Japan borrowed cultural elements from its neighbors, but during the Heian period a national culture developed. An example of this was

Question

A.
political customs, such as the title, "Heavenly Emperor."
B.
crafts, such as ceramic pottery, for use in Shinto ceremonies.
C.
architecture, such as the capital buildings at Nara.
D.
important works of literature, such as The Tale of Genji.

Answer 1

During the Heian period, a national culture developed in Japan, evident in various aspects of society. The best example from the options given is:

D. important works of literature, such as The Tale of Genji.

This work, written by Murasaki Shikibu, is often considered the world's first novel and reflects a distinctly Japanese cultural identity that emerged during the Heian period. While other options reflect influences from neighboring cultures or earlier practices, The Tale of Genji represents a uniquely Japanese literary achievement that played a significant role in shaping the national culture of that time.