Early works of
Japanese literature were heavily influenced by cultural contact with
China and
Chinese literature, often written in
Classical Chinese.
Indian literature also had an influence through the Diffusion of
Buddhism in Japan. Eventually, Japanese literature developed into a separate style in its own right as Japanese writers began writing their own works about Japan, although the influence of Chinese literature and Classical Chinese remained until the end of the
Edo period. Since Japan reopened its ports to Western trading and diplomacy in the 19th century,
Western and Eastern literature have strongly affected each other and continue to do so. Japanese Kana derived from chinese writing.