Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 February 1918 — Japanese Arts and Letters. [ARTICLE]

Japanese Arts and Letters.

The Yamato association has been formed by distinguished Japanese citizens for the purpose of making Nippon’s achievements in arts and letters better known to the western world! Its promoters believe that Japanese civilization is not correctly understood by the vast majority of Occidental people. Her naval, military and scientific! advancement is recognized, but the West has yet to comprehend the significance of het achievements in the humanities. The Japan Magazine, commenting upon the new organization, says: “Many foreigners are disposed to look upon Japan ab merely a military nation, whereas, her most important side is the genius of her unique civilization and character. If people could get a glimpse of the soul of Japan they would have quite a different opinion of her. This can-best be had from Japanese art and literature, which in many ways are equal to those of the West. Even those Occidentals who try to appreciate Japanese art prefer the least representative art of the nation. And as for Japanese'literature, it is practically unknown among western people.” The association will publish works on Japanese history, literature and art and make translations into European languages of the best works of Japanese writers, ancient and modem; in addition its endeavor will be to promote the improvement of the national music and drama.