Japanese Literary Researches in France, State of Translations, and Perspectives in the 21st Century

Abstract

This paper focuses on research on Japanese literature from the perspective of foreign literature, using literature research in France as a case study. Beginning with a brief history of the introduction of Japanese literature to France, through to translations into French starting from the end of the 19th century, this paper aims to characterize French research on Japanese literature from the 1960s to the present time under the trend of globalization. It considers the conditions in which area studies, especially literary studies, can overcome new trials in reading, languages, and the invention of new approaches. Several issues in the field of interactive relations, in comparative literature (Western and Eastern), regional literature (Asian), and other Foreign Literature are highlighted, as well as collective projects supported by academic institutions. Literary studies are at critical turning point, as the circulation of research remains in academic circles composed of the very readers of the translations, rather than reaching wider educated audience. This paper argues for stronger links between current authors, creators of ultra-contemporary literature, and critics and specialists, from universities and others. To this end, examples from Genji Monogatari, Haruki Murakami, and Yôko Tawada are introduced.

Keywords

• Japanese Literature in France
• Translation
• Literary Researches
• Globalization
• Perspectives in the 21st Century