Over the course of history, several types of art have served as media through which societies have investigated, reinforced, or challenged the cultural norms and traditions that they have established. During the dynastic eras of Chinese history, the philosophical teachings of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism were frequently reflected in the country's literary works, which helped to shape the moral and social framework of the time. These compositions usually highlighted themes of loyalty, filial piety, and societal harmony, and as a result, they became instruments of both moral teaching and social commentary. In a similar vein, Japanese period cinema, and more specifically the genre known as Jidaigeki, offers a picture of the feudal times that is both stylish and critical. These films investigate the strict codes of bushido and the samurai mindset. In both of these traditions, art serves not only as a mirror of cultural values but also as a powerful forum for examining and reforming those values. They shed light on the complex dynamic that exists between modernity and tradition, thereby influencing and reflecting the dynamic cultural identities that are constantly emerging.

The literature of the Chinese dynasty, which mostly consisted of poetry and prose, was a representation of the societal values of the time. It frequently echoed the concepts of Confucianism, which placed a high importance on family, social hierarchy, and devotion to the state. One of the Five Classics, "The Book of Songs" (Shijing), is an early example of how literature formalized these values. It does so by using poetry to represent characteristics such as filial piety and loyalty (Lewis 2001). In later works, such as novels written during the Ming and Qing dynasties, these concepts were investigated further, but frequently with a greater degree of intricacy. For instance, Cao Xueqin's "Dream of the Red Chamber" is a critique of societal expectations that is told through a tale that is filled with personal tragedies that bring attention to the human costs that are associated with inflexible social rules (Wang 1989). Despite the fact that certain works have a critical edge, the majority of literature has remained firmly within the parameters of supporting Confucian ideas. It has gently questioned these ideals, but it has never explicitly rejected them.