Paper short abstract:

This paper addresses contemporary notions of nostalgia in Japanese literature and asks why there is a sociocultural need for a sentimentality for the past. Through close readings of Heisei literature it analyzes different (narrative) forms and functions of nostalgia in Japan since the 1980s.

Paper long abstract:

Etymologically, the word "nostalgia" comes from the Greek nóstos, "a return home," and álgos, "pain". Introduced as a medical term for homesickness in 17th century Western Europe, nostalgia first acquired broader implications in French literature of the 19th century, when authors like Balzac and Baudelaire used it do designate a diffuse type of longing. Even though it was not called "nostalgia", this emotional state of mind played from the beginning of Japanese literature an important role in poetry and prose regarding concepts of home town or childhood.

This paper addresses contemporary notions of nostalgia in Japanese literature and culture and asks why there is a need for a sentimentality for the past. In Heisei literature the "past" often refers to the Shōwa or Taishō period, whereas Meiji and Taishō literature often refer to the Edo or Heian period while creating a past. Despite the temporal differences, however, similarities in strategies of constructing the past persist.

Through close readings of literary texts of the Heisei period this paper analyzes different forms and functions of nostalgia (natsukashisa or nosutargia) and retro-trends that refer to a longing for the past. It elaborates on the questions of to which epochs, objects, events and themes nostalgia is connected and which narrative techniques are used to construct a certain figure/notion/imaginary/longing for the "past". The paper also analyzes how the constructed past is related to the literary depicted "present". Thereby it focuses amongst others on literature of Kawakami Hiromi and Yoshimoto Banana.

Finally, the paper presents cultural and sociological explanations for sentimental literature in Japan since the 1980s.