367.
This author comes from the post-war generation in a short list where Haruki Murakami, Yoshimoto Banana, and others are included. Is Akutagaw Prize one of them?
Answer "Yes" or "No".
No. Akutagaw Prize is an award-giving body in Japan.
In 1758, an innovation for kabuki performances was introduced.
What is a revolving stage?
Kabuki, one of the four forms of Japanese classical theater, is considered an Intangible Heritage Humanity by this international organization in 2008.
What is the UNESCO?