The kana syllabary was invented (by the polymath Buddhist sage Kukai) as a way to spread literacy more widely. Japanese is a language whose phonetic structure allows for syllabic writing (as English with its more complex phonology really wouldn't).
I sometimes wonder what might have transpired if China's efforts at reform at around the same time had been successful. There would, of course, have been a great flowering of friendly relations, and commercial intercourse, especially with Britain. (I jest)
I'm on episode 3 of Shogun - I tend to go to bed before the kids now and I'm not quite sure theyre old enough to watch someone being boiled to death, but it's good so far.
Another import from China of that time was the kanji writing system, the great bugbear of all who have tried to learn Japanese.
that Japan has not one but three writing systems (plus Romanj) is so baffling
The kana syllabary was invented (by the polymath Buddhist sage Kukai) as a way to spread literacy more widely. Japanese is a language whose phonetic structure allows for syllabic writing (as English with its more complex phonology really wouldn't).
I sometimes wonder what might have transpired if China's efforts at reform at around the same time had been successful. There would, of course, have been a great flowering of friendly relations, and commercial intercourse, especially with Britain. (I jest)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundred_Days%27_Reform
This is very interesting, Ed, looking forward to part 2. There is a typo "During Aizawa’s reign as daimyo" should presumably be Tokugawa's reign.
oh yes, thank you
This is excellent. So resonate with many themes today, yet completely different. I kind of wish Shogun was about this period. Well done!
thanks!
I'm on episode 3 of Shogun - I tend to go to bed before the kids now and I'm not quite sure theyre old enough to watch someone being boiled to death, but it's good so far.
Fascinating. Adding that book about Japan to my list.
thank you!