Media of Japan

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Japanese media can be a great pathway to delve further into Japanese culture. Many times the media of a culture highlights the values and communication patterns of that culture; Japan is not different. Visual culture reflects Japan's emphasis on harmony, subtlety, and history. 

Japanese Cinema

The most culturally significant films to Japan consist of Seven Samurai (1954), Godzilla (1954), Harakiri (1962), Akira (1988), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Spirited Away (2001), and many more. These films reveal core elements of Japanese culture. From the samurai era of discipline shown in Seven Samurai to a visual display of post-war trauma in Godzilla, and even a love letter to shintoism in Spirited Away, these films showcase Japan over the years. Long and silent scenes are often for Japanese cinema, and symbolism is heavily utilized. 

Japanese TV Series

Unlike Japanese films, Japanese shows typically highlight a distinct difference between the intrapersonal beliefs of Japanese people and the social expectations of Japan. Anime is the most popular form of Japanese shows and can sometimes transcends the border of Japan, leaking into the American and European zeitgeist. Typically, anime is catered for children with fantastical storylines and whimsical characters, however there are occasions where anime can be made for adults. Teamwork and moral growth are at the center of the most popular anime and TV series of Japan, showing a cultural value.

Japanese Literature

Perhaps the most important media of Japan, or at least the most culturally significant, Japanese literature has been a tradition since the conception of Japan. There are several eras of Japanese literature; 

  • Heian Period (794 - 1185): Considered classical Japanese literature, the Heian era focuses on poetry and fictional novels of love and romance. The earliest accounts of Japanese science-fiction can be seen in this era as well.
  • Kamakura-Muromachi Period (1185-1600): This era brought on a more aristocracy approach. Anthologies and stories of war and epic tales were at their height at this time. Simultaneously, this era also popularized a recluse type of writing, where isolation is the primary expression of several writers.
  • Edo Period (1600-1868): The Haiku is born in this era. Poetry and comedy are taking forms together in Japanese literature, where storytelling involved chanted lines and made for play.
  • Meji Period (1868-1945): As we are approaching contemporary literature, Japanese literature at this time was exposed to western culture and vise versa. Free verse and romanticism were utilized by Japanese writers who had seen such techniques in western literature.
  • Postwar (1945 - ): Political consciousness was a primary concern for many Japanese writers, and is growing. After World War II, many writers had expressed their trauma and sorrow. Emotional issues are emphasized as many contemporary writers express their intrapersonal conflicts. These expressions could also be displayed in comedic forms, as the birth of modern manga was also in this period.




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