• Classical Japan [Audio/Video/Text]
This video unit is an introduction to Classical Japan. Topics include the influence of Chinese culture on Classical Japan, the Imperial family, the Nara period, Buddhism, Shinto, the Japanese language, and Japanese poetry of the period. Featuring Columbia University professors Donald Keene, Carol Gluck, Haruo Shirane, and Paul Varley, and Asia Society President Emeritus Robert Oxnam.
••••• Skip to any subtopic in this unit: Introduction Influence of Chinese culture Elements borrowed from China The imperial family & Japanese mythology The Nara Period Prince Shôtoku's Constitution Introduction to Buddhism Shintô Language & the use of Chinese characters Fujiwara family/Heian period Waka poetry Poetry: The Man'yoshu & The Kokinshu •••••

• The Tale of Genji [Audio/Video/Text]
This video unit examines this literary masterpiece of the Heian period. Literary salons, women as authors, and the impact of The Tale of Genji are discussed by the featured speakers: Columbia University professors Haruo Shirane and Paul Varley, and Asia Society President Emeritus Robert Oxnam.
••••• Skip to any subtopic in this unit: Literary salons at the Heian court The tale of The Tale of Genji Women as authors in Heian Japan The aesthetic of impermanence The impact of The Tale of Genji •••••