本居宣長 · もとおりのりなが · people

Motoori Norinaga

Major kokugaku scholar (1730–1801) recognized for his influential works on the 'Kojiki'.

Definition

Motoori Norinaga (1730–1801) stands as a pivotal figure in the kokugaku movement, revered for his comprehensive commentary on the 'Kojiki' titled 'Kojiki-den'. His work fundamentally altered the landscape of Shintō scholarship by integrating indigenous cultural and religious perspectives with literary analysis. Norinaga's emphasis on 'mono no aware', or the 'pathos of things', profoundly influenced Japanese aesthetics and literature. His interpretations asserted a unique spiritual authority derived from Japan's ancient texts, fostering a nationalist sentiment that prioritized native traditions over foreign influences.

Etymology

Norinaga's name, linking to '本居', signifies his family's legacy in the scholarly pursuits and Shintō practices of the era.