Abstract: Recently, Japanese modern literature researchers have begun to use computer-based methods in their research, and three major types of research are now available, including: stylistic studies, content analysis of literary works, and content analysis of various literature-related reports. However, the first type is not mainstream in literary studies, and the second type is regarded as much weaker than the traditional "close reading" by literary researchers. The third type has few practical cases yet, but it is more likely to be intersect with quantitative research on literary tendencies that began in the late last century in Japanese literature circles, as well as with new theories and digital approaches such as "distant reading" that have been proposed in recent years. In addition, text data of a certain scale and standard, with standardized editing, that can be used for search and data analysis is also essential to promote relevant research. Digital humanities is one of the ways to develop literary studies, and even humanities studies. In the future, there will be interesting studies that can skillfully combine artificial close reading and computerized distant reading, and incorporate the problematic consciousness of literary studies,providing that the literary researchers make a thorough change from the problem awareness.

Key words:

Japanese literary studies, digital humanities, close reading, distant reading, content analysis