Kanji 写 copy, be photographed, describe 義 righteousness, justice, morality Related words リアリズム Often used interchangeably with 写実主義 , but リアリズム can also refer to philosophical realism or a pragmatic attitude, while 写実主義 is more strictly tied to artistic/literary movements.
自し 然ぜん 主しゅ 義ぎ Naturalism (自然主義 ) is a related but distinct movement that applies scientific principles to literature and art, often focusing on determinism and the darker sides of life, whereas 写実主義 emphasizes faithful representation without the scientific framework.
Etymology Compound of 写実 (shajitsu, 'realistic depiction') + 主義 (shugi, '-ism'). 写実 itself is a Meiji-era coinage from Chinese-derived roots, used to translate Western concepts of realism in art and literature.
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