* The Meiji Restoration (1868-1912): This period saw a flourishing of literature embracing Western influences and modernism. Here are some key works:
* "Kokoro" (1914) by Natsume Sōseki: A deeply psychological novel exploring themes of alienation and modernity.
* "The Tale of Genji" (c. 1000s): While not written during the Meiji period, its rediscovery and critical acclaim during this era solidified its status as a literary masterpiece.
* "The Dancing Girl" (1915) by Osamu Dazai: A poignant novel about a young woman's struggle with love and loss.
* "The Rashomon Effect" (1915) by Ryunosuke Akutagawa: A short story exploring different perspectives of the same event, highlighting the unreliability of perception.
* The Taishō Era (1912-1926): This period saw a shift toward more social and political themes.
* "The Makioka Sisters" (1948) by Junichiro Tanizaki: A masterpiece of Japanese literature that explores the lives of four sisters in pre-war Japan.
* "A Strange Tale" (1921) by Osamu Dazai: A semi-autobiographical novel about a young man's struggles with alcoholism and depression.
* "No Longer Human" (1948) by Osamu Dazai: A deeply personal and moving novel about alienation and the search for meaning in a modern world.
* The Showa Era (1926-1989): This period encompassed the Second World War and its aftermath, with literature reflecting the trauma and uncertainty of the times.
* "Snow Country" (1937) by Yasunari Kawabata: A poetic novel exploring love and loss in a remote Japanese village.
* "The Sound of the Mountain" (1954) by Yasunari Kawabata: A moving novel about an aging man reflecting on his life and regrets.
* "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion" (1956) by Yukio Mishima: A powerful novel about a young monk obsessed with the beauty of a golden temple.
* "The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea" (1963) by Yukio Mishima: A haunting and surreal novel about a young boy's encounter with a mysterious group.
* The Japanese Occupation of Korea (1910-1945): While the Korean peninsula was under Japanese control, Korean literature thrived, often reflecting the complexities of identity and resistance.
* "The Naked Island" (1948) by Kim Hyesun: This powerful novel examines the realities of life on a remote island during the occupation.
* "The Rainy Spell" (1965) by Hwang Sunwon: This story tells of a young girl's struggles with love and loss during the occupation.
It's crucial to remember that literature during this period was diverse and reflected a multitude of perspectives. Some authors used their work to critique the Japanese regime, while others explored more personal themes. To fully grasp the literature of this era, you'll need to delve into the nuances of individual works and the broader social and political context in which they were created.