Natsume Sōseki (1867–1916) – given name Natsume Kinnosuke – remains perhaps the most well-known of the intellectuals who came to prominence in Japan’s Meiji era (1868-1912). That his portrait was depicted on the Japanese 1,000 yen note between 1984 and 2004 evidences the esteem in which he continues to be held in Japan. In Sōseki’s lifetime, Japan was forging its new relationship with the West and negotiating the extent to which it would be influenced by Western culture. Japan was exposed to Western influence after Commodore Matthew Perry’s American steamships – known as “black ships” – arrived in 1853, and the result was both approval and hostility. The Meiji regime adopted a Western model of education, and Western literature became freely available and sought…
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Citation: Treby, Marion. "Natsume Sōseki". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 13 October 2021 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=12097, accessed 18 April 2024.]
