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Japanese Literature (5)

In the latter portion of the 8th century, the capital of Japan was changed from Heijoukyou (what is now Nara) to Heiankyou (what is now Kyoto). Kyoto maintained Japan's imperial court and political power until the rise of military Governments late in the 12th century. Throughout this period, kanji was the writing style of choice for official documents and kana was used for personal communication. Also during this period waka poetry and narrative literature flourished. The story that really codifies this age is Taketori Monogatori (Tale of the Bamboo Cutter) written in the 9-10th century about the beautiful Kaguya-hime (Princess Kaguya) of the moon.

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