Literati from China, Japan compare notes

HANGZHOU — Literature experts as well as descendants of two well-known Asian writers met in East China to boost friendly communication between China and Japan.

Descendants of Chinese writer Lu Xun and Japanese novelist Natsume Soseki, talked about the influence of both men on literature on Monday at a seminar at Shaoxing University in Zhejiang province. Lu Xun was born in Shaoxing.

Lu Xun is the pen name of Zhou Shuren (1881-1936). His works, including The True Story of Ah Q and A Madman’s Diary, put him in the league of leading Chinese writers that ushered Chinese literature into the modern era.

Natsume Soseki (1867-1916) was a writer known for his novels, such as Kokoro and I Am a Cat.

“Both Lu Xun and Natsume Soseki paid great attention to Chinese and Japanese culture and were influenced by both, and their works have had great influence on Chinese and Japanese readers,” said Wang Jianli, president of Shaoxing University. “It is safe to say that they are symbols of Chinese and Japanese cultural exchange.”

Zhou Lingfei, Lu Xun’s eldest grandson, said that Lu Xun introduced Natsume’s works to China long ago, and that Lu Xun spoke highly of Natsume.

Natsume Soseki’s eldest grandson, Natsume Fusanosuke, said that his grandfather was familiar with Chinese classics and could write Chinese poems.

“He was also good at Chinese calligraphy,” Fusanosuke said.

Satsuki Eda, former president of Japan’s House of Councilors, applauded the seminar, which coincides with the 45th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan.

“The seminar means a lot for the friendly communication between China and Japan,” he said.