Keichū

Keichū (契沖) (1640 – 1701) was a Japanese Buddhist monk, scholar, and philologist of the early Edo period. He is considered one of the most important figures in the kokugaku (National Learning) movement, a school of thought that emphasized the study of Japanese classical literature and culture as a means of rediscovering and celebrating native traditions, often in contrast to prevailing Chinese and Buddhist influences.

Keichū’s scholarship was characterized by its meticulous textual analysis and rigorous historical research. He sought to establish the authentic meanings and original forms of ancient Japanese texts, free from later interpretations and corruptions. His methods were particularly influential in the development of a more scientific approach to the study of Japanese language and literature.

His major works include Man'yō Daishōki (万葉代匠記), a comprehensive commentary on the Man'yōshū, the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry. This work, which took him over 30 years to complete, demonstrated his profound understanding of ancient Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and poetic conventions. In it, he meticulously examined the poems, offering etymological analyses and historical context. This work is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Man'yōshū scholarship.

Other notable works by Keichū include studies on Japanese grammar and phonology. His contributions were instrumental in establishing a more accurate understanding of the Japanese language as it existed in ancient times. He is also known for his critical examination of Buddhist texts and for his independent spirit and commitment to scholarly integrity.

Keichū's work laid the foundation for later kokugaku scholars, such as Motoori Norinaga, who further developed the movement's ideas and impact on Japanese intellectual and cultural history. His legacy continues to be recognized for his contributions to the study of classical Japanese literature and for his pioneering role in the development of modern Japanese philology.