While Iran and Japan seem remote and disconnected in terms of geography, language, and culture, closer examination of the works of authors in these two countries brings to light some striking similarities, particularly with respect to their responses to modernization. Examination of Iranian and Japanese authors and the works they produced during the early days of industrialization, economic modernization, and substantial exposure to foreign cultures with their divergent literary concepts and ideals presents an opportunity to explore both similarities and differences in their responses to these powerful forces.
During the late 19th century and early 20th century, both countries were experiencing dramatic changes brought about by increased interaction with the West. This interaction was the result of greater interest from Western countries, particularly regarding economic issues, and greater interest in Western cultures and practices on the part of the peoples of Iran and Japan. Literary figures, including Sadeq Hedayat and Hushang Golshiri in Iran and Ryunosuke Akutagawa and Jun’ichiro Tanizaki in Japan, were presented with a juxtaposition of Western literary techniques appropriated from abroad on the one hand, and traditional esthetics and content from their own culture on the other. In response, these authors produced works that were simultaneously distinct from prior Iranian or Japanese works yet still distinctly Iranian or Japanese in character and essence.
This paper will explore the ways in which these authors accomplished their feat of amalgamation, identifying significant similarities between authors in these two disparate countries and also pointing out substantial contrasts between their writings. These similarities and differences will be examined with reference to the political, social, and economic history of each country, and particularly with respect to cultural and literary responses to external influences.
