Soseki Natsume and Modern Japanese Female Liberation:From’Jiko-hon’i’to’Sokutenkyoshi’

Abstract

As the founder of modern Japanese literature,Soseki Natsume’s works not only reflect the various confl icts of Japanese society at that time,but also describe the situation of female at that time.The female images in Soseki Natsume’s works are’Jiko-hon’i(self-centeredness)’.On the one hand,they are required to maintain their self-image.On the other hand,they are required to provide reproductive value to men,and finally they have to give up their individuality for survival and status.By portraying the contradictory group of women,Soseki Natsume’s works reflect the ideological suppression of women in Japanese society at that time.Soseki Natsume further touched on the issue of female liberation in his idea of’Sokutenkyoshi(following natural principles and removing personal selfi shness)’.This concept advocates following the laws of nature,eliminating personal selfi shness,and emphasizes transcending the individual self and pursuing universal truth and justice.In the context of gender relations,it can be interpreted as a call to eliminate gender bias and inequality,and to advocate respect for female independence and rights. Therefore,Soseki Natsume’s works play an important role in understanding modern Japanese women.