Companions to Asian Studies: The Pleasures of Japanese Literature

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Donald Keene, a leading interpreter of Japanese literature, offers an engaging introduction to traditional Japanese culture for general readers. As the author, editor, or translator of nearly three dozen works, Keene shares his insights on Japanese aesthetics, poetry, fiction, and theater, based on lectures delivered at prestigious institutions like the New York Public Library and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. His essays require no prior knowledge of Japanese culture, making them accessible while still deeply informative. Keene’s expertise allows him to craft a narrative that is both enjoyable and enlightening, shedding light on enduring aspects of traditional culture, such as the appreciation of "perishability." This concept manifests in various facets of Japanese life, from wooden temples to a preference for worn pottery and the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, which bloom for just three days. Quoting the fourteenth-century monk Kenko, who noted the preciousness of life's uncertainty, Keene illustrates how Japan's rich artistic and social traditions can resonate with readers from different backgrounds. This work is sure to captivate anyone interested in Japanese literature and culture.