Japan Romanticism Academia
日本浪漫学会
Neo-Romanticism Driving Realist Art
Through creativity, we return wholeheartedly to our open and generous humanity.
Japan Romanticism Academia shares Japan’s distinctive romanticism with the world.
INTERNATIONAL EDITION
POETRY / MUSIC / ART / CULTURAL STUDIES
An English translation of the Academia’s statement. Read the Japanese original.
Latest articles
Newly published
Shunkinshō — Performance Preview, 25 March 2027
A preview by Seishu Hamano of the Shunkinshō performance at Sazanami Hall in Zushi on 25 March 2027, bringing together mandolin music, singing and spoken performance. Doors open at 13:30 JST.
Read the article
An Essay on “Tango of the Red Shoes”
Seishu Hamano reads a young dancer’s life through “Tango of the Red Shoes,” connecting the song’s imagery with early postwar Japan. Includes the original vertical, colour manuscript and Japanese text with English commentary.
Read the articleAcross generations
Carrying the spirit of harmony and romanticism into the future.
Looking 500 years ahead,
we hope to pass Japan’s poetry, literature and art on to the next generation.
The war lost, my parents wept—the rice-field village of my childhood, now a town alive with voices beneath the Obon moon.
About the Academia
About Japan Romanticism Academia
Japan Romanticism Academia is a cultural, artistic and scholarly association that explores, creates and shares the spirit of romanticism in Japan, from ancient times to the present. In a contemporary world often dominated by realism, we advocate a new romanticism through poetry, literature, music, film, theatre and other forms of expression.
With the Online Manyo-shu at the centre of our work, we bring together creative practice, research, criticism and exchange. Our aim is to create a romanticism that continues into the future, rather than simply look back at the past. Valuing a universal love of humanity and wisdom that transcend politics, religion and race, we share Japan’s distinctive romanticism with the world.
We also envision a time capsule to be opened 500 years from now. As a legacy for the future, it forms part of our mission to entrust the spirit of romanticism to generations to come.
Inherit & create
Inheriting Romanticism, Creating It Anew
Japan Romanticism Academia’s mission is to preserve the spirit of romanticism in literature, poetry and the arts, and to connect ancient traditions with contemporary expression.
- Romanticism across time – As exemplified by the waka poetry of Nukata no Ōkimi, Japan has a rich literary tradition of romantic expression stretching back more than a thousand years.
- Creation and expression – We offer a space not only to read romantic works, but also to create poems and songs and to express ideas through essays and film.
- Sharing Japan’s spirit of harmony with the world – Through the Online Manyo-shu, we share Japan’s distinctive romanticism internationally.
Will you join us on the journey to carry Japan’s romantic spirit into the future?
Our principles
Romanticism lives on in the human heart, across ages and cultures.
Neo-Romanticism Driving Realist Art
Realism is the prevailing mode in contemporary literature and art, yet it cannot fully express the movements of the human heart. Through fantasy, mystery, passionate love and the ebb and flow of human feeling, romanticism makes possible forms of expression that reach beyond realism. We believe that the power of romanticism, reaching beyond reason, enriches human society.
A Diversity of Art Forms
Romanticism lives in many forms of expression, from literature to music, film, theatre, crafts and design. We find its spirit not only in poetry and fiction, but also in film, contemporary art and performance, and offer a space in which it can be expressed freely.
Preserving Romanticism’s Independence
In an age when art and literature can be engulfed by commercialism, we are committed to preserving the essence of romanticism. Our mission is to pursue expression rooted in our own creativity, rather than simply follow trends, and to share the spirit of romanticism with the world.
Living by a Love of Humanity, Beyond Race, Political Systems and Religion
We honour human creativity beyond national borders, politics, religion and racial prejudice. We respect all life and seek coexistence rather than conflict. We believe that romantic expression can build bridges between people around the world.
A Time Capsule to Be Opened in 500 Years
Our activities are a message not only to those alive today, but also to future generations. However far scientific civilisation advances, the romantic spirit within us endures. We carefully record and preserve creative work and ideas as a time capsule for the world 500 years from now, passing them on to those who come after us.
Words into music
A poem finds its voice.
A live performance by Jun Hayama · Sung in Japanese
Featured work
Nagisa Bridge Elegy
Japanese lyrics by Kahori Tachibana, with music by Jun Hayama, presented alongside a live performance video.
Read and listenPopular Song Studies, No. 1: Shanghai-gaeri no Lil
A study of “Shanghai-gaeri no Lil”, published as a Japanese PDF and accompanied by the recording embedded in the original article.
Read the articleEvents & gatherings
Meet us where music lives.
From the Academia
Latest News
Keep up with the latest news and event updates from Japan Romanticism Academia, and discover what is happening at the forefront of romanticism.
Upcoming event
Shunkinshō — Performance Preview, 25 March 2027
A preview by Seishu Hamano of the Shunkinshō performance at Sazanami Hall in Zushi on 25 March 2027, bringing together mandolin music, singing and spoken performance. Doors open at 13:30 JST.
English-speaking residents of Yokosuka and the surrounding area are warmly welcome.
Join our circle
Will You Join Japan Romanticism Academia’s Creative Circle?
Even now, many creators and researchers are carrying the spirit of romanticism forward and giving it new forms of expression.
Will you join Japan Romanticism Academia and help shape the future of literature, poetry and the arts?
Japanese website
From the Japanese website
The Japanese website presents the Academia’s principles, poetry, literature, music and event notices. This international site offers a concise introduction and links to the original Japanese presentation, created with the support of Satake Kobo.