Question

Japan borrowed cultural elements from its neighbors, but during the Heian period a national culture developed. An example of this was
A.
crafts, such as ceramic pottery, for use in Shinto ceremonies.
B.
architecture, such as the capital buildings at Nara.
C.
important works of literature, such as The Tale of Genji.
D.
political customs, such as the title, "Heavenly Emperor."

Answer 1

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

During the Heian period Japan developed a distinct court culture and native literary forms (kana writing, court diaries, waka poetry); Murasaki Shikibu’s The Tale of Genji is a prime example. The other choices are either earlier, more directly borrowed, or not characteristic of Heian cultural innovation.