Nihonbare Ro-ryō no yikidoke

Discussions of 20th century Japanese literature are incomplete without considering the reception of modern Russian literature, and considerations of modern Russian literature require discussing the impact of French literature on the Russian Empire’s modernising project.

This fellowship talk, delivered by 2022 National Library of Australia Fellow Dr Ryan Johnson, considers how the entanglement of Russian and French culture appeared in 20th century Japanese literature. Seldom understanding 'French' and 'Russian' in the same sense, Japanese writers constructed competing analogies for how Japanese literature related to the other two.

By working through this dual reception, this talk offers another way of thinking about reception and influence both in modern Japanese literature and world literature generally. 

Entry is free to this event but bookings are essential

For those unable to make it to Canberra for the event, it will be livestreamed online via the Library's facebook page. No bookings are required to watch the online stream. 

Dr Ryan Johnson is a 2022 National Library of Australia Fellow in Japan Studies, supported by the Harold S. Williams Trust. 

Image at top: Kunimasa Utagawa, 1902, Nihonbare Ro-ryō no yikidoke, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-152895649

Type Fellowship presentation