How did Futabatei Shimei’s use of colloquial language affect modern Japanese fiction?

Futabatei Shimei significantly influenced modern Japanese fiction by pioneering the use of gembun itchi—the unification of spoken and written language.1

In his landmark novel Ukigumo (1887–89) and his translations of Russian literature, Futabatei replaced classical literary syntax with the modern colloquial idiom. He was motivated by the conviction, derived from his study of Russian authors, that the colloquial was the only appropriate medium for accurately depicting contemporary society.12

By adopting this unadorned, modern tongue, Futabatei helped introduce modern realism to the Japanese novel. While many writers remained hesitant to abandon traditional literary styles until the end of the 19th century, Futabatei’s experiment was a foundational step in transforming Japanese literature, elevating the novel from mere entertainment to a serious artistic form worthy of intellectual attention.12