The Learning and Expansion of “Bunken” Students: The Case of Shinyashiki Kōhan, a Passholder of the “Bunken Japanese Language Subject”

Abstract

This study examines Shinyashiki Kōhan (1899–1985), who was a self-taught scholar who passed the Japanese Language section of the Ministry of Education’s Normal School and Higher Girls’ School Certification Examination (Bunken); Bunken was, an important route for secondary school teacher qualification in prewar Japan. By tracing his life history, this study clarifies one aspect of the learning practices of prewar Japanese language teachers.

Shinyashiki, who also passed the Higher Teacher Certification Examination, inspired many Bunken examinees through his editorial work on the journal Nihon Bungaku (Japanese Literature), consequently forming a broad network of individuals engaged in Japanese literary studies.

Analysis centered on the magazine Nihon Bungaku (Japanese Literature), which he edited, revealed the following: First, Shinyashiki held a highly unique perspective on self-education and the Bunken, ultimately equating learning for the Bunken examination with Japanese literature research. Second, the network centered around Nihon Bungaku was exceptionally dynamic, and extended not only to Bunken examinees but also to writers and Japanese literature scholars, which is a characteristic not seen among examinees of other subjects.