POSTWAR LITERATURE

Postwar literature is a term used for fiction written immediately following World War II that arose out of the disaffection and loss of purpose caused by Japan’s defeat. Themes often include the Occupation, soldiers’ experiences, and the terrors of nuclear war. Beyond the direct influences on authors’ choices of topics, the end of the war caused a shift in Japanese religious and social attitudes that permeates the literature of the time. As Western, particularly American, cultural influences began to enter the country, Japanese literature also began to take on some of its aspects. Examples of postwar authors include Dazai Osamu, Mishima Yukio, and Oe Kenzaburo.

See also ATOMIC BOMB LITERATURE; LITERARY CRITICISM; THIRD GENERATION; WAR LITERATURE.