Noh and kyōgen are among world's oldest continuous theatre traditions. Noh combines Buddhist and Shinto symbolism with mythic tales. Kabuki combines music, drama, and dance, developed in 1603. Bunraku uses 3-4 foot puppets with black and colorful performers. Yose was popular spoken theatre in Edo period
Turkish literature traces back to Central Asian origins. First written documents date from 6th century. Oral tradition preserved in 11th century Divanü Lugati't-Türk. First poets used kopuz instrument to read poetry
Japan resisted Western colonialism unlike many Asian nations. Tokugawa Ieyasu's victory in 1600 brought political stability. Japan's isolation policy ended with Perry's 1853 US naval intervention
Born in 1835 in Osaka, Fukuzawa faced poverty after his father's death. Started education at age 14, ten years after usual starting age. Moved to Nagasaki after US fleet arrival in 1853