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Translation and Formation of Style in the Modern Japanese Novel

KOMORI Yoichi 1

1University of Tokyo

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the role of translation in modern Japanese literature. The formation of the modern novel in Meiji Japan is deeply connected to the style of translation. The uniqueness of modern Japanese literature is revealed when the personhood of aspects other than personal pronouns within the language are intentionally emphasized. The emphasis on personhood was influenced during the Meiji Period among intellectuals of the culture and style of translation. Morita Shiken, who is called the king of translation, clearly called attention to the new contemporary texts and readers. The direction of his stylistic revolution became much clearer after he took clues from translated novels. He rejected the conventional stereotypical expressions used when describing a condition or object. Shiken’s experimental style cooperates with Futabatei Shimei’s translations creating territory for expressions and also draws a clear line with the style of novels in the past. Through its concern with the individuality of the textual world, the limitations, and individuality of the characters, the modern novel was able to acquire the structure of narrative. The central focus of the translation work in modern Japan and also in other East Asian country was the establishment of a space for new writing. The superficial difference between styles that tried to combine the written word with the spoken or the slang with the elegant, the classical Chinese style, or the imitation of the classical style was not important. The common understanding of expression concealed behind these superficial differences is that we should comprehend the dynamic movement in the border expressions of this age.

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