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The development of Japanese literature in the past has been very similar to that of England. The geographical positions of the two countries closely resemble each other, as also their relation to the mainland. First, England was inhabited by the Britons, who possessed little or no literature, then with the Anglo-Saxon and Roman invasions the germs of literature were sown, but did not develop to any great degree. The Norman Conquest resulted in more literature, and the wars with France, under Edward III., brought England into contact with the Continental literature, which rounded off and completed English literature. The end of the Middle Ages and the Turkish Conquest saw the change of the centre of literary life to Rome and gradually towards Europe. The English and the European literatures became closely connected and were much influenced by each other.

Formerly there was no Japanese literature, and this continued until 500 years ago, when Chinese literature began to penetrate Japan, travelling viâ Corea. Later, through the same intermediary, came Buddhism, bringing with it Indian philosophy. Before this songs were the only literature, and, as in Homer’s stories in Greece, the warlike element was ever well to the fore. Gradually intercourse between China and Japan became more frequent, business men entered into relations, statesmen and priests travelled. Sometimes these growing relations were interrupted by disturbances in Korea, which served as the bridge between the two countries. But nothing seemed to be able to prevent the intercourse from growing closer. Then came in Japan what is known as the Translation period, when Chinese books and Chinese ideas were taken and reclothed in Japanese garb. In this way a considerable literature came rapidly into being.