9.2 Rise of the merchant class and popular literature
3 min read•august 9, 2024
The saw the rise of a new merchant class called . These urban traders and artisans gained economic power, challenging social norms. They developed a distinct culture in cities like Edo, embracing the hedonistic "" lifestyle that influenced art and literature.
Popular literature flourished as literacy rates increased among merchants. New genres like (light, humorous works) and (illustrated fiction) entertained urban readers. Serious novels and guides to pleasure quarters also emerged, catering to diverse tastes and educational needs.
Rise of the Merchant Class
Emergence of Chōnin and Urban Culture
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- Chōnin represented a new social class of urban merchants and artisans in Edo period Japan
- Gained economic power through trade and commerce, challenging traditional social hierarchy
- Developed distinct urban culture centered in cities like Edo, Osaka, and Kyoto
- ("floating world") emerged as a hedonistic lifestyle embraced by wealthy chōnin
- Focused on pleasure-seeking activities ( theater, geisha entertainment, brothels)
- Influenced art and literature, giving rise to woodblock prints
Literacy and Education Among Merchants
- Increasing literacy rates among chōnin due to economic necessity and cultural aspirations
- Merchant families established private schools () for basic education
- Curriculum included reading, writing, and arithmetic for practical business skills
- Higher education pursued through private academies () and public schools ()
- Lending libraries () proliferated in urban areas
- Provided access to books for a fee, catering to growing demand for reading material
- Offered various genres including popular fiction, poetry, and educational texts
Popular Literature Genres
Entertainment-Focused Literature
- Gesaku emerged as light, humorous literature aimed at urban readers
- Often satirical, parodying classical literature or contemporary society
- Notable authors included Hiraga Gennai and
- Kibyōshi ("yellow-cover books") gained popularity as illustrated fiction
- Combined text and images in a format similar to modern graphic novels
- Typically featured witty, satirical stories about urban life and culture
- Koikawa Harumachi's "Kinkin sensei eiga no yume" became a bestseller
Serious and Educational Literature
- developed as longer, more serious novels
- Often based on Chinese historical tales or moral stories
- Aimed to educate readers while entertaining them
- 's "" exemplified the genre's literary sophistication
- focused on depicting the pleasure quarters and urban lifestyle
- Provided detailed information about customs, etiquette, and social interactions
- Served as both entertainment and practical guides for readers
- Santō Kyōden's "" became a representative work of the genre
Printing Technology
Advancements in Woodblock Printing
- Woodblock printing () became the dominant method for mass-producing books
- Enabled wider dissemination of literature and knowledge among urban populations
- Process involved carving text and images onto wooden blocks, then printing onto paper
- Allowed for integration of text and illustrations, enhancing visual appeal of books
- Contributed to the development of distinctive artistic styles (ukiyo-e prints)
- Facilitated the growth of commercial publishing industry
- Publishers emerged as influential figures in literary world
- Competitive market led to innovations in book design and marketing strategies
Key Terms to Review (19)
Chōnin: Chōnin refers to the merchant class in premodern Japan, particularly during the Edo period (1603-1868), who played a vital role in the rise of commerce and urban culture. This social class emerged as a powerful economic force, influencing both popular literature and the arts while navigating their status beneath the samurai class. They were instrumental in developing new forms of entertainment, literature, and cultural expressions that resonated with everyday life.
Edo Period: The Edo Period, also known as the Tokugawa Period, lasted from 1603 to 1868 and marked a time of relative peace, stability, and isolation in Japan under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. This era saw significant developments in culture, literature, and social structure, shaping the foundations of modern Japanese society.
Floating world: The floating world refers to the vibrant and often transient lifestyle of urban pleasure-seeking in Edo-period Japan, particularly associated with the merchant class and popular culture. It embodies a cultural phenomenon where artists, writers, and entertainers thrived, producing works that celebrated the enjoyment of life, leisure, and the pursuit of beauty amidst a rapidly changing society. This concept significantly influenced literature and art, particularly through the development of specific genres focused on everyday life and pleasure.
Gesaku: Gesaku refers to a genre of popular literature in Japan during the Edo period, characterized by its humorous and often satirical approach to storytelling. This type of literature was primarily produced by and for the emerging merchant class, reflecting their tastes and concerns, and providing entertainment that was accessible to a broader audience.
Hankō: Hankō refers to the cultural and artistic movement that emerged during the Tokugawa period in Japan, characterized by the production of woodblock prints and literature aimed at the growing merchant class. This term embodies the shift from elite, courtly culture to more accessible forms of art and literature that reflected the tastes and interests of a broader audience, especially the rising urban populace. Hankō represents a significant transformation in Japanese culture, intertwining with economic developments and social changes during this era.
Juku: Juku refers to private educational institutions in Japan that emerged during the Edo period, primarily for the purpose of tutoring students outside of the formal school system. These institutions catered to a growing merchant class and helped foster a culture of literacy and learning among commoners, which laid the groundwork for popular literature to flourish. As juku became more accessible, they played a significant role in democratizing education and influencing the rise of new literary genres that appealed to a wider audience.
Kabuki: Kabuki is a classical Japanese dance-drama known for its stylized performances, elaborate costumes, and the use of makeup. This theatrical form developed in the early 17th century and became a significant aspect of Japanese culture, reflecting various themes, including love, morality, and the complexities of urban life.
Kashihonya: Kashihonya refers to the early modern Japanese rental bookstores that emerged during the Edo period (1603-1868). These establishments played a crucial role in the dissemination of literature and popular culture, allowing the rising merchant class access to a variety of literary works, including fiction, poetry, and illustrated narratives.
Kibyōshi: Kibyōshi are a genre of popular Japanese illustrated books that emerged during the Edo period, characterized by their vibrant woodblock prints and engaging narratives aimed at the common people. These books often featured stories about love, adventure, and humor, making literature accessible to a growing merchant class and helping to foster a culture of reading among the general populace. Kibyōshi played a crucial role in the rise of popular literature, reflecting the social dynamics and tastes of a newly empowered middle class.
Mokuhan: Mokuhan refers to a traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique that played a significant role in the production of popular literature and art during the Edo period. This method allowed for the mass production of illustrations and texts, making literature accessible to a wider audience, particularly among the rising merchant class. Mokuhan not only influenced the visual aesthetics of popular culture but also contributed to the democratization of knowledge and artistic expression.
Nishiki no ura: Nishiki no ura refers to the vibrant undercurrents of urban life and culture in Japan during the Edo period, particularly focusing on the rise of the merchant class and the flourishing of popular literature. This term encapsulates the lively marketplace atmosphere and the arts that catered to a growing audience, reflecting both the prosperity of the merchant class and the evolving tastes of the public. It highlights how these developments led to a significant shift in cultural production and consumption.
Santō Kyōden: Santō Kyōden was a prominent Japanese writer and artist active during the Edo period, known for his contributions to popular literature and woodblock prints. His works often focused on the lives of common people and explored themes of love, adventure, and humor, reflecting the rise of the merchant class and the cultural shifts of his time. Kyōden's writings are considered essential in understanding the development of popular culture in Japan.
Sharebon: Sharebon refers to a genre of popular literature that emerged in Edo-period Japan, particularly known for its focus on the lives and experiences of the merchant class and common people. These works often blend fiction and reality, providing a vivid portrayal of urban life, social interactions, and the pleasures and challenges faced by the burgeoning merchant class during a time of economic growth and cultural exchange.
Terakoya: Terakoya refers to a type of private temple school in Edo-period Japan, primarily established for the education of children, especially those from merchant families. These schools played a crucial role in promoting literacy and learning among the growing merchant class during the Tokugawa shogunate, influencing cultural and literary development across society.
Ueda Akinari: Ueda Akinari was an influential Japanese writer from the Edo period, known for his contributions to early popular literature and ghost stories. His works, particularly 'Ugetsu Monogatari' (Tales of Moonlight and Rain), reflect the rise of the merchant class and their cultural expressions during this time. Akinari's storytelling blends supernatural elements with human emotions, showcasing the complexities of society and the increasing literacy among the urban populace.
Ugetsu monogatari: Ugetsu Monogatari, or 'Tales of the Moonlight and Rain', is a collection of supernatural stories written by Ueda Akinari in the late 18th century. This work reflects the cultural and social changes occurring in Japan, particularly during the rise of the merchant class, while exploring themes of love, loss, and the supernatural. The tales are noted for their intricate plots and deep psychological insights, merging elements of folk tales with sophisticated narrative techniques.
Ukiyo: Ukiyo, meaning 'floating world,' refers to a cultural and artistic movement in Japan that emerged during the Edo period (1603-1868), focusing on the transient beauty of everyday life, especially in urban settings. This term embodies the lifestyle and experiences of the merchant class, as well as popular literature and art that celebrated the pleasures of urban living, entertainment districts, and the ephemeral nature of existence.
Ukiyo-e: Ukiyo-e is a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th through the 19th centuries, characterized by woodblock prints and paintings depicting scenes of everyday life, landscapes, and beautiful women. This art form not only reflects the cultural vibrancy of its time but also captures the essence of the 'floating world,' an urban lifestyle that emerged during the Edo period.
Yomihon: Yomihon refers to a genre of Japanese literature that emerged during the Edo period, primarily characterized by its narrative style and intended for entertainment. These books, often featuring popular stories and themes, were produced in response to the growing literacy and cultural interests of the merchant class, making them accessible to a wider audience. Yomihon played a significant role in the rise of popular literature, showcasing the aspirations and lifestyles of the emerging urban populace.