Shirakabaha

The Shirakabaha (白樺派, literally ‘the White Birch Group’) was a Japanese literary movement centred on the magazine Shirakaba, first published in 1910. It also refers to members of the group who share the same ideas and literary style.

In 1910 students of the prestigious Peer’s School in Tokyo began this group as a reaction against Naturalism, the dominant trend in literature at the time. Membership later expanded, including those such as Shiga Naoya (1883-1971), Mushanokōji Saneatsu (1885-1976), Yanagi Sōetsu(1889-1961), Satomi Ton (1888-1983), Arishima Takeo (1878-1923) and Nagayo Yoshirō(1888-1961). The group thought highly of Western aesthetics, spread the ideas of Western art and literature into Japan, and was concerned with the life of individuals, often incorporating optimistic philosophy into their work. Their literature was typically of the ‘I-novel’ genre. Although they were fascinated by European artistic trends, they were also deeply interested in Japanese culture. Unlike many other literary circles, they did not limit their interest to literature, but also delved into other art forms. They circulated the monthly magazine Shirakaba (White Birch) from April 1910 until 1923. The magazine reached its peak in popularity in 1918.

Overview

Against the backdrop of democracy in the Taisho period, members of the Shirakabaha produced works with themes such as idealism, humanism and individualism. They emphasized the affirmation of humanity, replacing the naturalism that had been the major force in the literature of the Taisho period.