Title: Winter in Japanese and Okinawan Poetry – Comparative Analysis of Different Connotations of Similar Expressions
Stream: Literature/Literary Studies
Presentation Type: Live-Stream Presentation
Authors:
Jana Urbanova, Hosei University, Japan
Abstract:
Previous research shows that Okinawan lyric poetry ryūka was influenced by Japanese classical poetry waka, especially in regard to poems depicting the four seasons in which numerous expressions were adopted from waka. However, using a similar set of expressions doesn’t always guarantee that they retain the same meaning, as we discuss in the proposed paper. The paper closely examines the word ‘winter’ (fuyu) and related expressions, such as ‘snow’ (yuki) and ‘frost’ (shimo) found in poetry of Okinawa and mainland Japan, and analyses varying connotations these identical expressions carry in poems of each region. Okinawa with a subtropical climate and historical background different from Japan doesn’t bear the same images of the four seasons and their related symbolism despite using the same expressions. For example, on the one hand we can find here a more favorable image of snow, but on the other hand a much sadder winter atmosphere with its cold rains evoking a deeper feeling of loneliness than in Japanese poetry. The detailed analysis of broad spectrum of examples in this comparative study clearly demonstrates the role of regional culture and climate in shaping the concept of the four seasons in Okinawan poetry, alongside the literary influences from mainland Japan whose poetry and literature drew inspiration from the distinctive images of spring, summer, autumn and winter.
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