Japanese literature is simply unique in its own way and is considered as one of the major Oriental literatures. In some cases, it bears a certain similarity to Chinese literature, nonetheless, both have paved their way and each have marked their own individuality in the field of literature.
Japanese literature, to be precise, their poetry, has been outstandingly known for its explicit beauty and conciseness. You probably have heard of the tankas and the haikus. Tankas does not follow the rhythmic devices of alliteration and accent common to English Poetry. Haiku, on the other hand, is a later development which is even more abbreviated. This unique structure gives the beauty in each poem regardless of its shortness. In both poems, there is the element of surprise, wonder, awe and delight.
Japanese literature is also known for its drama. Their drama has the aristocrat feel to it accompanied by music, dance and extravagant costumes. You may have come across the terms such as Kabuki and Joruri. These are the most common form of entertainment in Japan and are still being performed up to present days. Kabuki deals mainly with mythical subjects while Joruri is performed primarily with lifelike size puppets.
Western drama has a great influence also to their japan literature. It gives rise to the birth of Shingeki theatre. European and American works were mostly translated by experimenting to the dramatic conventions of the West.
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