Early works of Japanese literature were heavily influenced by cultural contact with China and Chinese literature, often written in Classical Chinese. Eventually, Japanese literature developed into a separate style in its own right as Japanese writers began writing their own works about Japan. The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu during the Heian period, is known worldwide as a unique Japanese literature. Since Japan reopened its ports to Western trading and diplomacy in the 19th century, Western and Eastern literature have strongly affected each other and continue to do so.
Early works of Japanese literature were heavily influenced by cultural contact with China and Chinese literature often written in Classical Chinese Eventually Japanese literature developed into a separate style in its own right as Japanese writers began writing their own works about Japan The Tale of Genji written by Murasaki Shikibu during the Heian period is known worldwide as a unique Japanese literature Since Japan reopened its ports to Western trading and diplomacy in the 19th century Western and Eastern literature have strongly affected each other and continue to do so