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Editor’s Note

Editor’s Note Living Spirit: Literature and Resurgence in Okinawa is a collection of extraordinary literary works from the Ryükyüs, most of which have never been translated into English, or are newly translated for this volume. The selections range from the oldest poetry born in the islands to contemporary prose and poetry. The publication of Living Spirit is another important step in the resurgence of Okinawan literature that began in the 1960s. Together with the book's 2009 sister volume, Voices from Okinawa--a collection of plays and essays by Okinawan Americans--Living Spirit displays the richness and beauty of a literature that has been relatively unnoticed for far too long. For example, despite the fact that Okinawan authors have been awarded Japan's highest literary award, the Akutagawa Prize, Okinawan writing has been largely marginalized or subsumed in the larger category of Japanese literature. Okinawan literature, however, is not a subordinate category but a literature with its own history, traditions, and sensibilities. It stands on an equal basis with Japanese and other world literatures. Living Spirit is an invitation for English-speaking readers to experience the many strengths and surprises of Okinawan writing in several genres. In addition to Okinawan prose and poetry, Living Spirit http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Manoa University of Hawai'I Press

Editor’s Note

Yamazato, Katsunori.
Manoa , Volume 23 (1) – Jun 29, 2011
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University of Hawai'I Press
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Abstract

Living Spirit: Literature and Resurgence in Okinawa is a collection of extraordinary literary works from the Ryükyüs, most of which have never been translated into English, or are newly translated for this volume. The selections range from the oldest poetry born in the islands to contemporary prose and poetry. The publication of Living Spirit is another important step in the resurgence of Okinawan literature that began in the 1960s. Together with the book's 2009 sister volume, Voices from Okinawa--a collection of plays and essays by Okinawan Americans--Living Spirit displays the richness and beauty of a literature that has been relatively unnoticed for far too long. For example, despite the fact that Okinawan authors have been awarded Japan's highest literary award, the Akutagawa Prize, Okinawan writing has been largely marginalized or subsumed in the larger category of Japanese literature. Okinawan literature, however, is not a subordinate category but a literature with its own history, traditions, and sensibilities. It stands on an equal basis with Japanese and other world literatures. Living Spirit is an invitation for English-speaking readers to experience the many strengths and surprises of Okinawan writing in several genres. In addition to Okinawan prose and poetry, Living Spirit

Journal

Manoa – University of Hawai'I Press

Published: Jun 29, 2011

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