The Utilization of Paintings in Kawabata’s Literature–A Study Based on “A Girl in the Sunset” (Yubae Syoujyo) and “Beauty Under the Moon”(Gekkabijin)

Most scholars agree that Kawabata’s literary works start with a modernistic influence and gradually shifts towards classical Japanese literature. However, Kawabata Yasunari is also fascinated with paintings and fine arts. His antique collection is very well known. As a result, Kawabata’s literature often includes artistic pieces such as paintings or antique items. What meaning or affect does these artifacts have on his written works? How does literature interact with art? What purpose does fine art have in Kawabata’s writings? Analysis based on these questions would give us profound insight and understanding of Kawabata’s literature, however, the study of his works from a fine arts perspective has been long neglected by most scholars.
Both short stories “A Girl in the Sunset” (Yubae Syoujyo) and “Beauty Under the Moon” (Gekkabijin) incorporates paintings into the story, and the protagonist in both stories are young girls. This paper will try to give these writings a new interpretation through discussing how paintings and literature and what purpose these paintings have in the stories.