Symbolism In Japanese History

The nation of Japan is one of the countries with the richest and widest range of history. From cultural to political history, Japan has gone their fair share of ups and downs. Today, Japan is commonly known for being one of the world’s leading economic industries, second to the United States. However, a dark past full of struggle and devastation was behind all of Japan’s success and prosperity. In the light of Japan’s rich history, several historical books cover this through a timeline. In addition to that, several Japanese works of literature also do this through different symbolisms in their text. Moreover, in literature, they show another side of history since in their symbolisms they tel a story where they show more than just the facts. An example of this is in the book “A Wild Sheep Chase” by Haruki Murakami where several symbolisms about Japan’s history could be found throughout the book’s narrative. For instance, in the book’s chapter 18, “The Strange Man’s Tale Goes On”, the character “Boss” symbolized the nation of Japan (Murakami 113). In

For instance, the attempted coup d’etat in Japan on February 26, 1936 failed in their “goal of purging the government and military leadership of their factional rivals and ideological opponents” and as a result, the Japanese government proceeded to more military influence over their government (February 26 Incident). In addition, “[s]tarting from the spring of 1936, the Boss was proverbially born again, a new man” (Murakami 117). In comparison, just as the Boss was “born again”, the Emperor of Japan made a strong stand and united the cabinets after the failed coup d’etat which led to the government being “marginalized and the military controlling the Japanese Politics” (The 1930s and War