I Novel

I Novel (???, Shi shosetsu/ Watakushi-) is a literary genre in Japanese literature used to describe writing about oneself. This genre was founded on Japanese reception of Naturalism movement during Taisho period. The form reflected greater individualism and a less constraining method of writing.

I Novel is believed that beginning on Futon (Quilt) by Tayama Katai and Hakai (Violation of the commandments) by Shimazaki Toson. In Futon, Tayama confessed his affection for his female pupil. That time, it was a scandolous matter that revealing one's feeling publically. In Hakai, Toson described a male who was born in a discriminated community, and how he decided to go against the commandment, ordered by his father, “Not to reveal your born community.” Known from the foundation, I Novel was a genre of exposure the dark side of social or author's life. This character sometimes is told wrong reception of the French Naturalism. However, this genre is a main genre of Japanese modern literature.

There are several general rules that go into the creation of a shishosetsu. The story must remain in a natural realm and must be completely realistic. The idea of the shishosetsu was to prove that language is not transparent and that an experience can be completely portrayed with language. The formula of the protagonist must be author = protagonist = hero, therefore the author must be the protagonist of the story. The story should also express a great knowledge of literature and reference as many "great" works as possible in relation to a character's feelings. The writing should also not be too elaborate.

It's major writers included Dazai Osamu, Mishima Yukio, although most of what Mishima wrote was not true shishosetsu (i.e. Confessions of a Mask which depicts many unrealistic scenes. The book was, in fact, received as metaphoric in Japan) or others.