5.1.1. Print in Japan

Buddhist missionaries from China introduced hand-printing technology into Japan around AD 768-770. The oldest Japanese book, printed in AD 868, is the Buddhist Diamond Sutra, containing six sheets of text and woodcut illustrations.

In Japan, the introduction of print technology came through Buddhist missionaries in the late 8th century. This is a significant point because it shows how cultural and technological exchanges occur through the movement of people and ideas, specifically through religion. The first recorded printed book in Japan is the Diamond Sutra, which was printed in the year 868. This book is noteworthy not only because of its age but also because it contains both text and illustrations, showcasing the early integration of graphic arts with literature in Japanese culture.

Think of it as how modern technology spreads in today's world. For example, smartphones and social media often spread new ideas and cultural practices across borders, just like how printing techniques spread with missionaries.

In medieval Japan, poets and prose writers were regularly published, and books were cheap and abundant. Printing of visual material led to interesting publishing practices. In the late eighteenth century, in the flourishing urban circles at Edo (later to be known as Tokyo), illustrated collections of paintings depicted an elegant urban culture, involving artists, courtesans, and teahouse gatherings.

During the medieval period in Japan, a vibrant print culture developed where literary works were widely available and affordable. This democratization of text made literature accessible beyond the elite, allowing poets and prose writers to reach a broader audience. Edo became a cultural hub where illustrated books flourished, representing not only the literature of the time but also the lifestyle and aesthetics of urban life. This printed material influenced social norms and popular culture, showcasing the interconnection of art and literature.

Imagine how the rise of popular novels and graphic novels today invites diverse readers into rich narratives, shaping cultural trends and social conversations, similar to what happened in Edo.

Kitagawa Utamaro, born in Edo in 1753, was widely known for his contributions to an art form called ukiyo (‘pictures of the floating world’) or depiction of ordinary human experiences, especially urban ones. These prints travelled to contemporary US and Europe and influenced artists like Manet, Monet and Van Gogh.

Kitagawa Utamaro was an influential artist in the ukiyo genre, which captured fleeting moments of beauty in everyday life. His artwork not only showcased urban experiences but also had far-reaching cultural impacts, inspiring Western artists. This highlights how art can transcend geographical boundaries, influencing global artistic movements and fostering cultural exchanges across time and space.

Consider how modern artists or filmmakers can impact cultures around the world via the internet, inspiring others to create and contribute to a global cultural narrative, just as Utamaro did with his prints.

This new reading culture was accompanied by a new technology. Western printing techniques and mechanical presses were imported in the late nineteenth century as Western powers established their outposts in China. Shanghai became the hub of the new print culture, catering to the Western-style schools. From hand printing there was now a gradual shift to mechanical printing.

In the late 19th century, Japan saw the introduction of Western printing technology, marking a significant evolution from traditional hand printing to mechanical methods. This transition not only increased the volume and speed of book production but also helped Japan engage with Western culture and education. As a result, cities like Shanghai emerged as pivotal centers in the new print culture, reflecting the interconnectedness of technology and societal advancements.

Just as the transition from vinyl records to digital music has transformed how we consume music today, the shift to mechanical printing transformed literature production, making it more accessible and widespread.

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