Japanese Literature The stories of traditional Japanese literature contributed to the creation of Japan's cultural identity, just as all national literature contributes to the country of their origin. There are specific characteristics of a nation which influence and are influence by the psychological and sociological setting in which they were created. In the Japanese culture, there is a high emphasis placed both on nature and the natural world. What is granted to humanity by a higher power must be protected, preserved, and appreciated. This love and care for the natural world is evident in many pieces of Japanese literature, particularly in the short stories "The Lady who Admired Vermin" and "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter."

In the story "The Lady Who Admired Vermin," the main character is interested in vermin, rather than butterflies or flowers as other young theme in traditional Japanese literature in the short fairy tale "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter." In this story, a young girl named Kaguyahime is born of nature, rather than man. Her father figure discovers her while toiling in his bamboo cutting. His child is extremely beautiful and wins the love of wealthy young men, princes, and even the emperor of Japan. However, this girl is so consumed…